£1 ETB 211.70
Today
9:08 am
+3h from you
Travel warning
Multiple regions are experiencing significant armed conflict and severe violence, making travel there unsafe and support difficult to reach.
Weather & climate
Weather in Ethiopia
Ethiopia
23°
Light drizzle
Mon
12°
23°
Tue
8°
25°
Wed
9°
25°
Thu
10°
25°
Fri
11°
26°
Sat
10°
26°
Sun
11°
26°
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:
Carry a paper copy of your passport and visa at all times, as you may need to show it.
Be very careful of pickpockets, bag-snatchers, and mugging, especially at the airport, in crowded areas, and at night.
If you drive, you can use a UK licence for only two weeks before needing a local one, and avoid driving after dark outside the capital.
Always keep your vehicle doors locked and windows closed in traffic, and do not leave belongings in the car.
Same-sex relationships are illegal and can lead to long prison sentences, so showing affection in public is very risky.
Bonus tips:
Drug possession is treated very seriously and can result in prison sentences of 5 to 10 years.
Dress conservatively, particularly when visiting religious sites or areas outside of the main cities.
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
Safety and security
9 days ago
Political situation
- A nationwide general election is now scheduled for 1 June 2026.
- You should stay away from large gatherings and demonstrations during this time.
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.