April 2, 2026
Addis Ababa — The U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” warning for several regions in Ethiopia, citing escalating security threats including armed conflict, crime, and kidnapping.
In its latest travel advisory update released on April 1, the department named Tigray, Afar, Amhara, Gambella, and Benishangul Gumuz among areas facing heightened risks, urging U.S. citizens to avoid travel to these regions entirely.
The advisory stated that these areas are affected by ongoing armed conflict, political and ethnic violence, and widespread insecurity, with conditions that can deteriorate rapidly without warning.
It also warned of elevated risks of kidnapping, particularly in Gambella and Benishangul Gumuz, as well as in border areas where armed groups are active.
Beyond the Level 4 regions, the State Department maintained Ethiopia under a Level 3 “Reconsider Travel” advisory overall, pointing to broader concerns including unrest, terrorism, landmines, and communication disruptions across the country.
Despite the warnings, the department described the situation in Addis Ababa as relatively stable, while cautioning that sporadic violence and civil unrest persist in other parts of the country.
The advisory further noted that internet and telecommunications services are frequently disrupted during periods of unrest, potentially affecting communication and access to consular assistance.
U.S. government personnel are required to obtain special authorization to travel outside the capital, and the embassy’s ability to assist citizens in high-risk areas remains limited due to access constraints.
The department also highlighted strict enforcement of immigration laws, warning that violations—even if unintentional—can result in fines, detention, or exit bans preventing departure from the country.
It urged travelers to remain vigilant, avoid high-risk areas, and closely monitor local developments, emphasizing that security conditions in affected regions remain fluid and unpredictable.
At the beginning of February, Addis Standard reported that the Government of the United Kingdom had significantly expanded its travel warnings for Ethiopia, advising its nationals against all travel to Tigray, Amhara, and Gambella regions, as well as cautioning against travel to several other areas and extensive border zones due to deteriorating security conditions.
Similarly, in mid-November, the Government of Canada issued an updated travel advisory warning its citizens of heightened security and health risks in Ethiopia. The advisory urged Canadians to avoid travel to multiple regions, including Amhara, Tigray, Benishangul-Gumuz, Gambella, and Sidama, and to avoid all travel to parts of the Oromia region, specifically North Shewa, West Wollega, East Wollega, Kellem Wollega, and Horo Gudru Wollega.
According to the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO, UK nationals are advised against all travel to Tigray region, where recent reports show militarized tensions in various places. At least one person was killed and another injured after a drone strike hit two trucks in the Enticho area, Central Tigray zone, on Friday night. Another drone strike was also reported at around 5:30 a.m. in the area of Gendebta, Central Tigray zone. Both strikes targeted vehicles loaded with consumer goods. Flights to the region remain suspended as of Thursday.
UK’s travel warning also bans all travels to Amhara region, where a war between government and the Fano armed groups remained active since it first broke in 2023; and Gambela region, where renewed clashes saw scored killed and schools shuttered.
The advisory also extends to all areas within 10 kilometers of Ethiopia’s border with Eritrea, and within 20 kilometers of the border with Sudan, as well as within 10 kilometers of the border with South Sudan.
The FCDO further advises against all travel within 10 kilometers of the border with Kenya, except along principal roads and towns, and within 100 kilometers of Ethiopia’s borders with Somalia and Kenya in the Somali region. In the Fafan zone, the restriction applies within 30 kilometers of the Ethiopia–Somalia border, except for the border town and crossing at Wajale and the principal road linking Jijiga and Wajale.
The advisory, published on 14 November 2025 by the government of Canada, cites ongoing civil unrest, armed conflict and rising violent crime in various parts of Ethiopia. While Addis Abeba is described as relatively safer than other areas, Canadian authorities still advise travellers to remain highly vigilant in the capital.
According to the advisory, the northern regions of Amhara, Tigray and Benishangul-Gumuz are classified as high-risk due to armed clashes, ethnic violence and banditry. In Amhara, armed groups are reported to be fighting government forces, with roadblocks and curfews frequently imposed. In Tigray, despite the November 2022 peace agreement, the security situation remains unstable in areas such as Mekelle and Adigrat. Benishangul-Gumuz is flagged for recurrent ethnic violence and unpredictable insecurity. AS