The county is steeped in a magical, mysterious history which makes it a jewel of Africa that should not be missed. Ethiopia is mostly safe for tourists visiting and only very few have had bad experiences or incidents. It remains a good policy however to always take extra care when visiting any country, although serious or violent crime against travellers is not a common occurrence in Ethiopia.
It’s very unlikely you’ll encounter any serious difficulties and even less likely to happen if you stay vigilant and keep with a reputable tour operator. There is a modest level of crime in Ethiopia, including in Addis Ababa. Muggings, armed assaults and theft from parked cars can happen.
Street crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, are predominant in the capital. Pickpockets and thieves are active throughout the city as in any city in the world, but particularly on Bole Road and in the Piazza. Crime considerably increases after dark.
Most of the internal political tensions in the country are between the local populations. All border crossings between Ethiopia and Eritrea are currently closed. Armed conflict could erupt in border areas which is a heavily militarised security corridor. The security situation is particularly unpredictable between the local population in the northern border regions of Afar and Tigray. Banditry and kidnappings might occur.
Visitors to the Danakil Desert and Erta Ale volcano should be extra vigilant, since there was one isolated incident of tourists been attacked visiting the Erta Ale volcano recently.
Landmines are planted in less-travelled areas and explosions may cause injury or death. This should not concern you if you avoid remote areas.
The closer you get to the area bordering Somalia, the higher is the risk for tourists. Military operations against armed insurgent groups are ongoing in this region. Landmines in this region also pose a particular threat to safety.
The border with Sudan and South Sudan in the Gambella region has had some tribal issues in the past, including some sporadic intertribal clashes. Near the border of Kenya, security forces regularly carry out military operations in the region. Cross-border violence also occurs. Armed groups hostile to the Government of Ethiopia also operate in several areas near the border.
Demonstrations regularly take place in the Amhara and Oromia regions. Peaceful demonstrations can suddenly turn volatile so avoid areas where they are taking place. Even when the situation has returned to a peaceful situation in the area, remain cautious. A security presence remains active throughout the regions and local authorities may impose curfews in some areas. Internet and cellular data outages could occur.
The country has experienced a below-average rainfall over the past five years and is experiencing a severe drought. Local services and the availability of water and basic food could be affected in rural areas.
The much needed rainy season normally starts in June and lasts until September. Some roads could become obstructed during this period due to flooding. Visitors should keep an eye on the local weather forecasts and plan ahead.
Ethiopia is located in an active seismic zone but has not had any recent activity.
Most of Ethiopia is normally a trouble free country, but there are some areas where trouble does flare up occasionally.
Try to avoid the following areas:
Within 10 km from the border with South Sudan and within 20 km of the border with Sudan.
The Gambella region. Other areas to try and avoid is within 10 km of the border with Eritrea, the Danakil desert, areas around the Erta Ale Volcano and the Somali region.
Avoid walking on your own at night.
Make sure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times.
Do not display any signs of wealth in public.
Try and look as if you know where you are going. Thieves and con artists can pick up if you are a newcomer or not sure about the direction you are going.
Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place.
Follow the instructions of local authorities.
Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations.
Be aware of your surroundings.
Stay alert in locations patronised by tourists.
Rather carry a copy of your passport and visa and leave originals in your hotel safe.
If you want to use public transport, rather use metred taxis and don’t use the minibuses and buses. Do not share a taxi with strangers. A light rail system serves Addis Ababa.
If you want to self-drive in Ethiopia, you have to have a local driver’s licence. To get one you have to produce your countries drivers licence or an International Driving Permit.
When driving in the country, remember it is illegal to give money to people that approach you in traffic. If officials catch you buying something from a vendor or beggar you can face fines.
There are some main roads in cities which are in relatively good condition, but generally they are unpaved and in a deteriorating condition. The road users speed about and drive recklessly. There also are a lot of pedestrians and animals on the road.
Driving near the borders of Kenya, South Sudan, Sudan and Somalia could put you at risk of armed robbers or a carjacking. Be careful of those telling you that there is a problem with your car, criminals are known to try and lure you out your vehicle to rob you.
Traffic accidents occur regularly throughout Ethiopia. Do not move your vehicle if you are involved in an accident. Wait for a police officer to arrive. If you feel unsafe, leave the area and go directly to the nearest police station to report the incident.
Ask permission before taking photos of people and ask a reputable tour guide where you are allowed to take photos of landscapes and historical buildings.
It is strictly prohibited to photograph any military institutions, police and military personnel, industrial facilities, government buildings and infrastructure, including roads, bridges, dams and airfields. You can use one cell phone or tablet on the network Ethio Telecom for the price of a small activation fee.
As a tourist you must carry photo identification, as local authorities can ask you to prove your identity at any time. Keep a photocopy of your passport in a hotel safe.
It is illegal to carry a firearm in Ethiopia.
It is strictly forbidden to have any quantity of ivory, including in jewellery.
Never stop near a restricted area, no matter the reason, on foot or in a vehicle.
Writing blogs or on social media about political situations while you are in the country could lead to your detention and arrest.
You may not buy or try and take home real antiques or religious items. Souvenirs are often copies of Ethiopian antiques or religious paraphernalia. Make sure you keep a receipt to show it is not an antiquity.
During the lunar month of Ramadan, be respectful of those around you when drinking, eating, and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset. In 2020 Ramadan is expected to begin on April 23.
The Ethiopian highlands’ inhabitants are mostly Orthodox Christian. Their tradition is to fast every Wednesday and Friday and only eat vegetarian dishes.
Make sure you get permission from religious authorities before visiting churches.
Contrasting the convention in the majority of countries, the beginning of the day is dawn, not midnight. There is a difference in the hours of the day.
Ethiopian law prohibits sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. Those convicted can face up to 15 years in prison. Be discreet in public and book through a reputable tour operator for your accommodation and travel arrangements.
All illicit drugs are illegal except khat, a local stimulant. Do not attempt to export it.
The following goods are duty free for 18 years and older: 200 cigarettes, 100 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco, two litres of alcoholic beverages and 500ml of perfume.
You must declare all laptop computers and video equipment other than those for personal use upon arrival and departure. Some recording devices may require special customs permits.
If your passport gets lost, file a police report or notification of lost property at the local police station immediately.
Request your own copy of the report or investigation document. You will need it later when you apply for a new passport or file an insurance claim, or if your passport ends up in the wrong hands.
There are a number of hospitals in Addis Ababa but only private hospitals offer a reasonable standard of basic care for minor health problems. Dentistry options are especially lacking. Ambulance services are also limited. Outside the capital medical facilities remain extremely poor.
A visitor 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. You should contact your insurance or medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.
The CDC and WHO recommend vaccinations against the following for Ethiopia: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
Malaria is prevalent in the lower areas of the country which are below 2,000 metres above sea level. There is no risk in the capital of Addis Ababa, but a couple of sites which are popular tourist destinations, are at a risk. Take medication before travelling to areas where you could be at risk.
Bilharzia is present in the many large lakes in Ethiopia. Make sure you find out from your reputable tour guide what a lake’s status is, before swimming in these places. Bilharzia, or “snail fever,” is caused by a parasitic worm. It affects the intestines and the urinary system preferentially, but because it lives in the blood vessels, it can harm other systems in the body too.
The symptoms can take between 14 to 84 days to appear. A rash, fever, headaches, body aches and breathing difficulties are some of the symptoms.
An outbreak of Chikungunya fever was reported in Dire Dewa during September 2019. This disease is spread by mosquitos. Symptoms usually appear within a week. Fever and joint pain happen quickly. Muscle pain, headache, fatigue and rash can also occur.
There are treatments and the majority of people get better within a week or two after the virus has run its course.
The country offers an array of delicious food dishes and beverages so do not get put off trying the local cuisine, but take necessary precautions. Drink only bottled water or other bottled beverages as the tap water and ice in Ethiopia can be contaminated and not safe for drinking.
Thoroughly cooked hot foods can be eaten as it will mean most infections can be avoided. Raw fruits can be eaten only if they have an unbroken skin and are peeled. Raw vegetables and salads should be avoided due to the danger of contamination.
Don’t go near pets or stray dogs or cats in Ethiopia. They can carry infectious diseases like rabies which is life threatening and they may bite and scratch you.
HIV occurrence in the capital Addis Ababa is still higher than in the rural areas.
It is commonly safe for women to travel solo but there are still some risks. The local men tend to be very forward, and you will have to be firm to ensure you do not get unwanted attention. There have been a few incidents of harassment and verbal abuse. Avoid going out alone at night.
MoAfrika Tours is a leading tour operator in South Africa that offers an outstanding selection of tours to Ethiopia We have a close association with the most reputable tour operators in Ethiopia who make safety a priority.