Genvisec advises that travel can continue to non restricted areas, certain categories of traveller may require enhanced security.

 

Genvisec advises against all travel to the following parts of Ethiopia : 

 

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 km of the borders with Sudan and Kenya

within 10km of the border with South Sudan

the Nogob (previously Fik), Jarar (previously Degehabur), Shabelle (previously Gode), Korahe and Dollo (previously Warder) zones of the Somali region.

within 100km of the Ethiopian border with Somalia and Kenya in the Afder and Liben zones of Ethiopia’s Somali region

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

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 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 the advice against all travel to within 10km of the border with South Sudan)

There were reports of a shooting incident in the Mago Park in the Omo Valley on 12 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. On 14 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.

 

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 foreign 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.

 

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 is deteriorating very rapidly.

 

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.

 

Local laws and customs

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, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas.

 

In 2015, the holy month of Ramadan is expected to start on 18 June and finish on 18 July. 

 

The Ethiopian Highlands are mostly Orthodox Christian with ‘fasting’ each Wednesday, Friday and during Lent when only vegetarian dishes are available (except in larger hotels).

 

You will need an export certificate to take antiques out of the country, otherwise the items are likely to be confiscated and you may face prosecution.

 

Owning ivory is strictly prohibited. A number of British nationals found with ivory jewellery have had their items confiscated by authorities and fined between 5,000 – 25,000 birr. Homosexual acts (applying to both sexes) are illegal, and carry penalties of between 1 and 15 years imprisonment.

 

Drug offences are treated seriously in Ethiopia. Don’t become involved with drugs of any kind.

 

It is illegal to carry more than 200 birr when entering or leaving Ethiopia. If you are found to be carrying in excess of 200 birr the money will be seized and a prison sentence is possible.

 

You must declare to customs officials on entry or exit any cash in excess of $3,000 (or the equivalent in other foreign currencies)Travellers leaving Ethiopia with more than $3,000 must present a bank advice notice if the currency was purchased from a local bank or a valid customs declaration form obtained at the point of entry. A bank advice notice or customs declaration form becomes invalid if 45 days or more have elapsed since the date of issue.

 

Money

 

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

 

Health

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. You should carry a comprehensive medical pack when travelling out of Addis Ababa. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad, evacuation by air ambulance and repatriation.

 

In December 2013, an outbreak of dengue fever was reported in Dire Dawa City. In June 2013 an outbreak of Yellow Fever was reported in South Omo Zone and the World Health Organisation launched a mass-vaccination programme to contain the outbreak.

 

Malaria is common in areas of the country below 2,000 metres.

 

Bilharzia is present in the majority of lakes in Ethiopia.

 

Water-borne diseases are common. Drink or use only boiled or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks.

 

Addis Ababa sits at 2,400 metres above sea level.

 

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 907 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

 

Visas

 

You will need a visa to enter Ethiopia. Visas on arrival are only available for tourists at Addis Ababa (Bole) or Dire Dawa International airports, at a cost of approximately $US50 for 1 month and $US75 for 3 months (Euros, US dollars and Ethiopian birr are all accepted). All other categories of visitor must get a visa from the Ethiopian Embassy closest to their place of legal residence before travelling. Penalties for overstaying your visa can be severe (see below - Immigration Status).

 

If you travel to Ethiopia as a tourist you won’t be able to take employment, including voluntary employment. If you are caught in breach of your immigration status you may face a severe fine or possible imprisonment.

 

Passport validity

 

Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into Ethiopia. Make sure you have two blank pages in your passport on arrival.

 

Yellow fever certificate

 

Yellow Fever vaccination is required for travellers who are arriving from, or have transited through, countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.

 

Immigration status

 

Once you are in Ethiopia you will not be able to change your immigration status. If you have any concerns about your immigration status in Ethiopia, you should contact the local immigration authorities:

 

Security, Immigration and Refugee Affairs Authority

 

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

 

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.

 

Emergency Travel Documents

 

Emergency Travel Documents are accepted for entry, airside transit and exit from Ethiopia.