Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens Reconsider Travel to Ethiopia due to sporadic violent conflict, civil unrest, crime, communications disruptions, terrorism and kidnapping in border areas. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp and or visa that will be required. A visa is required. US citizens will need to get in touch with the country’s embassy or nearest consulate to obtain a visa prior to visiting the country.
US Embassy/Consulate
[251] 11 130-6000; US Embassy in Addis Ababa; Entoto Street, PO Box 1014, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; https://et.usembassy.gov/; AddisACS@state.gov
LGBTQIA+ Travelers
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html
Telephone Code
251
Local Emergency Phone
Ambulance: 92; Fire: 93; Police: 91
Vaccinations
The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations 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. See WHO recommendations. See WHO recommendations.
http://www.who.int/
Climate
Tropical monsoon with wide topographically-induced variation
Currency (Code)
Birr (ETB)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
220 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, F, G
Major Languages
Oromo, Amharic, Somali, Tigrigna, Sidamo, Wolaytta, Gurage, Afar, Hadiyya, Gamo, Gedeo, Opuuo, Kafa, English, Arabic
Major Religions
Ethiopian Orthodox 43.8%, Muslim 31.3%, Protestant 22.8%, Catholic 0.7%, traditional .6%
Time Difference
UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water
Opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit
A temporary license from a local authority is recommended. An IDP is not recognized.
Road Driving Side
Right
Tourist Destinations
Addis Ababa (incudes Imperial Palace, St. George’s Cathedral, Holy Trinity Cathedral); Axum (Aksum); Bahir Dar; Harar Jugol; Gondar (includes Fasil Ghebbi); Simien Mountains
Major Sports
Track and Field, soccer, basketball
Cultural Practices
It is customary to bow when introduced to an elder or respected person. Elders are also usually introduced first when making new acquaintances.
Tipping Guidelines
A 10-15% tip is normal for good service at restaurants and in bars. Tip $1 (USD) per bag for bellhops who carry luggage to your room and $1-2 (USD) per day for hotel staff.
Souvenirs
Coffee, traditional clothing, shema cloth, carved-metal or wood religious crosses and other wooden items, leather goods, wickerwork, handicrafts
Traditional Cuisine
Wat — a stew that may be prepared with chicken, beef, lamb, a variety of vegetables, spice mixtures such as berbere, and niter kibbeh (seasoned clarified butter); typically served with injera (a spongy flat bread)
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Saturday, September 16, 2023
