The decision took effect immediately following an announcement made on 19 May 2026.
Standard Schengen Visa Rules Restored
Under the updated rules, Ethiopian citizens applying for Schengen visas will once again benefit from the standard EU Visa Code procedures.
The restrictions introduced in 2024 had imposed higher visa fees, extended processing times of up to 45 days and mostly limited applicants to single-entry visas.
The European Union originally introduced those measures after citing insufficient cooperation from Ethiopia regarding the readmission of irregular migrants.
EU Says Ethiopia Improved Cooperation
According to the Council of the European Union, Ethiopia has since met several key benchmarks required under Article 25a of the EU Visa Code.
Officials said Ethiopian authorities have started issuing emergency travel documents within 30 days, accepted charter deportation flights and agreed to restart a previously stalled readmission dialogue with the EU.
The improvements prompted Brussels to remove the temporary penalties affecting Ethiopian travellers.
Poland Among Countries Applying Restored Rules
All Schengen member states, including Poland, are now required to resume normal visa issuance procedures for Ethiopian applicants.
Polish consulates may once again issue multiple-entry short-stay Schengen visas valid for up to five years.
Diplomatic and service passport holders are also again exempt from the standard €80 visa fee.
Travel Demand Expected To Increase
Travel industry professionals expect visa demand from Ethiopian travellers to rise significantly following the easing of restrictions.
Appointment availability at consulates in Addis Ababa and neighbouring regional processing centres could remain limited in the short term due to increased demand.
Airlines And Logistics Sector Welcome Decision
Airlines operating between Ethiopia and Europe are expected to benefit from the restored visa regime.
LOT Polish Airlines reportedly carried approximately 12,000 passengers between Addis Ababa and Warsaw last year and is planning to restore additional weekly services once appointment backlogs ease.
Freight and logistics companies transporting goods between Ethiopia and Europe also expect fewer administrative barriers, particularly for drivers and operational staff requiring frequent Schengen access.
EU Continues Linking Visa Policy To Migration Cooperation
The case reflects the EU’s broader strategy of linking visa policy to migration and readmission cooperation with third countries.
Article 25a of the EU Visa Code allows Brussels to introduce or remove restrictive visa measures depending on a country’s level of cooperation on migration-related issues.
