Travel advisories serve as crucial signals to help travelers understand potential risks associated with visiting specific countries. Ethiopia has been included in such advisories due to its ongoing political instability and internal conflicts. These factors create an unpredictable environment that might affect the safety and well-being of visitors. Recognizing why Ethiopia is subject to a travel advisory means acknowledging these underlying issues, such as regional tensions and occasional outbreaks of violence, which can disrupt travel plans and pose hazards.
Governments issue travel advisories when safety and security risks for visitors rise beyond a manageable baseline. Ethiopia’s inclusion on travel advisories, including those from the US Department of State and the Government of Canada, stems largely from political instability and internal conflict.
Ethiopia is a captivating landlocked country located in the northeastern part of the African region known as the Horn of Africa. The country boasts a lofty central plateau, where majestic mountains soar above 4,000m (13,000ft), all beautifully divided by the Great Rift Valley.
Recent Incidents and Political Landscape
Numerous travelers have encountered difficulties in Ethiopia owing to its complex political landscape. Recent incidents include disruptions caused by protests, restricted access to conflict zones, and temporary closures of transportation routes. These examples highlight the critical importance of heeding travel advisories and relying on verified information sources. Ignoring such warnings can lead to being stranded or exposed to unsafe conditions.
On 3 November 2020, fighting broke out in Ethiopia’s northern Tigray region between local Tigray forces and the federal government. Although the conflict was contained to the Tigray region for several months, the fighting gradually spread to bordering regions as Tigray Defense Forces advanced into the Afar and Amhara regions in July 2021. Tigray, Afar, and Amhara are home to some of the most sought-after tourist destinations in northern Ethiopia, including the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela in Amhara and the dramatic salt flats and fiery volcanoes of the Danakil Depression in Afar.
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On 2 November 2021, the Ethiopian government declared a state of emergency. Under this declaration, the government is able to impose curfews, restrict freedom of movement, and institute censorship, among other actions. While the Ethiopian government proposed to end the state of emergency in late January 2022, the situation remains unstable in northern regions. Military conflict persists in Tigray and sections of Amhara and Afar, with the potential to escalate or spread with little warning.
Telecommunications, electricity, and public services are limited in the Tigray region, making travel unpredictable and highly risky for foreign tourists. Many foreign companies evacuated their workers and ethnic violence and threats against Tigrayan citizens continues to be an ongoing issue. Travel in the rest of Ethiopia should be treated cautiously.
Ongoing incidences of civil unrest, including protests and strikes, are occurring around Ethiopia. The capital, Addis Ababa, is relatively stable at the moment (March 2022), as is travel to southern regions of Ethiopia. This includes the popular Omo Valley, a region renowned for its vibrant tribes, as well as Dorze, one of my favorite areas in Ethiopia that is renowned for its dancing and is abundant in green hills and lake views. However, travel to these regions of Ethiopia should still be treated cautiously.
Staying Safe: Digital and Physical Measures
In environments marked by political instability like Ethiopia, safeguarding your digital footprint is essential. Utilize secure communication platforms such as Signal or Telegram to maintain private conversations free from surveillance risks. Offline maps, like those from Maps.me or downloaded Google Maps areas, provide navigation without relying on real-time data connections, which may be compromised. Keep all devices fully charged and updated, allowing uninterrupted access to the latest travel advisories and emergency contacts. Establishing VPN access can also add a layer of security to online activity amid fluctuating network integrity.
Staying safe while traveling in a country with political instability requires proactive planning. Register with your embassy upon arrival so they can contact you in emergencies. Share travel itineraries with trusted contacts. Develop contingency plans including alternate routes, communication strategies, and emergency evacuation options.
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Geopolitics in the Horn Of Africa
This video offers insight into the complex geopolitical tensions in the Horn of Africa, highlighting why regional instability contributes to the travel advisory status for Ethiopia.
Specific Regional Risks
government personnel, with limited exceptions to support humanitarian capacity and priority diplomatic engagement efforts: the entirety of Horro-Guduru Wollega, East Wollega, West Wollega, Kelem Wollega, Illubabor, and Bale.
Terrorists maintain a presence in Somali towns near the Ethiopian border, presenting a risk of cross-border attacks and kidnappings. Landmines are present in this region. Crime, kidnapping, the potential for ethnically motivated violence, and sporadic violent conflict exist near the Ethiopian borders with Sudan and South Sudan. This includes but is not limited to the Nuer Zone and the Jore Woreda of the Agnuak Zone in the Gambela region, and the Pawe, Guba, Dangur, Dibati, and Bulen woredas, and the Metekel zone in the Benishangul Gumuz Region.
Terrorists, particularly Al-Shabaab, maintain a presence in this area, and ethnically motivated violence has been reported. This includes but is not limited to the Borena zone and surrounding areas.
Practical Travel Tips
Here are some practical travel tips, especially for women traveling solo:
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- Similar to other countries in East Africa, it is best to dress conservatively in Ethiopia. Opt for long dresses and skirts, loose pants and tops. The weather can vary drastically between regions. The highlands are extremely hot during the day and very cold after sunset.
- Sturdy sandals and/or hiking boots are important. Running water is rare in rural regions, meaning facilities to wash hands and take showers are intermittent.
- Outside of Addis Ababa, there is little nightlife in Ethiopia. In Addis, it is safe to walk around alone during the day but it’s best to take a taxi at night.
- Accommodation is extremely variable throughout the country. There is no fast and hard rule on this except to stay at official establishments when possible.
- Domestic flights have been suspended across the Tigray region. Intermittent and often unpredictable road closures are an issue across Ethiopia.
Currency and Payments
In Ethiopia, the surge in inflation has led to US dollars becoming the go-to currency in international hotels. If you add any hotel extras to your room account, such as charges from the restaurant or bar, they will typically appear on your hotel account in US Dollars. Exchanging some dollars for the local currency, Birr, can be quite handy for those little transactions, like tipping or picking up unique souvenirs. It’s a good idea to bring along some smaller bills that were issued after 2009. Keep in mind that some places may not offer credit card options.
American Express, Visa, and Mastercard can be used at various accommodations and in many larger hotels and shops, though it is common for a 5-10% surcharge to be added, particularly by smaller businesses.
Visa and Health Requirements
A passport is crucial and must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned visit, with at least two blank pages available. Every traveler heading to Ethiopia must obtain a visa. The sole exceptions include nationals from Djibouti and Kenya, as well as travelers arriving at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport for a connecting flight. Visas on arrival can be obtained by tourists at Addis Ababa (Bole) International Airport, costing around US $50 for one month and US $75 for three months.
In certain regions of Ethiopia, there exists a possibility of yellow fever transmission, while some areas present a minimal chance of exposure to the virus. Consult your GP regarding your travel plans and the necessary vaccine requirements. Make sure you are completely informed about the Covid travel policies of your destination country. Your travel insurance ought to encompass protection for cancellation and curtailment, medical coverage, lost or damaged baggage, and emergency evacuation.
Importance of Staying Informed
Understanding why Ethiopia is on the red list of travel advisories clarifies the connection between political instability and traveler safety risks. These advisories represent an important data point for making informed travel decisions. Since travel restrictions and advisory levels evolve alongside the country’s political and security climate, ongoing monitoring is essential. Always prioritize your security by staying updated with reliable sources, preparing accordingly, and adopting practical digital and physical safety measures.
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