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Passport validity requirements

Your passport must be:

• valid for at least 6 months after the date you arrive in Ethiopia
• machine-readable

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

Visa requirements

You must have a visa to visit Ethiopia for tourism or business.

You do not need a visa if you have a valid Ethiopian Diplomatic ID Card, Ethiopian Temporary Residents Permit or Ethiopian Origin ID (Yellow Cards).

Applying for a visa 

We recommend UK nationals apply online for tourist and business visas before arrival.

You will need to provide a scanned colour copy of your passport and a colour passport sized photo. Get a 30-day single entry tourist visa from the official Ethiopian e-visa platform.  

If you visit Ethiopia on a tourist visa, you cannot take employment, including voluntary employment. If you break the rules, you can get heavy fines or be imprisoned.

Check what type of visa you need for business, work, study or other reasons. Journalists will also need to obtain Media Arrival entry clearance via the Arrival Clearance Portal.

You can apply for an official extension of 30 or 90 more days before your visa expires. You need to go in person to the Head Office of the Immigration and Citizenship Service in Addis Ababa.

Leave the country before your visa or your extension expires. The penalty for overstaying is 30 US dollars a day. You will not be allowed to leave until you pay in full. 

Vaccine requirements 

To enter Ethiopia, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Ethiopia guide.

You may need a yellow fever certificate for onward travel to some other countries, due to the risk of yellow fever in Ethiopia.

Mpox screening

Travellers arriving from some countries are required to complete an Ethiopian Ministry of Health survey before arrival, if they are visiting Ethiopia or making a transit stop which includes movement outside of the airport. Check with your airline if the country you are traveling from requires this.

You could be required to undergo testing or treatment if you have symptoms.

Health screening   

Travellers from some countries may be required to complete a health declaration form if they are visiting or transiting through Ethiopia. Check with the airline if the country you are travelling from requires this.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods that you can take into or out of Ethiopia.

If you plan to take in specialist equipment, such as filming or audio equipment, the Ethiopian Embassy in London advises you check with your tour operator or local contact before you travel as special customs regulations may apply.   

Contact the Ethiopian Embassy Press Office for more information and advice.

Taking money into and out of Ethiopia

You can carry up to 3,000 Ethiopian birr when entering or leaving Ethiopia. An exception is when travelling to Djibouti from Ethiopia, in which case you can carry up to 10,000 birr. If you are found with more than the legal limits, customs authorities can seize your cash and you could get a prison sentence.

When you enter or leave Ethiopia, you must declare any cash over 10,000 US dollars (or equivalent in other currencies). Residents of Ethiopia, including resident British nationals, must declare any cash over 4,000 US dollars.

If you leave Ethiopia with cash above these amounts, you must show officials the customs declaration form you got when you entered Ethiopia, or the bank advice note if you purchased currency locally. 

If entering Ethiopia through a land border you must declare cash worth over 500 US dollars.

Keep your receipt if you change currency into birr. Without a receipt you are unlikely to be able to change leftover money back at the end of your trip. 

Khat

Khat is legal in Ethiopia but it is illegal to take it out of the country. Customs officials regularly search luggage at Addis Ababa Bole Airport. Anyone found with khat is likely to be prosecuted.   

Antiques

You need an export certificate to take antiques out of the country. If you do not have one, border officials are likely to confiscate your items if they find them. You could be arrested and prosecuted by the authorities.

It is illegal to buy or possess ivory – even your own pieces brought in with you. British nationals have had ivory jewellery confiscated and the authorities have imposed fines of up to 25,000 birr (about £220).

Satellite phones, binoculars and drones

It’s illegal to import or export satellite phones, binoculars or drones to or from Ethiopia without prior approval from the Customs and Information Network and Security Agency. Get advice from your travel provider on permissions required.

Unapproved items can be confiscated by authorities. You may be able to collect them on departure from Ethiopia, but this is not guaranteed.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods that you can take into or out of Ethiopia.

If you plan to take in specialist equipment, such as filming or audio equipment, the Ethiopian Embassy in London advises you check with your tour operator or local contact before you travel as special customs regulations may apply.   

Contact the Ethiopian Embassy Press Office for more information and advice.

Taking money into and out of Ethiopia

You can carry up to 3,000 Ethiopian birr when entering or leaving Ethiopia. An exception is when travelling to Djibouti from Ethiopia, in which case you can carry up to 10,000 birr. If you are found with more than the legal limits, customs authorities can seize your cash and you could get a prison sentence.

When you enter or leave Ethiopia, you must declare any cash over 10,000 US dollars (or equivalent in other currencies). Residents of Ethiopia, including resident British nationals, must declare any cash over 4,000 US dollars.

If you leave Ethiopia with cash above these amounts, you must show officials the customs declaration form you got when you entered Ethiopia, or the bank advice note if you purchased currency locally. 

If entering Ethiopia through a land border you must declare cash worth over 500 US dollars.

Keep your receipt if you change currency into birr. Without a receipt you are unlikely to be able to change leftover money back at the end of your trip. 

Khat

Khat is legal in Ethiopia but it is illegal to take it out of the country. Customs officials regularly search luggage at Addis Ababa Bole Airport. Anyone found with khat is likely to be prosecuted.   

Antiques

You need an export certificate to take antiques out of the country. If you do not have one, border officials are likely to confiscate your items if they find them. You could be arrested and prosecuted by the authorities.

It is illegal to buy or possess ivory – even your own pieces brought in with you. British nationals have had ivory jewellery confiscated and the authorities have imposed fines of up to 25,000 birr (about £220).

Satellite phones, binoculars and drones

It’s illegal to import or export satellite phones, binoculars or drones to or from Ethiopia without prior approval from the Customs and Information Network and Security Agency. Get advice from your travel provider on permissions required.

Unapproved items can be confiscated by authorities. You may be able to collect them on departure from Ethiopia, but this is not guaranteed.

Emergency services in Ethiopia

Police and emergency: 911

Ambulance (Addis Ababa): 907

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO 

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including: 

• finding English-speaking lawyers, funeral directors and translators and interpreters in Ethiopia
• dealing with a death in Ethiopia
• being arrested or imprisoned in Ethiopia
• getting help if you’re a victim of crime
• what to do if you’re in hospital
• if you’re affected by a crisis

Contacting FCDO

Help abroad

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.

The current political and security situation means the British Embassy in Addis Ababa may only be able to provide limited support in person. 

Help in the UK

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)

Find out about call charges

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Risk information for British companies

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Ethiopia on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.

Areas where FCDO advises against travel

Border areas

FCDO advises against all travel to within: 

• 20km of the border with Sudan
• 10km of the border with South Sudan
• 100km of the Ethiopian border with Somalia and Kenya in Ethiopia’s Somali region, and within 30km of the Ethiopian border with Somalia in Fafan zone, except the border town and crossing at Wajale, and the principal road between Jijiga and Wajale
• 10km of the border with Kenya, except the Addis Ababa - Moyale road and Moyale, where we advise against all but essential travel.
• 20km of the border with Eritrea

Tigray region

FCDO advises against all travel to Tigray region.

Amhara region

FCDO advises against all travel to Amhara region.

Afar region

FCDO advises against all travel to within 20km of the border with Eritrea

FCDO advises against all travel to within 50km of the boundary with Tigray region.

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the rest of Afar.

Gambela region

FCDO advises against all travel to Gambela region.

Oromia region

FCDO advises against all travel to: 

• within 10km of the border with Kenya, except for principal roads and towns
• north of (but not including) the A4 road in West Shewa zone
• south and west of the A3 road in North Shewa zone, including the A3 road itself in North Shewa
• West Wollega zone (including the main Addis Ababa to Gambela road), East Wollega zone, Kellem Wollega and Horo Gudru Wollega

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to:

• all of East Shewa zone except the Addis Ababa to Adama Expressway, 10km either side of the Addis Ababa to Adaba expressway between Addis Ababa and Bishoftu, and the A7 from junction with the Addis Ababa to Adama expressway down to Hawassa
• the A4 road between Addis Ababa and Cheliya, except for the section in the Finfine special zone
• the remainder of North Shewa zone
• West Guji and Guji zones (except the Hawassa to Mega road)

Somali region

FCDO advises against all travel to within:

• 30km of the Ethiopia-Somalia border in Fafan zone, except the border town and crossing at Wajale, and the principal road between Jijiga and Wajale
• 100km of the Ethiopian border with Somalia and Kenya in the rest of the region

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to: 

• the Siti zone
• the Nogob (previously Fik)
• Jarar (previously Degehabur)
• Shabelle (previously Gode)
• Korahe and Dollo (previously Warder)
• areas of Liben and Afder zones more than 100km from the Somalia and Kenya borders

Central, Southern, Sidama and South West regions (formerly SNNPR)

FCDO advises against all travel to within 10km of the borders with South Sudan and Kenya including the shores of Lake Turkana.

Benishangul-Gumuz region

FCDO advises against all travel to:

• within 20km of the border with Sudan
• the Metekel zone
• the Maokomo special zone

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the rest of Benishangul-Gumuz region.

Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel to these regions.

Conflict within northern Ethiopia

There is ongoing fighting between Ethiopian federal government forces and forces opposed to the federal government in northern Ethiopia. Tensions between Eritrea and Ethiopia are high and the security situation may change with little notice. Some flights are suspended and flights across northern Ethiopia may also be suspended or cancelled at short notice.

There have been some threats from armed groups against Alula Aba Nega Airport, Mekele.

If you are in the Tigray region, shelter in place. You should also:

• stay indoors where possible
• follow local restrictions, including curfews
• monitor local media for developments
• check with your airline for the latest information
• as soon as you judge it is safe to do so, leave the Tigray region using commercial means

Support from FCDO

Staff at the British Embassy in Addis Ababa cannot offer support in person in areas of Ethiopia where FCDO advises against travel.

If you need urgent help from the UK government, for example if you’ve been arrested or you’re concerned about forced marriage, contact the British Embassy in Addis Ababa.

If you’re in the UK and are concerned about a British national in Ethiopia, call FCDO on 020 7008 5000.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency. 

About FCDO travel advice

FCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

Get travel advice updates

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.

Follow FCDO: 

• travel advice on X
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• Travel Aware on Instagram

Laws and cultural differences

Personal ID

Always carry a copy of the photo page of your passport and your visa and entry stamp. It is not a legal requirement to carry the original.

Religious customs

Ethiopia is religiously diverse and largely tolerant. However, many people are devout in their faith. Take care to not offend local traditions, customs, laws and religions. Dress conservatively and observe local customs. Take particular care if travelling:

• during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan
• to religious sites of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church
• outside Addis Ababa, particularly in rural areas

Ramadan is individually observed but there are no official regulations imposed.

Health and safety

Health and safety precautions like life jackets in boats or protective railings at historical sites are rarely in place in Ethiopia.

Date and time

Traditionally Ethiopia has a different calendar and way of expressing time than are widely used internationally. 

Most documents issued by hotels and larger organisations, including airline tickets, use the international calendar and clock. However:

• official documents are often dated using the Ethiopian calendar
• individuals and smaller organisations might use the Ethiopian clock

Money

Ethiopia is a cash-based society. Banking facilities, including card payments and ATMs are limited, and unreliable, especially outside of cities. Make sure you have enough cash before leaving cities.

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

Drug offences are treated seriously in Ethiopia. Possession of drugs can lead to prison sentences of 5 to 10 years and potentially large fines. 

Khat is legal in Ethiopia, but it is illegal to take it out of the country. If you’re found with it in your baggage, the authorities are likely to prosecute you.

Alcohol

There are no restrictions on buying or possessing alcohol. This includes the predominantly Muslim regions although it may be more difficult to obtain.  

Dress code

Women are expected to dress conservatively, especially when visiting religious sites.   

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex acts (applying to both sexes) are illegal and carry penalties of between 1 and 15 years in prison. Local authorities intimidate and detain owners and clients of hotels, bars and restaurants in Addis Ababa where same-sex activity is alleged to take place.

The public are not generally accepting of same-sex relationships. Some religious leaders have called for violence against the LGBT+ community. Showing affection in public may receive unwanted attention. It is dangerous to be openly (or covertly) LGBT+ in Ethiopia, and can lead to great personal risk. 

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Using cameras or drones in secure areas

It is illegal to take photos:

• near military zones or of military personnel
• near the Presidential Palace in Addis Ababa
• anywhere that there are signs prohibiting photography

The use of drones is subject to permission from the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority and Information Network and Security Agency.