The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise against all travel to:
- within 10 km of the border with Eritrea, with the exception of the main road through Axum and Adigrat, and tourist sites close to the road (e.g. Debre Damo and Yeha)
- areas off the principal roads/towns within 10 km of the borders with Sudan and Kenya
- within 10 km of the border with South Sudan
- the Nogob (previously Fik), Jarar (previously Degehabur), Shabelle (previously Gode), Korahe and Dollo (previously Warder) zones of the Somali region.
- within 100 km of the Ethiopian border with Somalia and Kenya in the Afder and Liben zones of Ethiopia’s Somali region
- the four woredas (districts) (Akobo, Wantawo, Jikawo and Lare) of the Nuer zone and the Jore woreda of the Agnuak zone of the Gambella region
The FCO advise against all but essential travel to:
- the woredas (districts) of Tsegede, Mirab Armacho and Tach Armacho in North Gonder
- Jijiga town in the Somali region
- three woredas (districts) of the Agnuak zone of the Gambella region that border on South Sudan (Dima, Goge and Etang) and the Gambella wildlife reserve
Internet services, disconnected on 30 May 2017, have now been restored. However internet and other mobile data services can be restricted without notice, hampering the British Embassy’s ability to assist you. You should have alternative communication plans in place when travelling in Ethiopia. If you’re in Ethiopia and you urgently need help (eg if you’ve been attacked, arrested or there has been a death), call +251 (0)11 617 0100. If you’re in the UK and concerned about a British national in Ethiopia, call 020 7008 1500.
Demonstrations and violent clashes took place in the Oromia and Amhara regions in 2016. The situation has calmed considerably, but protests may occur with little warning and could turn violent. You should monitor local media, avoid large crowds, remain vigilant at all times and follow the advice of the local authorities and your tour operator.
There are local media reports of a possible hand grenade attack on 25 April 2017 at the Du Chateau Hotel in Gondar Town. This reportedly resulted in 5 people being injured, including a foreign national.
On 1 April 2017, there was an explosion at the Florida International Hotel in Gondar, reportedly the result of a grenade attack. Three people are reported to have been injured. Two separate explosions at hotels in Gondar and Bahir Dar occurred in January 2017. You should remain vigilant and follow the advice of the local authorities and your tour operator.
On 9 October 2016 the Ethiopian government declared a state of emergency. This announcement followed months of unrest in the Amhara and Oromia regions. On 30 March 2017, a four-month extension was approved, meaning the state of emergency is due to last until 8 August.
The Ethiopian government issued a public statement (unofficial translation) outlining the measures in place under the state of emergency. Failure to comply with these measures could lead to detention and/or arrest.
Restrictions on the movement of diplomats beyond Addis Ababa were lifted on 8 November 2016. On 15 March 2017, three further restrictions were lifted, including provision for curfews, arrests without court orders and some media restrictions.
Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Ethiopia. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners.
You should be vigilant at all times, especially in crowded areas and public places like transport hubs, hotels, restaurants, bars and places of worship and during major gatherings like religious or sporting events. There is a threat of kidnapping in Ethiopia’s Somali region, particularly in the eastern areas to which the FCO advise against all travel. See Terrorism
The Ethiopia-Eritrea border remains closed. Several security incidents have taken place along the border. The risk of cross-border tensions remains. There is a threat of kidnapping along the border. See Local travel
Owning ivory is strictly prohibited in Ethiopia. Anyone caught in possession of ivory can expect to be detained by police. See Local laws and customs
Around 20,000 British nationals visit Ethiopia every year. Most visits are trouble free.
If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission.
The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating overseas on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.
Take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before you travel.
