£1 ETB 208.87
Today
12:10 pm
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Travel warning
Avoid travel due to active armed conflict and clashes in many regions, as well as a high threat of terrorist attacks in places tourists visit like restaurants and hotels.
Weather & climate
Weather in Ethiopia
Ethiopia
23°
Slight rain showers
Thu
11°
23°
Fri
10°
23°
Sat
11°
22°
Sun
10°
22°
Mon
9°
21°
Tue
9°
22°
Wed
10°
21°
SPF level in Ethiopia
Recommended: SPF 50+ (extreme)
Spring
SPF 50+
Summer
SPF 50+ (extreme)
Autumn
SPF 50+
Winter
SPF 50+
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Before you go
Entry requirements for Ethiopia
What British travellers need to know
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after you arrive in Ethiopia.
You must have a visa to visit Ethiopia for tourism.
Apply for a 30-day single entry tourist visa online from the official Ethiopian e-visa platform.
To enter Ethiopia, you must have a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.
You must declare any cash over 10,000 US dollars when you enter or leave Ethiopia.
Good to know:
If entering Ethiopia through a land border you must declare cash worth over 500 US dollars.
You need an export certificate to take antiques out of the country, or they may be confiscated.
Safety in Ethiopia
Tips when travelling
Ethiopia is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Always carry a copy of your passport's photo page, visa, and entry stamp.
Avoid driving after dark outside Addis Ababa as vehicles often have no lights and livestock may be on the roads.
Keep windows closed and vehicle doors locked, and park in well-lit, guarded areas to prevent theft from your car.
Be vigilant in crowded places, especially around Bole International Airport, as pickpocketing and bag-snatching are common.
Take care of your belongings when visiting restaurants, bars, markets, or tourist attractions as terrorists have targeted such places.
Bonus tips:
Drug offences are treated seriously and possession can lead to prison sentences of 5 to 10 years.
Showing affection in public can receive unwanted attention as same-sex acts are illegal and carry prison penalties.
It is illegal to take photos near military zones, the Presidential Palace in Addis Ababa, or where signs prohibit photography.
When using taxis from the airport, choose yellow or app-based taxis rather than the blue and white ones.
Ensure you have enough cash before leaving cities as banking facilities, including card payments and ATMs, are limited and unreliable.
If you are involved in a traffic accident, stay in your vehicle, call the local police, and avoid confrontation.
If threatened during a mugging or theft, hand over your valuables without resistance.
More information
Driving in Ethiopia
A UK driving license is valid for short-term visits. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Side of 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
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 the British Embassy in Addis Ababa from the UK, you would dial 00 251 11 617 0100.
The country code for Ethiopia is 251. When calling from abroad, dial the exit code of your country (00 in the UK), followed by 251, and then the local number. Mobile phone coverage can be patchy in rural areas.
Languages in Ethiopia
UK Embassy
Recent updates
Warnings and insurance
26 days ago
Safety
- Nationwide elections will be held on Monday 1 June, declared a public holiday with high security.
- Expect potential vehicle and ID checks near polling stations; carry ID and allow extra time for journeys.
Travel disruption
- Public buildings and banks will be closed on Monday 1 June due to the nationwide elections and public holiday.
Airports in Ethiopia
Beaches in Ethiopia
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.