Ethiopia

Summary

The FCDO advise against all travel to parts of the country.Still current at:29 October 2022Updated:28 October 2022Latest update:Information on reports of airstrikes in late October against armed groups in the West Shewa zone of Oromia

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all travel to:

• the whole of Tigray regional state
• all areas within 30km of the border with Tigray regional state and within 30kms of the border with Sudan, except those specified elsewhere in this advice and including Lalibela town and the D31 road connecting Tigray to Lalibela.
• The A2 road north of Wichale and surrounding areas within 20km of the A2 road.
• Gashena town, the B22 road east of Gashena and surrounding countryside areas within 20km of the B22.
• the northwest of Afar regional state – Dalol, Kenebo, Berahle, Aba’ala and Megale woredas of Zone 2; and areas within 10km of the border with Tigray regional state.
• the whole of Gambella regional state
• the West Wollega Zone, East Wollega Zone, Kellem Wellega and Horo Gudru Wellega in the Oromia regional state
• the whole of the Metekel Zone and Maokomo Special zone in the Benishangul Gumuz regional state
• the Konso Special Woreda of the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ Region (SNNPR)
• within 10 km of the border with South Sudan
• within 100 km of the Ethiopian border with Somalia and Kenya in Ethiopia’s Somali region, and within 30 km of the Ethiopian border with Somalia in Fafan zone, with the exception of border town and crossing at Wajale, and the principal road between Jijiga and Wajale.
• within 10 km of the border with Sudan and the other parts of the Kenyan border, with the exception of principal roads/towns

The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to:

• the A2 road from Wichale to Dessie, and surrounding/countryside areas within 20km of the A2 road.
• in Ethiopian Somali Regional State, the Siti zone, the Nogob (previously Fik), Jarar (previously Degehabur), Shabelle (previously Gode), Korahe and Dollo (previously Warder), and the areas of Liben and Afder zones more than 100km from the Somalia and Kenya borders
• in Amhara regional state, all areas north of the A3, B22 and A2 roads; and to the east of the A2 and north of the B11 (northeast of Dessie)
• the Telelak, Dewe, Arturna and Fursi woredas of Zone 5; Yalo, Gulina and Ewa woredas in Zone 4 (apart from all areas south of the Chifra – Semera highway); Afdera woreda in Zone 2, with the exception of the road to Afdera town, including the town of Afdera); and within 10km of the border with Eritrea in Afar regional state
• the West Guji and Guji zones, and Bale Mountains area in the Oromia regional state
• the rest of the Benishangul Gumuz regional state

There is a military conflict ongoing in northern Ethiopia. . A cessation of hostilities was agreed in March 2022, but in mid-August fighting between the Ethiopian National Defence Force and Tigrayan forces resumed along some parts of the border between Tigray region and Amhara and Afar regions.

The conflict has potential to escalate and spread quickly and with little warning. The FCDO advises against all travel to Tigray region and to parts of northern Amhara region and western Afar region. If you are in Tigray region, you should leave where safe to do so. If you are in the vicinity of military activity and you cannot leave safely, you should stay indoors, away from windows and remain alert to developments that would enable you to leave safely. See Tigray Region, Amhara Region, and Afar Region.

On 20 July, Al-Shabaab fighters attacked the towns of Aato, Yeed and Washaaqo, near to the border between Somalia and Ethiopia. Al-Shabaab has indicated its intention to commit further attacks in the area and there may be further fighting. Travellers in Somali Regional State should remain vigilant at all times.

There have been reports that Al Shabaab fighters are present in the Bale Mountains area of Oromia. The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to this area. Travellers to this area should remain vigilant at all times.

There have been reports of incidents along the Addis Ababa – Bahir Dar road, including those of armed men attacking vehicles. These usually take place in the early hours when there is poor visibility. You should exercise additional caution and avoid traveling in the dark or when visibility is poor. See Amhara Region

There has been an increase in sporadic conflicts between armed groups in Oromia region and Amhara region. These are mostly reported to be taking place in rural areas of Oromia region, with limited clashes in Amhara region, including in urban areas. Air strikes against armed groups in the West Shewa zone have been reported. You should exercise extreme caution when travelling and be aware that situations have potential to escalate quickly. See Amhara Region and Oromia Region

On 15 February a nationwide State of Emergency, was lifted by the House of People’s Representatives. Those of Tigrayan or Oromo ethnicity may continue to face increased scrutiny, including at the airport and through direct police operations. You should avoid large gatherings and demonstrations. You should carry copies of ID, avoid possession of foreign currency and possession of weapons. You should avoid confrontation and follow the instructions of the authorities. You should monitor local news and social media closely for further updates. See Addis Ababa

Conflict has broken out in Gambella with heavy gunfire reported on 14 June. See Gambella

The current political and security situation means that the consular support the British Embassy can provide may be limited. If you need urgent help, call +251 (0)11 617 0100. If you experience technical difficulties or if you are in the UK call +44 (0)20 7008 5000.

For information on returning to England from Ethiopia, see Returning to the UK.

Before you travel, check the ‘Entry requirements’ section for Ethiopia’s current entry restrictions and requirements. These may change with little warning. Monitor this advice for the latest updates and stay in contact with your travel provider.

If you plan to pass through another country to return to the UK, check the travel advice for the country you’re transiting.

It is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides appropriate cover. See the FCDO’s guidance on foreign travel insurance.

There are frequent incidences of civil unrest in Ethiopia, including protests and strikes. Some of these can cause temporary closure of roads, internet and mobile networks or disruption to local businesses and transport. In the past some protests have escalated into serious violence. See Local travel

Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Ethiopia. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners. You should be vigilant at all times, especially in crowded areas and public places like transport hubs, hotels, restaurants, bars and places of worship and during major gatherings like religious or sporting events. There is a threat of kidnapping in Ethiopia’s Somali region, and on the southern border with Kenya, particularly in the eastern areas to which the FCDO advise against all travel. See Terrorism

Internet connections in Ethiopia, including mobile data, can be intermittent.

Ethiopia is primarily a cash based society and banking facilities, including card payments and ATMs are very limited outside major cities. See Money

There is an ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. You may see some additional checks taking place at arrival on all flights into Bole Airport in Addis Ababa. See Health

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating overseas on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.