Summary
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise against all travel to:
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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)
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areas off the principal roads/towns within 10 km of the borders with Sudan and Kenya
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within 10 km of the border with South Sudan
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the Nogob (previously Fik), Jarar (previously Degehabur),
Shabelle (previously Gode), Korahe and Dollo (previously Warder) zones
of the Somali region.
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within 100 km of the Ethiopian border with Somalia and Kenya in the Afder and Liben zones of Ethiopia’s Somali region
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the Danakil desert area: north of the Mille-Djibouti and
Mille-Chifra roads, and east of the towns of Bere-Ale, Shehet, Didigsala
and Chifra
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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
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west and south-west Shewa zones in the Oromia region (this area includes the popular tourist destination of Wenchi Crater)
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Jijiga town
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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 the advice against all travel to within
10km of the border with South Sudan)
There have been heavy clashes including gunfire between protesters and security forces on 17 December in Sululta, 20km north of Addis Ababa on the road to Bahir Dar. Localised clashes in the Galabat area resulted in the closure of the Metema-Galabat border post with Sudan on 15 and 16 December 2015 and further crossing point closures may occur.
There was an explosion at the Anwar Mosque in the Merkato area of central Addis Ababa on 11 December. You should remain vigilant.
There were reports of a shooting incident in the Mago Park in the Omo Valley in December 2014. No injuries were reported. Take extra care if you’re in this region.
There is a high threat from terrorism. There are credible reports that Al Shabaab plan, and have the capability, to attack targets in Ethiopia. In October 2014 the US Embassy in Addis Ababa issued a travel warning advising “those in Addis Ababa to avoid areas where both Ethiopians and westerners frequent”, and citing threat reports of Al Shabaab’s intent to target the Bole area of the city.
You should be vigilant at all times, especially in crowded areas and public places like transport hubs, hotels, restaurants, bars and places of worship and during major gatherings like religious or sporting events. There is a high threat of kidnapping in Ethiopia’s Somali region, particularly in the eastern areas to which the FCO advise against all travel. See Terrorism
Crime levels are low, but you should avoid large gatherings and public demonstrations and be alert to the risk of street crime. See Crime
The Ethiopia-Eritrea border remains closed. Several security incidents have taken place along the border. The risk of cross-border tensions remains. There is a threat of kidnapping along the border. See Local travel
Owning ivory is strictly prohibited in Ethiopia. Anyone caught in possession of ivory can expect to be detained by police. See Local laws and customs
Around 20,000 British nationals visit Ethiopia every year. Most visits are trouble free.
The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating overseas on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.
Take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before you travel.
Safety and security
Crime
Petty theft and mugging is common and on the rise. Take particular care when visiting crowded public places, especially at night. There have been incidents of assaults occurring around the Bole area at night. Keep valuables like cameras and passports out of sight. Be aware of the risk of pick-pocketing, and bag and jewellery snatching including from vehicles stopped at traffic lights in Addis Ababa. Incidents involving parked and unattended cars are on the increase. When parking in Addis Ababa, leave your car in a well lit and guarded area. Consider fitting anti-shatter film to all windows on your vehicle.Large crowds are common on key national and religious dates. These 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’). Large crowds also gather on Ethiopian Easter; Eid (End of Ramadan); Eid Al Arafa and the Birthday of the Prophet Mohammed.
There have been a small number of cases of arbitrary detention of British nationals in Ethiopia in recent years. There is a risk that this could reoccur – particularly where tensions are heightened (for example around major events, or in locations that might be deemed sensitive for security reasons). You should carry copies of your passport and the contact details of the British Embassy, Addis Ababa at all times. This may help if you’re questioned or detained. However, you should be aware that the Ethiopian authorities have in many cases failed to meet their international obligations to notify Embassies when foreign nationals have been detained. Even if requested, adequate consular access is not always granted.
Local travel
When travelling outside Addis Ababa consider travelling in a party and leave details of your travel itinerary with a reliable person. Carry a comprehensive medical pack. Telephones, including the sole mobile network, are unreliable. Wherever possible do not leave vehicles unattended. The Entoto hills near Addis Ababa are a popular spot with tourists and expatriates but there has been a recent increase in break-ins on unattended vehicles. In January 2014 there was an attempted robbery against a lone female on the Entoto walking trail.There have been widespread protests across the Oromia Region in recent weeks, some of which have reportedly turned violent and resulted in casualties, and others which have caused severe disruption to road travel.
Since September 2014, there have been reports of ethnic conflict between communities in the Gambella region. The clashes began in Mejenger Zone but recently have spread wider, including to Gambella town. Reports have stated that dozens of people may have died.
There is local instability, lawlessness, military activity and a general risk of banditry in the Somali region. Since the mid-1990s, insurgent groups, some affiliated with terrorist organisations, have clashed with government forces, particularly in the Ogaden. Foreigners have been caught up in the violence or targeted. There have been attacks on staff working for international NGOs. Avoid overnight stays unless you are in secure accommodation.
In December 2011, two Swedish journalists were found guilty of supporting terrorism having entered Ethiopia illegally from Somalia. Any journalist wishing to operate legitimately in Ethiopia should get the necessary accreditation.
The Ethiopian military attacked targets across the Eritrean border in March 2012. There is a risk of further violence close to the border between Ethiopia and Eritrea.
There are cross-border tensions in the Tigray and Afar regions and the security situation has deteriorated. Take great care if you travel on the road from Addis Ababa to Djibouti, including via Asaita, due the high number of road traffic accidents.
In January 2013, an Austrian tourist was shot and killed near Bahir Dar while camping near the Nile. This is an area popular with tourists.
In May 2012, a group of tourists were attacked while travelling in the Surma region near the Omo River between the towns of El Dima and Kibbish. This is an area popular with tourists visiting the Omo valley.
There is banditry in the areas bordering Sudan, South Sudan and Kenya. If you are crossing into Kenya or Sudan, keep to the main road and seek advice from local authorities about travelling in convoy.
There has been violence, inter-tribal clashes and armed attacks in the Gambella region. While foreigners have not been targeted, there is a risk of being caught up in the violence.
Health and Safety precautions like life jackets in boats or protective railings at historical sites are rarely in place in Ethiopia.
An attack on a passenger bus in the Benishangul-Gumaz Region on 15 April killed 9 people and wounded 6. There have also been reports of an inter-ethnic attack which left as many as 9 people dead on 18 May. Both events occurred in the Sherkole woreda (district).
Air travel
On 17 February, there were reports of a hijacking of an Ethiopian Airline flight leaving Addis Ababa for Rome. The flight later landed safely in Geneva.Road travel
Drivers should also be aware that under Ethiopian laws, drivers involved in car accidents can face severe punishments, including custodial sentences and fines.Visitors to Ethiopia should be aware that driving standards are poor, and traffic accidents are common and sadly often fatal. Visitors should be very careful when travelling by car.
You should avoid driving after dark in rural areas: vehicles often have no lights and livestock may be roaming the roads.
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.
Political situation
Protests and demonstrations sometimes take place in Addis Ababa and other cities. In the past, some of these have become violent. You should avoid any protests or demonstrations.Travel Summary
The Ethiopia-Eritrea border remains closed. Several security incidents have taken place along the border, particularly in the Humera region. The risk of cross-border tensions increasing and the security situation deteriorating very rapidly continues. With the exception of the main road through Axum and Adigrat, we advise against all travel within 50 kms of the border areas with Eritrea because of the risk of landmines and banditry. See the Local Travel (North and East Ethiopia) section of this Travel Advice.
We also advise against all travel to areas off the principal roads/towns within 50 kms of the borders with Sudan and Kenya; to the Danakil desert area bounded by the Dessie-Adigrat road, the Dessie-Djibouti road and to the Gambella region outside of Gambella town itself. This is because armed groups hostile to the Government of Ethiopia operate in several of these border areas. See the Terrorism/Security and Local Travel sections of this Travel Advice.
We advise against crossing the Ethiopia/Somalia or Somaliland border by road. We also advise against travel to the Fik, Degehabur, Gode, Korahe and Warder zones of the Somali region where rebels groups are active and the situation remains volatile. This is because of ongoing military activity and lawlessness in the region. We also advise against all but essential travel to Jijiga town. See the Terrorism/Security section and the Local Travel (North & East Ethiopia) section of this Travel Advice.
There is a high threat from terrorism in Ethiopia; attacks could be indiscriminate including places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. As of the beginning of December 2008 the Ethiopian authorities remain on alert following their announcement in November 2008 that they had information about plans to carry out a terrorist attack in Ethiopia. As a result security has been increased around government buildings and major hotels in the capital Addis Ababa and Embassies, including the British Embassy. British nationals are advised to remain extremely vigilant at all times in public places checking this Travel Advice for updates at regular intervals.
There is a low level of crime but you should avoid any public demonstrations. We do not advise against travel to the main tourist destinations including Bahir Dar, Gonder, Lalibela, Axum and the rift valley lakes and the Omo Valley.
Around 16,000 people visit Ethiopia from Britain each year (source: Ethiopian Ministry of Culture and Tourism). 26 British nationals required consular assistance in Ethiopia in the period 01 April 2008 – 31 March 2009 for the following types of incident; deaths (13 cases); hospitalisations (2 cases); and arrests, for a variety of offences (4 cases). During this period assistance was also requested with regard to lost or stolen passports (25 cases). See the Crime section of this Travel Advice.
We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See the General (Insurance) section of this Travel Advice .
Safety and security
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. These include government buildings, major hotels and Addis Ababa and Embassies.
Since the beginning of December 2008 the Ethiopian authorities remain on alert following their announcement that they had information about plans to carry out a terrorist attack in Ethiopia. As a result security has been increased around government buildings and major hotels in the capital Addis Ababa and Embassies, including the British Embassy.
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.
On 28 September 2008 Ethiopian police reported that there had been an explosion in the "Musna Sefer" area of Jijiga, the capital of the Somali Region. This took place at a taxi terminal near the Andinet Hotel. Four people were killed and eight injured.
On 22 September 2008 two international staff members of Medicines du Monde were kidnapped by armed gunmen near the town of Lascanood in the Warder Zone of the Somali Region, near the border of Somalia. They were released in early January 2009 in Somalia.
On 28 May 2008 Ethiopian police reported two explosions in hotels in Negelle Borena, in the Oromiya region, a town 595 kilometres (320 miles) south east of the capital Addis Ababa. Several people were reportedly killed with others injured. A Somali Islamic militant Group claimed responsibility for the attack.
On 20 May 2008, a bomb exploded on a local minibus travelling from Arat Kilo to Meskel Square near the Ethiopian Mapping Agency in the Kirkos sub-city district of the capital Addis Ababa. Six people were reported killed and seven people seriously injured.
On 14 April 2008 there were two explosions at the petrol stations near the Gergi Imperial and Lem hotels (eastern Addis Ababa). Four people were reported killed and 15 people injured. You should remain extremely vigilant at all times in public places checking this Travel Advice for updates at regular intervals.
You should remain extremely vigilant at all times in public places, particularly at transport hubs, checking this Travel Advice at regular intervals. There remains a risk of similar attacks on petrol stations.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:
On 5 August 2007 there were two bomb explosions in the town of Jigga – one near the Protestant church the other in a market area - which reportedly killed one and injured around a dozen.
On 28 May 2007, there was an explosion in the Jijiga stadium. At least five people were killed and 52 wounded in the blast.
On 24 April 2007, a terrorist group attacked an oil exploration facility in Obele, resulting in civilians, including foreign workers being killed and kidnapped.
There has been continuing unrest, sporadic violence, banditry and inter-tribal clashes in the West and South of the Gambella region. 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 the Local Travel section of this Travel Advice).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.
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. A number of landmines have exploded in the Danakil in April 2009, including on the road between Afdera and Logia. In the latest incident a tourist vehicle travelling to Erta Ale (the active volcano) hit a landmine on 15 April, 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, 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.
Local laws and customs
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. 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 Your trip.
Entry requirements
VisasBritish 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 entry to Ethiopia.
Yellow Fever CertificateYellow Fever vaccination certificates may be required for visitors from countries where it is endemic.
Travelling with childrenSingle 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.
Health
Check the FCO's dedicated Swine Flu page. Guidance on Pandemic Flu can be obtained on the UK Department of Health website.
GeneralThere 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 seek medical advice before travelling to Addis Ababa.
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.
General
InsuranceYou 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 see When things go wrong.
Consular registrationIf 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.
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.
