Essential Preparations
- Visa
VISAAll visitors need a valid passport and a visa. Many nationalities, including US and Canadian citizens, can apply for an e-visa online (https://www.evisa.gov.et) for $52 (30-day tourist visa). A 30-day tourist visa is also available upon arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport for many nationalities (including US, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, New Zealand , Australia ,South Africa, China, Japan , Korea ,Israel , Kuwait, Russia, the UK and most other European Union nations) for $50 cash. Passport must be valid for 6+ months with 2+ blank pages per country. Bring a passport photo page copy. Air tickets must match passport name
- Health & Vaccination
Doctors and dentists are available, but major hospitals are in main cities, and treatment standards can be limited. Bring sufficient personal medications. Cholera vaccination is required if arriving from an infected area within 6 days. Yellow fever vaccination is not mandatory for Ethiopia itself, but may be required if arriving from an endemic country. Both yellow fever and malaria prophylaxis are recommended (CDC: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/ethiopia ). Malaria risk varies by altitude; it’s highest in western lowlands (Western Oromia, Gambella, Benishangul Gumuz) and rare in eastern lowlands (Afar, Somali). Central highlands, including Addis Ababa, are malaria-free. The Historic Route, Danakil Depression, and most national parks (Bale, Simien) are generally malaria-free, while the South Omo region may require prophylaxis. Consult your doctor before travel.
- Security
Ethiopia is generally safe, but petty theft can occur, especially in crowded areas like markets and minibus stands. A hidden passport pouch for essentials (passport, tickets, credit card, some traveler’s checks) is recommended. Be aware of your surroundings. Security is tight in towns and at airports, with routine bag checks and screenings. Your safety is our priority. We only recommend and operate trips deemed reasonably safe, and will contact you regarding alternatives if travel advisories change.
- Currency
The Ethiopian Birr (ETB) is the official currency and is available in notes (200, 100, 50, 10, 5, & 1) and coins (50, 25, 10, 5). While US dollars and Euros are accepted in tourist areas and major hotels, Birr is essential for smaller purchases, local meals, and tipping (especially at churches). Check http://www.combanketh.et/ for current exchange rates (approximately 1 US$ = 124 ETB, 1 Euro = 130 ETB. We recommend bringing US dollars in small denominations (20s, 10s, 5s) for convenience. Traveler’s checks are rarely accepted. Exchange currency in small amounts as needed, as changing Birr back to foreign currency is a complex and long bureaucratic process that need several days.
- Time
Ethiopia uses East Africa Time (EAT), which is GMT+3. Ethiopia also uses its own unique calendar, which is seven to eight years behind the Gregorian calendar. When booking flights or making appointments, confirm which calendar is being used.
- Language
A land of rich linguistic diversity, Ethiopia has Amharic, Oromo, Afar, Somali and Tigrinya as its official languages, with Amharic serving as a lingua franca. Over 80 languages and 200 dialects testify to its diverse cultural history. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, but an insight into the local culture is always welcome: learning basic Amharic phrases will enrich your trip.