Ethiopia Holidays
Ancient history, the Rift Valley lakes, and highland landscapes unlike anywhere else in Africa. Get flights, travel tips, and essential info for Ethiopia.
Today
Travel warning
Weather in Ethiopia
Wed
Thu
Fri
SPF level in Ethiopia
Autumn
SPF 50+
Spring
SPF 50+
Summer
SPF 50+ (extreme)
Winter
SPF 50+
Entry requirements for Ethiopia
You need a visa to visit Ethiopia for tourism or business.
Your passport must be machine-readable and valid for at least 6 months after arrival.
Apply online before arrival with a scanned colour passport copy and colour passport photo.
A tourist visa allows 30 days, with 30- or 90-day extensions available before expiry.
Carry a yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from a listed transmission-risk country.
Good to know:
Declare cash over 10,000 US dollars when entering or leaving Ethiopia.
Get prior approval before importing or exporting drones, binoculars or satellite phones.
Safety in Ethiopia
Ethiopia is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Do not travel to regions and border zones listed as unsafe; reconsider other restricted areas.
Stay alert in crowded places, including hotels, bars, markets, airports and attractions.
Keep valuables secure; avoid walking alone in named Addis areas, especially after dark.
Carry copies of your passport photo page, visa and entry stamp; the original is not required.
Use hotel-arranged airport transport, or choose yellow or app-based taxis.
Bonus tips:
Dress conservatively, especially at religious sites and outside Addis Ababa.
Do not photograph military areas or use drones without the required permission.
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Driving in Ethiopia
A UK driving license is valid for short-term visits. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Side of the road
Right
Motorway speed limit
100 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.0%
Remember: Ethiopia drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Health in Ethiopia
Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including repatriation. Medical facilities, especially outside Addis Ababa, may be limited. Ensure your policy covers ambulance services and treatment at private facilities, which may require upfront payment. GHIC/EHIC is not applicable in Ethiopia.
Consult your doctor well in advance of your trip for advice on necessary vaccinations and malaria prevention. Drink only boiled or bottled water. Avoid raw or undercooked food. Be aware of rabies risks from animals. Medical facilities are limited, particularly outside of Addis Ababa.
Cards & payments
Card payments are becoming more common in larger establishments, hotels, and tourist-oriented businesses in major cities, but cash is still the preferred payment method in most places.
Visa
Medium
Mastercard
Medium
American Express
Low
Lost card? Call Visa: +1 410-581-9994
Tipping in Ethiopia
Tipping is not as widespread or expected in Ethiopia as it is in some Western countries, but it is becoming more common, especially in tourist areas. Tips are always appreciated for good service.
Restaurant
5-10% of the bill for good service
Bar/Café
Small change or 5-10% for exceptional service
Taxi
Rounding up the fare or a small tip for good service
Hotel Porter
10-20 ETB per bag
Hotel Housekeeper
20-50 ETB per day of stay, left at the end of the stay
Tour Guide
5-10% of the tour cost or 100-300 ETB per day, depending on the tour length and quality
Mobile & roaming
As the UK is no longer part of the EU, EU roaming agreements no longer apply. Check with your mobile provider about roaming charges in Ethiopia. Roaming can be very expensive, so consider purchasing a local SIM card for more affordable data and calls.
Local SIM
5 GB for 300 ETB (~£4)
Network coverage
4G, 3G, 2G
Electrical in Ethiopia
Voltage
220V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type C, Type E, Type F, Type L
UK adapter needed
WiFi & internet
WiFi is available in hotels, cafes, and restaurants in major cities, but can be unreliable and slow.
Average speed
8 Mbps
While internet cafes are available, mobile data is generally more accessible. Consider purchasing a local SIM with a data package for reliable connectivity.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
911
Police
991
Ambulance
907
Fire
939
Save 911 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Ethiopia
Country code
251
To call Ethiopia from abroad, dial 251 followed by the local number.
UK Embassy
Bole Road, Addis Ababa
Phone
+251 (0)11 617 0100
Website
Addis Ababa Bole International Airport
Bahir Dar Airport
Aba Tenna D Yilma Airport
Jigiga Airport
Gondar Airport
Alula Aba Nega Airport
Recent updates
Safety
Large crowds are expected during Irreecha, the Oromo thanksgiving festival, in early October, including the weekend of 3 to 4 October.
Take extra care around Irreecha events and other large gatherings, which could be targeted by attacks.
Attacks, including possible drone attacks, have been reported against military installations in several locations across Ethiopia.
Stay away from military sites and installations and follow local authorities’ instructions.
Renewed clashes between insurgent groups and the Ethiopian military are reported in parts of Afar and Tigray.
Drone strikes in these areas have increased in frequency since August 2026.
Avoid travel within 20km of Ethiopia’s border with Eritrea; the restricted area has expanded from 10km.
In Afar region, avoid travel within 20km of the Eritrea border.
Avoid travel within 50km of the Tigray region in Afar.
Travel to the rest of Afar region is now advised only when essential.
Avoid all travel within 20km of the Eritrean border, increased from 10km.
Avoid all travel within 20km of the Eritrean border in Afar, increased from 10km.
Avoid all travel within 50km of the boundary with Tigray; the rest of Afar is now for essential travel only.
If you are in Tigray, shelter indoors whenever possible, follow local restrictions such as curfews, monitor developments and leave by commercial transport when it is safe.
Armed clashes between ethnic groups and security forces are now reported across much of Ethiopia; foreign travelers could be caught up in the violence.
Clashes between Tigray People’s Liberation Front-aligned forces and the Ethiopian military have increased in frequency since August 2026.
Health
Travellers from some countries may need to complete a health declaration form when visiting or transiting through Ethiopia.
Check with your airline before travel to find out whether this applies to your departure country.
Travel Disruption
All civilian flights to and from Tigray have been suspended since 22 September 2026.
Flights to and from northern Ethiopia could be suspended or cancelled at short notice.
Travel is now advised against within 20km of the Tigray–Afar border.
Beaches in Ethiopia
No beaches listed for Ethiopia yet.
Frequently asked Questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.