By Asha Elmi - Reporter
Belgium, 21 May 2026 The Council of the European Union said on Tuesday it had lifted visa restrictions imposed on Ethiopian nationals in 2024, citing improved cooperation by Ethiopia on returning citizens who overstayed in EU countries.
The Council said the decision followed improved cooperation by Ethiopia on the identification and return of its nationals staying irregularly in EU member states.
The decision adopted on May 18 repeals measures that had suspended parts of the EU Visa Code for Ethiopian nationals in an effort to encourage stronger cooperation on readmission matters, the council said in a statement.
The restrictions were introduced after the European Union concluded in 2022 that cooperation with Ethiopia on readmission procedures was insufficient and that significant improvements were needed in the identification of Ethiopian nationals, the issuance of travel documents and the organisation of return operations.
The Council said a subsequent assessment by the European Commission found “substantial and sustained improvement” in Ethiopia’s cooperation, particularly in identifying Ethiopian nationals staying illegally in EU countries, issuing emergency travel documents and facilitating regular return operations.
Related articles
Under the 2024 measures, Ethiopian nationals were no longer eligible for several visa facilitation provisions, including simplified documentation requirements, visa fee exemptions for holders of diplomatic and service passports, shorter visa processing periods and easier access to multiple-entry visas, according to EU documents.
The Council said those restrictions would now be lifted, restoring the normal application of Schengen visa rules for Ethiopian nationals. The decision will enter into force once it is formally notified to EU member states.
Under the EU Visa Code, the European Commission regularly assesses the level of cooperation by non-EU countries on readmission matters. Such assessments can lead to the introduction or removal of visa-related measures depending on the level of cooperation.