This advice has been reviewed and reissued with amendments to the Summary (most common cause of consular assistance in 2007). The overall level of the advice has not changed.

Terrorism/Security

There is a high threat from terrorism in Ethiopia.  Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.  You should remain extremely vigilant at all times in public places.

 

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.

 

There has been in up-surge of violence in the Somali region and we advise against all travel to the Jijiga, Fik, Degehabur, Gode, Korahe and Warder zones. Recent incidents include:

 

In December 2003 a number of UN personnel were ambushed and killed in the Gambella region. Since this time there has been continuing unrest and sporadic violence. 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 continue to advise against all travel to the region.

 

In the past, groups affiliated with terrorist organisations have also been active in other border states, including the Oromiya, and Afar regions. 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 (see Local Travel below for further details).

 

On 12 May 2006, there were explosions in Addis Ababa, primarily in the areas of Piazza and Mercato but also elsewhere.  Four people were killed and 43 injured.  This followed explosions, which occurred in various parts of Addis Ababa on 7 and 27 March 2006, killing one person and injuring 17.

 

You should be aware that sabotage and derailment of trains between Ethiopia and Djibouti is possible.  You are reminded to remain vigilant with your personal security and to exercise caution.

Please read "Security and General Tips" and "Risk of Terrorism when Travelling Overseas" pages of the FCO website for further information and advice.

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.

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

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.

 

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.

 

Tigray and Afar: We advise against all travel off the principal roads/towns within 50kms of the Eritrean border in the Tigray and Afar regions, which remain a predominantly military zone.  The UN Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE) reported that Eritrean troops have moved troops and tanks into the Temporary Security Zone (TSZ) separating the two countries. Tensions are increasing and the border remains closed.  The situation remains very volatile and could deteriorate rapidly.

 

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 Jijiga, Fik, Degehabur, Gode, Korahe amd Warder zones of the region where rebels groups are active and the situation remains volatile. (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 to the Gambella Region following continuing unrest in the area that has resulted in many deaths. The situation is improving but remains unpredictable. (see Terrorism/Security section above).

 

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.

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 advice for different types of travellers see Travel Checklists

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 Ethiopian representation in the UK.  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 Ethiopian representation in the UK.

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.

 

Malaria is prevalent in areas of the country below 2000 metres.

 

Waterborne diseases are prevalent. 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 take necessary precautions including boiling water before drinking, or using bottled water.

 

HIV/AIDS is widespread and transmission may also occur through sub-standard medical facilities.

 

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.

 

You should seek medical advice before travelling and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up to date.  NHS Direct (0845 46 47) can provide you with advice on the vaccination requirements for Ethiopia.

 

For further information on endemic diseases such as malaria, health outbreaks and vaccination requirements for Ethiopia you should check the websites of the National Travel Health Network and Centre NaTHNaC and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel

 

For more general health 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.  Please see Travel Insurance

 

If things go wrong when overseas, then this is  What We Can Do To 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.

 

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.