Ethiopia

Advice level

• do_not_disturb_on

  Avoid non-essential travel

  in Ethiopia overall

  keyboard_arrow_up

  Last updated: 17 March 2025

  Still current at: 30 March 2025

  Avoid non-essential travel to the Danakil desert area (east of the Dessie-Adigrat road and north of the Dessie-Djibouti road).
  
  There is a significant threat to your security in these areas due to cross border tensions, the activities of armed militant groups, the risk of kidnapping and armed banditry, and the presence of landmines (level 3 of 4).
  
  Avoid non-essential travel elsewhere in the Oromia region, except for the city of Addis Ababa, due to ethnic conflicts and the unpredictable security situation (level 3 of 4). 
  
  Avoid non-essential travel elsewhere in Ethiopia, except for the city of Addis Ababa due to ongoing civil unrest and armed conflicts in the northern part of the country, which could spread to new areas without warning (level 3 of 4). 
  
  Note: there are areas of Ethiopia where we recommend you do not travel. See below for regional advice.

  Find out more about our travel advice.

• cancel

  Do not travel

  to some areas

  keyboard_arrow_down

  Last updated: 17 March 2025

  Still current at: 30 March 2025

  Do not travel to more remote regions or within 10 kilometres of Ethiopia's borders with: 

  • Somalia, 
  • Kenya, 
  • South Sudan, 
  • Sudan,
  • Eritrea, (with the exception of Highway 80 and the Moyale border crossing along the Kenyan border).

  This is due to the high risk of violence, kidnapping and landmines. Despite a peace agreement in November 2022 between the Ethiopian Government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), the border between Ethiopia and Eritrea remains a heavily militarized security corridor. Border roads with Eritrea are closed due to the conflict in Tigray. Conditions at the border may change with no warning (level 4 of 4). 
  
  Do not travel to Tigray, the Regional State of Amhara, due to due to the ongoing military conflict and uncertain security situation, which could deteriorate with little warning (level 4 of 4).
  
  Do not travel to most parts of the Somali region, specifically:  

  • the Nogob (previously Fik), 
  • Jarar (previously Degehabur), 
  • Shabelle (previously Gode), 
  • Korahe and Dollo (previously Warder) zones,
  • Within 100 kilometres of the border with Somalia in the Afder and Liben zones. 

  This is due to the high risk of terrorist attacks, kidnapping, violence and landmines (level 4 of 4).
  
  Do not travel to certain parts of the Gambella region (the districts of Akobo, Wantawo, Jikawo and Lare in the Nuer zone and Jore district in the Agnuak zone) due to the high risk of violence and the volatile security situation (level 4 of 4).
  
  Do not travel to parts of the Oromia regional state (the West Wollega Zone, East Wollega Zone, Kelem Wollega, Horo Gudru Wollega) and Benishangul Gumuz Regional State due to high degrees of violent civil unrest (level 4 of 4).

• error

  Exercise increased caution

  in the city of Addis Ababa and Mekele, the regional state of Afar, and the Danakil desert area

  keyboard_arrow_down

  Last updated: 28 November 2024

  Still current at: 30 March 2025

  Exercise increased caution in: 

  • the city of Addis Ababa and Mekele; 
  • the regional state of Afar (except within 10 Kilometers of the border with Eritrea);
  • the Danakil desert area (except the areas east of the Dessie-Adigrat road and north of the Dessie-Djibouti road) due to the unstable political situation and ethnic tensions (level 2 of 4).

• Conflict

  keyboard_arrow_down

  The security situation in Ethiopia remains volatile. A State of Emergency was declared in Amhara Regional State in August 2023 due to ongoing fighting between armed groups and Ethiopian defence forces. New Zealanders in Ethiopia are strongly advised against all travel to the Amhara region.

  The conflict between the Ethiopian government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front ended in November 2022. The situation in Tigray Regional State has subsequently improved, although New Zealanders in Ethiopia are strongly advised against all travel to the area of Western Tigray, and otherwise should avoid non-essential travel to the region.

  Inter-ethnic and other conflicts frequently break out and expand with little warning in Ethiopia. Ongoing tensions along the Oromia-Ethiopian Somali regional border have displaced many people and can flare up at any time (including in the urban centres of Dire Dawa, Harar and Jijiga). Conflict between Oromos and Gedeo people in southwest Ethiopia from May 2018 has displaced around one million people. Protests and violent civil unrest have occurred recently in the Oromia, Amhara, Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Region, and Somali regions of Ethiopia, but can take place anywhere in the country.

  Security forces have in the past responded with violence and previous protests have led to a number of deaths and mass arrests. Disruptions to telephone and internet communications have been experienced throughout the country, including in Addis Ababa, and roads have been blocked without warning.

  Explosive devices, such as grenades, are readily available in Ethiopia and are occasionally used in local disputes.

  New Zealanders in Ethiopia are advised to exercise vigilance throughout the country and avoid all protests, demonstrations and large public gatherings as they have the potential to turn violent with little warning. If you are in an area affected by demonstrations or violence, you should find a safe location and remain indoors until it is safe to depart the affected area, adhering to any instructions and restrictions issued by the local authorities. Monitor the media to stay informed of local developments and potential risks to safety and security.

• Terrorism

  keyboard_arrow_down

  Terrorists are very likely to attempt to carry out attacks in Ethiopia, and the country has suffered a number of terrorist attacks in the past.

  The Somalia-based terrorist group Al-Shabaab has issued public threats against Ethiopia due to its involvement in military intervention in Somalia. Al-Shabaab has carried out attacks in neighbouring countries in recent years and there are credible reports that Al-Shabaab has the intent and capability to attack targets in Ethiopia, including western interests. 

  New Zealanders in Ethiopia are advised to be security conscious at all times and follow any instructions and restrictions issued by the local authorities. Particular care should be taken in crowded and public places, and in areas known to be frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers, including hotels, restaurants, bars, clubs, shopping centres, market areas, places of worship, schools, government offices, sporting or other large public events, tourist sites and transport hubs.

• Crime

  keyboard_arrow_down

  Petty theft and muggings are common in Addis Ababa and there have been violent assaults against foreigners. Carjackings outside urban areas have been reported. Crime significantly increases after dark.

  New Zealanders in Ethiopia are advised to be security conscious at all times and avoid walking or travelling alone, particularly at night and to isolated areas. Take steps to safeguard and secure your personal belongings, especially when visiting crowded public places. Avoid displaying or wearing items that appear valuable, such as mobile devices and jewellery.

• Kidnapping

  keyboard_arrow_down

  There is a high threat of kidnapping in Ethiopia’s Somali region, border regions of eastern Ethiopia, along the Eritrea-Ethiopian border and Oromia regions (particularly Qellem, East and West Wollega zones) and the border regions with South Sudan. Foreigners have been seen as legitimate targets by active terrorist groups. We advise against all travel to these areas.  

• Road travel

  keyboard_arrow_down

  Due to the potential for the security situation to change at short notice, New Zealanders are advised to take care when travelling outside of Addis Ababa, particularly when travelling by road.

  Where road travel is required you should keep doors locked and windows up at all times. Avoid the use of public transportation as it is considered unsafe. Wherever possible travel in a convoy and avoid all travel after dark. Pre-plan your travel route and ensure all vehicles are fully equipped with essential supplies especially potable water.

• General advice

  keyboard_arrow_down

  New Zealanders travelling or living in Ethiopia should have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place that includes provision for medical evacuation by air.  Medical facilities and emergency response services outside of Addis Ababa are limited, and even in Addis Ababa standards of care can vary greatly.
  
  New Zealanders must have a valid visa or permit to enter and remain in Ethiopia. Staying beyond the validity of your visa is seen as a serious issue by Ethiopian authorities and can result in daily fines and imprisonment before you are able to leave the country.
  
  Ethiopia does not recognise dual nationality. This may limit our ability to provide consular assistance to New Zealand/Ethiopian dual nationals.
  
  Same-sex sexual acts are illegal. If found guilty you could face up to 15 years imprisonment. See our advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers.
  
  US dollars are only accepted at banks for exchange but it is not usually possible to access US dollars inside the country. Make sure you have an adequate supply of hard currency for your trip before arriving in Ethiopia. Credit cards are accepted at a number of locations including most hotels, restaurants and some grocery stores in Addis Ababa. Credit cards are rarely accepted elsewhere in Ethiopia. ATMs are available in Addis Ababa for withdrawing local currency.