The European Commission, the executive branch of the European Union, has officially approved the lifting of Schengen visa restrictions previously imposed on Ethiopian nationals. This pivotal decision by the Commission will enter into force immediately following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union, which is expected within the coming days.
These stringent visa restrictions were initially introduced by the EU in April 2024 and officially came into effect on June 1, 2024. The sanctions significantly tightened the visa process, extending standard processing and waiting times from 15 to 45 days. Furthermore, the issuance of multiple-entry visas was entirely suspended, certain historical documentation flexibilities and leniencies for applicants were removed, and the visa fee waivers traditionally granted to holders of diplomatic and service passports were terminated.
Since its implementation, however, the travel restriction has placed a heavy burden on European companies operating within Ethiopia and severely strained bilateral commercial exchanges. To mitigate this negative impact, the European Chamber in Ethiopia (EuroCham) conducted a comprehensive survey among its members in February 2025. Gathering detailed feedback from this assessment, the Chamber submitted an official brief to Her Excellency Sofie From-Emmesberger, the European Union Ambassador to Ethiopia. The document outlined in precise detail how the visa freeze was acting as a major bottleneck for European investments, daily business operations, and the broader, long-standing economic ties between the EU and Ethiopia.
EuroCham has extended its sincere appreciation to Ambassador From-Emmesberger and her diplomatic team for actively listening to the concerns of the European business community in Ethiopia and relaying their grievances directly to Brussels. The Chamber strongly welcomes the European Commission’s decision to lift the travel sanctions, describing it as an essential step toward restoring vital business mobility, rebuilding investor confidence among European businesses in the country, and reinforcing long-standing economic and trade relations.
