EU Proposes to Restore Normal Visa Rules for Ethiopian Citizens After Migration Cooperation Improves
Addis Ababa, 22 April 2026
The European Commission has formally proposed lifting visa restrictions on Ethiopia, potentially ending processing delays and restoring multiple-entry visa options for Ethiopian nationals. The move follows demonstrated improvements in Ethiopia’s cooperation on returning migrants, including resuming identification missions and organising the first charter flight since 2021 in December 2024. This development coincides with the EU’s restoration of €140 million in budget support to Ethiopia after a five-year suspension due to the Tigray conflict, signalling renewed confidence in Ethiopian reforms and marking a significant shift in EU-Ethiopia relations.
Commission Submits Formal Repeal Proposal
The European Commission submitted its formal proposal on 20 April 2026 to the Council of the European Union, seeking to repeal Council Implementing Decision (EU) 2024/1341, which had suspended certain visa provisions for Ethiopian nationals [1]. The proposal, designated as COM(2026) 167 final, was received by the Council and signed by Ms Martine Deprez, Director [1]. The Commission’s decision follows its 6th annual assessment on cooperation, adopted in 2025 and covering the reference year 2024, which noted ‘substantial action taken by Ethiopia and the positive trend in improving cooperation’ [1]. This marks a significant reversal from the original suspension decision adopted on 29 April 2024, which was based on the 4th assessment covering 2022 that concluded Ethiopia did not cooperate sufficiently on readmission [1].
Key Improvements in Migration Cooperation
Ethiopia has demonstrated concrete improvements across multiple areas of migration cooperation that prompted the Commission’s reassessment [1]. The country restarted processing forced return cases and began issuing emergency travel documents with appropriate validity periods [1]. Three identification missions were conducted in 2024, followed by an additional mission in 2025, all showing positive nationality confirmations and improved timelines [1]. Most significantly, Ethiopia organised its first charter flight since 2021 in December 2024, with charter cooperation continuing throughout 2025 [1]. The EU also organised training on nationality verification techniques in Brussels in December 2025 for Ethiopia’s national administration and consulates in Europe [1]. The sustained progress was further acknowledged at the 6th Joint Working Group meeting held on 18 February 2026 [1].
Broader EU-Ethiopia Relations Reset
The visa proposal coincides with a broader restoration of EU-Ethiopia relations following years of tension over the Tigray conflict. The Ethiopian government secured €140 million in budget support from the European Union, marking the bloc’s return to direct fiscal assistance after halting such support in 2020 [2]. At the time, approximately €88 million to €90 million in EU budget support was suspended amid concerns over restricted humanitarian access to conflict-affected areas and allegations of human rights violations [2]. The newly announced support was unveiled during the EU-Ethiopia Business Forum 2026 in Addis Ababa, with EU Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela confirming the allocation would be directed towards energy, health, digital connectivity and improvements in the business environment [2].
Practical Impact for Ethiopian Citizens
If approved by the Council of the European Union, the repeal will restore several key benefits for Ethiopian visa applicants [3]. Visa processing times will revert from the current 45-day standard back to the normal 15-day period [3]. Multiple-entry visas, which had been suspended, will be reinstated, allowing Ethiopian citizens greater flexibility for travel within the Schengen area [3]. Diplomatic and service passport holders will once again benefit from fee discounts, whilst travel-document requirements will return to normal standards [3]. The changes will affect 26 Member States listed in the proposal, including major European destinations such as Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands [1]. Denmark has six months from the Council decision to decide whether to implement the changes in national law [1]. The broader EU investment programme includes a €150 million digital economy package and a €269 million programme for electricity infrastructure upgrades [2].