Sub Saharan Africa

No restrictions in this travel advice

Avoid all but essential travel to part(s) of country

Avoid all but essential travel to whole country

Avoid all travel to part(s) of country

Avoid all travel to whole country

• Travel Summary
• Safety and security
• Local laws and customs
• Entry requirements

• Health
• General
 

 

• On the night of 16 January 2012, a group of foreign tourists were attacked in the Danakil region. Five were killed, with others injured. Two foreign tourists were kidnapped, along with two Ethiopians. We continue to advise against all travel to the region.
  
  
• We advise against all travel to:
  
  - within 10 km of the border with Eritrea, with the exception of the main road through Axum and Adigrat, and tourist sites close to the road (e.g. Debre Damo and Yeha)
  
  - areas off the principal roads/towns within 10 kms of the borders with Sudan and Kenya
  
  - within 10km of the border with South Sudan -  the Fik, Degehabur, Gode, Korahe and Warder zones of the Somali region where rebels groups are active and the situation remains volatile
  
  - within 10km of the Somalia border, except for the Jijjga and Shinile districts of the Somali region
  
  

  - the Danakil desert area bounded by the Dessie-Adigrat road; the Dessie-Djibouti road
  
  - the four woredas (districts) (Akobo, Wantawo, Jikawo and Lare) of the Nuer zone and the Jore woreda of the Agnuak zone of the Gambella region
  

• We advise against crossing the Ethiopia/Somalia or Somaliland border by road.
  
  
• We advise against all but essential travel to
  
  - Jijiga town. 
  
  - Three woredas of the Agnuak zone of the Gambella region that border on South Sudan (Dima, Goge, and Etang) and the Gambella Wildlife Reserve (taking into account our advice against all travel to within 10km of the border with South Sudan)
  
  For further details on the above recommendations, please see Safety and Security - Terrorism/Security and Safety and Security - Local Travel.
  
  
• There is a general threat from terrorism in Ethiopia; attacks could be indiscriminate including places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. Visitors and expatriates should be vigilant at all times.
  
  
• There is generally a low level of crime but you should avoid any large gatherings and public demonstrations, both in Addis Ababa and in regional cities and towns. Visitors should be aware that very large crowds are common in cities and towns across Ethiopia on key national and religious dates, and should remain particularly vigilant.  Pick pocketing is the main crime risk at such events. Claustrophobia may also affect some people.  Specific dates of key national and religious events you should be aware of are listed below - please see the Terrorism/Security section.
  
  
• The Ethiopia-Eritrea border remains closed. Several security incidents have taken place along the border. The risk of cross-border tensions increasing and the security situation deteriorating very rapidly continues.
  
  
• If you wish to enter Ethiopia from Sudan in your own vehicles see Entry Requirements - Road Travel from Sudan into Ethiopia.
  
  
• Around 20,000 people visited Ethiopia in the period 01 April 2010 - 31 March 2011. See General - Consular Assistance Statistics. Also see Safety and Security - Crime.
  
  
• You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. See General - Insurance.

Safety and Security - Terrorism/Security

There is a general threat from terrorism in Ethiopia; attacks could be indiscriminate including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. Visitors and expatriates should remain vigilant at all times, especially in crowded areas and places frequented by foreigners, including hotels, restaurants and bars. Check this Travel advice regularly. There is security around all major hotels, key government offices and major Western Embassies in Addis Ababa. Security is occasionally increased around these sites, reflecting spikes in the threat.

The terrorist group Al-Shabaab, although based in Somalia, poses a threat across the East Africa region. In July 2010, Al Shabaab claimed responsibility for attacks in Uganda. The group linked the attack to Uganda’s military presence in Somalia as part of an African Union peacekeeping mission.

Ethiopia  may be seen as a legitimate target by Al Shabaab because of its military intervention in Somalia. Al Shabaab has previously issued public threats against Ethiopia.

Explosive devices, such as grenades, are readily obtainable throughout Ethiopia and are occasionally used during local disputes. There is a risk of British nationals and other foreigners becoming indiscriminately caught up in attacks. Remain extremely vigilant at all times in public places, particularly at transport hubs, and check this travel advice at regular intervals.  Recent attacks include:

• On the night of 16 January 2012, a group of foreign tourists were attacked in the Danakil region. Five were killed, with others injured. Two foreign tourists were kidnapped, along with two Ethiopians. We continue to advise against all travel to the region.
  
• On 5 April 2010 a British national working for IMC Geophysics International in Warder Zone in the Somali region was killed when he was ambushed near to Danot town. The perpetrators of this attack are currently unknown.
  
• On 14 December 2009 at around 19:00 there were two explosions in separate hotels in Kebridehar. It was reported that two people were killed and nine injured. Several suspects were caught.
  
• On 2 November 2009 two Save the Children vehicles were stopped and burnt in the Fik zone of the Somali Region. Passengers were inconvenienced but not harmed. The perpetrators of this remain unknown.
  
• On 15 January 2009 there was an explosion reported at the main bus station in the Mercato Market area of western Addis Ababa. Thirty two people were reported injured.
  

Avoid any large gatherings and public demonstrations, both in Addis Ababa and in regional cities and towns. Very large crowds are common in cities and towns across Ethiopia on key national and religious dates, and you should remain particularly vigilant. These dates include 7 January (Ethiopian Christmas); 19 January (Epiphany/”Timket”); 2 March (Victory of Adawa); 5 May (Ethiopian Patriots’ Victory Day); 28 May (Downfall of the Derg);  11 & 12 September (Ethiopian New Year); 27 September (The Finding of the True Cross/”Meskel”). The following religious events also draw very large crowds: Ethiopian Easter; Eid (End of Ramadan); Eid Al Arafa; The Birthday of the Prophet Mohammed. The specific dates of each of these events differ each year. Some may find the size of these crowds claustrophobic, given that large crowds are contained in relatively small areas.  Pick pocketing is a risk.

Because of ongoing military activity and lawlessness in the Somali region, we advise against all travel to the Fik, Degehabur, Gode, Korahe and Warder zones. We also advise against all but essential travel to Jijiga town, due to the risk of being caught up in local instability. We also recommend against overnight stays unless in secure accommodation. A number of incidents have taken place in the Somali region in recent years, including bombs and kidnappings in which foreigners have been caught up or targeted. The last two years, however, have seen a reduction in such incidents.

We advise against all travel to the four woredas (Akobo, Wantawo, Jikawo and Lare) of the Nuer zone and the Jore woreda of the Agnuak zone in the Gambella region, due to the significant risk of inter-tribal clashes and violence relating to cross-border cattle raiding.  

We advise against all but essential travel to three woredas of the Agnuak zone of Gambella which border on South Sudan (Dima, Goge, and Etang) (please note also our advice against all travel to anywhere within 10km of the South Sudan border).  We also advise against all but essential travel to the Gambella Wildlife Reserve.

In the past, groups affiliated with terrorist organisations have also been active in other border states, including Tigray, Oromiya, and Afar.

You are reminded to remain vigilant with your personal security and to exercise caution.

See our Terrorism Abroad page.

Safety and Security - Crime
Petty theft/mugging is common particularly in the Piazza or Mercato areas of Addis Ababa and is on the increase in other areas. You should exercise particular caution when visiting crowded public places and keep valuables, particularly cameras and passports out of sight. Be aware of bag and jewellery snatching, pick-pocketing and opportunistic snatching from vehicles stopped at traffic lights in Addis Ababa.

See our Victims of Crime page.

Safety and Security - Local Travel
Independent travellers should keep themselves abreast of local and international news. You should avoid driving after dark in rural areas: vehicles often have no lights and livestock may be roaming the roads. This also presents a risk to pedestrians, who should remain vigilant at all times.

Travellers should be aware that Health and Safety precautions, which would be standard in the UK (eg life jackets in boats, protective railings at historical sites), are rarely in place in Ethiopia.

Safety and Security - North & East Ethiopia

The Danakil desert: We advise against all travel to the Danakil desert bounded by the Dessie-Adigrat road, the Dessie-Djibouti road and the Ethiopian-Eritrean border. On the night of 16 January 2012, a group of foreign tourists were attacked in the region. Five tourists were killed, with others injured. Two foreign tourists were kidnapped, along with two Ethiopians.

Police in the Afar Regional State confirmed that on Sunday, 08 May 2011 a truck belonging to the Regional government hit a landmine at Kurri (aka: Korri) district, Zone 1 of the Afar Region. No casualties were reported. A number of landmines exploded in the Danakil in April 2009, including on the road between Afdera and Logia. A tourist vehicle travelling to Erta Ale (the active volcano) hit a landmine on 15 April 2009, killing two Ethiopians and injuring a foreign tourist.

On 1 March 2007, a group of western tourists and their tour guides were abducted by an armed group near Lake Asele in the Danakil Depression region in North Eastern Ethiopia. Five of those abducted were released on 13 March. The others were released on 23 April 2007. On 20 February 2008 the Ethiopian government reported that the police had foiled the attempted kidnap of a group of foreign tourists travelling in the region.

Tigray and Afar: With the exception of the main roads through Axum and Adigrat,and tourist sites close to the road (e.g. Debre Damo and Yeha), we advise against all travel within 10 km of the Eritrean border in the Tigray and Afar regions. On 13 March 2009 eight people were killed and 11 seriously injured when a bomb exploded on a public bus travelling from Humera to Shire. Tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea are high and the border remains closed. Since the relocation out of Eritrea of the UN Peacekeeping Mission (UNMEE) in March 2008, the risk of cross-border tensions increasing and the security situation deteriorating very rapidly has sharpened. Exercise extreme caution if you intend to travel on the road from Addis Ababa to Djibouti, including travelling via Asaita, due to its historically high number of road traffic accidents.

Somali Region: We advise against crossing the Ethiopia/Somalia or Somaliland border by road. We advise against all travel to within 10km of the Somalia border, except for the Jijjga and Shinile districts of the Somali region. Since the mid-1990s, insurgent groups, some affiliated with terrorist organisations, have clashed with government forces in the Somali Region, particularly in the Ogaden. Since April 2007 there has been an increase in the violence. We advise against travel to the Fik, Degehabur, Gode, Korahe amd Warder zones of the region where rebels groups are active and the situation remains volatile. We also advise against all but essential travel to Jijiga town and recommend against overnight stays unless in secure accommodation. (See Terrorism/security section above).

Safety and Security - South & West Ethiopia
We advise against all travel to areas off the principal roads/towns within 10 kms of the areas bordering Sudan and Kenya, due to the risk of banditry

We advise against all travel to within 10kms of the border with South Sudan due to the risk of banditry and violence caused by cross-border cattle raiding.

If crossing into Kenya or Sudan, keep to the main road and seek advice from local authorities about travelling in convoy. If travelling overland to Kenya via Moyale, we recommend that you also consult the FCO Travel Advice for Kenya.

Gambella: We advise against all travel to the four woredas (Akobo, Wantawo, Jikawo and Lare) of the Nuer zone and the Jore woreda of the Agnuak zone in the Gambella region, due to the significant risk of inter-tribal clashes and violence relating to cross-border cattle raiding.  

Due to the risk of inter-tribal clashes and violence relating to cross-border cattle raiding, we advise against all but essential travel to three woredas of the Agnuak zone of Gambella which border on South Sudan (Dima, Goge, and Etang) (please note also our advice against all travel to anywhere within 10km of the South Sudan border).  We also advise against all but essential travel to the Gambella Wildlife Reserve.

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Air Travel
All airport departure taxes for international flights departing Ethiopia and for internal flights within Ethiopia are included in the price of airline tickets.

See our Airline Security page.

Safety and Security – Local Travel - Traffic accidents:
Traffic accidents are a regular occurrence in Ethiopia and Addis Ababa specifically.  If you are involved in a traffic accident you should remain with your vehicle and call the local police.  You should avoid confrontation and await the arrival of the police to resolve the matter.

Safety and Security - Political Situation
Ethiopia Country Profile

While the security situation is generally calm, there is a general risk of politically-motivated violence and protest, whether in Addis Ababa or elsewhere in Ethiopia. You should avoid large public gatherings, remain vigilant in public places throughout the country (especially on national and religious days when large crowds gather) and follow local and international news. You should register with the British Embassy in Addis Ababa on arrival to help ensure our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency. See Consular Registration below.

The Ethiopian Highlands are predominantly Orthodox Christian with ‘fasting’ each Wednesday, Friday and during Lent when only vegetarian dishes are available (except in larger hotels). The Julian calendar is used and the current year is 2002. Christmas is celebrated on 7 January and New Year on 11 September. Some Ethiopians set their clocks from dawn to dusk and there is a six-hour difference between Ethiopian time and Western time i.e. 6 o’clock can mean 12 o’clock.  So take care when making appointments.  

There is a large Muslim population and generally Ethiopians dress in a conservative manner. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend other cultures or religious beliefs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas.  See our Travelling During Ramadan page.

On 27 December 2011, two Swedish journalists were found guilty of supporting terrorism and entering Ethiopia illegally. They were arrested in Ethiopia’s Somali region by members of the Ethiopian army, in the company of fighters from the Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF), having crossed into Ethiopia illegally from Somalia. Any journalist wishing to operate legitimately in Ethiopia should ensure they have the necessary accreditation and follow the country’s laws, including the Anti-Terrorism Proclamation and Mass Media Proclamation. Any journalist entering Ethiopia illegally risks a long prison sentence.

Ethiopian antiques need an export certificate to be taken out of the country. Major tourist outlets in Addis Ababa can offer assistance in obtaining one. Customs authorities are known to have confiscated items where visitors have not produced an export certificate. In certain cases, criminal prosecutions have been brought against visitors found in possession of antiques without an export certificate.

Owning ivory is strictly prohibited in Ethiopia. A number of visitors who have been found with ivory jewellery have had their items confiscated by authorities and been made to pay fines of between 5,000 – 25,000 birr.

Homosexual acts (applying to both sexes) are illegal, and carry penalties of between one and fifteen years imprisonment.

Drug offences are treated seriously in Ethiopia. You should not become involved with drugs of any kind.

Travellers should be aware that it is illegal to carry more than 200 birr when entering or departing Ethiopia. If you are found to be carrying in excess of 200 birr when passing through immigration you may be subject to prosecution. The penalties are tough - the money will be seized and a prison sentence is possible.  

Visitors to Ethiopia must declare to customs officials at their point of entry any cash in excess of $3000 (or the equivalent in other foreign currencies). This must be done by completing a customs declaration form. Travellers departing Ethiopia in possession of more than $3000 must present a bank advice notice to customs officials if the currency was purchased from a local bank. Alternatively, the traveller must present a valid customs declaration form obtained at their point of entry. Travellers should be aware, however, that a bank advice notice or customs declaration form becomes invalid if 45 days or more have elapsed since the date of issue. For more detailed information please visit: http://www.erca.gov.et/TRAVELERSDOLLARS.pdf.

See our Your trip page.

Entry Requirements - Visas
British nationals require a visa to enter Ethiopia. If you are flying into Ethiopia for as a tourist you may obtain your visa on arrival at Addis Ababa (Bole) and Dire Dawa International airports. If you are arriving by other means, or at another airport, you must obtain a visa prior to arrival, even when travelling from countries without an Ethiopian Embassy or Mission. Visa applicants in the United Kingdom should contact the Embassy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia in London. Penalties for overstaying your visa can be severe (see below - Immgration Status).

Entry Requirements – Road Travel from Sudan into Ethiopia  
British nationals wishing to enter Ethiopia from Sudan in their own vehicles require a letter from the British Embassy in Addis Ababa providing details of the passengers (names, passport details) and vehicle(s) (make, model, registration number, engine and chassis numbers). They should contact the British Embassy in Addis Ababa (addis.consular@fco.gov.uk) well in advance of their journey to request a copy of the letter and provide full details of their vehicle, passengers and voyage. This letter should be presented to officials of the Ethiopian Revenue and Customs Authority at the border.

Entry Requirements - Passport validity
You must hold a valid passport to enter Ethiopia. Your passport must be valid for the proposed duration of your stay. No additional period of validity beyond this is required. However, it is always sensible to have a short period of extra validity on your passport in case of any unforeseen delays to your departure. You do not have to wait until your old passport expires to apply to renew it. Any time left on your old passport when you apply will be added to your new passport, up to a maximum of nine months. For passport applications in the UK, you should apply to the Identity and Passport Service.

Entry Requirements - Yellow Fever Certificate
Yellow Fever vaccination certificates may be required for visitors from countries where it is endemic. Visitors to Ethiopia may be required to produce a yellow fever certificate upon arrival in a third country, following a stay in Ethiopia.

Entry Requirements - Travelling with children
For information on exactly what will be required at immigration, please contact the Embassy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia in London.

Entry Requirements- Immigration status
Visitors to Ethiopia should be aware that they cannot change their immigration status once in Ethiopia.  If visitors to Ethiopia have any concerns regarding their immigration status they should contact the local immigration authorities at

Security, Immigration and Refugee Affairs Authority

P.O.Box 5741
Addis Ababa
Ethiopia
Tel: (+251-11) 1553899
Fax: (+251-11) 1553209

Tourist visitors to Ethiopia should be aware that they will be unable to take employment, including voluntary employment, whilst visiting Ethiopia on a tourist visa.  If visitors are caught in breach of their immigration status they may face severe fines or possible imprisonment.

There are a number of hospitals in Addis Ababa but only private hospitals offer a reasonable standard of basic care for minor health problems. Elsewhere medical facilities (including dentistry) are extremely poor.

Water-borne diseases and malaria are common to Ethiopia, the latter in areas of the country below 2000 metres. Bilharzia is present in the majority of lakes in Ethiopia.

Since August 2006 there have been approximately 60,000 reported cases of Acute Watery Diarrhoea resulting in about 600 deaths. Drink or use only boiled or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks. If you suffer from diarrhoea during a visit to Ethiopia you should seek immediate medical attention.  

Addis Ababa sits at 2,400 metres above sea level. Adjusting to the altitude may take several weeks. If you have a heart condition you should seek medical advice before travelling to Addis Ababa.  

You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDs. See our HIV and AIDS page.

Seek medical advice before travelling to Ethiopia and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up to date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should check the websites of the National Travel Health Network and Centre NaTHNaC and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47. 

See our Travel Health page.

General - Insurance
Ensure that you obtain adequate medical insurance before arrival. You should also carry a comprehensive medical pack when travelling out of Addis Ababa. Medical insurance should cover the cost of air ambulance evacuation out of Ethiopia in the event of serious accident or illness. Check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake. See our Travel Insurance page.

If things do go wrong when you are overseas then see our When things go wrong page.

General - Consular registration
If you are visiting Ethiopia either on a long or short-term basis you should register with the British Embassy in Addis Ababa on arrival so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency. Full details are on the Embassy website.

General - Money
Credit cards are accepted at only a very few outlets in Addis Ababa.  It is not normally possible to obtain currency advances against a credit card in Ethiopia. Ensure you have an adequate supply of hard currency or travellers-cheques.

General - Consular Assistance Statistics
Approximately 20,000 visited Ethiopia in the period 1 April 2010 and 31 March 2011 (source: Ethiopian Ministry of Culture and Tourism). During this period 21 British nationals required consular assistance in Ethiopia, for the following types of incident: four deaths; two hospitalisations; and six arrests for a variety of offences.