23 March 2021
There's a ban on overseas travel from Australia. You can’t leave Australia unless you have an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs, or are travelling to a destination that is exempt from the ban.
Our global travel advice remains at 'Do not travel' due to the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant disruptions to global travel. Some destinations were already set at Do Not Travel prior to COVID-19 due to the extreme risk to your safety.
If you’re overseas and wish to return to Australia, be prepared for delays and read our advice on trying to get home.
When you arrive in Australia you must quarantine for 14 days at designated facilities in your port of arrival, unless you have an exemption or are travelling on a quarantine-free flight from a green zone destination. At this time, vaccination against COVID-19 does not change this quarantine requirement. You may be required to pay for the costs of your quarantine. View State and Territory Government COVID-19 information for information about quarantine and domestic borders.
If you're staying overseas, make plans to stay for an extended period. Follow the advice of local authorities and minimise your risk of exposure to COVID-19. Stay in touch with family and friends so they know you're safe.
Our network of embassies and consular posts around the world will provide you with up-to-date local advice and support throughout this difficult period. Be aware consular services may be limited due to local measures.
For the latest information, read and subscribe to our news and travel advice. Also see our COVID-19 information pages.
Call 991.
Call 991 or go to the hospital.
Call 991 or go to the local police station.
Do not travel to Ethiopia.
Do not travel to Ethiopia overall due to the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant disruptions to global travel.
Do not travel to border areas with Sudan, Eritrea, Kenya, South Sudan, Somalia or the Gambela and Somali region due to the high risk of terrorist attack, kidnapping, violence and landmines.
Do not travel to the Regional State of Tigray and surrounding areas due to ongoing military action.
Full travel advice: Safety
Full travel advice: Health
Full travel advice: Local laws
Full travel advice: Travel
Full travel advice: Local contacts
On 4 November 2020, the Government of Ethiopia announced that the Ethiopian National Defence Force had commenced military action against the Tigray People’s Liberation Front. A state of emergency (SOE) remains in place for six months in the Regional State of Tigray.
If you’re in the affected areas:
The Government of Ethiopia may respond to civil unrest and political tension by imposing strict security measures at short notice. Flights to and from Tigray are suspended, except for Mekelle. International land borders are closed. Telecommunication networks have been disrupted. Restrictions may change rapidly and without warning. They can impact the Embassy’s ability to provide consular support to Australians in the region.
Commercial international flights to and from Addis Ababa are still operating regularly.
Security conditions can change fast and without warning.
International events and political changes can trigger demonstrations. Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent. Avoid large crowds or protests.
Ethiopian security forces aren't widespread in the country. They may not be able to respond to incidents.
Danakil desert
Travelling to the Danakil desert in north-east Ethiopia is hazardous.
In December 2017, a tourist was shot and killed, and an Ethiopian guide was shot and wounded, at Erta Ale in the Afar region. There's now an increased police and military presence there.
Only travel to this area with a well-known tour company. Tour companies often get support from armed police or the military.
Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.
Large crowds are common on key national and religious dates. These include:
Large crowds also gather on:
Monitor local media for news of planned and possible unrest.
During periods of unrest:
More information:
Don't travel to the Ethiopian Somali Regional State, including its border with Somalia and its borders with the Oromia Regional State.
There are armed groups. Cross-border violence happens along the border. Violent crime includes:
Don't travel to the Somali region. This includes the border with Somalia and Oromia.
Violent clashes between government forces and insurgents are common in this border region. Ethiopian troops are in Somalia. Tensions are high.
Firearm, grenade and landmine attacks on security forces are common. Civilians have been killed and injured.
The threat of terrorist attack, including kidnapping, is particularly high.
Serious armed clashes have occurred in the past year along the border between the Somali and Oromia regions, including Jijiga in Ethiopia.
Don't travel to the areas bordering Sudan and South Sudan. This includes the Gambela region.
The security situation in these areas is extremely unstable. There's a high threat of violent crime and civil unrest from armed groups and tribal clashes. The risk of bandit attacks and kidnapping is high.
The area also has landmines.
In April 2016, members of South Sudan's Murle community attacked the Gambela region, killing 200 people.
Don't travel to the disputed border area between Ethiopia and Eritrea. The situation is still unstable. The area has a heavy military presence and landmines.
Cross-border conflict or other violence could start again at any time.
Terrorism is a threat worldwide. Reports say terrorists are planning attacks against a range of targets in Ethiopia. These include commercial and public places that foreigners visit.
Terrorists may use events such as international meetings or days of national or religious significance to mount attacks. An attack could happen at any time.
Possible targets for terror attacks include:
Terrorists also target transport including:
Some local hotels, have received bomb threats in the past.
To protect yourself from terrorism:
If there's an attack, leave the affected area immediately if it's safe to.
More information:
The threat of kidnapping is particularly high in the Somali region. Kidnapping is also a risk near the Kenyan and South Sudanese borders.
Despite our advice, if you're travelling to an area where there's a threat of kidnapping:
The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it does not make payments or concessions to kidnappers.
More information:
Unprovoked violent assault occurs, including in popular tourist areas in Addis Ababa. Avoid walking alone at night.
If you're a victim of violent crime, especially rape, visit a doctor as soon as possible as HIV/AIDS is widespread.
Keep an eye on local information sources about crime.
Petty crime is common and includes:
Petty crimes often take place in crowded areas such as:
These crimes are often carried out by groups of children. Some robbery victims have been assaulted.
Always pay close attention to your belongings.
Highway robberies and armed carjackings have been reported outside the main urban centres.
Keep your car windows and doors closed and locked at all times, including when moving.
Don’t leave valuables on show in your car.
Ethiopia experiences natural disasters and severe weather, including drought, flooding and plagues of locusts.
Ethiopia is in an active earthquake and volcanic zone.
If a natural disaster occurs:
Some areas of Ethiopia are experiencing severe drought. Local services may be affected. Drinking water and basic food may be hard to find. An increase in disease has been reported.
Some areas of Ethiopia experience severe flooding. Flash flooding may occur in the rainy season from July to September. Some roads can't be used.
Some areas of Ethiopia are experiencing a severe locust plague. Conditions conducive to locusts are likely to last for the remainder of 2020.
*This advice predates COVID-19 and the Australian Government's travel ban for all Australians.
Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.
If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.
If you're not insured, you may have to pay many 1000s of dollars up-front for medical care.
Confirm:
Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. Consider whether you may be in a vulnerable category for COVID-19.
See your doctor or travel clinic to:
Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.
More information:
Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.
If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Ethiopia. Take enough legal medication for your trip.
Carry a copy of your prescription and a letter from your doctor saying:
More information:
COVID-19
COVID-19 remains a risk in Ethiopia.
More information
Insect-borne diseases
Yellow fever is widespread in Ethiopia. Yellow fever is a potentially fatal virus spread by mosquitoes. It's prevented by vaccination. Get vaccinated before you travel and carry your vaccination card. Some countries require you to present your Yellow Fever vaccination card if you have travelled in Ethiopia.
Malaria is found in Ethiopia except for the capital Addis Ababa and areas above 2000m. Chloroquine-resistant strains are reported in some areas.
Other insect-borne diseases include:
To protect yourself from disease:
Consider taking medication to prevent chloroquine-resistant malaria.
Get medical advice if you develop a fever, muscle pain, rash or bad headache.
HIV/AIDS is widespread. Take precautions if taking part in activities that put you at risk of infection.
Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases are also common. These include:
Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.
Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) and other waterborne diseases are spread through freshwater lakes and rivers.
To protect yourself from illness:
Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.
More information:
Ethiopia is still vulnerable to international spread of the wild poliovirus.
Stay up to date with recommended polio vaccinations, including a booster dose, through the Australian Immunisation Handbook.
The altitude in the mountain regions of Ethiopia can cause problems. People with lung, heart or chest problems should take extra care. Even if you're healthy, you can still be affected.
Symptoms of altitude sickness include:
In severe cases, fluid can build up in your lungs, brain or both, which can be fatal.
To protect yourself from altitude sickness:
If you're affected by severe altitude sickness, get to lower ground as soon as possible.
Health facilities are limited in Addis Ababa and inadequate in rural areas.
If you become seriously ill or injured, you'll need to be moved to a place with better facilities. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.
You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.
If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
Penalties for drug offences are severe. They include long jail sentences and heavy fines.
More information:
Family law in Ethiopia can differ a lot from Australian law. This includes divorce, child custody and child support. Laws affecting business activities can also be very different.
Get professional advice on your rights and responsibilities if you're engaging in business or family-related matters.
Ethiopia applies the death penalty for serious offences, including aggravated murder.
If you're in an accident, it's illegal to move your vehicle before a police officer arrives.
In Ethiopia, it's illegal to:
It's also illegal to take photos:
More information:
Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.
More information:
Ethiopia doesn't recognise dual nationality.
If you're a dual national, this limits the consular services we can give if you're arrested or detained.
Always travel on your Australian passport.
More information:
Standards of behaviour and dress are conservative in Ethiopia. Take care not to offend.
If in doubt, seek local advice.
The Julian calendar is used in Orthodox Christian areas in the highlands. Some Ethiopians set their clocks differently from standard practice elsewhere. This leads to significant time differences.
Ethiopian Airlines and other large international airlines use standard international time.
To avoid confusion, always check bookings and appointments.
You can only get a visitor visa on arrival if you enter Ethiopia via Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa. All other travellers must have a visa approved in advance.
For a business visa, you may need approval from the Ethiopian Department of Immigration and Nationality Affairs before applying to an embassy.
More information:
Check your visa's expiry date. If you overstay your visa, there is a daily fine.
Entry and exit requirements can change at short notice. Contact the Ethiopian embassy for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.
Restrictions put in place to restrict the spread of COVID-19 can change at short notice. Monitor the media and follow the advice of authorities.
A number of airlines are offering flights to and from Ethiopia. Contact airlines or your travel provider for the latest information.
All arriving passengers must carry a certificate demonstrating a negative COVID-19 PCR result taken no more than 5 days (120 hours) prior to arrival. All passengers must self-isolate for 7 days at home or in a hotel at your expense.
Regional states across Ethiopia may have additional measures in place. Follow the advice of local authorities.
Ethiopia has closed all land borders to people, except for the import of essential goods.
COVID-19 risk reduction measures are in place and may impact day-to-day life. You must wear a mask outside the home unless eating or drinking. Two metres of physical distance is required between individuals. A maximum of three people may dine together at restaurants and the number of attendees at meetings and social events is limited You should follow the instructions of local authorities: they are authorised to use fines and imprisonment to enforce restrictions. Those diagnosed with COVID-19 while in Ethiopia and suffering no symptoms or mild symptoms are permitted to self-isolate at home.
If you're staying in Ethiopia, follow the advice of local authorities and minimise your risk of exposure to COVID-19. Stay in touch with family and friends so they know you're safe and well.
To prevent the spread of the Ebola virus into Ethiopia, authorities screen travellers at all entry points. If you have a high temperature during screening, you may be quarantined.
You may need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (PDF) to enter Ethiopia. Some airlines may want to see one when you leave.
Find out about returning to Australia after exposure to yellow fever.
More information:
In March 2017, the US government announced new restrictions on carrying electronic devices. These apply to people travelling from or through Ethiopia to the US.
There are no guidelines covering the use of drones in Ethiopia. They may be confiscated at airports or at the border. Seek permission before using drones.
More information:
Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.
Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.
You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.
The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.
Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.
Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.
If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:
The official currency is the Ethiopian Birr (ETB).
Currency controls are strict in Ethiopia. If you have more than USD3000, or the same amount in another foreign currency, you must declare it when you arrive and depart. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash.
You can't exchange Australian dollars in Ethiopia. However, most banks exchange US dollars.
Major banks can cash traveller's cheques.
There are limited ATMs in major Ethiopian cities, mostly in large hotels. ATMs can't always be used for cash advances and can run out of cash unexpectedly. Always travel with ETB.
Credit cards are accepted at major hotels and a few other outlets in Ethiopia.
Check with your bank to make sure your card will work in Ethiopia.
Landmines
Landmines are a hazard in the border areas with Eritrea, Sudan and Somalia. If you travel near these borders despite our advice, stick to well-travelled roads. See Safety
If you want to drive in Ethiopia, you can apply to convert a valid Australian licence to a local one. Your Australian license must be authenticated in Australia for it to be recognised. More information: Ethiopian Embassy
International driving permits aren't recognised in Ethiopia.
Driving in Ethiopia can be dangerous because of:
Security forces sometimes close roads, including highways. Closures can occur without notice.
Drivers involved in car accidents can face severe punishments, including prison and fines.
If you're in a car accident, it's illegal to move your vehicle before a police officer arrives. However, if you feel unsafe, leave the area immediately and report to the nearest police station.
If you plan to drive in Ethiopia:
If you're stopped by police, follow their instructions.
If rocks are thrown at your car, leave the area as quickly and safely as possible.
To protect yourself when travelling outside Addis Ababa:
More information:
Check with your insurer whether your policy covers you when using a motorbike or similar vehicle. Your policy may not cover accidents that occur while using these vehicles.
Always wear a helmet. Make sure your passenger does too.
Only use registered taxis and authorised limousines. Arrange these through your hotel. Avoid flagging down taxis in the street.
Consider sitting in the back seat rather than the front.
Not all taxis are metered. Ensure the meter is on or agree on the fare before you leave.
Ethiopia has bus and limited rail services. However, safety standards aren't the same as in Australia. Buses have been attacked outside Addis Ababa.
Petty crimes occur on public transport. Take care of your belongings when travelling on buses and trains.
More information:
DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.
Check Ethiopia's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.
More information:
Depending on what you need, contact your:
Call 991.
Call 991 or go to the hospital.
Call 991 or go to the local police station.
Always get a police report when you report a crime.
Your travel insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.
Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.
Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.
For consular help, contact the Australian Embassy in Addis Ababa.
Turkish compound (off Cape Verde street)
Bole Subcity, Woreda 3
PO Box 3715
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Phone: (+251 11) 667 2678 or (+251 96) 794 1377
Fax: (+251 11) 667 2868
Email: adba.consular@dfat.gov.au
Website: ethiopia.embassy.gov.au
Facebook: @AusEmb.ET
Twitter: @AusAmbET
Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.
In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:
Be the first to know official government advice when travelling.