Sub Saharan Africa

Ethiopia

Still current at: 03 December 2008

Updated: 02 December 2008

Terrorism/Security

There is a high threat from terrorism in Ethiopia, including in Addis Ababa.  Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

 

There remains a risk of similar attacks on petrol stations.  You should remain extremely vigilant at all times in public places, checking this Travel Advice at regular intervals.

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.

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 a bomb attack following a number of incidents in the last 24 months, and recommend against overnight stays unless in secure accommodation.  Recent incidents (in addition to those above) include:

In December 2003 a number of government officials were ambushed and killed while travelling in a UN-marked car in the Gambella region.  Since this time there has been continuing unrest, sporadic violence, banditry and inter-tribal clashes in the West and South of the Gambella region.  On 11 June 2006, there was an attack on a bus travelling from Addis Ababa to Gambella, which resulted in a number of deaths. Although the situation is improving, it remains unpredictable and we advise against all travel outside of Gambella town.

In the past, groups affiliated with terrorist organisations have also been active in other border states, including Tigray, Oromiya, and Afar. On 13 March 2008 eight people were killed and 11 seriously injured when a bomb exploded on a public bus travelling from Humera to Shire.  On 1 March 2007, a group of western tourists and their tour guides were abducted by an armed group in the Danakil Depression. They were subsequently released.  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 (see Local Travel below for further details).

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

For more general information see Terrorism Abroad.

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.

For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.

Political Situation

Ethiopia Country Profile

There were serious disturbances in Addis Ababa and other towns across Ethiopia following disputed elections in 2005. Since then the security situation has been generally calm although politically-motivated violence, whether in Addis Ababa or elsewhere in Ethiopia, could flare up again.  Universities in Addis and elsewhere are often a source of tension and there were a number of violent incidents in April 2006.

You are advised to remain prudent and keep a low profile, avoid public demonstrations and remain vigilant in public places throughout the country.

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.

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 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, we advise against all travel within 50kms of the Eritrean border in the Tigray and Afar regions, which remain a predominantly military zone. On 13 March 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.  You should 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. Since the mid-1990's, 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). On 20 September 2006, ICRC confirmed that two aid workers were kidnapped near Gode who were subsequently released.  It is not clear who was responsible for the abduction.

South & West Ethiopia

We advise against all travel to areas off the principal roads/towns within 50 kms of the areas bordering Sudan and Kenya.  Along the border with Kenya cross-border banditry related to the drought in the region have increased.  Armed groups hostile to the Government of Ethiopia operate in several areas near the border with Kenya.

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: For the time being we continue to advise against all travel outside of Gambella town  due to the risk of banditry and inter-tribal clashes in the West and South of Gambella region. The situation is improving but remains unpredictable. (see Terrorism/Security section above).

Beneshangul-Gumuz:  During May and June 2008 there has been an increase in inter-tribal clashes in the region, including along the main road from Nekemte, Oromiya Region. On 16 April 2008 a commercial bus was set alight on the road from Shokole to Kurmuk resulting in numerous casualties.  We advise against all but essential travel along this road at the current time.

Air Travel

Since 1 November 2005, all airport departure taxes for international flights departing Ethiopia and for internal flights within Ethiopia are included in the price of airline tickets.

For more general information see Airline Security.

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 2000.  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.  For more general information see Travelling During Ramadan.

 

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.

 

Male homosexual behaviour is illegal and carries a penalty of up to five years imprisonment.  Although there is no provision under Ethiopian law for lesbianism there is the presumption that the punishment would be the same.

 

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

 

For more general information for different types of travellers see Travel Advice Relevant to You.

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.

 

Passport validity

 

There is no minimum passport validity requirements for Ethiopia.

Yellow Fever Certificate

Yellow Fever vaccination certificates may be required for visitors from countries where it is endemic.

Travelling with children

Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country, or in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country. For further information on exactly what will be required at immigration, please contact the Embassy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia in London.

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.  The British Embassy has its own clinic, which tourists may consult in an emergency only.  If you intend to take up residence in Ethiopia for a period of more than one year you may officially register your family with the Clinic.

 

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.  You should 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 take advice.

 

In the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 890,000 adults aged 15 or over in Ethiopia were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 2.1% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%.  You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.

 

You should 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.

 

For more general information see Travel Health.

Insurance

You should 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.  You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.  For more general information see Travel Insurance.

 

If things do go wrong when you are overseas then this is How We Can Help.

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.  Full details are on the Embassy website, see below.  Please ensure that you keep your entry up to date.

 

Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency.  More information about registering with LOCATE can be found here.

 

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.  You should ensure you have an adequate supply of hard currency or travellers-cheques.