Ethiopia Travel Advice and Travel Advisories

Ethiopia Travel Vaccines and Advice

While traveling to Ethiopia, please keep in mind some routine vaccines such as Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, etc.

Some might not see Ethiopia first come to mind when travelling. If you think it’s all about deserts, then think again. This country certainly has charm and originality to spare. Rich in history and culture, it is worthy of its name as the  Cradle of humanity.  Unsuspected landscapes and ancient architectural remains such as the fascinating Orthodox Christian heritage all add to its fame. For avid hikers, walk through its high volcanic plateaus. You will find a particularly rich fauna and flora. Its magnificent lakes, which contrast with its dizzying peaks, are also suitable for many water activities. It should be noted that Ethiopia has one of the mildest climates in Africa. This allows you to enjoy the charm of this country whenever throughout the year.

While traveling to Ethiopia, please keep in mind some routine vaccines such as Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, etc.
A beautiful landscape in Ethiopia

Recommended travel vaccinations for Ethiopia

VaccineDisease Transmission
Traveler’s diarrheaContaminated water/food
Cholera
Typhoid
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis BContaminated body fluids
(blood, sex, razors, needles, etc.)
RabiesInfected Animals
Yellow FeverMosquito bites
MeningitisAirborne Droplets
Influenza

Recommended Medication for Travelling to Ethiopia

MedicationAdditional Information
Acetazolamide or DexamethasoneRecommended for prevention of acute mountain sickness
Azithromycin or SupraxAntibiotic in case of traveler’s diarrhea
Malarone, Doxycycline or MefloquineRecommended anti-malaria medication

Current Weather in Ethiopia

ADDIS-ABEBA WEATHER

Medical Care in Ethiopia

The Ethiopian health situation has recently collapsed due to many factors: inequality of basic care access between urban and rural areas, lack of medicines, shortage of medical personnel and equipment, and rudimentary facilities. Care provided in urban centres is still far from sufficient, even in the capital Addis Ababa. Even quality doctors struggle to operate with old equipment.

Pharmacies are not well-stocked, and the few pharmaceuticals available are unreliable. Ethiopia is also often struck by a shortage of drugs. For this reason, the US Embassy recommends that travellers carry enough prescriptions and medications to prevent sickness whilst travelling. However, if you are bringing a large number of drugs into the country, you require permission from the Ministry of Health. Before visiting Ethiopia, consult your doctor for advice.

To call for an ambulance, call 907 for the red cross in Addis Ababa.

Is Ethiopia Safe for Travel?

Safety and Security Descriptive
Crime Risk present
Terrorism Risk present
Demonstrations and civil unrest Risk of violence; Avoid Amhara and Oromia regions
Road safety Secondary roads are in poor condition; Overland travel is unsafe
Public transportation Unregulated and unsafe
Women’s safety Risk present
Borders with Sudan/South Sudan/Gambella region AVOID ALL TRAVEL
Border with Eritrea/Somali/ Danakil Desert/Erta Ale Volcano AVOID ALL TRAVEL
Border with Kenya AVOID ALL TRAVEL
Health PolioCholera and Chikungunya warning
Risk level High degree of caution
Please click here for more information.

Do I Need a Visa to Visit Ethiopia?

Prior to travel, make sure you check with your transportation company about any passport requirements. This is important as in some cases their regulations on passport validity may be more strict than those of the destination country. Both, a visa and a passport are required to enter Ethiopia. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of departure. Please click here for more information.

Embassy of Canada to Ethiopia information

When travelling to another country, it is important to know where the Canadian embassy is located in the event of:
  • A legal problem
  • A lost passport
  • The need to report a crime
It is advisable to make a copy of your original passport in case you lose it.

Canadian Embassy to Ethiopia
Street Address:
Old Airport Area, Nefas Silk Lafto Sub City,
Kebele 04, House No.122, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Tel.: 251 (0) 11 317 0000
Fax: 251 (0) 11 317 0040

Email: [email protected]

Click here to access the embassy’s website