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Ethiopia
Country Specific Information
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November 26, 2008
COUNTRY DESCRIPTION:
The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia is a developing country in East Africa. It is comprised of nine states and
two city administrations (Addis Ababa and Dire Dawa). The capital is Addis Ababa. Tourism facilities can be found in the
most populous regions of Ethiopia, but infrastructure is basic. The ruling EPRDF party and Prime Minister Meles Zenawi maintain
strong control of the government and economy. Despite several years of high economic growth, the country remains vulnerable
to external economic shocks and recurring drought.
Read the Department of State Background Notes on Ethiopia for additional information.
ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: To avoid possible confusion or delays, travelers are advised to obtain a valid Ethiopian visa at the nearest Ethiopian Embassy
prior to arrival, and must do so if entering across any land port-of-entry. For example: travelers wishing to enter Ethiopia
from Kenya at the land border at Moyale, must obtain an Ethiopian visa first. Ethiopian visas ARE NOT available at the border
crossing point at Moyale. Travelers should apply for Ethiopian visas at the Ethiopian Embassy in Nairobi or at other Ethiopian
embassies in other countries. Ethiopian visas are available to U.S. citizens upon arrival at Bole International Airport in
Addis Ababa. U.S. citizens may obtain one-month or three month, single-entry tourist visas or 10-day single-entry business
visas upon arrival at Bole International Airport. This service is available only at Bole International Airport and is not
available at any other ports of entry in Ethiopia. The visa fee at Bole International Airport is payable in U.S. dollars.
Such visas can be extended by applying at the Main Immigration Office in Addis Ababa. Business visas of up to three-months
validity can also be obtained at Bole International Airport upon arrival if the traveler has a sponsoring organization in
Ethiopia that has made prior arrangements for issuance through the Main Immigration Office in Addis Ababa. Travelers whose
entry visa expires before they depart Ethiopia, must obtain a visa extension and pay a monthly penalty fee of $20 USD per
month. Such travelers may also be required to pay a court fine of up to 4000 ETB (USD $435) before being permitted to depart
from Ethiopia. Travelers are required to pay the penalty fee before they will be able to obtain an exit visa (USD $20) permitting
them to leave Ethiopia.
Individuals intending to stay in Ethiopia for a prolonged period of time are advised to contact the Ethiopian Embassy in Washington
prior to traveling. The Ethiopian Embassy is located at 3506 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202)
364-1200; fax (202) 587-0195. For the most current visa information, visit the Embassy’s web site at www.ethiopianembassy.org. Inquiries by Americans located overseas may be made at the nearest Ethiopian embassy or consulate.
Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our web site. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information sheet.
SAFETY AND SECURITY: While Ethiopia is generally stable, domestic insurgent groups, extremists from Somalia, and the heavy military buildup
along the northern border pose risks to safety and security, particularly along Ethiopia’s border areas and in the Somali
region. In the past year, there has been an increase in targeted bombings in Addis Ababa and in other parts of Ethiopia.
In November 2008, the Government of Ethiopia issued a warning to its citizens alerting them of the potential for terrorist
attacks and subsequently increased security measures to unprecedented levels.
Throughout Ethiopia: Americans are strongly advised to review their personal safety and security posture, to remain vigilant and to be cautious
when frequenting prominent public places and landmarks. Targeted bombings in Addis Ababa and south eastern Ethiopia in 2008
resulted in numerous injuries and deaths. Americans are advised to avoid public gatherings and public places, including hotels,
if possible, and using public transportation and transportation hubs. They are advised to beware of unattended baggage or
packages left in any location, including in mini-buses and taxis.
Ethiopia/Eritrea Border Area: Ethiopia and Eritrea signed a peace agreement in December 2000 that ended their border war. However, the border remains
an issue of contention between the governments of Ethiopia and Eritrea. The border area is a militarized zone where there
exists the possibility of armed conflict between Ethiopian and Eritrean forces. American citizens are advised to avoid travel
in the areas along the Eritrean/Ethiopian border (within 50 km/30 miles of the Ethiopian/Eritrean border) because of the dangers
posed by land mines and because of the possibility of conflict between Ethiopian and Eritrean defense forces. Due to abductions
and banditry, Americans are advised to avoid travel within 30 miles of the Ethiopian-Eritrean border west of Adigrat to the
Sudanese border, with the exception of the town of Axum, and within 60 miles east of Adigrat to the Djiboutian border. Embassy
personnel are permitted to travel in these areas only on a case-by-case basis. Travel to the northern Afar Region towards
the Eritrean border is also discouraged. Embassy personnel are permitted to travel there only on a case-by-case basis.
Somali Region: Since the mid-1990's the members of the Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) have clashed with Ethiopian government
forces near the city of Harar and in the Somali regional state, particularly in the Ogaden zones. In April 2007, the ONLF
claimed responsibility for attacking a Chinese oil exploration installation south of Jijiga, in Ethiopia's Somali region.
The attack resulted in deaths, kidnappings and the wounding of dozens of Chinese and Ethiopian citizens. In 2008, a hotel
in the town of Jijiga was bombed and two hotels in the town of Negele Borena were bombed.
American citizens are reminded that the U.S. Embassy strongly discourages travel to Ethiopia's Somali region and that a Travel
Warning for Somalia has been issued that advises against all travel to that country. Armed insurgent groups operate within
the Somali, Oromiya and Afar regions of Ethiopia. In December 2006, the Ethiopian Government, at the invitation of the Transitional
Federal Government of Somalia, began military operations against extremists in Somalia. As of November 2007, military operations
continue in Mogadishu, where an African Union peacekeeping force, AMISOM, is deployed. In 2008, two staff members of a non-governmental
organization (NGO) were abducted in the Somali region.
Gambella Region: Sporadic inter-ethnic clashes remain a concern throughout the Gambella region of western Ethiopia following outbursts of
violence there in 2003 - 2004. There is a heavy military and police presence in the town of Gambella. While the security
situation in the town of Gambella is calm, it remains unpredictable throughout the rest of the region, and violence could
recur without warning. Travel to this region is discouraged.
Travel in Ethiopia via rail is discouraged due to past episodes of derailment, sabotage, and bombings. In southern Ethiopia
along the Kenyan border, banditry and incidents involving ethnic conflicts are also common. Travelers should exercise caution
when traveling to any remote area of the country, including the borders with Eritrea, Somalia, Kenya and Sudan. Ethiopian
security forces do not have a widespread presence in those regions.
For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs’ web site at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts, as well as the Worldwide Caution, can be found.
Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada, or for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
The Department of State urges American citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas.
For general information about appropriate measures travelers can take to protect themselves in an overseas environment, see
the Department of State’s pamphlet A Safe Trip Abroad.
CRIME: Pick-pocketing, “snatch and run” thefts, and other petty crimes are common in Addis Ababa. These are generally crimes of
opportunity rather than planned attacks. Travelers should exercise caution in crowded areas and should avoid visiting the
Mercato in Addis Ababa, a large open-air market. Violence in the Mercato has been on the rise. In 2008 an explosion in the
Mercato killed several and wounded more than a dozen individuals. Also in 2008, there was a shooting in the Mercato. Travelers
should limit the amount of cash they carry and leave valuables, such as passports, jewelry, and airline tickets in a hotel
safe or other secure place. Travelers should keep wallets and other valuables where they will be less susceptible to pick-pockets.
Travelers should be cautious at all times when traveling on roads in Ethiopia. There have been reports of highway robbery,
including carjacking, by armed bandits outside urban areas. Some incidents have been accompanied by violence. Travelers
are cautioned to limit road travel outside major towns or cities to daylight hours and travel in convoys, if possible.
INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME: The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed. See our information on Victims of Crime.
There is no local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in Ethiopia. Distress calls should be made to the local police station, the telephone number of which can be obtained by calling directory assistance at 997. This is the number for directory assistance throughout Ethiopia. In Addis Ababa, the number for police is 991, for the fire brigade 939, and for an ambulance 907.
MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: Health facilities in Addis Ababa are very limited and are generally inadequate outside the capital. Even the best hospitals
in Addis Ababa suffer from inadequate facilities, antiquated equipment, and shortages of supplies (particularly medicines).
There is a shortage of physicians. Emergency assistance is limited. Psychiatric services and medications are practically
nonexistent. Serious illnesses and injuries often require travelers to be medically evacuated from Ethiopia to a location
where adequate medical attention is available. Such “medevac” services are very expensive and are generally available only
to travelers who either have travel insurance that covers medevac services or who are able to pay in advance the considerable
cost of such services (often in excess of USD 40,000). See Medical Insurance below. Travelers must carry their own supplies
of prescription drugs and preventive medicines, as well as a doctor's note describing the medication. If the quantity of
drugs exceeds that which would be expected for personal use, a permit from the Ministry of Health is required.
Malaria is prevalent in Ethiopia outside of the highland areas. Travelers who become ill with a fever or flu-like illness
while traveling in a malaria-risk area and up to one year after returning home should seek prompt medical attention and explain
to the health care provider their travel history and which anti-malarials they have been taking. For additional information
on malaria, protection from insect bites, and anti-malarial drugs, please visit the CDC Travelers' Health web site at http://www.cdc.gov/malaria/index.htm.
Tuberculosis is an increasingly serious health concern in Ethiopia. For further information, please consult the CDC's Travel
Notice on TB at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/yellowBookCh4-TB.aspx.
Ethiopia is a mountainous country and the high altitude may cause health problems, even for healthy travelers. Addis Ababa
is located at an altitude of 8,300 feet. Travelers may experience shortness of breath, fatigue, nausea, headaches, and inability
to sleep. Individuals with respiratory (including asthma) or heart conditions should consult with a health care professional
before traveling to Ethiopia. Travelers to Ethiopia should also avoid swimming in any lakes, rivers, or still bodies of water.
Most bodies of water have been found to contain parasites. Travelers should be aware that Ethiopia has a high prevalence
of HIV/AIDS. Ethiopia has had outbreaks of acute watery diarrhea, possible cholera, typhoid, or other bacterial diarrhea
in the recent past, and the conditions for reoccurrences continue to exist. Further information on prevention and treatment
of cholera and other diarrheal diseases can be found at the CDC web site at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/contentDiseases.aspx.
Ethiopian authorities are monitoring the possibility of avian influenza following the deaths of poultry and birds; preliminary
results are negative. For additional information on avian flu please visit the CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/.
The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Ethiopia.
Please verify with the embassy of Ethiopia before you travel.
Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection,
may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP
(1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC’s web site at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization’s (WHO) web site at
http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith/en.
MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad
to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation.
Specific medevac insurance, which generally covers evacuation of a patient from Ethiopia to a location where adequate medical
attention is available, is often inexpensive and available through a variety of companies that can be accessed online. Medicare
and Medicaid recipients are not covered overseas and are advised to purchase supplemental health and medical evacuation insurances.
Please see our information on medical insurance overseas.
TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United
States. The information below concerning Ethiopia is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate
in a particular location or circumstance.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Ethiopia has the highest rate of traffic fatalities per vehicle in the world.
Roads in Ethiopia are poorly maintained, inadequately marked, and poorly lighted. Road travel after dark outside Addis Ababa
and other cities is dangerous and discouraged due to hazards posed by broken-down vehicles left in the road, pedestrians walking
in the road, stray animals, and the possibility of armed robbery. Road lighting in cities is inadequate at best and nonexistent
outside of cities. Excessive speed, unpredictable local driving habits, pedestrians and livestock in the roadway, and the
lack of basic safety equipment on many vehicles are daily hazards on Ethiopian roads.
While travel during daylight hours on both paved and unpaved roads is generally considered safe, land mines and other anti-personnel
devices can be encountered on isolated dirt roads that were targeted during various conflicts. Before undertaking any off-road
travel, it is advisable to inquire of local authorities to ensure that the area has been cleared of mines. Please refer to
our Road Safety page for more information.
AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Ethiopia’s Civil Aviation Authority as being
in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Ethiopia’s
air carrier operations. For more information, travelers may visit the FAA’s web site at http://www.faa.gov/safety/programs_initiatives/oversight/iasa/.
The Ethiopian government has closed air routes near the border with Eritrea and has referred to the airspace as a “no-fly
zone.” The FAA currently prohibits U.S. aircraft and U.S. pilots from flying in Ethiopian airspace north of 12 degrees north
latitude, the area along the country's northern border with Eritrea. For complete information on this flight prohibition,
travelers may visit the FAA's web site at http://www.faa.gov/airports_airtraffic/air_traffic/publications/notices/2008-11-20/PART3_SEC1.cfm.
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Ethiopia does not recognize dual nationality. The government of Ethiopia considers Ethiopians who have become naturalized
U.S. citizens to be Americans. Such individuals are not subject to Ethiopian military service. The Ethiopian government
has stated that Ethiopian-Americans in almost all cases are given the same opportunity to invest in Ethiopia as Ethiopians.
Several years ago the government of Ethiopia arrested people of Eritrean origin who initially failed to disclose their U.S.
citizenship. However, this has not occurred in recent years. Ethiopian officials have recently stated that Eritrean-Americans
are treated as U.S. citizens and are not subject to arrest simply because of their ties to Eritrea. For additional information,
see our dual nationality flyer.
Permits are required before exporting either antiques or animal skins from Ethiopia. Antique religious artifacts, including
"Ethiopian” crosses, require documentation from the National Museum in Addis Ababa for export.
Foreign currency should be exchanged in authorized banks, hotels and other legally authorized outlets and proper receipts
should be obtained for the transactions. Exchange receipts are required to convert unused Ethiopian currency back to the
original foreign currency. Penalties for exchanging money on the black market range from fines to imprisonment. Credit cards
are not accepted at most hotels, restaurants, shops, or other local facilities, although they are accepted at the Hilton and
Sheraton Hotels in Addis Ababa. Some hotels and car rental companies, particularly in Addis Ababa, may require foreigners
to pay in foreign currency or show a receipt for the source of foreign exchange if paying in local currency. However, many
hotels or establishments are not permitted to accept foreign currency or may be reluctant to do so.
Ethiopian institutions have on occasion refused to accept 1996 series U.S. currency, although official policy is that such
currency should be treated as legal tender.
Ethiopian law strictly prohibits the photographing of military installations, police/military personnel, industrial facilities,
government buildings, and infrastructure (roads, bridges, dams, airfields, etc.). Such sites are rarely marked clearly.
Travel guides, police, and Ethiopian officials can advise if a particular site may be photographed. Photographing prohibited
sites may result in the confiscation of film and camera.
There is a risk of earthquakes in Ethiopia. Buildings may collapse due to strong tremors. General information about natural
disaster preparedness is available via the Internet from the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at http://www.fema.gov/.
Please see our Customs Information.
CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly
from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties
for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Ethiopia’s laws,
even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs
in Ethiopia are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Engaging in sexual conduct
with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime, prosecutable in the United States.
Please see our information on Criminal Penalties.
CHILDREN'S ISSUES: For information see our Office of Children’s Issues web pages on intercountry adoption and international parental child abduction.
REGISTRATION / EMBASSY LOCATION: Americans living or traveling in Ethiopia are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department’s travel registration website so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security within Ethiopia. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency. The U.S. Embassy is located at Entoto Avenue, P.O. Box 1014, in Addis Ababa; telephone: 251-11-124-2424; emergency after-hours telephone: 251-11-124-2400; consular fax: 251-11-124-2435; web site: http://ethiopia.usembassy.gov/.
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This replaces the Country Specific Information for Ethiopia dated April 30, 2008 to update sections on Country Description, Entry/Exit Requirements, Safety and Security, Crime, Information for Victims of Crime, Medical Facilities and Health Information, and Traffic Safety and Road Conditions.
