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Ethiopia, India Agree on Mutual Visa-Free Travel for Diplomats

Jan 15 , 2026

Ethiopia and India have formalised a mutual visa exemption for holders of diplomatic passports, clearing the way for visa-free travel between the two countries with immediate effect.

The agreement was sealed today, January 15, 2026, through an exchange of diplomatic notes. The documents were signed by India’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, Anil Kumar Rai, and Dewano Kedir, director general for Middle Eastern, Asian, and Pacific Countries Affairs.

"Diplomatic passport holders can begin travelling without visa delays," said Ambassador Rai,

Speaking at the signing ceremony held at at the Indian Embassy. "Eligible officials could depart as early as tonight without waiting for permit approvals."

Today's deal sits within the broader strategic partnership between Ethiopia and India, which has gathered pace in recent months. In mid-December 2025, during the Indian President’s official visit to Ethiopia, the two governments signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a data centre, signalling deeper cooperation in digital infrastructure alongside diplomatic engagement.

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