This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Ethiopia’s current rules for the most common types of travel.
\n\nThe authorities in Ethiopia set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how Ethiopia’s entry requirements apply to you, contact the Ethiopian Embassy in the UK.
\n\nYour passport must be:
\n\nWhen returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
\n\nYou must have a visa to visit Ethiopia for tourism or business.
\n\nYou do not need a visa if you have a valid Ethiopian Diplomatic ID Card, Ethiopian Temporary Residents Permit or Ethiopian Origin ID (Yellow Cards).
\n\nWe recommend UK nationals apply online for tourist and business visas before arrival.
\n\nYou will need to provide a scanned colour copy of your passport and a colour passport sized photo. Get a 30-day single entry tourist visa from the official Ethiopian e-visa platform.
\n\nIf you visit Ethiopia on a tourist visa, you cannot take employment, including voluntary employment. If you break the rules, you can get heavy fines or be imprisoned.
\n\nCheck what type of visa you need for business, work, study or other reasons. Journalists will also need to obtain Media Arrival entry clearance via the Arrival Clearance Portal.
\n\nYou can apply for an official extension of 30 or 90 more days before your visa expires. You need to go in person to the Head Office of the Immigration and Citizenship Service in Addis Ababa.
\n\nLeave the country before your visa or your extension expires. The penalty for overstaying is 30 US dollars a day. You will not be allowed to leave until you pay in full.
\n\nTo enter Ethiopia, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.
\n\nFor full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Ethiopia guide.
\n\nYou may need a yellow fever certificate for onward travel to some other countries, due to the risk of yellow fever in Ethiopia.
\n\nTravellers arriving from some countries are required to complete an Ethiopian Ministry of Health survey\nbefore arrival, if they are visiting Ethiopia or making a transit stop which includes movement outside of the airport. Check with your airline if the country you are traveling from requires this.
\n\nYou could be required to undergo testing or treatment if you have symptoms.
\n\nTravellers from some countries may be required to complete a health declaration form if they are visiting or transiting through Ethiopia. Check with the airline if the country you are travelling from requires this.
\n\nThere are strict rules about goods that you can take into or out of Ethiopia.
\n\nIf you plan to take in specialist equipment, such as filming or audio equipment, the Ethiopian Embassy in London advises you check with your tour operator or local contact before you travel as special customs regulations may apply.
\n\nContact the Ethiopian Embassy Press Office for more information and advice.
\n\nYou can carry up to 3,000 Ethiopian birr when entering or leaving Ethiopia. An exception is when travelling to Djibouti from Ethiopia, in which case you can carry up to 10,000 birr. If you are found with more than the legal limits, customs authorities can seize your cash and you could get a prison sentence.
\n\nWhen you enter or leave Ethiopia, you must declare any cash over 10,000 US dollars (or equivalent in other currencies). Residents of Ethiopia, including resident British nationals, must declare any cash over 4,000 US dollars.
\n\nIf you leave Ethiopia with cash above these amounts, you must show officials the customs declaration form you got when you entered Ethiopia, or the bank advice note if you purchased currency locally.
\n\nIf entering Ethiopia through a land border you must declare cash worth over 500 US dollars.
\n\nKeep your receipt if you change currency into birr. Without a receipt you are unlikely to be able to change leftover money back at the end of your trip.
\n\nKhat is legal in Ethiopia but it is illegal to take it out of the country. Customs officials regularly search luggage at Addis Ababa Bole Airport. Anyone found with khat is likely to be prosecuted.
\n\nYou need an export certificate to take antiques out of the country. If you do not have one, border officials are likely to confiscate your items if they find them. You could be arrested and prosecuted by the authorities.
\n\nIt is illegal to buy or possess ivory – even your own pieces brought in with you. British nationals have had ivory jewellery confiscated and the authorities have imposed fines of up to 25,000 birr (about £220).
\n\nIt’s illegal to import or export satellite phones, binoculars or drones to or from Ethiopia without prior approval from the Customs and Information Network and Security Agency. Get advice from your travel provider on permissions required.
\n\nUnapproved items can be confiscated by authorities. You may be able to collect them on departure from Ethiopia, but this is not guaranteed.
\n\n","safety_html":"There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
\n\nUK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
\n\nTerrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Ethiopia.
\nThere is a threat of terrorism across Ethiopia. Attacks could target westerners, including British nationals. These could occur at any time including at religious events, public holidays or celebrations. Attacks could be indiscriminate and occur in places visited by foreign nationals, such as:
\n\nLarge crowds are common on key national and religious dates, including:
\n\nParts of the country also have local festivals (often celebrating saints’ days) which can lead to large gatherings.
\n\nTerrorist group Al-Shabaab, based in Somalia, poses a threat across East Africa. The group threatens all countries who have military forces in Somalia, including Ethiopia. In 2022, Al-Shabaab attacked the Somali towns of Aato, Yeed and Washaaqo, near the border with Ethiopia. Al-Shabaab has said it intends to commit further attacks in the area.
\n\nThere have been reports of attacks, including possible drone attacks, on military installations in several locations across Ethiopia, including Addis Ababa. Further attacks are possible. Do not approach debris resulting from military activity, or touch unusual objects. Stay away from military sites and installations, and follow the advice of local authorities.
\n\nUnrest can start with no notice. There are ongoing armed clashes between ethnic groups and with security forces in much of the country. Foreigners have not been targeted, but can get caught up in events. You should:
\n\nThe security situation in northern Ethiopia may deteriorate quickly. There have been renewed clashes between insurgent groups and the Ethiopian military in parts of Afar, and Tigray, including reports of drone strikes which have increased in frequency since August 2026.
\n\nSince spring 2023 there has been significant conflict in Amhara region, between Amhara militia groups (Fano) and the Ethiopian authorities, as well as opportunistic crime and banditry.
\n\nThere have been increased tensions and violence between armed groups and the security forces across Oromia region.
\n\nCivil unrest, including protests and strikes, may happen with little or no notice. This can cause:
\n\nIn the past some protests have escalated into serious violence.
\n\nTravellers may face increased scrutiny, particularly if they are of Amhara, Tigrayan or Oromo ethnicity. Officials may carry out direct police operations including road checkpoints and door-to-door calls. Security services sometimes conduct house searches without authorisation.
\n\nIf security officials request access to your accommodation, check the credentials of the officials and then comply with their requests. The authorities have increased security checks at Bole International Airport and there are reports of ethnic Tigrayans being prevented from boarding flights. In all cases, avoid confrontation and follow the instructions of the authorities.
\n\nThere have been a small number of cases of arbitrary detention of British nationals in Ethiopia. The risk may increase if tensions are heightened around major events, or in locations that are sensitive for security reasons. Carry a paper copy of your passport and contact details of the British Embassy in Addis Ababa (phone: +251 11 617 0100) in case you are questioned or detained.
\n\nThe Ethiopian authorities do not always notify embassies when they detain foreign nationals. If you are detained, ask family or friends to contact the British Embassy. The authorities may not permit embassy officials adequate access to detainees.
\n\nMugging (violent theft or theft with the threat of violence) is on the rise. There have been a number of incidents of sexual harassment of women.
\n\nTake care of your belongings when visiting crowded public places, especially at night. There is a risk of petty theft around Bole International Airport, particularly pickpockets and bag-snatchers.
\n\nBe vigilant if strangers approach you. Criminal groups, often including children and young people, sometimes attempt to steal phones, wallets or other valuables by jostling and pickpocketing. They may use distraction techniques including begging, spitting, spilling food and drink, and feigning illness.
\n\nThere has been an increase in reported crime against foreign nationals and Ethiopian nationals in these areas of Addis Ababa:
\n\nAttacks have included knifepoint robberies and victims being choked unconscious. Do not travel alone in these areas if possible. Be cautious if travelling on foot. Consider using road transport where possible, especially after dark.
\n\nThere is a risk of bag and jewellery snatching from vehicles at traffic lights and of thefts from parked cars.
\n\nWhen travelling in vehicles:
\n\nIf threatened, hand over valuables without resistance.
\n\nKidnapping is widespread in parts of Ethiopia, with incidents in the Oromia, Amhara and Somali regions and on the southern border with Kenya.
\n\nThere have been a number of recent kidnappings in Amhara and Oromia, especially within the Adama special zone south of Addis Ababa, and western areas of Oromia region, particularly West Wollega, East Wollega and Qellem Wollega zones.
\n\nPossible targets for criminal kidnap include people engaged in humanitarian aid work, journalism or business sectors. The motivation for kidnappings is extortion, with criminals demanding high sums for ransom.
\n\nWhen arranging meetings, use a secure location. Avoid regular patterns of travel and aim to only travel during daylight hours. If you go to areas where the FCDO advises against travel, you will be at extreme risk.
\n\nThere is a continued risk of landmines and other unexploded ordinances following the end of the 2020-2022 northern Ethiopia conflict.
\n\nThe main areas of risk are:
\n\nMost incidents involve farmers in rural areas but be cautious and avoid traveling off the main roads in the affected areas.
\n\nAlways carry a copy of the photo page of your passport and your visa and entry stamp. It is not a legal requirement to carry the original.
\n\nEthiopia is religiously diverse and largely tolerant. However, many people are devout in their faith. Take care to not offend local traditions, customs, laws and religions. Dress conservatively and observe local customs. Take particular care if travelling:
\n\nRamadan is individually observed but there are no official regulations imposed.
\n\nHealth and safety precautions like life jackets in boats or protective railings at historical sites are rarely in place in Ethiopia.
\n\nTraditionally Ethiopia has a different calendar and way of expressing time than are widely used internationally.
\n\nMost documents issued by hotels and larger organisations, including airline tickets, use the international calendar and clock. However:
\n\nEthiopia is a cash-based society. Banking facilities, including card payments and ATMs are limited, and unreliable, especially outside of cities. Make sure you have enough cash before leaving cities.
\n\nDrug offences are treated seriously in Ethiopia. Possession of drugs can lead to prison sentences of 5 to 10 years and potentially large fines.
\n\nKhat is legal in Ethiopia, but it is illegal to take it out of the country. If you’re found with it in your baggage, the authorities are likely to prosecute you.
\n\nThere are no restrictions on buying or possessing alcohol. This includes the predominantly Muslim regions although it may be more difficult to obtain.
\n\nWomen are expected to dress conservatively, especially when visiting religious sites.
\n\nSame-sex acts (applying to both sexes) are illegal and carry penalties of between 1 and 15 years in prison. Local authorities intimidate and detain owners and clients of hotels, bars and restaurants in Addis Ababa where same-sex activity is alleged to take place.
\n\nThe public are not generally accepting of same-sex relationships. Some religious leaders have called for violence against the LGBT+ community. Showing affection in public may receive unwanted attention. It is dangerous to be openly (or covertly) LGBT+ in Ethiopia, and can lead to great personal risk.
\n\nRead more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
\n\nIt is illegal to take photos:
\n\nThe use of drones is subject to permission from the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority and Information Network and Security Agency.
\n\nFuel availability is currently limited across Ethiopia, with long queues and shortages at petrol stations reported nationwide. This may cause transport disruption and delays, particularly for travel outside Addis Ababa. If you are planning to travel within Ethiopia, check arrangements carefully with your tour operator or transport provider and allow extra time for journeys.
\n\nIf you are planning to drive in Ethiopia, see information on driving abroad.
\n\nYou can use your UK driving licence to drive for up to 2 weeks. To drive for longer, contact the Ethiopian Ministry of Transport and Logistics to apply for an Ethiopian driving licence.
\n\nDriving standards and vehicle maintenance are often poor and there are frequent traffic accidents, especially in Addis Ababa and on the Addis Ababa-Djibouti road.
\n\nDrivers involved in car accidents can face severe punishments, including custodial sentences and fines. If you’re involved in a traffic accident, stay in your vehicle and call the local police. Avoid confrontation and wait for police to arrive to deal with any issues.
\n\nGPS signal is unreliable within Addis Ababa and nearby areas. You can download maps for use offline, and to familiarise yourself with routes before you travel.
\n\nOnly use buses or taxis from the airport that have been organised by your hotel or travel company. If you are booking your own taxi, choose yellow or app-based taxis rather than the blue and white ones.
\n\nAvoid driving after dark anywhere outside Addis Ababa. Vehicles often have no lights and livestock may stray onto the roads.
\n\nMobile networks are not consistent or reliable. The authorities may close down networks with no notice. You should consider travelling in convoy with at least one other vehicle.
\n\nCarry food and water, and ensure your vehicle is properly prepared and equipped. Medical facilities outside the capital are extremely limited so carry a comprehensive medical pack.
\n\nLocal demonstrations have led to temporary road closures, although not all social media reports of such disruptions are accurate. If unsure, contact local authorities or reputable tour operators in the areas you’re travelling to.
\n\nIf you come to a roadblock, follow advice of police or army personnel if they are present. If you encounter an unattended roadblock, turn around and do not attempt to pass it.
\n\nAlways leave details of your travel itinerary with a reliable person.
\n\nThere have been instances where buses from one region have been attacked when passing through another.
\n\nThere is a risk of earthquakes and earth tremors. You should:
\n\nThe US Federal Emergency Management Agency has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.
\n\n","customs_snippets":["If you plan to take in specialist equipment, such as filming or audio equipment, the Ethiopian Embassy in London advises you check with your tour operator or local contact before you travel as special customs regulations may apply.","If you are found with more than the legal limits, customs authorities can seize your cash and you could get a prison sentence.","When you enter or leave Ethiopia, you must declare any cash over 10,000 US dollars (or equivalent in other currencies).","Residents of Ethiopia, including resident British nationals, must declare any cash over 4,000 US dollars.","If you leave Ethiopia with cash above these amounts, you must show officials the customs declaration form you got when you entered Ethiopia, or the bank advice note if you purchased currency locally.","If entering Ethiopia through a land border you must declare cash worth over 500 US dollars.","Keep your receipt if you change currency into birr.","Customs officials regularly search luggage at Addis Ababa Bole Airport.","You need an export certificate to take antiques out of the country.","It is illegal to buy or possess ivory – even your own pieces brought in with you.","British nationals have had ivory jewellery confiscated and the authorities have imposed fines of up to 25,000 birr (about £220).","Satellite phones, binoculars and drones"]}