The Council of the European Union has lifted visa restrictions on Ethiopian nationals after Ethiopia agreed to measures aimed at facilitating the return of irregular migrants and foreign nationals convicted of crimes.

The Council officially decided yesterday to end the restrictive visa measures imposed on Ethiopia in 2024. The sanctions had suspended parts of the EU Visa Code in an effort to pressure Addis Ababa to improve cooperation on migrant readmission procedures.

The decision means Schengen visas are expected to become easier for Ethiopian citizens to obtain. It will now be implemented by the consular services of all EU member states, following its formal adoption by the Council.

Under the revised rules, the standard visa processing period will return to 15 days, down from the 45 calendar days required under the sanctions regime. Eligible Ethiopian travelers will also once again be able to obtain multiple-entry visas.