Ethiopians Gain Easier Access to International Payments Under New National Bank of Ethiopia Directive.
The National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) has issued Foreign Exchange Directive No. FXD/04/2026, introducing amendments designed to relax foreign exchange administration, improve access to FX services, and strengthen confidence in ongoing FX reforms. The new directive significantly expands access to foreign currency services for individuals, easing documentation requirements and widening permissible usage.
International Cards Without Travel Requirements
Banks are now authorized to issue internationally recognized debit and prepaid cards to all account holders and load foreign currency based on customer instructions without requiring a visa or ticket documentation.
This measure facilitates:
- Online international purchases
- Digital subscriptions and platform payments
- E-commerce transactions
- Other cross-border service payments
The change marks a shift toward supporting digital financial integration.
Advance Medical and Education Payments
Banks may approve advance foreign currency payments of up to USD 20,000 per case for medical and educational services abroad, without requiring visa or ticket documentation, provided supporting documentation is presented.
This provision reduces delays for families arranging urgent medical treatment or securing international academic placements.
Family FX Utilization
FX account holders are permitted to use foreign currency for themselves, their spouse, and their children for foreign service payments abroad upon submission of documentation confirming the relationship and the underlying invoices.
This formalizes and simplifies foreign service payments for families.
Outward Family Support Transfers
Resident Ethiopians are now allowed to transfer up to USD 3,000 abroad for subsistence family support upon application and justification.
This establishes a regulated channel for limited family remittances.
Lower Barriers to FX Account Access
The minimum foreign currency requirement for opening an FX account has been removed. Banks are now authorized to determine account-opening thresholds.
Additionally, certain foreign-currency declaration requirements for transactions exceeding USD 10,000 have been cancelled for specified banking and exchange transactions, simplifying formal system use.
Policy Objective
The directive is part of broader efforts to enhance ease of doing business, support FX market development, and encourage greater participation in formal foreign currency channels.