The Council of the European Union has decided to reverse the temporary suspension of certain elements of the EU law that regulates the issuing of visas to Ethiopian nationals that had been in force since 1 June 2024.

This decision is in force from 18 May 2026. Since then,

• it is again possible to issue multiple entry visas to Ethiopian citizens,
• holders of Ethiopian service and diplomatic passports are once again exempt from the visa fee, and
• the standard processing period is reduced to 15 calendar days.

This also applies to Schengen visa applications that have been submitted before 18 May 2026 and are still being processed.