travel to ethiopia from kenya covid requirements

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ESSENTIAL PASSENGER INFORMATION ON COVID 19

The Kenyan Ministry of Health has issued the below requirements for passengers disembarking in Kenya and on transit via international airports in Kenya:

• All passengers arriving and transiting Kenya must have a nucleic acid test (PCR) Covid-19 negative certificate for a test conducted 96 hours prior to travel
• All passengers must have the Covid 19 Vaccination Certificate or Card.
• Passengers whose certificates expire while on transit will be required to deposit their passport with the airport port health authorities and facilitate testing in a recognized facility, at own cost.
• The mandatory Ministry of Health traveller’s health service online form must be filled and submitted prior to travel. The form can be accessed via the following link – https://ears.health.go.ke/airline_registration/
• Guests disembarking in Nairobi shall be released from the aircraft in batches of thirty to avoid overcrowding the screening area
• All guests are advised to strictly follow covid-19 prevention protocols at all airports and inside the aircraft.

For more information visit the following websites:

Ministry of Health

Kenya Civil Aviation Authority

Kenya Airports Authority

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Travel Advisory July 31, 2023

Ethiopia - level 3: reconsider travel.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Reconsider travel to Ethiopia due to  sporadic violent conflict, civil unrest, crime, communications disruptions, terrorism and kidnapping in border areas .

Do Not Travel To:

• Tigray Region and border with Eritrea due to  sporadic violent conflict, civil unrest, and crime .
• Afar-Tigray   border areas  due  to sporadic violent conflict, civil unrest, and crime .
• Amhara Region due to  sporadic violent conflict and civil unrest .
• Gambella and Benishangul Gumuz Regions due to  crime, kidnapping, ethnically motivated violence, and sporadic violent conflict
• Oromia Region – Specific areas due to sporadic violent conflict, civil unrest, and ethnically motivated violence.
• Southern Nations and National People (SNNP) Region due to  sporadic violent conflict, civil unrest, and ethnically motivated violence.
• Border area with Somalia due to  terrorism, kidnapping, and landmines .
• Border areas with Sudan, and South Sudan due to  crime, kidnapping, civil unrest, and sporadic violent conflict.
• Border areas with Kenya due to the potential for  terrorism and ethnically motivated violence.

The security situation in Addis Ababa is stable. However, there is sporadic violent conflict and civil unrest in other areas of Ethiopia, and the security situation may deteriorate without warning. The U.S. Embassy is unlikely to be able to assist with departure from the country if the security situation deteriorates. Due to sporadic violent conflict and civil unrest throughout parts of Ethiopia, travel by U.S. government personnel is routinely assessed for additional restrictions. Please see information on  What the Department of State Can and Can't Do in a Crisis .

U.S. officials have limited ability to provide services to U.S. citizens outside of Addis Ababa and have very limited consular access to U.S. citizens detained by Ethiopian authorities. The government of Ethiopia has previously restricted or shut down internet, cellular data, and phone services before, during, and after civil unrest. These restrictions impede the U.S. Embassy’s ability to communicate with and provide consular services to U.S. citizens in Ethiopia.

Please contact the Embassy’s American Citizen Services Unit at  [email protected]  for further assistance.

Read the  country information page  for additional information about travel to Ethiopia.

If you decide to travel to Ethiopia:

• Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Stay alert in locations frequented by U.S. citizens/Westerners/foreign travelers.
• Carry a copy of your passport and visa and leave originals in your hotel safe.
• Have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report for Ethiopia .
• U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.

Tigray Region and Border with Eritrea – Do Not Travel

Due to sporadic violent conflict, civil unrest, and crime, the Tigray Region and the border with Eritrea are restricted for travel by U.S. government personnel, with limited exceptions to support humanitarian capacity and priority diplomatic engagement efforts. Border roads with Eritrea are closed and conditions at the border may change with no warning.

Afar-Tigray Border Area – Do Not Travel

Due to sporadic violent conflict, civil unrest, and crime, the Afar-Tigray border area is restricted for travel by U.S. government personnel, with limited exceptions to support humanitarian capacity and priority diplomatic engagement efforts.

Amhara Region – Do Not Travel 

Due to sporadic violent conflict and civil unrest, the Amhara Region is currently off-limits for U.S. government personnel, with limited exceptions to support humanitarian capacity and priority diplomatic engagement efforts.

Gambella Region – Do Not Travel

Due to crime, kidnapping, the potential for ethnically motivated violence, and sporadic violent conflict, the Gambella Region is restricted for travel by U.S. government personnel, with limited exceptions to support humanitarian capacity and priority diplomatic engagement efforts.

Benishangul Gumuz Region – Do Not Travel

Due to crime, kidnapping, the potential for ethnically motivated violence and sporadic violent conflict, the Benishangul Gumuz Region   is restricted for travel by U.S. government personnel, with limited exceptions to support humanitarian capacity and priority diplomatic engagement efforts.

Oromia Region – Specific Areas – Do Not Travel

Due to sporadic violent conflict, civil unrest, and ethnically motivated violence, the following zones in Oromia are restricted for travel by U.S. government personnel, with limited exceptions to support humanitarian capacity and priority diplomatic engagement efforts: the entirety of Horro-Guduru Wollega, East Wollega, West Wollega, Kelem Wollega, Illubabor, and Bale. Other areas in Oromia include portions of North, West, and Southwest Shewa to the immediate north and west of Addis Ababa; the Boset and Fentale woredas of East Shewa zone between Welenchiti and Awash; portions of the Borena zone surrounding Bule Hora; and portions of Guji zone to the east of Bule Hora.

Southern Nations and National People (SNNP) Region – Specific Areas – Do Not Travel

Due to sporadic violent conflict, civil unrest, and ethnically motivated violence the following towns and areas in SNNP are restricted for travel by U.S. government personnel, with limited exceptions to support humanitarian capacity and priority diplomatic engagement efforts: Gedeo, Konso zones and the Amaro and Derashe special woredas.

Border Area with Somalia – Do Not Travel

Terrorists maintain a presence in Somali towns near the Ethiopian border, presenting a risk of cross-border attacks and kidnappings. Landmines are present in this region. U.S. government personnel are not permitted to travel to the border areas with Somalia, with limited exceptions to support humanitarian capacity efforts.

Border Areas with Sudan and South Sudan – Do Not Travel

Crime, kidnapping, the potential for ethnically motivated violence, and sporadic violent conflict exist near the Ethiopian borders with Sudan and South Sudan. This includes but is not limited to the Nuer Zone and the Jore Woreda of the Agnuak Zone in the Gambela region, and the Pawe, Guba, Dangur, Dibati, and Bulen woredas, and the Metekel zone in the Benishangul Gumuz Region. U.S. government personnel are not permitted to travel to the border areas of Sudan and South Sudan, with limited exceptions to support humanitarian capacity efforts.

Border Areas with Kenya – Do Not Travel

Terrorists, particularly Al-Shabaab, maintain a presence in this area, and ethnically motivated violence has been reported. This includes but is not limited to the Borena zone and surrounding areas. U.S. government personnel are not permitted to travel to the border areas with Kenya, with limited exceptions to support humanitarian capacity efforts.

Visit our website for advice if you decide to  Travel to High-Risk Areas .

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

Yes (www.evisa.gov.et)

Yellow fever certificate required if traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission; recommended for all areas in Ethiopia except Afar and Somali regions.

1,000 ETB for all travelers; 1000 USD or other foreign currency equivalent if person resides in Ethiopia; 3,000 USD or other foreign currency equivalent if person is not residing in Ethiopia. Excess currency may be confiscated.

1,000 ETB (4,000 ETB if travelling to Djibouti) and 3,000 USD or other foreign currency equivalent.

Embassies and Consulates

U.s. embassy addis ababa.

Entoto Street PO Box 1014 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Telephone: +251-11-130-6000 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: 011-130-6000 Fax: +251-11-124-2435 and +251-11-124-2419 Email: [email protected]

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

Please visit the Embassy's COVID-19 page more information on entry/ exit requirements related to COVID-19 in Ethiopia. 

Requirements for Entry:

• World Health Organization (WHO) card with yellow fever vaccination if coming from country with risk of yellow fever transmission ( countries with risk of YF transmission )

Visas:  All U.S. citizens are required to obtain a visa to legally enter Ethiopia.  Do not travel to Ethiopia unless you have an approved e-Visa. Travelers without a valid visa will be denied entry. To avoid any disruption to your travel print and carry a copy of your e-Visa with you.  Please, visit  https://www.evisa.gov.et/visa/apply  to apply for an e-Visa before traveling to Ethiopia.  Contact the  Embassy of Ethiopia  for the most current visa information. Overseas inquiries about visas should be made at the nearest Ethiopian embassy or consulate.

The Ethiopian Immigration and Citizenship Service strictly enforces immigration regulations and expects all foreign nationals to be in the country under legal status. There is a daily fine if you overstay your visa.  This fine must be paid in full in U.S. dollars at immigration in order to obtain an exit visa and be permitted to depart the country.

Foreign Currency Restrictions:

• Visitors to Ethiopia, including transit passengers who do not plan to exit Bole International Airport, may hold up to a maximum of 1,000 ETB per trip to and from Ethiopia. Persons residing in Ethiopia can enter with 1,000 USD or other foreign currency equivalent. Persons not residing in Ethiopia can enter with 3,000 USD or other foreign currency equivalent. Travelers must declare all foreign currency exceeding the above limits.
• Residents of Ethiopia may not hold foreign currency for more than 30 days after declaring it. Nonresidents may hold foreign currency for the duration of their visa.
• When departing Ethiopia, nonresidents carrying more than the equivalent of 3,000 USD in foreign currency and residents carrying any amount of foreign currency must produce a valid bank document or foreign currency customs declaration that is less than 30 days old.
• These regulations are strictly enforced, and failure to comply will likely result in the confiscation of excess or undeclared currency.

Ivory, Animal Skins, Souvenirs, Precious Stones and Minerals, Antiques/Artifacts:

• Travelers transporting ivory may be detained, imprisoned, or fined and the ivory may be confiscated.
• Souvenirs that are copies of antiques or religious artifacts require a proper receipt and may still be confiscated.
• Export permits processed by the Export Section of the airport customs office are required for antiques, including religious artifacts, Ethiopian crosses, and animal skins and other wildlife parts. Contact the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority for a permit.
• There are limits on the amount of precious stones and minerals that can be exported for personal use. Check with local authorities.
• Contact the Ethiopian Ministry of Revenue s if you have any questions about exports.
• See our Customs and Import Restrictions information sheet .

Electronics:

• Laptop computers and video equipment intended for anything other than personal use must be declared upon arrival and departure.
• Some recording devices may require special customs permits. If these items are being used for work, you should contact the Ethiopian Embassy  before you travel.
• The U.S. Embassy cannot assist with obtaining permits or the return of confiscated equipment.

HIV/AIDS: The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Ethiopia. Please verify this with the Ethiopian Embassy before you travel.

Find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction  and  customs regulations  on our websites.

Safety and Security

Terrorism: Al-Qa’ida and its regional affiliate, Somalia-based al-Shabaab, maintain a presence throughout East Africa. In late 2020, Ethiopian security officials announced the arrest of al-Shabaab and ISIS members who were accused of planning attacks in Addis Ababa and other parts of Ethiopia. Current information indicates that terrorist organizations continue to plan terrorist attacks against U.S. citizens and Western targets and interests in East Africa, as well as against high-profile targets within those countries that contribute troops to the African Union Mission in Somalia, including Ethiopia.

Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad. Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, and vehicles – to more effectively target crowds. Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as: 

• High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.) 
• Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists 
• Places of worship 
• Schools 
• Parks 
• Shopping malls and markets 
• Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and commercial flights)

For more information, see our  Terrorism  page.

Civil Unrest: Ethiopia has experienced sporadic and spontaneous civil unrest throughout the country, some of which has ended in violence. During such episodes, the Ethiopian government often curtails or limits mobile telecommunications, internet access, and social media. If this happens, you may be unable to contact family and friends or emergency services. The U.S. Embassy does not provide internet access to private individuals.

U.S. government personnel must request permission for personal and official travel outside of Addis Ababa and are required to carry personnel tracking devices and, in some cases, satellite phones.

U.S. government personnel may not take personal trips to:

• All national border regions of Ethiopia
• Gambella (except Gambella City)
• Benishangul Gumuz (except Assosa City)
• Some areas in western and southern parts of Oromia region
• Tigray region
• Amhara region

U.S. government personnel may only travel to Gambella City and Assosa City by plane. 

Western areas of Oromia: Wollega zones that include Kellem Wollega, West Wollega, Horro-Guduru Wollega and parts of East Wollega have reported civil unrest including fighting involving armed groups.

Southern areas of Oromia: West Guji zone has reported civil unrest including fighting involving armed groups.

Ethiopia’s Southern Nations, Nationalities, and People’s Region (SNNPR): Civil unrest in the region, particularly in Bench Sheko Zone and Konso Special Woreda, has resulted in deaths, looting, and the burning of buildings.

Border with Kenya: There have been numerous incidents of inter-ethnic conflict reported near the border areas with Kenya, as well as attacks attributed to the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA or OLF-Shane). Criminal activity in this border area remains a concern.

Tigray and Border with Eritrea: Due to conflict in the region, Tigray and the border with Eritrea are currently off-limits for U.S. government personnel. Due to the current situation in Tigray, the border roads with Eritrea are closed. Conditions at the border may change with no warning.

Border with South Sudan (Gambella Region): The security situation in the region is volatile. Sporadic inter-ethnic clashes are common along the western border area with South Sudan. Past tribal conflict between Anyuak, Nuer, and Highlanders resulted in numerous casualties. As with other border areas, landmines and criminal activity remain a concern.

Border with Sudan: There have been numerous incidents of armed clashes reported near the border area between Sudan and Ethiopia over disputed land.

Somali Region (eastern Ethiopia): Al-Shabaab maintains a presence in Somali towns near the Ethiopian border, presenting risk of cross-border attacks and kidnapping. As with other border areas, landmines and criminal activity remain a concern. U.S. government personnel may not take personal trips to the Somali region.

Afar: Violent crime, including the armed assault of foreigners, has occurred in the Danakil Depression in Afar. While recent reports may indicate the Danakil Depression area is safe for tourism, please note that tourism was previously targeted for attacks in 2007, 2012, and 2017. It is not recommended to use the Mekelle route to this or other tourist sites in the Afar region due to the current situation in the Tigray region. Travelers should remain alert for changing conditions and the potential for criminal activity in these areas. Travel to areas bordering Tigray is not recommended due to conflict in that region. Additionally, ethnic conflicts between Afar and Somalis in the southern border areas of Afar have been reported.

Amhara: As a result of the Tigray conflict, tensions continue to exist along the Amhara-Tigray regional border, with occasional clashes including gunfire. Ethnic violence has been reported. While attacks are mostly related to inter-ethnic disputes and foreigners have not been targeted, attacks can occur at any time with the risk of being caught in violence. If you are travelling in the area, monitor local media and follow the advice of local authorities.

Crime in Addis Ababa: Pickpocketing, purse snatching, theft from vehicles and other petty crimes are common in Addis Ababa. Theft of passports is common in Bole International Airport, including inside the airport terminal and during airport transfers. Thieves are active throughout the city at all times, particularly on Bole Road, in the Piazza, the Merkato, and other areas frequented by tourists and foreigners. Violent robberies have also occurred in this area, with victims stabbed or beaten. Further, a number of violent robberies on hikers in Entoto Park, Yeka Park (behind the British Embassy), and the Guellele Botanical Gardens in Addis Ababa have been reported.

Safety Precautions:

• Review your personal safety and security posture, remain vigilant, and exercise caution when visiting prominent public places and landmarks where westerners gather on a routine or predictable basis.
• Avoid unattended baggage or packages left in any location, including in taxis.
• Monitor consular messages.
• Avoid travel outside of major towns, particularly along border areas (Kenya, Eritrea, Somalia, Sudan, and South Sudan).
• Avoid walking alone.
• Do not display cash and valuable personal property.
• Secure your valuables and travel documents.
• Drive with doors locked and windows closed or rolled up enough at all times to prevent theft while stopped in traffic.

Demonstrations  occur frequently. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events.

• Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly become violent.
• Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations.
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.

International Financial Scams:  See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for information.

Victims of Crime: U.S. citizen victims of crime in Addis Ababa should contact the Addis Ababa Police at 011-111-1011 or 991 from your local cell phone and may call the U.S. Embassy at 011-130-6000/6911. Crimes occurring outside of Addis Ababa should be reported to the Ethiopian Federal Police at 011-126-4359/4377. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

We can: 

• Help you find appropriate medical care
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police 
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent 
• Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion 
• Provide a list of local attorneys
• Provide our information on  victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution 
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• Replace a stolen or lost passport 

Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance. 

Tourism:  The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more  information on insurance providers for overseas coverage .

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Please note that in the event you are arrested and then released on bail, standard practice is that the police will retain foreign passports pending a final hearing. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website. 

Photography: It is illegal to take pictures of government buildings, military installations, police/military personnel, and key infrastructure such as roads, bridges, dams, and airfields. If you are caught photographing prohibited sites, you could be fined, your photographic equipment could be confiscated, and you could be detained and/or arrested. As a general practice, you should avoid taking pictures of individuals without their clear consent.

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our  webpage  for further information.

Phone Service: Cellular phones are the main method of communication in Ethiopia; other telephone service is unreliable, and landlines are nearly non-existent. Cell phones brought into Ethiopia must be registered with the Ethiopian Revenue and Customs Authority. Phones can be registered either at Bole International Airport or at any Ethio Telecom shop. SIM cards are available for local purchase from Ethio Telecom, but will only work with phones that have been registered. As noted, cell phone access may be cut off without warning.

Currency: The Ethiopian Birr (ETB) is the currency of Ethiopia and, with the exception of international hotel bills, payment for commercial transactions in any other currency is illegal. Credit cards are accepted at only a few outlets in Addis Ababa. Foreign currency may only be exchanged legally at banks.

Ethiopian Refugee Camps: All access to refugee camps must be preapproved by the UNHCR and Ethiopian government. You may be detained and deported if you attempt to gain access without proper permissions.

Calendar: The Ethiopian calendar is the principal calendar used in Ethiopia. Some Ethiopians set their clocks differently than is standard practice elsewhere, resulting in significant time differences. Double check bookings and appointments to avoid confusion.

Faith-Based Travelers: See the following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report  – see country reports
• Human Rights Report  – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad  

LGBTI Travelers: Consensual same-sex sexual activity between adults is illegal and punishable by imprisonment under the law. There have been periodic detentions and interrogations of some LGBTI persons, and alleged physical abuse. Ethiopians do not generally publicly identify themselves as LGBTI due to severe societal stigma. There are some reports of violence against LGBTI individuals; reporting is limited due to fear of retribution, discrimination, or stigmatization. There is no law prohibiting discrimination against LGBTI persons and some LGBTI activists have reported being followed and at times fearing for their safety. Outside the major international hotels, same-sex couples may be unable to share a room. See our LGBTI Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights Report for further details.

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance: See The Ethiopian Center for Disability and Development guidebook with information on accessible hotel accommodations and transportation (including the new Addis Ababa metro). Persons with disabilities have limited access to transportation, communication, accommodations, and public buildings. There are few sidewalks and no curb-cuts, and most buildings lack functioning elevators. Landlords are required to give persons with disabilities preference for ground floor apartments.

Students: See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers: Domestic violence, including spousal abuse, is pervasive. Domestic violence and rape cases often are delayed significantly and given low priority. Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) is illegal, but the prohibition is not actively enforced. Many women and girls have undergone FGM/C. It is much less common in urban areas. See our travel tips for Women Travelers .

Natural Disasters: Ethiopia’s geographic location in the western escarpment of the Great Rift Valley and the Horn of Africa increases its vulnerability to natural disasters, including flooding (and related landslides) during the summer rainy season, drought, and seismic events.

Consult the  CDC website for Ethiopia  prior to travel.

For emergency services in Ethiopia, dial the following numbers:

• Addis Ababa Police Commission Emergency: 991/922
• Fire (Addis Ababa): 939
• Traffic Police (Addis Ababa): 945
• Ambulance (Ethiopian Red Cross Society in Addis Ababa): 907

Medical care is extremely limited and health care facilities are only adequate for stabilization and emergency care. There is a shortage of physicians and other qualified medical personnel, as well as medical supplies, including, but not limited to, respirators, oxygen, and medications.  Emergency, ambulance, and psychiatric services are also limited. All care providers, both public and private, require payment or a cash deposit in Ethiopian birr before treatment is performed.

Ambulance services are not present throughout the country or are unreliable in most areas except Addis Ababa. Ambulances are also not generally staffed with trained paramedics and often have little or no medical equipment. Injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to take a taxi or private vehicle to the nearest major hospital rather than wait for an ambulance.

The U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa will not pay medical bills.   Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance. Some clinics will require payment prior to service or prior to checkout.

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See the Embassy webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. Visit the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  for more information on the type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas. It is strongly recommended that you obtain supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation. 

Always carry your prescription medication in its original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. If the quantity of drugs exceeds that which would be expected for personal use, a permit from the Ministry of Health is required. Check with the Ethiopian Food and Drug Administration (EFDA) at +251-11-552-41-22 or *8484* to ensure the medication is legal in Ethiopia. 

Altitude:   Many cities in Ethiopia, including Addis Ababa, are at high altitude. Be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness and take precautions before you travel.  Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about  travel to high altitude locations .

The following diseases are prevalent in Ethiopia:

• Diarrheal diseases 
• Cholera 
• Hepatitis A 
• Malaria 
• Measles 
• Meningitis 
• Polio 
• Rabies 
• Schistosomiasis 
• Tuberculosis 
• Yellow Fever

Vaccinations:  Ensure you are up to date on all  vaccinations  recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Note that when traveling to certain other countries from Ethiopia, proof of Yellow Fever vaccination may be required. 

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Air Quality:  Visit  AirNow Department of State  for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.

The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of  doctors and hospitals but does not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic. 

Travel and Transportation

U.S. government officials and their families are advised to travel between major cities by air. They are prohibited from using inter- or intra-city bus transportation and travelling by road outside urban areas at night.

Road Conditions and Safety: Traffic accidents occur regularly in Addis Ababa and throughout the country. Roads are ill maintained, inadequately marked, and poorly lit. Excessive speed, erratic driving habits, pedestrians, stray animals, and lack of vehicle maintenance pose other hazards. Travel with other vehicles outside of cities during daylight hours only, due to the threat of roadside bandits, and be sure to carry additional fuel, a spare tire, and provisions. Professional roadside assistance service is not available.

Traffic Laws: You will need an Ethiopian driver’s license to drive in Ethiopia. In order to obtain an Ethiopian’s driver’s license, you will need an authenticated copy of your U.S. driver’s license. For more information on authentication, visit the Department of State’s Office of Authentications . The Embassy does not authenticate U.S. driver’s licenses. Use of cell phones while driving is prohibited. Use of seat belts is required. It is illegal to give money to beggars who approach vehicles stopped in traffic.

Accidents: In the event of an automobile accident, remain inside the vehicle and wait for police. It is illegal to move your vehicle before a police officer arrives. If a hostile mob forms or you feel your safety is in danger, however, leave the scene and proceed directly to the nearest police station to report the incident.

Public Transportation: Public transport is unregulated and unsafe. Avoid all travel by public transportation and hire private transport from a reliable source. Buses are in poor mechanical condition and are often filled well beyond capacity.

While taxis are available in Ethiopia, most do not meet U.S. safety standards. In Addis Ababa, green and yellow metered taxis are generally newer and in better condition than other taxis. The hiring of private transportation from a reliable source and/or use of hotel provided transportation is recommended.

See our Road Safety page for more information.

Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Ethiopia’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Ethiopia’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page .

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Ethiopia .  For additional IPCA-related information, please see the  International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA )  report.

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Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Martin, and Saint Barthélemy (French West Indies)

Guinea-Bissau

Isle of Man

Israel, The West Bank and Gaza

Liechtenstein

Marshall Islands

Netherlands

New Caledonia

New Zealand

North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea)

Papua New Guinea

Philippines

Republic of North Macedonia

Republic of the Congo

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Saint Lucia

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Sierra Leone

Sint Maarten

Solomon Islands

South Africa

South Korea

South Sudan

Switzerland

The Bahamas

Timor-Leste

Trinidad and Tobago

Turkmenistan

Turks and Caicos Islands

United Arab Emirates

United Kingdom

Vatican City (Holy See)

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Ethiopia Traveler View

Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

• Packing List

After Your Trip

Be aware of current health issues in Ethiopia. Learn how to protect yourself.

Level 1 Practice Usual Precautions

• Global Measles March 22, 2024 Many international destinations are reporting increased numbers of cases of measles. Destination List: Afghanistan, Angola, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Malaysia, Mauritania, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Qatar, Republic of South Sudan, Republic of the Congo, Romania, Russia, Senegal, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Togo, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Yemen, Zambia
• Dengue in Africa and the Middle East February 16, 2024 Dengue is a risk in many parts of Africa and the Middle East. Some countries are reporting increased numbers of cases of the disease. Travelers to Africa and the Middle East can protect themselves by preventing mosquito bites. Destination List: Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Ethiopia, Mali, Mauritius, Senegal, Sudan

⇧ Top

Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

Active cholera transmission is  widespread  in Ethiopia. Cholera is rare in travelers.  Certain factors  may increase the risk of getting cholera or having severe disease ( more information ). Avoiding unsafe food and water and washing your hands can also help prevent cholera.

Vaccination may be considered for children and adults who are traveling to areas of active cholera transmission.

Cholera - CDC Yellow Book

Hepatitis A

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Ethiopia.

Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.

Travelers allergic to a vaccine component or who are younger than 6 months should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.

Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers of all ages traveling to Ethiopia.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

CDC recommends that travelers going to certain areas of Ethiopia take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip. Talk to your doctor about which malaria medication you should take.

Find  country-specific information  about malaria.

Malaria - CDC Yellow Book

Considerations when choosing a drug for malaria prophylaxis (CDC Yellow Book)

Malaria information for Ethiopia.

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to  CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

Meningitis (Meningococcal disease)

Recommended for travelers 2 months old or older traveling to  areas of Ethiopia  that are part of the meningitis belt during the dry season.

Meningococcal disease - CDC Yellow Book

Meningitis Belt Map

Rabid dogs are commonly found in Ethiopia. If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other mammal while in Ethiopia, there may be limited or no rabies treatment available. 

Consider rabies vaccination before your trip if your activities mean you will be around dogs or wildlife.

Travelers more likely to encounter rabid animals include

• Campers, adventure travelers, or cave explorers (spelunkers)
• Veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers handling animal specimens
• Visitors to rural areas

Since children are more likely to be bitten or scratched by a dog or other animals, consider rabies vaccination for children traveling to Ethiopia. 

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

Typhoid - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Typhoid

Yellow Fever

Required for travelers ≥9 months old arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission; this includes >12-hour airport transits or layovers in countries with risk for YF virus transmission. 1

Recommended for all travelers ≥9 months old except as follows. Generally not recommended for travel limited to the regions of Afar or Somali.

Yellow Fever - CDC Yellow Book

• Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

• Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
• Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
• Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
• Avoid contaminated water and soil

Clinical Guidance

Schistosomiasis

• Wading, swimming, bathing, or washing in contaminated freshwater streams, rivers, ponds, lakes, or untreated pools.

Avoid bug bites

African tick-bite fever.

• Avoid Bug Bites

African Tick-bite fever

Chikungunya

• Mosquito bite

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic fever

• Tick bite 
• Touching the body fluids of a person or animal infected with CCHF
• Mosquito bite

Leishmaniasis

• Sand fly bite
• An infected pregnant woman can spread it to her unborn baby

Airborne & droplet

• Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
• Bite from an infected rodent
• Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
• Avoid rodents and areas where they live
• Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Ethiopia, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

• Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
• Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
• Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene | Healthy Water
• Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the Department of State Country Information Pages for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Ethiopia. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
• Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
• Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
• Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone
• Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

• Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
• Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Ethiopia include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

• Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
• Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
• Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
• If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
• Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
• Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
• Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

• Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
• Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
• Do not dive into shallow water.
• Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
• To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.

Schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection that can be spread in fresh water, is found in Ethiopia. Avoid swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
• Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
• If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

• Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
• Go to a doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
• If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

• Use latex condoms correctly.
• Do not inject drugs.
• Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
• Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
• If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

• Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
• Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
• Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
• Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Ethiopia’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
• Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.

Malaria is a risk in Ethiopia. Fill your malaria prescription before you leave and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
• Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
• Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

• Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
• Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
• Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
• Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
• Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
• Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

• Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
• Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
• Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

• Wear a seatbelt at all times.
• Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
• When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
• Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Ethiopia may be poor.
• Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
• Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
• If you choose to drive a vehicle in Ethiopia, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
• Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
• Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
• Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
• If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
• Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

• Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
• Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
• Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
• Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

• Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
• Follow all local laws and social customs.
• Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
• Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
• If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Ethiopia for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick.

Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.

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Incoming Travellers

Arriving travellers, yellow fever vaccination certificate.

Health requirements for arriving travellers

Yellow fever vaccination certificate 

Yellow fever requirements 

All travelers arriving in Kenya from countries where yellow fever is endemic should present a valid yellow fever certificate.  Yellow Fever Vaccination exemptions Infants aged less than 9 months, except during an epidemic when infants aged 6-9 months, in areas where the risk of infection is high, should also receive the vaccine. Pregnant women – except during a yellow fever outbreak when the risk of infection is high. People with severe allergies to egg protein.  People with severe immunodeficiency due to symptomatic HIV/AIDS or other causes, or who have a thymus disorder.

State health requirements/WHO recommendations for yellow fever vaccination and malaria prophylaxis

COVID-19 Requirements

All travelers arriving into the country through any point of entry shall no longer be required to show proof of either COVID-19 vaccination; or a pre-departure COVID-19 test.

Only travellers arriving at any point of entry into Kenya with flu-like symptoms will be expected to fill the passenger locator form on the ‘jitenge’ platform. They will also be required to take a COVID-19 antigen test upon arrival at their own cost. Those who turn positive for the antigen testing will be required to take a further COVID-19 PCR test at their own cost. Those with severe symptoms shall thereafter be allowed to isolate as per the prevailing isolation requirements for mild, moderate and severe disease.

• Register here -> Jitenge platform
• See requirements here -> COVID-19 Travelling requirements  

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TRAVEL HEALTH SERVICE

• Travel Vaccination
• Before Travel
• During Travel
• After Travel
• Travel Notice
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About travel and border health service

Globalization and technology have made the world more connected than ever. Human mobility is a complex and dynamic phenomenon that has been attributed to amplify the spread of infectious diseases.

If you are not prepared, international travel can be hazardous to your health. The first step in preparing for international travel is to consult with a travel health service center. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that travelers consult with a travel health professional at least 2 weeks before departure.

The Travel and Border Health Service Directorate at Ethiopian Public Health Institute ensures the existences of the recommended International Health Regulation (IHR-2005) principles concerning travel-related diseases of public health interest.

Travel Health Services include

• Consultation : The health professionals will assess your individual needs taking into account each destination on your itinerary, personal medical needs and so on. Based on WHO latest information issued, the health professionals will provide a personal recommendation.
• Recommended vaccine : Not a must to have but taking a vaccination recommended and this include the majority of travel vaccines.
• Required vaccines : These are required by a country for entry in order to protect the health of their citizens form travelers who may import the disease. Yellow fever, meningitis and polio are the most common required vaccines.

Information For Travellers

What is cholera.

Cholera is an acute bacterial intestinal infection caused by toxigenic Vibrio cholera O1 or O139. The disease often causes profuse watery diarrhea, vomiting, circulatory collapse, and shock. Many infections are associated with milder diarrhea or have no symptoms at all but if left untreated severe cholera cases up to 50% can be deadly.

Cholera is endemic to 50 countries primarily found in South and Southeast Asia and Africa but currently, other destinations including countries in the Caribbean and Middle East have active Cholera Transmission.

As the bacteria can be found in fresh and salty water the infections are mostly acquired from untreated drinking water or the feces of an infected person. Other common vehicles include raw or undercooked food, especially fish and shellfish.

People who do not follow hand washing recommendations, and/or do not use latrines or other sanitation systems are at increased risk for infection. Travelers with the greatest risk for exposure & infection are those going to endemic or outbreak areas, humanitarian aid workers, refugees and internally displaced people.

What are the symptoms of cholera Infection?

Infection is often mild or asymptomatic, but severe cholera occurs in about 10% of cholera episodes and is characterized by profuse watery diarrhea, described as rice-water stools, often accompanied by nausea and vomiting that can rapidly lead to severe dehydration, and death within hours.

Apart from clinical diagnosis laboratory confirmation is made using numerous diagnostic methods including rapid diagnostic tests and RT-PCR.

Timely rehydration therapy is the basis of cholera treatment with oral rehydration solution and, if necessary intravenous fluids and electrolytes. Antibiotics will also reduce fluid requirements and duration of illness and are indicated in conjunction with rehydration treatment.

Travelers most importantly should follow the way to prevent cholera infection by practicing safe food and water handling precautions and frequent hand washing.

Cholera is a vaccine-preventable disease and generally, routine vaccination is not recommended for travelers if you are not at the greatest risk for exposure & infection (i.e., humanitarian aid workers, going to endemic or outbreak areas, and health care workers in direct contact with cases) and currently, no country or territory requires vaccination against cholera as a condition for entry.

Useful tips

• Cholera is an acute watery diarrheal disease with a high fatality if left untreated.
• Choler is endemic in South and Southeast Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and the island of Hispaniola.
• Travelers who consistently observe safe food, water, sanitation, and hand hygiene precautions have virtually no risk of infection
• Cholera is a vaccine-preventable disease.
• While in Ethiopia, for any inquiries please call toll-free 8335 or visit  https://ephi.gov.et/travel-health-service/

Marburg virus disease

What is Marburg virus disease?

Marburg virus disease (MVD) is a rare but severe hemorrhagic fever caused by the Marburg virus, members of the filovirus family.

Marburg virus was first recognized in 1967, when outbreaks of hemorrhagic fever occurred simultaneously in laboratories in Marburg and Frankfurt, Germany and in Belgrade, Yugoslavia (now Serbia). The first people infected had been exposed to Ugandan imported African green monkeys or their tissues while conducting research. That same year, an American traveller developed MVD after returning to the US from Uganda and recovered. Both travellers had visited a well-known cave inhabited by fruit bats in a national park.

The reservoir host of Marburg virus is a type of cave-dwelling fruit bat native to Africa called the Egyptian rousette bat. Bats infected with Marburg virus do not show obvious signs of illness. Primates (including people) can become infected with Marburg virus, which can cause serious illness or death. Many past outbreaks started with male mine workers in bat-infested mines and then spread within their communities.

What are the symptoms of MVD?

After an incubation period of 2-21 days, symptom onset is sudden and marked by fever, chills, headache, myalgia (Muscle pain) and non-itchy rash. Severe watery diarrhea, abdominal pain and cramping, nausea and vomiting can begin on the third day. Symptoms become increasingly severe and can include jaundice, inflammation of the pancreas, severe weight loss, delirium, shock, liver failure, massive hemorrhaging, and multi-organ dysfunction.

Clinical diagnosis of Marburg virus disease (MVD) can be difficult, as early nonspecific manifestation of the disease may mimic other infectious diseases such as malaria, typhoid fever and meningitis or viral haemorrhagic fevers that may be endemic in the area (such as Ebola). Confirmation is made using numerous diagnostic methods including RT-PCR.

Prevention and treatment of MVD

Preventive measures against Marburg virus infection include avoiding fruit bats and sick non-human primates and precautions to prevent the secondary transmission (person-to-person) including wearing of personal protective equipment’s (PPEs). Better awareness can lead to earlier and stronger precautions against the spread of Marburg virus.

Currently there are no vaccines or antiviral treatments approved for MVD. However, supportive care including rehydration with oral or intravenous fluids and treatment of specific symptoms, improves survival.

• MVD is preventable disease, but it kills in a short time.
• MVD is a disease that can easily be transmitted from person to person through contact with the body fluids of an infected person.
• MVD can be prevented by washing hands regularly with soap and water.
• Report any suspected cases of MVD to the nearest health facility
• While in Ethiopia , for any inquire please call toll free 8335 or visit https://ephi.gov.et/travel-health-service/

Ebola Viral disease

What is Ebola virus disease (EVD) 

Ebola virus disease is a deadly hemorrhagic disease caused by Virus called Ebola virus. The disease often causes high fever and bleeding from various body holes. The current outbreaks of Ebola viral disease in Uganda is caused by species  Sudan Ebolavirus disease. O utbreaks by the species of Sudan virus first reported in southern Sudan in June 1976, since then seven outbreaks, four in Uganda and three in Sudan have been reported.

The virus is introduced into the human population through close contact with the blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of infected animals such as fruit bats, chimpanzees, gorillas, monkeys, forest antelope or porcupines found ill or dead or in the rainforest. The virus then spreads through human-to-human transmission via direct contact (through broken skin or mucous membranes) with either blood or body fluids of a person who is sick with or has died from EVD or objects that have been contaminated with body fluids (like blood, feces, vomit) from a person sick with EVD or the body of a person who died from EVD.

The incubation period ranges from 2 to 21 days. People infected with Sudan virus cannot spread the disease until they develop symptoms, and they remain infectious as long as their blood contains the virus.

What are the symptoms of Ebola?

Symptoms of EVD can be sudden and include fever, fatigue, muscle pain, headache, and sore throat later followed by vomiting, diarrhea, rash, symptoms of impaired kidney and liver function. In some cases, the patient might present both internal and external bleeding (for example, bleeding from the gums, or blood in the stools).

The diagnosis of EVD can be difficult, as early nonspecific manifestation of the disease may mimic other infectious diseases such as malaria, typhoid fever and meningitis. Confirmation is made using numerous diagnostic methods including RT-PCR.

Prevention and treatment of EVD

Supportive care – rehydration with oral or intravenous fluids – and treatment of specific symptoms improve survival.

There are no licensed vaccines or therapeutics for the prevention and treatment of Sudan virus disease.

• Ebola is preventable disease, but it kills in a short time.
• Ebola is a disease that can easily be transmitted from person to person through contact with the body fluids of an infected person.
• Ebola can be prevented by washing hands regularly with soap and water.
• Report any suspected cases of Ebola to the nearest health facility

What is mPox (Monkey pox)?

mPox is a viral zoonosis disease (Animal origin) caused by infection with mPox virus. Previously mPox occurs in central and West Africa but the current outbreak is occurring around the world in areas where mPox is not usually found.

The mode of transmission is Human-to-human to animal-to-human transmission. Human-to-human transmition occurs from close contact with respiratory secretions and skin lesions of an infected person or recently contaminated objects. Transmission can also occur via the placenta from mother to fetus or during close contact during and after birth.

Animal-to-human transmission can occur by bite or scratch of infected animals and from direct contact with the blood or other bodily fluids and lesions of infected animals.

Symptoms of mPox

People infected with mPox develop a rash that can look like pimples or blisters and the rash may be painful or itchy, similar to those seen in the past in smallpox patients, although it is clinically less severe.

The symptoms of mPox can include Fever, Headache, Muscle and back pain, swollen lymph nodes, Chills, Exhaustion and Respiratory symptoms (e.g. sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough). The illness typically lasts from 6 to 13 days but can range from 5 to 21 days.

Who is at risk?

Anyone in close contact with a person with mPox can get it and should take steps to protect themselves.

Prevention and treatment Measures

There is no specific vaccine and treatment developed for mPox but some clinical studies demonstrated that Smallpox vaccine is about 85% effective in preventing the disease.

Travelers can  protect themselves  against infection by taking the following steps.

• Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact including kissing, hugging, or having sex with people who have a rash that looks like mPox.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer; especially before eating or touching your face and after you use the bathroom.
• In Central and West Africa, avoid contact with animals that can spread mPox virus, usually rodents and primates.
• If you have symptoms of MPox or had close contact with someone who has mPox, talk to your healthcare provider.
• If you have symptoms, do not travel until you recover or confirm you do not have mPox.

Yellow Fever

What is yellow fever ?

Yellow fever (YF) is a serious illness caused by the YF virus. YF is usually passed on to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. YF can vary from a flu-like illness that gets better on its own over several days to a severe illness with fever, jaundice (turning yellow), bleeding and organ failure. There is no specific medicine to treat YF. Up to 5% of infected people will die if they are not treated immediately.

Occurrence of YF disease?

The disease in Africa and Latin America in 44 countries. It causes with a estimation of 200,000 illnesses and up to 30,000 deaths, and the data shows the YF proved to be found in some places in our country.

The main symptoms of yellow fever

Many people do not experience symptoms, but when these do occur, the most common are:

• Muscle pain with prominent backache,
• Loss of appetite, and
• Nausea or vomiting.

A small percentage of patients, however, enter a second phase, more toxic phase within 24 hours of recovering from initial symptoms. High fever returns and several body systems are affected, usually the liver and the kidneys. In this phase people are likely to develop jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes, hence the name ‘yellow fever’), dark urine and abdominal pain with vomiting. Bleeding can occur from the mouth, nose, eyes or stomach.

How to Prevent?

• Wearing long -sleeved shirts and
• Insect repellents,
• The travelers should have the vaccine at least 10 days before you travel
• The vaccine provides lifelong protection

Note: Travelers to YF areas should do both things

What is the Treatment ?

A person who feels the above symptoms should immediately go to the health center and get the necessary professional advice and examination. If a person infected with yellow fever does not get early diagnosis and medical help, it can lead to death.

• Take the vaccine before Travel
• Any persons with high fever and yellow eyes should seek to a health facility as they may have yellow fever; Notify the nearest health office or governing body immediately.

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Ethiopia travel advice

Latest updates: Health – editorial update

Last updated: April 8, 2024 11:16 ET

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Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, ethiopia - avoid non-essential travel.

This advisory excludes Addis Ababa where you should exercise a high degree of caution.

Additional regional advice and advisories are in effect. Our ability to provide consular assistance is limited in some regions.

Addis Ababa - Exercise a high degree of caution

Exercise a high degree of caution in Addis Ababa due to an increase in robberies and the risk of spontaneous demonstrations becoming violent. Ongoing armed conflict and civil unrest in other parts of the country could spread to major cities without warning.

Northern regions - Avoid all travel

• zones 1, 2 and 4 and the Danakil Depression in the Afar region
• Benishangul-Gumuz
• areas within 30 km from the borders with the regions and zones listed above

Central regions - Avoid all travel

• Wollega zones
• West Shewa zone
• A7 highway between Mojo and Hawassa and A1 highway North-East of (but not including) Welenchiti, in the East Shewa zone
• North Shewa zone
• Southwest Shewa zone
• West Arsi zone
• Haraghe zone
• 30 km from the areas bordering the zones and regions listed above

Somali - Avoid all travel

Avoid all travel to the Somali Region, due to incidences of armed attacks and the risk of terrorism and kidnapping. This includes areas within 30 km from the border with Dire Dawa, Oromia Region, and Afar Region.

Border areas - Avoid all travel

South sudan.

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The situation is volatile and unpredictable in several areas throughout the country due to ethnic conflicts. Violent clashes occur, especially near regional borders. 

Frequent incidents of civil unrest can lead to violence. Sporadic roadblocks, curfews and disruptions to telecommunications services are possible throughout the country.

If you travel to Ethiopia:

• expect a heightened security presence
• ensure that your travel documents are up to date
• carry identification documents at all times
• make sure to stop at all checkpoints and roadblocks, even if they appear unattended
• if you are stopped by security forces, stay calm and follow instructions

Amhara region

The state of emergency, declared by the Ethiopian authorities on August 14, 2023, remains in effect in the Amhara region due to continued clashes between armed groups and security forces.

While a state of emergency is in effect, police and military have the power to:

• restrict freedom of movement and assembly
• enter private properties to conduct searches
• detain persons of interest

There is increasing and spreading violence in the Amhara region. The majority of the instability is taking place in towns and villages along the A2 and B22 highways, as well as along the southern part of the A3 highway. The cities of Lalibela, Bahir Dar and Gondar have also been affected. The safety and security situation is changing rapidly and includes violent clashes between armed groups in and around cities, towns and airports. Road blocks and curfews are also being used to restrict movements.

Due to the potential for violence to increase and spread in this region, you are at high risk of encountering movement restrictions and having no access to communications.

If you are in the Amhara region affected by the armed conflict:

• monitor local media to stay informed on the evolving situation
• follow the instructions of local authorities
• shelter-in-place until the situation stabilizes and until it is safe to leave the region (flights and land transportation may be disrupted)
• register with ROCA ( https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/registration ) to receive important safety updates from the Government of Canada
• contact the Embassy of Canada in Addis Ababa by email if you require consular assistance: [email protected]

Violent clashes between armed groups occur. Inter-ethnic disputes in Amhara have resulted in casualties, including civilians. Although foreigners are   generally not targeted, there is a risk that you could be caught up in violence.

Tigray region

A cessation of hostilities agreement was signed on November 2, 2022 between the Government of Ethiopia and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), after two years of armed conflict. The agreement has yet to be fully implemented and there remains uncertainty regarding its implications for security in the region.

Travel in and out of the Tigray region can be restricted without notice and food insecurity remains a major concern. Heightened security measures are in place.

Danakil Depression (Afar region)

Foreigners have been the target of violent crimes, including armed assaults and kidnappings by bandit groups in this area. Cross border tensions and landmines are also a concern. 

Border areas

Border areas, including regional borders, often see higher criminal activity and violence, including in rural areas. Confrontations between organized criminal groups, ethnic groups, and Ethiopian authorities pose a risk.

The border with Eritrea is still a heavily militarized security corridor despite the peace agreement signed in 2018. Armed conflict could erupt without notice. Due to the conflict in Tigray, border roads and border crossings with Eritrea are closed. Conditions at the border may change without notice. Landmines pose a risk.

Inter-ethnic conflicts and banditry are frequent near the border with Kenya. Security forces regularly carry out military operations, which periodically raises tensions.

Cross-border violence also occurs. Armed groups hostile to the Government of Ethiopia operate in several areas near the border.

Terrorists maintain a presence in this area, and ethnic conflict has been reported. This includes but is not limited to the Konso Zone and surrounding areas. Kidnapping also poses a risk in this area.

Sporadic armed clashes over disputed land occur. The risk of terrorism and kidnapping is high in this area.  Landmines pose a threat to safety.

Ethnic tensions and sporadic violence are common. Ethnic militias from South Sudan have crossed into Ethiopia to attack rival communities. The security situation is extremely unstable. The threat of violent crime, civil unrest and tribal clashes is high. Kidnapping and landmines pose a threat to safety.

Gambella region

Ethnic conflict, violent crime and sporadic violence are of concern in the city of Gambella and its surrounding areas. Armed clashes have caused casualties and damage to foreign companies’ installations in the area.

Somali region

Terrorist groups maintain a presence in Somali towns near the Ethiopian border, presenting a risk for cross-border attacks and kidnappings. Violent crime, including armed robbery, occurs. Violent clashes between armed groups and security forces, as well as ethnic violent, are common. Landmines pose a threat to safety.

Oromia region

Demonstrations, civil unrest, violent crime, armed conflicts, and clashes between security forces and armed groups occur in Oromia, including in areas bordering Amhara. Roadside attacks have also taken place.  These incidents are particularly prevalent in the following zones:

• West Wellega and the main Addis Ababa to Gambella road (A4 highway)
• East Wellega
• Kellem Wellega
• Horro-Guduru Wellega

Airstrikes targeting rebel groups in the West Shewa, East Shewa and West Wollega zones have killed hundreds of civilians.

The security situation could deteriorate without warning. A heightened security presence remains throughout these areas. Local authorities may impose curfews without notice. Internet and cellular data outages could occur.

• avoid military, police and security installations
• exercise extreme caution
• follow the advice of local authorities

There is a threat of kidnapping, particularly in Western Oromia region.

Benishangul Gumuz region

Civil unrest, including armed conflicts, has resulted in deaths. Violent clashes can occur without warning due to local ethnic tensions.

Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples region

Armed conflicts and civil unrest have occurred sporadically across the region.  These have led to casualties and mass arrests. Residents have also randomly attacked cars and disrupted road travel. Militia attacks have also occurred. 

The security situation could deteriorate without warning. A heightened security presence remains throughout these areas. Local authorities may impose curfews without notice. Internet and cellular data outages could occur. 

Kidnapping occurs, especially in the Somali, Gambella and Oromia regions (Kellem, East and West Wellega zones), as well as in the border areas with Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan and Eritrea (Danakil Depression).

If you are travelling in a region prone to kidnapping:

• get professional security advice
• arrange for personal security
• change your travel patterns regularly
• be aware of your surroundings
• avoid displaying signs of affluence
• don’t travel alone

Petty crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, purse snatching and mugging, occurs, especially in Addis Ababa. Incidents are mostly opportunistic. However, they have been increasingly reported in the following areas:

• the Bole Medhanealem
• the Bole Atlas
• the Meskel Square
• the Merkato

Theft from parked cars and burglaries in vacant residences also occur, especially in rural areas, where the police response is limited.

Crime significantly increases after dark.

• Be aware of your surroundings at all times, especially in crowded areas
• Avoid displaying any signs of affluence in public
• Avoid walking alone after sundown
• Choose living accommodations that have good security measures
• Keep car doors locked while you’re in your vehicle
• Park your car in a well-lit and guarded area
• Be vigilant if approached by strangers seeking assistance
• If threatened, hand over valuables without resistance
• Ensure that your belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times

Violent crime

Violent crime is rare in Addis Ababa, but happens. Westerners have been victims of armed assaults and muggings.

If threatened:

• stay calm and don’t resist
• comply with the robbers’ requests

Demonstrations and civil unrest

Demonstrations take place regularly, especially across the Oromia region and Addis Ababa. They can occur without warning. Ethnic tensions and territorial disputes in this area have led to demonstrations and civil unrest near the regional state borders.

Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

There is a threat of terrorism.   Regional terror groups continue to threaten Western interests and other potential targets in Ethiopia, including in Addis Ababa.  Domestic terror groups also pose an increased threat in some regions, like the Somali region.

Targets could include:

• government buildings, including schools
• places of worship
• airports and other transportation hubs and networks
• public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places.

Ethiopia is primarily a cash-based economy but credit card and ATM fraud may sometimes occur, especially in large cities. There have been reports of unauthorized charges. Connectivity issues may also be a problem.

Be cautious when using debit or credit cards:

• pay careful attention when your cards are being handled by others
• use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business
• avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
• cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
• check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

Overseas fraud

Outages and shortages

Power outages are frequent nationwide, particularly during the dry season from November to June. Local authorities may impose power rationing.

Not all buildings have generators. Outages can result in lack of street lighting, restaurants and supermarkets without adequate refrigeration, and gas stations unable to supply fuel.

Communications

Although there are some plans to improve the network, cellular coverage is unreliable and connectivity remains an issue in several parts of the country.

Local authorities also control telecommunications and may shut down both cell phone and internet systems during periods of civil unrest or ahead of a large planned protest.

You should not rely on your cell phone in case of emergency, especially outside major cities.

• Avoid travelling alone
• Inform relatives of your itinerary

Fuel and food

Periodic fuel and food shortages occur. This may create social tensions and increase food prices.

• Carry flashlights
• Plan to have adequate water, food and fuel supplies

Road safety

Driving standards, vehicle maintenance and road conditions are often poor throughout the country. Traffic accidents are a regular occurrence, especially in Addis Ababa and on the Addis Ababa–Djibouti road.

Apart from major arteries, roads are generally unpaved. They often lack markings and signage, reflectors and shoulders, even in urban areas. They are poorly lit and maintained.

Drivers often drive at excessive speed and don’t respect traffic laws. They may be reckless. Poorly maintained vehicles, roaming animals and pedestrians pose further hazards. Armed robbery, carjacking and landmines also pose a threat, especially in border areas

There is no road assistance and emergency services are limited to nonexistent in several areas. Although improving, the cellular coverage remains unstable outside main cities.

• Avoid driving after dark
• Always keep your gas tank full when in remote areas
• Always carry a first-aid kit, as medical facilities are often undersupplied
• Advise a relative of your anticipated itinerary and route
• If you encounter a roadblock, turn around and don’t attempt to pass it
• Don’t rely on your phone for navigation or emergency contacts

Traffic accidents occur regularly throughout Ethiopia. Traffic often moves unpredictably.

Under Ethiopian law, it is illegal to move your vehicle before a police officer arrives if an accident occurs. Large crowd may gather and could become hostile and aggressive.

If involved in an accident:

• avoid confrontation
• call the local police and remain at the scene of the accident until they arrive
• should you feel unsafe, leave immediately and report the incident to the nearest police station

Public transportation

Most public transport is unregulated and unsafe. Hire private transport from a reliable source or use transportation provided by your hotel.

Minibuses and large buses are often old, poorly maintained and overcrowded.

Some buses have been attacked on their way from one region to another.

Only use buses from the airport that have been organised by your hotel or your tour operator.

Rail services are limited and trains are poorly maintained. Avoid travelling by train.

Taxis are generally unsafe.

If travelling by taxi:

• only use metered taxis
• choose yellow taxis rather than white or blue ones
• make sure you are the only passenger in the vehicle

Hiking in the Danakil Depression

Weather conditions in the Danakil depression area can be fairly arid. Facilities are basic. There is no running water and medical options are very limited.

You should prepare for excessive heat and difficult terrain, namely around the Erta Ale Volcano.

If you intend on hiking in this area despite the advisory in place:

• never do so alone and always hire an experienced guide from a reputable company
• buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation
• ensure that your physical condition is good enough to meet the challenges of your activity
• ensure that you’re properly equipped and well informed about weather and other conditions that may pose a hazard
• inform a family member or friend of your itinerary, including when you expect to be back to camp
• know the symptoms of acute altitude sickness, which can be fatal
• obtain detailed information on trekking routes before setting out and do not venture off marked trails

Women’s safety

Women travelling alone may be subject to harassment and verbal abuse.

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from Ethiopian authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Ethiopia.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Tourist visa: required Business visa: required Transit visa: required

Canadians must have a valid visa to enter the country. You may obtain a visa online. If you overstay your visa, you may face daily fines and imprisonment.

You need the proper visa if you want to conduct a business or volunteering activity. If you fail to do so, you may be fined or detained.

• Obtain a visa online before arrival
• Verify carefully that your visa is valid
• Ensure that your activities in the country adhere to the type of visa you have obtained

Ethiopian e-Visa  – Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia

Other entry requirements

Authorities may request additional documents if you attempt to enter Ethiopia by vehicle at certain border crossings.

Contact the Embassy of Canada to Ethiopia, in Addis Ababa, to determine specific entry requirements at land borders.

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children .

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

• Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
• Zika virus: Advice for travellers - 31 August, 2023
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024
• Dengue: Advice for travellers - 8 April, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Yellow fever   is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

• There is a risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

• Proof of vaccination is required if you are arriving from Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, or Venezuela or have transited through an airport in one of these countries.

Recommendation

• Vaccination is recommended depending on your itinerary.
• Contact a designated  Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre  well in advance of your trip to arrange for vaccination.
• Discuss travel plans, activities, and destinations with a health care professional.
• Protect yourself from mosquito bites .

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada * It is important to note that  country entry requirements  may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest  diplomatic or consular office  of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise  safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

•  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
•  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
•  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

This destination is in the African Meningitis Belt, an area which has the highest rates of meningococcal disease in the world. Meningococcal disease is a serious and sometimes fatal infection. 

Travellers who are at higher risk should discuss vaccination with a health care provider. High-risk travellers include those living or working with the local population (e.g., health care workers) or those travelling to crowded areas or taking part in large gatherings.

Malaria  is a serious and sometimes fatal disease that is caused by parasites spread through the bites of mosquitoes.   There is a risk of malaria in certain areas and/or during a certain time of year in this destination. 

Antimalarial medication may be recommended depending on your itinerary and the time of year you are travelling. Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic before travelling to discuss your options. It is recommended to do this 6 weeks before travel, however, it is still a good idea any time before leaving.    Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times:  • Cover your skin and use an approved insect repellent on uncovered skin.  • Exclude mosquitoes from your living area with screening and/or closed, well-sealed doors and windows. • Use insecticide-treated bed nets if mosquitoes cannot be excluded from your living area.  • Wear permethrin-treated clothing.    If you develop symptoms similar to malaria when you are travelling or up to a year after you return home, see a health care professional immediately. Tell them where you have been travelling or living. 

In this destination, rabies is commonly carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions , including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.

If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. In this destination, rabies treatment may be limited or may not be available, therefore you may need to return to Canada for treatment.  

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals). 

The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified this country as no longer poliovirus-infected but at high risk of an outbreak . Polio can be prevented by vaccination.

Recommendations:

• Be sure that your polio vaccinations are up to date before travelling. Polio is part of the routine vaccine schedule for children in Canada.
• One booster dose of the polio vaccine is recommended as an adult .

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Cholera is a risk in parts of this country. Most travellers are at very low risk.

To protect against cholera, all travellers should practise safe food and water precautions .

Travellers at higher risk of getting cholera include those:

• visiting, working or living in areas with limited access to safe food, water and proper sanitation
• visiting areas where outbreaks are occurring

Vaccination may be recommended for high-risk travellers, and should be discussed with a health care professional.

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Typhoid   is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.  

There is a risk of schistosomiasis in this destination. Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease caused by tiny worms (blood flukes) which can be found in freshwater (lakes, rivers, ponds, and wetlands). The worms can break the skin, and their eggs can cause stomach pain, diarrhea, flu-like symptoms, or urinary problems. Schistosomiasis mostly affects underdeveloped and r ural communities, particularly agricultural and fishing communities.

Most travellers are at low risk. Travellers should avoid contact with untreated freshwater such as lakes, rivers, and ponds (e.g., swimming, bathing, wading, ingesting). There is no vaccine or medication available to prevent infection.

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

There is a risk of chikungunya in this country.  The risk may vary between regions of a country.  Chikungunya is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya.

Cutaneous and mucosal   leishmaniasis   causes skin sores and ulcers. It is caused by a parasite spread through the bite of a female sandfly.

Risk is generally low for most travellers. Protect yourself from sandfly bites, which typically occur after sunset in rural and forested areas and in some urban centres. There is no vaccine or medication to protect against leishmaniasis.

Visceral  leishmaniasis   (or kala azar) affects the bone marrow and internal organs. It is caused by a parasite spread through the bite of a female sandfly. It can also be transmitted by blood transfusion or sharing contaminated needles. If left untreated it can cause death. Risk is generally low for most travellers. Protect yourself from sandfly bites, which typically occur after sunset in rural and forested areas and in some urban centres. There is no vaccine or medication to protect against leishmaniasis.

Onchocerciasis (river blindness)   is an eye and skin disease caused by a parasite spread through the bite of an infected female blackfly.  Onchocerciasis often leads to blindness if left untreated. Risk is generally low for most travellers. Protect yourself from blackfly bites, which are most common close to fast-flowing rivers and streams. There is no vaccine available for onchocerciasis although drug treatments exist.

• In this country,   dengue  is a risk to travellers. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
• Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal.
• The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. The level of risk also varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region.
• Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
• Protect yourself from mosquito bites . There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue.

Rift Valley fever is a viral disease that can cause severe flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can be fatal. It is spread to humans through contact with infected animal blood or tissues, from the bite of an infected mosquito, or eating or drinking unpasteurized dairy. Risk is generally low for most travellers. Protect yourself from insect bites and avoid animals, particularly livestock, and unpasteurized dairy. There is no vaccine available for Rift Valley fever.

Zika virus is a risk in this country. 

Zika virus is primarily spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can also be sexually transmitted. Zika virus can cause serious birth defects.

During your trip:

• Prevent mosquito bites at all times.
• Use condoms correctly or avoid sexual contact, particularly if you are pregnant.

If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, you should discuss the potential risks of travelling to this destination with your health care provider. You may choose to avoid or postpone travel. 

For more information, see Zika virus: Pregnant or planning a pregnancy.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Anthrax is a serious infectious disease caused by bacteria. People can get sick with anthrax if they come into contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products. Anthrax can cause severe illness in both humans and animals. Travellers to areas where anthrax is common or where an outbreak is occurring in animals can get sick with anthrax if:

• they have contact with infected animal carcasses or eat meat from animals that were sick when slaughtered
• they handle animal parts, such as hides, wool or hair, or products made from those animal parts, such as animal hide drums.

If you are visiting these areas, do not eat raw or undercooked meat and avoid contact with livestock, wildlife, animal products, and animal carcasses.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•   washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs.

For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.

Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care professional.

High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)   is a virus that attacks and impairs the immune system, resulting in a chronic, progressive illness known as AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). 

High risk activities include anything which puts you in contact with blood or body fluids, such as unprotected sex and exposure to unsterilized needles for medications or other substances (for example, steroids and drugs), tattooing, body-piercing or acupuncture.

Medical services and facilities

Health care is inadequate, except in private hospitals of Addis Ababa where you can expect reasonable standard of basic care for minor health problems. Otherwise, health facilities are not up to Canadian standards. They lack of personnel, equipment, supplies and medications.

Ambulance services are extremely limited and unreliable.

Ensure that you always carry a comprehensive medical pack when travelling.

You will likely need medical evacuation in case of serious illness or injury.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Altitude sickness

Addis Ababa is located about 2500 metres above sea level. Acute mountain sickness may occur at high altitudes.

Be well informed about the potential health hazards at high altitudes.

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a   travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Death penalty

Ethiopian authorities may apply the death penalty for serious offences.

All illicit drugs are illegal except khat, a local stimulant. Khat is illegal in several countries. Don’t attempt to export it.

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and heavy fines.

Ethiopia is used as a drug trafficking hub between Western markets and southern Asia for heroin.

• Carry only your personal belongings, and don’t leave them unattended
• Don’t agree to carry packages that are not your own

Drugs, alcohol and travel

2SLGBTQI+ travellers

Ethiopian law prohibits sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. Those convicted can face up to 15 years in prison.

2SLGBTQI+ travellers should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Ethiopia.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in Ethiopia.

If local authorities consider you a citizen of Ethiopia, they may refuse to grant you access to Canadian consular services. This will prevent us from providing you with those services.

Travellers with dual citizenship

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Ethiopia.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Ethiopia by an abducting parent:

• act as quickly as you can
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Ethiopia to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre.

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

• International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
• Travelling with children
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Emergency Watch and Response Centre

Identification

You must carry photo ID with you at all times, as local authorities can ask you to prove your identity.

Keep a photocopy of your passport in a safe place, in case it is lost or confiscated.

It’s illegal to carry a firearm in Ethiopia.

It’s illegal to own any quantity of ivory, including in jewellery.

Antiques or religious paraphernalia

You may not export real antiques or religious items.

Tourist souvenirs are often copies of Ethiopian antiques or religious paraphernalia.

If buying such items, ensure that you have a receipt, clearly indicating that it’s a souvenir and not authentic. However, be aware that authorities may confiscate items purchased for export or for personal use, especially ceremonial knives, even if you present a receipt.

Photography

It’s strictly prohibited to photograph:

• military installations
• police and military personnel
• industrial facilities
• government buildings and infrastructure, including roads, bridges, dams and airfields

Never stop near a restricted area, no matter the reason, on foot or in a vehicle.

Street vendors

It is illegal to give money to, or purchase something from, people who approach vehicles stopped in traffic, including children.

If caught, both the beggar/vendor and the vehicle operator face fines.

Social media

Writing on blogs or social media about political subjects could lead to detention and arrest.

Cell phones

You can use one cell phone or tablet on the network of the sole, state-owned telecommunications provider, Ethio Telecom.

Additional devices are subject to a customs fee of 10% of the total cost of the device, as well as the activation fee.

Other electronic devices

You must declare all laptop computers and video equipment other than those for personal use upon arrival and departure. Some recording devices may require special customs permits.

If you will be using these items for work, obtain permission to bring them into the country from the Embassy of Ethiopia in Ottawa or the Consulate of Ethiopia in Toronto.

Foreign representatives in Canada

In 2024, the lunar month of Ramadan is expected to begin on or around March 10.

In public, between sunrise and sunset, be discreet when:

Orthodox Christian

The Ethiopian highlands population is predominantly Orthodox Christian. There is fasting in this region every Wednesday and Friday, and during Lent.

• Always obtain permission from religious authorities before visiting churches
• Dress conservatively, behave discreetly, and respect religious traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities

Time of day

Many people in Ethiopia use the Ethiopian clock.

According to the Ethiopian clock, unlike the convention in most countries, the start of the day is dawn rather than midnight. As a result, daytime hours are counted beginning from what would be 6 a.m. For instance, the time at one hour after dawn – 7 a.m. –  would be 1 a.m. on the Ethiopian clock.

Most hotels and larger organisations, including all airlines, use the global clock. However, many individuals or smaller organisations continue to use the Ethiopian clock.

Check with your host if you are unsure which clock is being used for a meeting or an event.

You must have a local driver’s licence to drive in Ethiopia. You must present your valid Canadian driver’s licence or an International Driving Permit to obtain one.

If you're involved in an accident, don’t move your vehicle before a police officer arrives. It's illegal to do so.

International Driving Permit

The currency of Ethiopia is the birr (ETB).

Credit cards are not widely accepted except by large hotels, travel agencies and a few shops and restaurants in Addis Ababa. ATMs are very limited outside urban areas and may run out of cash without notice.

Make sure you have access to hard-currency cash in case of emergency.

It is illegal to enter or exit Ethiopia with more than 1,000 birr.

You may enter or exit Ethiopia with up to US$3,000 or its equivalent in any convertible foreign currency. This doesn’t include birr. However:

• if you enter with more, you must declare the funds upon arrival
• a bank document certifying the purchase of the foreign currency and approving travel with the funds or
• a customs declaration form made upon entry

Be aware that even the provision of such documents may not safeguard you against confiscation of the extra funds, imprisonment or fines. Policies may change at any time without notice.

Exchanging money on the black market is illegal. Exchange foreign currency at banks or official foreign exchange offices only as you may face heavy fines or detention.

Due to below-average rainfall for several years in a row, Ethiopia is experiencing severe drought.

Local services and the availability of water and basic food may be affected.

You may encounter difficulties travelling overland.

Rainy season

The rainy season normally extends from June to September. Seasonal flooding can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services. Roads may become impassable due to mudslides and landslides. 

• Monitor local media for the latest updates, including road conditions
• Stay away from flooded areas
• Follow instructions from local authorities, including evacuation orders

Earthquakes

Ethiopia is located in an active seismic zone. Earthquakes may occur.

Earthquakes - What to Do?  

Local services

In case of emergency, dial 991.

Consular assistance

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada to Ethiopia, in Addis Ababa, and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

Kenya Embassy Washington D.C.

Filter results:

COVID-19 requirements for travel to Kenya

Please check the link for updated information: COVID-19 Requirements for travel to Kenya – Kenya Embassy Washington D.C. (kenyaembassydc.org)

TRAVEL SUPPORT

• Travel requirements by destination

All Destinations

Afghanistan

Covid-19 testing requirements.

All passengers above the age of 8 years old are required to hold a negative COVID-19 PCR test conducted maximum 96 hours prior to departure.

Travel to and from Dubai

If you're travelling to, from or transiting through Dubai, please check our Travel requirements for Dubai. (Opens page in the same tab)

List of laboratories

This is a recommended list of authorised COVID-19 test laboratories in Dubai (Opens a PDF in a new tab)  where you can get tested before you travel to your destination.

The UAE government has specified designated laboratories in each of our current destinations (Opens a PDF in a new tab)  . You can either use the recommended laboratories in the list or any trusted and certified laboratories in your country of origin to get your COVID-19 RT PCR test.

Search and book flights

Latest updates

All restrictions lifted starting 01 November 2022

Mask requirements

Masks are required on board and at the airport in your destination.

The UAE government has specified designated laboratories in each of our current destinations (Opens a PDF in a new tab)  . You can either use the recommended laboratories in the list or any trusted and certified laboratories in your country of origin to get your COVID-19 RT-PCR test.

If you're travelling to, from or transiting through Dubai, please check our Travel requirements for Dubai (Opens page in the same tab) .

There are no longer any COVID 19 entry restrictions for travel to Angola. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

Travel from Angola

Passengers are advised to ensure they meet all travel requirements of the countries of their final/transit destinations.

Travel eligibility

Travel from argentina.

This is a recommended list of authorised COVID‑19 test laboratories in Dubai (Opens a PDF in a new tab)  where you can get tested before you travel to your destination.

The UAE government has specified designated laboratories (Opens a PDF in a new tab)  in each of our current destinations. You can either use the recommended laboratories in the list or any trusted and certified laboratories in your country of origin to get your COVID‑19 RT PCR test..

There are no longer any COVID 19 entry restrictions for travel to Australia. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to Austria. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to Bahrain. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to Bangladesh. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms

Visa on arrival services for nationals of the following countries are now available at Shahjalal Internation Airport in Dhaka:

• United States of America
• All GCC countries
• All European countries

New Zealand

• Russian Federation
• South Korea

Read through the guideline for all arriving passengers on the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh portal (Opens an external website in a new tab)  .

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to Belgium. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

There are no longer any COVID‑19 entry restrictions for travel to Brazil. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

Before you travel, please ensure you understand the requirements for travel to Canada (Opens an external website in a new tab)  .

Required documents

While travellers will no longer have to submit their quarantine and vaccination information through ArriveCAN, they can continue to use the optional Advance Declaration feature in ArriveCAN (free as a mobile app or on the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) website) to save time at the airport by submitting their customs and immigration declaration in advance of arrival. 

Download the ArriveCAN app here (Opens an external website in a new tab)  .

Travel from Canada

If you're travelling to or transiting through Dubai, please check the travel requirements for Dubai , the requirements of your final destination, and the departure requirements below set by the Canadian government.

There are no longer any COVID‑19 entry restrictions for travel to China. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast)

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to Cote d’Ivoire. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

Passengers travelling from Abidjan must take the required pre-departure tests at designated testing centres approved by Institute Pasteur.

There are no longer any COVID 19 entry restrictions for travel to Cyprus. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

Wearing face masks is recommended on all flights to and from Cyprus, as well in all indoor areas while in Cyprus.

Czech Republic

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to Czech Republic. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to Denmark. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

Travel rules for Dubai residents

Follow the latest travel advice for residents travelling to and from Dubai (Opens page in the same tab) . The information changes frequently so please check back before you travel.

Travel rules for tourists

Follow the latest travel advice for tourists travelling to, through and from Dubai (Opens page in the same tab) . The information changes frequently so please check back before you travel.

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to Egypt. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

Masks are optional on board but must be worn at the airport in your destination

There are no longer any COVID‑19 entry restrictions for travel to Ethiopia.

Visa on arrival services are available for eligible passengers provided they apply for OK to board approval before travelling to Ethiopia.

Exemptions:

• Transfer passengers
• Passengers with sticker visas
• E-visas with a confirmation page showing the passenger details along with a photo of the passenger will be accepted
• Visa on arrival will only be granted to passengers who were born in Ethiopia, whose passport states Ethiopia as their place of birth
• Children of Ethiopian nationals or Residence Card holders who are travelling with their parents, who will be allowed to enter the country with a visa on arrival eligibility or if they have a pre issued sticker or e-visa
• Passengers with Africa Union IDs or Diplomatic IDs issued by the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, given the ID is valid
• Passengers with Ethiopian Origin ID

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to France. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to Germany. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

Travel from Ghana

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to Greece. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

From 25 June 2022, arriving and departing passengers will no longer be required to complete a health declaration form.

From 13 March 2022, all nationalities are allowed entry into Guinea provided they complete the following requirements on arrival.

Passengers who are fully vaccinated must present proof that they have complete the required doses of the any of the following vaccines:

• Astra Zeneca
• Sinopharm and Sinovac
• Johnson & Johnson

Fully vaccinated passengers are not required to present a negative pre-departure COVID-19 test.

Passengers unvaccinated or partially vaccinated must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate for a test taken not more than 72 hours before travel.

Travellers who present a COVID-19 recovery certificate dated less than six months are not required to present a vaccination certificate on arrival.

Passengers between the ages of 5 and 18 years are exempt from the vaccination requirement but must take a PCR test not more than 72 hours before entry into Conakry.

Any passenger who presents symptoms of COVID 19 (e.g. fever, cough, difficulty breathing, sneezing, poor general condition, etc.) on arrival will undergo a standard diagnostic test (PCR) and be isolated while waiting for the test results. If found positive for COVID 19, the traveller will be treated at a dedicated processing centre.

Hong Kong, China

From 1 March 2023, travellers are no longer required to wear masks on board flights to Hong Kong and at Hong Kong International Airport.

Please visit the official website (Opens an external website in a new tab)  for more details. 

Please check the government website  for eligibility and mandatory quarantine requirements before you travel to Hong Kong.

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to Hungary. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

From 13 February 2023 (11:00am IST), travellers may be subject to random COVID-19 PCR testing on arrival in India.

From 13 February 2023 (IST 11:00am), pre-departure COVID-19 testing and registration on the Air Suvidha portal are no longer required for passengers travelling from China, Hong Kong, Japan, Republic of Korea, Singapore and Thailand.

However, all travellers arriving in India are subject to random COVID-19 testing on arrival at the airport.

Vaccination and Satu Sehat Apps are no longer mandatory requirements.

Masks are optional on board and at the airport in your destination.

The following categories of passengers are exempt from the entry restriction:

• Indonesian nationals
• Non Indonesian nationals holding diplomatic visa and official visa
• Non Indonesian nationals holding limited stay permit (ITAS) and permanent stay permit (ITAP)
• Non Indonesian nationals holding diplomatic stay permit and official stay permit
• Non Indonesian nationals holding visit visas
• Non Indonesian nationals holding limited stay visas
• Non Indonesian nationals holding Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) business travel card
• Foreign nationals from 92 territories who are eligible for visa on arrival services and who are visiting Indonesia for tourism purposes

International to international transit/transfer through Jakarta (CGK) airport is now allowed for a maximum of 6 hours. International to domestic transfer is allowed and travellers must present all entry requirements at the first port of entry. 

International to international transit or transfer through Denpasar (DPS) airport is now allowed for a maximum of 8 hours. Between 02.00-07.00LT, the airport closure period, international to international transit or transfer passengers must clear CIQ and must fulfil DPS entry requirements.

Visa free entry or visa on arrival is only allowed through CGK, DPS, KNO, SUB, UPG, MDC, YIA, BTH, LOP, PDG, BPN, PKU, KJT, DJJ and BTJ.

Visa free entry for tourists only applies to citizens of South East Asian countries: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor Leste and Vietnam.

Visa on arrival for tourists only applies to nationals of 92 territories : Albania, Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Egypt, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Hong Kong SAR, Hungary, Iceland, India, Ireland Republic, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Laos, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau(SAR), Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Monaco, Mexico, Morocco, Myanmar, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Palestine, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Russia, Romania, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, San Marino, Seychelles, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Timor Leste, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom (British citizens only), United States of America, Uzbekistan, Vatican and Vietnam.

Passengers who have the following types of British passports are not eligible for visa on arrival services:

• British Overseas Territories Citizen
• British National (Overseas)
• British Overseas Citizen
• British Subject
• British Protected Person

All eligible foreign nationals can apply for an e-visa on arrival (E-VOA) and pay the visa fees online before travelling to Indonesia at https://molina.imigrasi.go.id/ (Opens an external website in a new tab) 

Passengers who are eligible for visa free entry or visa on arrival can stay for 30 days and must comply with the following requirements:

• Minimum 6 months passport validity
• Return or onward ticket
• Visa on arrival fee at IDR 500,000
• Sufficient funds
• Tourists can stay a maximum of 30 days and request a one-time extension for another 30 days at the nearest immigration office.
• Exit Indonesia from any immigration checkpoint
• Visa free and/or visa on arrival cannot be exchanged for a resident visa

Foreign nationals who have an emergency passport, temporary passport, travel document or laissez passer are not eligible for visa on arrival services.

Foreign nationals from countries not specified can visit Indonesia by applying for a visit visa or limited stay visa before arrival.

Visit visa and limited stay visa can apply to the following purposes:

A. Visit Visa

• Tourism purposes
• Emergency work activity
• Business discussion
• Purchase of items
• Film activity
• Food, medical and humanitarian support
• Governmental duty including G20 activity or international meetings 144th Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU)
• Joining ship in Indonesia territory
• Marine industry development
• Foreign worker candidate trial on the ability to work

B. Limited Stay Visa

• As an expert staff
• Gather together to work on ships, float equipment or installation operated in Indonesian territory and Economic Exclusive Zone Indonesia
• Quality control of items or production
• Inspection or audit of branch office in Indonesia
• After sales activity
• Installing or repairing a machine
• Non permanent construction work
• Undertaking a film production for commercial purposes and has been approved by the appropriate authorities
• Foreign workers on a skills trial
• Visa index C313 (non work purpose): foreign investment for period of 1 year
• Visa index C314 (non work purpose): foreign investment for period of 2 years
• Visa index C316 (non work purpose): study / education
• Visa index C317 (non work purpose): family reunion

Guarantors must apply for visit visas and limited stay visas online (Opens an external website in a new tab)  to the Directorate General of Immigration based on the visit purposes.

Visit visas and limited stay visas are granted by the Director General of Immigration in the form of an electronic visa (eVisa). Visit visas with an eVisa Number ending in DN cannot be used for entry, as this code is for a visa extension for foreign nationals who have entered Indonesia and are currently staying in Indonesia (On Shore Visa). Visit visa numbers to enter Indonesia should end with LN (Off Shore Visa).

Diplomatic visa and official visa are regulated by Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Holders of diplomatic and service passports from 91 countries (Opens an external website in a new tab)  can enter Indonesia with the free visa facility if the visit purpose of the visit is related to diplomatic or official visits with supporting documents:

• Carrying a diplomatic duty note or visit statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Republic Indonesia and or foreign state ministry
• Invitation letter issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Republic Indonesia for those attending meetings and or conferences in Indonesia

All passengers arriving Indonesia must also complete the electronic Customs Declaration form https://ecd.beacukai.go.id/ 

The UAE government has specified designated laboratories (Opens a PDF in a new tab)  . You can either use the recommended laboratories in the list or any trusted and certified laboratories in your country of origin to get your COVID-19 RT PCR test.

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to Iran. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

Entry to Iran is allowed only for Iranian nationals and foreign nationals who have any of the following:

• Residence permit
• Entry visa (merchants)
• Work permit visa;
• Medical visa
• Investment visa
• Exit and return stamp from Iran Immigration

Eligible passengers must apply for the Entry Visa online and receive approval before travelling to Iran.

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to Iraq. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

Passengers holding a paper visa and one-way or return tickets require OK to board approval. To get OK to board approval, they must submit copies of their passport, flight booking reference and visa 48 hours before their date of travel. The required documents must be submitted to:

• Baghdad: [email protected]
• Basra: [email protected]

The following passengers can travel to Iraq without OK to Board approval:

• Passengers holding a valid sticker visa

All passengers who have recently travelled to or through Bangladesh will not be allowed entry to Basra.

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to Ireland. Passengers are no longer required to hold a COVID‑19 vaccination certificate, COVID‑19 test result or complete the Passenger Locator Form.

Travel from Ireland

Emirates passengers can undergo COVID 19 testing at the following facilities.

Emirates passengers can undergo COVID 19 testing at the following facilities. Find the testing facility closest to you and present your Emirates ticket or booking confirmation. You should receive your test results within 96 hours after the sample is taken. Emirates is not liable for the samples, their transfer and analysis as carried out under the full responsibility of these laboratories, nor for any delay in the release of test results.

• RDT Care (Opens an external website in a new tab) 
• Randox Health (Opens an external website in a new tab) 
• Travel Health (Opens an external website in a new tab) 
• Vida care (Opens an external website in a new tab) 
• Liffey Medical (Opens an external website in a new tab) 
• Better2know (Opens an external website in a new tab) 
• Tropical Medical Bureau (Opens an external website in a new tab) 

There are no longer any COVID‑19 entry restrictions for travel to Israel. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

There are no longer any COVID 19 entry restrictions for travel to Italy. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to Japan. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

There are no longer any testing, vaccination or quarantine requirements.

All passengers must register on the Visit Jordan portal (Opens an external website in a new tab)  prior to departure and complete the required form to get a QR code. The QR code must be presented at check-in and to authorities on arrival in Jordan.

Exceptions:

• Jordanian passengers and their families, spouses and children regardless of their nationalities
• Transit passengers
• Diplomats and employees of regional and international organisations as well as their dependents and family members with a special and/or normal passport who are residing in Jordan and who have a permanent QR code with an indefinite validity that can be used to return to Jordan on several trips

This is a recommended list of authorised COVID-19 test laboratories in Dubai (Opens a PDF in a new tab) i  where you can get tested before you travel to your destination.

All passengers who require visas should apply for and obtain an e visa before travelling to Kenya. The e-visa can be obtained through this website (Opens page in a new tab)  . Minors below 16 years old are exempted from the visa requirement.

Passengers holding Refugee or Alien travel documents must have a visa at all times.

The UAE government has specified designated laboratories (Opens a PDF in a new tab)  . You can either use the recommended laboratories in the list or any trusted and certified laboratories in your country of origin to get your COVID-19 RT-PCR test.

Korea, Republic of

From 1 March 2023, all passengers are requested to upload their health questionnaire information on the  Q-Code location (Opens an external website in a new tab)   or complete the Health Questionnaire (yellow form) before arrival for quarantine inspection.

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to Kuwait. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to Lebanon. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

This is a recommended list of authorised COVID-19 test laboratories in Dubai (Opens a PDF in a new tab) (Opens an external website in a new tab)  where you can get tested before you travel to your destination.

The UAE government has specified designated laboratories in each of our current destinations (Opens a PDF in a new tab) (Opens an external website in a new tab)  . You can either use the recommended laboratories in the list or any trusted and certified laboratories in your country of origin to get your COVID-19 RT-PCR test.

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to Malaysia. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

There are changes to the required documents for travel to the Maldives.

Passengers travelling to Maldives must complete the online Traveller Declaration Form (Opens an external website in a new tab)   within 96 hours before arrival in the Maldives, obtain a QR code and present it at the time of check-in at the airport.

Passengers travelling to the Maldives as tourists must have a confirmed hotel reservation for their stay at registered tourist facilities.

Travel from Maldives

Passengers travelling from Maldives must confirm the COVID-19 PCR test requirements of their destination country and present the test result certificate at check in. Please contact your resort’s guest relations department for assistance with COVID-19 PCR testing, if required.

Passengers travelling from Maldives must complete the online  Traveller Declaration Form (Opens an external website in a new tab)   within 96 hours before their flight’s departure. Obtain a QR code and present it to the officials at the entrance to check in, and to Immigration officers on departure.

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to Malta. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

The UAE government has specified designated laboratories in each of our current destinations (Opens a PDF in a new tab)  . You can either use the recommended laboratories in the list or any trusted and certified laboratories in your country of origin to get your COVID-19 RT-PCR test. 

There are no longer any COVID 19 entry restrictions for travel to Mauritius. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination and quarantine.

To facilitate arrival process, passengers are encouraged to complete arrival form on www.safemauritius.govmu.org (Opens an external website in a new tab)  .

Masks are not required onboard and while at the airport.

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to Mexico. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

Wearing face masks is optional on board flights and inside airport terminals. However, travellers are advised to wear them in confined spaces.

There are no longer any COVID‑19 entry restrictions for travel to Morocco. Passengers are no longer required to hold a COVID‑19 vaccination certificate, COVID‑19 test result or complete the Passenger Locator Form.

Netherlands

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to the Netherlands. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

Travellers arriving into New Zealand international airports now have the option to complete a digital declaration instead of a paper Passenger Arrival Card, before travelling to New Zealand. Find out more 

Home/ New Zealand Travel Declaration 

There are no longer any COVID 19 testing, vaccination and quarantine requirements for travel to Nigeria. There are changes to the required documents.

Masks are optional on board and at the destination airport.

Passengers are required to complete the Health Questionnaire Form (Opens an external website in a new tab)  before departure or upon arrival.

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to Norway. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to Oman. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to Pakistan.

Philippines

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to Poland. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to Portugal. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

There are no longer any COVID 19 testing, vaccination and quarantine requirements for entry to Russia. Foreign nationals must complete the entry form provided on board.

Other information

Passengers may be subject to selective COVID-19 testing upon arrival.

Travel from Russia

Foreign passengers must complete arrival forms which are distributed on board.

Saudi Arabia

There are no longer any COVID‑19 entry restrictions for travel to Saudi Arabia. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

Only passengers who meet the following conditions will be allowed on flights to Senegal.

• Residents of countries that are not affected by the temporary restriction of non-essential movement to Senegal or have not imposed restrictions on the movement of Senegal nationals
• Nationals of members states of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) and from Economic Community of West (CEDEAO)
• EU citizens
• Third-country nationals regularly established in Senegal and holding a residence permit issued by the competent services of the Republic of Senegal

Passengers holding a Seychelles passport must be allowed to board without any additional checks or requirements. They are exempt from obtaining an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). It is crucial to uphold their constitutional right of return, ensuring their unrestricted travel to Seychelles.

Passengers who hold dual citizenship with Seychelles and are traveling with a passport issued by a country other than Seychelles are exempt from the eTA requirement. However, they must provide documentation confirming their Seychelles nationality for verification purposes. Once the necessary documentation is provided, they should receive an "Ok to Board" message.

All other foreign passport holders must complete the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) process before departure. They can obtain the eTA at https://seychelles.govtas.com/ 

This is a  recommended list of authorised COVID-19 test laboratories in Dubai (Opens a PDF in a new tab)   where you can get tested before you travel to your destination.

The UAE government has specified  designated laboratories in each of our current destinations (Opens a PDF in a new tab)  . You can either use the recommended laboratories in the list or any trusted and certified laboratories in your country of origin to get your COVID-19 RT-PCR test.

From 13 February 2023, there are no longer any COVID-19 testing, vaccination and quarantine requirements for travel to Singapore.

All passengers travelling to Singapore must comply with the current public health and entry requirements. 

Passengers who have no travel history to any country or region classified by the Singapore Ministry of Health as a Restricted Category country or region in the last 7 days before travel to Singapore will not be required to serve a Stay-Home Notice (SHN) upon entering Singapore, regardless of the passenger’s vaccination status. Such passengers will also no longer be subject to any COVID-19 testing, whether pre-departure or in Singapore. Similarly, every flight into Singapore may carry unvaccinated passengers.

As of 9 February 2023, there are no countries/regions in the Restricted Category.

All travellers must submit their  Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC) (Opens an external website in a new tab)  within 3 days before arrival in Singapore. If passengers have not submitted their SGAC before departure, air operators should advise them to do so to facilitate a smooth arrival process in Singapore. 

Please note that there are no fees for completing the SGAC online.

To avoid tests and quarantine, travellers must fulfil the public health requirements. Travellers who cannot meet the public health requirements and refuse any test(s) and/or quarantine may be turned away from Singapore.

Yellow fever vaccination:

If you have visited any country at risk of Yellow Fever transmission (Opens an external website in a new tab)  in the past six days before arrival in Singapore, you must present an International Certificate of Vaccination for Yellow Fever. 

Travellers who can’t present a yellow fever vaccination certificate must quarantine for up to six days on arrival. Quarantine also applies to those who are ineligible to receive the vaccination e.g., children aged one year and below and individuals with contraindications.

South Africa

Travel from south africa.

Check in will close promptly 60 minutes before departure to ensure on time departures.

The use of masks is not mandatory.

COVID-19 testing and vaccination are no longer required for travel to Sri Lanka.

Wearing of face masks is optional.

Sri Lankan nationals / dual citizens who are travelling on Sri Lankan passports / Sri Lanka emergency travel document holders are allowed entry into Sri Lanka.

Foreign nationals are allowed entry to Sir Lanka if they have any of the following documents:

• Approved Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) (Opens an external website in a new tab) 
• Landing endorsement
• Residence visa

Visa on arrival is also available except for nationals of Afghanistan, Cameroon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Myanmar, Nepal, Nigeria, North Korea, Pakistan and Syria, who must have an approved Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) in advance to be accepted for travel to Sri Lanka.

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to Sudan. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to Sweden. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

Switzerland

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to Switzerland. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

Taiwan, China

There are no longer any COVID‑19 entry restrictions for travel to Tanzania. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

There are no longer any COVID 19 entry restrictions for travel to Thailand. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

Nationalities who are eligible for travel to Tunisia can now be accepted for travel, including nationalities who are eligible for visa on arrival services.

Passengers will be accepted based on meeting all requirements.

All non-resident passengers are required to have a return ticket. All non Tunisian residents (holding valid residence cards) are not required to have a return ticket.

Visa on arrival must be pre approved with an application submitted by the sponsor to Immigration HQ in Tunisia.

Travel from Tunisia

All passengers except Libyan nationals who are transiting through Tunisia to Libya should have an OK TO BOARD to be accepted on Emirates flights.

All passengers are advised to arrive at check in 4 hours before departure with all the correct documents required for their destination of travel.

Documents must be printed and soft copies will not be accepted.

Check in counters will close 90 minutes prior to departure.

The boarding gate will open 60 minutes prior to departure.

Passengers are no longer required to undergo COVID-19 testing before travelling to Uganda.

Visa on arrival services in Uganda are suspended for majority of countries.

All travellers holding ordinary passports from countries whose citizens are required to have visas to enter Uganda will be required to apply for visas online (Opens an external website in a new tab)  prior to travel, and will receive an approved notification that they must print and carry with them as travel authorisation.

Exempted countries are:

• Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Burundi, Comoros, Cuba, Cyprus, Eritrea, Fiji, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Lesotho, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Rwanda, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Island, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Swaziland, Tanzania, Tonga, Trinidad & Tobago, Vanuatu, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Travel from Uganda

Before you travel from Uganda, check the rules for travelling to, from or transiting through Dubai.

Proof of vaccination may still be required for travel from Uganda, depending on the entry requirements of the country you will be visiting. Passengers are advised to bring proof of vaccination with them when travelling.

United Kingdom

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to the UK. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms. 

Visit the official website  for more information. 

Please also read the latest guidance  for people with COVID 19 and their contacts.

Travel from the United Kingdom

Before you travel from the UK, check the rules for travelling to, from or transiting through Dubai (Opens page in the same tab) from your point of origin.

Proof of vaccination may still be required for travelling abroad from the UK, depending on the entry requirements of the country you will be visiting. Passengers are advised to bring proof of vaccination with them when travelling.

Emirates has partnered with the following providers in the UK to offer you special COVID-19 testing rates:

Concepto Clinic, Randox

Find out more about our partners, the tests and special rates available (Opens a PDF in a new tab)  .

Before planning your trip to the UK, you must check the rules for transiting via Dubai from the countries you have visited.

If you are travelling between countries with different rules, you need to follow the most restrictive requirements.

This means that rules that are not otherwise mandated by the UK government for entry may therefore apply to your trip. This can include the following:

• Passengers who have been in or transited through certain countries may not be permitted to enter or transit via Dubai.
• Passengers transiting via Dubai from certain countries may be required to provide a valid negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate for a test conducted at an approved facility within a defined number of hours before departure from their origin, regardless of vaccinated status. This can also include a second PCR test performed at the airport of origin only a few hours before departure.

United States

There are no longer any COVID-19 entry restrictions for travel to VIetnam. This includes requirements for testing, vaccination, quarantine and entry forms.

Masks are optional on board but must be worn at the airport in your destination.

Travellers must fill out a traveller’s health declaration form and present it on arrival in Zambia.

There are changes to travel eligibility and the COVID-19 testing and vaccination requirements.

Passengers will be accepted for travel if they have a vaccination certificate or a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate for a test taken not more than 48 hours before departure for Zimbabwe.

Passengers who do not present a valid vaccination certificate or negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate will not be accepted for travel.

Passengers who are not fully vaccinated must have a valid negative COVID-19 PCR test taken not more than 48 hours from the time of departure for Zimbabwe. Children below 12 years old are exempt from the pre-departure COVID-19 testing requirement.

Returning residents who do not present a valid negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate or a vaccination certificate will be required tested for COVID-19 on arrival at their own cost.

Vaccination requirements

Fully vaccinated passengers are not required to take a pre-departure COVID-19 PCR test.

All vaccines will be accepted as long as you have received all the required doses before travel.

Passengers must complete the health declaration form (Opens a PDF in a new tab)  and the data entry form (Opens a PDF in a new tab)  .

Returning residents who do not present a valid negative PCR test certificate will be required to quarantine for 10 days at their own expense.

Tourists who do not present a valid negative PCR test certificate will be denied entry.

Travel from Zimbabwe

All passengers travelling from Zimbabwe except children below 12 years old must have a valid negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate issued not more than 48 hours before departure or must be fully vaccinated and have a vaccination certificate.

• COVID-19 information hub

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
• Foreign travel advice

Entry requirements

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel. 

The 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 . 

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for passengers entering Ethiopia. 

Passport validity requirements 

Your passport must be: 

• valid for at least 6 months from the date you arrive in Ethiopia 
• machine-readable 

Visa requirements 

You need a visa and a valid travel document to enter Ethiopia, including a passport or emergency travel document (ETD). Visitors without valid documents can be detained and fined. 

You do not need a visa if you have a valid Ethiopian Diplomatic ID Card, Ethiopian Temporary Residents Permit or Ethiopian Origin ID (Yellow Cards).

Leave the country before your visa expires or get an official extension if needed. The penalty for overstaying is 10 US dollars a day. You will not be allowed to leave until you pay in full.  

Available visa lengths are 30 days or 90 days, with extensions available for an additional 30 or 90 days. 

Applying for a visa  

Get a visa from the official Ethiopian e-visa platform .   

If 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. 

Vaccination requirements  

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and vaccination certificates you may need in TravelHealthPro’s Ethiopia guide. You may need a yellow fever certificate.  

Customs rules 

There are strict rules about goods that can be brought into and taken out of Ethiopia.

If you plan to take in specialist 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.  

Contact the Press Office for more information and advice .

Taking money into Ethiopia 

You 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. Your cash can be seized and you could get a prison sentence if you go over the limits. 

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 by airplane with cash above these amounts, you must show the customs declaration form you got when you entered Ethiopia, or the bank advice note if you purchased currency locally.  

If leaving by land with amounts over the stipulated limits, you must show the customs documents given when you arrived in the country. 

If entering Ethiopia through a land border you must declare cash over 500 US dollars (or equivalent). 

Keep 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.  

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Kenya Travel Restrictions

Traveler's COVID-19 vaccination status

Traveling from the United States to Kenya

Open for vaccinated visitors

COVID-19 testing

Not required

Not required for vaccinated visitors

Restaurants

Not required in public spaces.

Kenya entry details and exceptions

Documents & additional resources, ready to travel, find flights to kenya, find stays in kenya, explore more countries on travel restrictions map, destinations you can travel to now, dominican republic, netherlands, philippines, puerto rico, switzerland, united arab emirates, united kingdom, know when to go.

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Can I travel to Kenya from the United States?

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Kenya.

Can I travel to Kenya if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Kenya without restrictions.

Can I travel to Kenya without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Kenya without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter Kenya?

Visitors from the United States are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering Kenya.

Can I travel to Kenya without quarantine?

Travelers from the United States are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in Kenya?

Mask usage in Kenya is not required in public spaces.

Are the restaurants and bars open in Kenya?

Restaurants in Kenya are open. Bars in Kenya are .

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COVID-19 test centers

Latest Covid-19 test result are required for most destinations. Approved PCR test labs in your area are listed here.

Are you transiting via Addis Ababa or Lomé?

You do not need to bring an RT PCR test if you are transiting traveler entering through international airports and do not enter the city or leave the hotel assigned by the airline. Take the test only if it is required in your final destination.

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