ethiopia travel vaccines

Travel Vaccines and Advice for Ethiopia

Said to be one of the oldest nations in the world, Ethiopia has a lot to offer those visiting its borders. The country has stunning landscapes with varying terrain and history going to prehistoric times.

Enjoy rafting on the Omo River, see the enormous crocodiles in Lake Chomo, or hike to historic churches. These gorgeous sites offer unique experiences that you can only get in Ethiopia.

Enjoy the hub of city life in Addis Ababa. Sit in the plaza and sip some coffee while taking in the culture and hospitality of the country.

Do I Need Vaccines for Ethiopia?

Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Ethiopia. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Ethiopia: hepatitis A , hepatitis B , typhoid , yellow fever , rabies , meningitis , polio , measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) , Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) , chickenpox , shingles , pneumonia and influenza .

COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. Check with your local Passport Health clinic if immunization is offered in your area.

See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:

• COVID-19 – Airborne & Direct Contact – Recommended for all unvaccinated individuals who qualify for vaccination
• Hepatitis A – Food & Water – Recommended for most travelers
• Hepatitis B – Blood & Body Fluids – Recommended for travelers to most regions.
• Typhoid – Food & Water – Recommended for travelers to most regions.
• Yellow Fever – Mosquito – Required if traveling from a region with yellow fever. Recommended for all travelers over 9 months of age. Generally not recommended for Afar and Somali provinces.
• Rabies – Saliva of Infected Animals – High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals.
• Meningitis – Airborne & Direct Contact – Located in the meningitis belt, vaccination is recommended during the dry season (Dec. – June)
• Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) – Various Vectors – Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
• TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) – Wounds & Airborne – Only one adult booster of pertussis required.
• Chickenpox – Direct Contact & Airborne – Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox.
• Shingles – Direct Contact – Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles.
• Pneumonia – Airborne – Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both.
• Influenza – Airborne – Vaccine components change annually.
• Polio – Food & Water – While there is no active polio transmission in Ethiopia, it is vulnerable for outbreaks. Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.

See the tables below for more information:

Ethiopia sits in the meningitis belt. This region of Africa is known for it’s meningitis transmission from December through June. Make sure you are vaccinated against all forms of meningitis before your trip.

Ethiopia requires proof of yellow fever vaccination if you are arriving from a region where the virus is present. Immunization is generally recommended for travel to Ethiopia, except if travel is limited to Afar and Somali provinces.

Mosquito-borne diseases like malaria and dengue are in Ethiopia. Make sure you’re protected with antimalarials, repellents and netting. A travel health specialist will help you determine what protection is right for you.

Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now .

Do I Need a Visa for Ethiopia?

A visa is required for entry to Ethiopia. Passports must have at least six months’ validity and one blank page for entry/exit stamps.

Sources: Embassy of Ethiopia and U.S. State Department

Proof of yellow fever and polio vaccination may be required at entry.

What Is the Climate Like in Ethiopia?

Ethiopia’s main climate is tropical monsoon. Weather will vary depending on the region. Here are 3 of the major cities and what you can expect when you travel:

• Addis Ababa – The capital of Ethiopia is on the foothills of Mount Entoto. With an elevation of around 7,874 feet, you can experience a pleasant climate year round. Expect average temperatures in the 60-70’s. The main wet season is from June to September with higher temperatures.
• Mekele – This city is located in the Tigrayan Highlands in the north of the country. The warmest it gets is low-80’s and the coolest is low-60’s. Be cautious of traveling during the wet months. Many roads can be inaccessible due to flooding.
• Adama – Also known as Nazret or Nazareth, this city is a major weekend destination located near Addis. With a similar elevation of Addis Ababa, the climate is about the same.

Most of the major cities in Ethiopia have a similar elevation to Addis Ababa. If you’re traveling to lower regions, the climate can be hotter and drier depending on the time you travel.

Be sure to take this into account when packing your bags.

Is It Safe to Travel to Ethiopia?

Ethiopia has had some terrorist attacks over the last few years. Travelers should take extra precautions especially in the Oromia and Amhara regions.

Be cautious of areas with large gatherings. If you think a protest may be forming try to leave the area as a precaution.

Remain alert and cautious if traveling near bordering countries of Ethiopia. There is a high threat of landmines along the western border and tensions are high due to ethnic conflicts.

Ethiopia has a low crime rate compared to other African countries. As with any major city, be wary of pick-pocketing and other theft that are common in Addis Ababa. Many of the crimes are petty but some violent robberies have been known to occur.

Stay alert, take your surroundings into consideration, plan your trips ahead of time, and make sure you have everything you need.

Avoid an Embarrassing Stop

Over 70% of travelers will have diarrhea., get protected with passport health’s travelers’ diarrhea kit .

Lalibela is a small town in Ethiopia that is famous for its churches made from rock. These churches are very old, constructed in the 12th and 13th centuries. Visitors can explore the churches and see the beautiful carvings and paintings.

Lalibela is also a religious town, and many festivals are held there throughout the year. One of the most popular festivals is called Timkat and takes place in January. Visitors can also go on guided treks to see the surrounding mountains and beautiful landscape.

The town has a rich history, and visitors can learn about it by visiting the local museum. It also has markets where visitors can buy souvenirs and try the local food.

Lalibela offers a unique experience that combines religion, culture and history, making it a great place to visit in Ethiopia.

What Should I Pack for Ethiopia?

What you need to take to Ethiopia will depend on when you are traveling. Make sure you bring these items with you:

• Rain Gear – If you’re visiting during the wet season bring protective gear against the rain. Consider bringing waterproof shoes. They can help so you don’t need to pack extra socks in your day bag.
• Comfortable Hiking Shoes – A lot of Ethiopia’s wonders involve varying terrain and activities like hiking or climbing. Pack shoes you’ve already broken in and are comfortable wearing for long periods of time.
• Lightweight Jacket – With varying elevation you may find yourself needing to layer. Higher elevations have a different climate. Be sure to have a decent jacket you don’t mind carrying around for when it gets warmer.

United States Embassy in Ethiopia

It’s recommended that you enroll in STEP, the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, with the U.S. Department of State. It’s a free program that will offer you information from the Embassy on safety conditions, help the U.S. Embassy contact you in an emergency, and help your family and friends get in touch with you in the case of an emergency.

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

Note that the Embassy is also closed on both Ethiopian and American Holidays.

The embassy’s services may vary depending on individual needs and circumstances. It’s important for travelers to visit the embassy’s website or contact it directly for more information.

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On This Page: What Vaccines Do I Need for Ethiopia? Do I Need a Visa for Ethiopia? What Is the Climate Like in Ethiopia? Is It Safe to Travel to Ethiopia? Lalibela What Should I Pack for Ethiopia? United States Embassy in Ethiopia

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Ethiopia travel advice

Latest updates: Risk levels – changes to regional advisories for Afar, Oromia, Tigray and Somali region; Safety and security – updated information on Afar and Oromia regions

Last updated: April 22, 2024 09:09 ET

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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 the high crime rate 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

• Benishangul-Gumuz
• northward to Adigrat along road A2
• west and northwest to Abiy Addi, Adwa and Shire along B30 and C23
• soutward to Maychew along road A2

Central regions - Avoid all travel

• North Shewa
• West Shewa, except the A4 highway, from Addis to and including Ambo where you should avoid non-essential travel
• West Wollega
• East Wollega
• Kellem Wollega
• Horo Gudru Wollega

Border areas - Avoid all travel

• 10 km of the border with Eritrea
• 100 km of the Somali region border with Somalia and Kenya
• 30 km of the border with Somalia in Fafan zone, except for road C104, the town of Wajale and its border crossing where you should avoid non-essential travel
• 10 km of the border with Somalia in the Sitti zone
• 20 km of the border with Kenya, South Sudan and 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)

Foreign tourists were targeted by armed groups in the past.

If you decide to travel to the Danakil Depression:

• always hire an experienced guide from a reputable company escorted by official security forces
• be aware of excessive heat and difficult terrain
• maintain a full tank of gas
• keep a supply of water and non-perishable snacks

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.

South Sudan

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. There is a threat of kidnapping. 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

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

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, 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.

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
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• Foreign travel advice

Warnings and insurance

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice .

Areas where FCDO advises against travel

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against FCDO advice. Consular support may be limited where FCDO advises against travel.

International border areas 

FCDO advises against all travel within:  

• 20km of the border with Sudan 
• 10km of the border with South Sudan 
• 100km of the Ethiopian border with Somalia and Kenya in Ethiopia’s Somali region, and within 30km of the Ethiopian border with Somalia in Fafan zone, except the border town and crossing at Wajale, and the principal road between Jijiga and Wajale 
• 10km of the border with Kenya, except for principal roads and towns 
• 10km of the border with Eritrea 

Tigray region 

FCDO  advises against all travel to the Tigray region west of the Tekeze river and within 10km of the internal border with Amhara region.

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the remainder of the Tigray region except the towns and connecting roads of Mekelle:

• southward to Maychew
• northwards to Adigrat
• west and north-westward to Abiy Addi, Adwa and Shire
• eastward to Abala on the Tigray-Afar border

Amhara region 

FCDO advises against all travel to Amhara region. 

Afar region 

FCDO advises against all travel to areas of Afar region within:  

Gambella region 

FCDO advises against all travel to Gambella region. 

Oromia region 

FCDO advises against all travel to these areas of Oromia region:  

• within 10km of the border with Kenya, except for principal roads and towns 
• north of (but not including) the A4 road in West Shewa zone 
• south and west of (but not including) the A3 road in North Shewa zone  
• West Wollega zone (including the main Addis Ababa to Gambella road), East Wollega zone, Kellem Wollega and Horo Gudru Wollega  

FCDO  advises against all but essential travel to:

• all of East Shewa zone except the Addis to Adama Expressway and 10km either side of the expressway between Addis Ababa and Bishoftu.
• the A4 road between Addis Ababa and Cheliya, except for the section in in the Finfine special zone.
• all of North Shewa Zone
• West Guji and Guji zones

Somali Regional State 

FCDO advises against all travel to within: 

• 100km of the Ethiopian border with Somalia and Kenya in Ethiopia’s Somali region  
• 30km of the Ethiopian border with Somalia in Fafan zone, except the border town and crossing at Wajale, and the principal road between Jijiga and Wajale 

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to:  

• the Siti zone 
• the Nogob (previously Fik) 
• Jarar (previously Degehabur) 
• Shabelle (previously Gode) 
• Korahe and Dollo (previously Warder) 
• areas of Liben and Afder zones more than 100km from the Somalia and Kenya borders 

Central, Southern, Sidama and South West regions (formerly SNNPR) 

FCDO advises against all travel: 

• within 10km of the borders with South Sudan and Kenya 

Benishangul-Gumuz region 

FCDO advises against all travel to these areas of Benishangul-Gumuz region: 

• within 20km of the border with Sudan 
• the Metekel zone and Maokomo special zone 

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the rest of Benishangul-Gumuz region. 

Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel to these regions .

Before you travel 

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide as well as support for British nationals abroad which includes:  

• general advice on preparing for travel abroad and reducing risks 
• information for women, LGBT+ and disabled travellers 

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.

Travel insurance 

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.  

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Ethiopia Travel Advisory

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 .

Travel Advisory Levels

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Amendment Directive issued for the Prevention of COVID-19 Pandemic No 933/2022

• It is prohibited for any person who knows he is infected with coronavirus to enter the country, mix with the general public or meet with people in any situation that may allow the virus to spread;
• Any person showing COVID-19 symptoms has the duty to appropriately wear face mask, get self-test or test at health facility and follow and implement General COVID- 19 preventive measures if tests positive.
• Any COVID-19 positive person shall isolate himself either at home or health facility according to the severity of the illness until declared recovered by a health professional.
• Yellow Fever

One of those infectious diseases related to mobility is yellow fever. Ethiopia, both as being one of yellow fever endemic country, and a host to travelers arriving from other yellow fever endemic countries, has a mandatory yellow fever vaccine certificate regulation.

Country requirement at entry: proof of vaccination against yellow fever is required for travellers aged 9 months or over arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission, and for travellers having transited for more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.

WHO vaccination recommendation : yes

Recommended for all travellers aged 9 months or over, except as mentioned below. Generally not recommended for travellers whose itineraries are limited to Afar and Somali provinces.

Malaria risk due to approximately 60% P. falciparum and 40% P. vivax exists throughout the year in the entire country below 2000 m. P. vivax resistance to chloroquine reported. There is no malaria risk in Addis Ababa.

WHO recommended prevention in risk areas: C

Malaria risk and type of prevention

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Travel Vaccinations for Ethiopia

Vaccinations, certificate requirements.

Yellow fever vaccination certificate required for travellers aged 9 months or over arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited for more than 12 hours through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.

How much will it cost?

Recommended for all travellers.

The vaccines in this section are recommended for all travellers visiting the country.

If you have grown up in the UK, you have received a diphtheria vaccine as a part of your childhood vaccination schedule. Before going to Vietnam you should check whether you need a booster for diphtheria - this is the case if it has been over ten years since your last booster.

Hepatitis A is a viral infection which causes an inflammation of the liver. In countries where hep A is prominent, many people catch it as a child. The infection tends to be mild in children but can occasionally cause complications. In adults, however, it can lead to liver damage or even liver failure. Although infection rates appear to be on the decrease, hepatitis A is endemic to Sri Lanka and the vaccination is recommended for all travellers.

The tetanus vaccine - or a booster - is recommended for all travellers who are planning to visit a country where access to medical assistance may be limited. You can get tetanus when tetanus bacteria get into your bloodstream, usually due to injury or a wound. You need a booster if your last tetanus jab was over ten years ago.

Like hepatitis A and typhoid, cholera is a food- and waterborne disease and you need to practise good food hygiene to reduce your risk of cholera. The cholera vaccine may be relevant for travellers going to rural areas as well as areas with poor sanitation. Your nurse or pharmacist will assess your cholera risk based on where you’re travelling to as well as the activities you have planned and make a recommendation as to whether you should have the vaccine.

Why do I need a consultation?

It is difficult to say which vaccines you need without asking a medical professional. Your itinerary, your medical history and the activities you have planned all affect which vaccinations you need. It is important that a trained travel nurse or pharmacist checks what you need.

Exactly the travel vaccinations you need - no more, no less.

During your consultation, our nurse or pharmacist will talk you through the health risks at your travel destinations to check which vaccines you need. If a vaccine is not essential, we will explain your options so you can decide whether you would like to have it.

Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease transmitted by mosquitoes. You cannot be vaccinated against malaria.

Malaria Precautions

• Malaria risk is present throughout the year in all areas below 2000m including some of the Great Rift Valley Lakes. There is no risk in Addis Ababa. 
• Malaria precautions are essential Avoid mosquito bites by covering up with clothing such as long sleeves and long trousers especially after sunset, using insect repellents on exposed skin and, when necessary, sleeping under a mosquito net.
• Check with your doctor or nurse about suitable antimalarial tablets.
• See malaria map – additional information can be found by clicking on the Regional Information icon below the map.
• High risk areas: atovaquone/proguanil OR doxycycline OR mefloquine is usually advised .
• Low to no risk areas: antimalarial tablets are not normally advised.
• If you have been travelling in a malarious area and develop a fever seek medical attention promptly. Remember malaria can develop even up to one year after exposure.
• If travelling to an area remote from medical facilities, carrying standby emergency treatment for malaria may be considered.

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EU tightens visa requirements for Ethiopians over a lack of government cooperation on deportations

FILE - A passport of an Ethiopian fighter pilot on display at a residence, in Tok Mok, Kyrgyzstan, on Monday Aug. 16, 2010. The European Union is tightening visa requirements for people from Ethiopia, it was reported on Monday, April 29, 2024. It says the government there is not cooperating on the deportation of citizens found to be living illegally in the bloc. (AP Photo/Dalton Bennett, File)

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BRUSSELS (AP) — The European Union announced on Monday that it is tightening visa requirements for people from Ethiopia, accusing the government there of a failure to cooperate in taking back citizens found to be living illegally in the 27-nation bloc.

EU headquarters said the time it takes to process visas for Ethiopian nationals will triple from 15 to 45 days. EU countries will no longer be permitted to waive requirements for certain paperwork or issue multiple-entry visas. Ethiopian diplomats and officials will now have to pay for travel visas.

The EU’s executive arm, the European Commission, has vowed to use visa rules as a way of applying pressure on countries to cooperate in deportation procedures. Only around one in three people ordered to depart the EU ever actually leave.

The Commission says the action is being taken due to “a lack of response from the Ethiopian authorities with regard to readmission requests,” as well as shortcomings with “the organization of both voluntary and non-voluntary return operations,” which is the way the EU describes deportation.

Most people staying illegally in the EU arrive without breaking any rules via airports or ports but never go home once their visas expire, outnumbering those who arrive on unseaworthy boats or travel overland in search of refuge, jobs or better lives in Europe.

Ethiopia is mired in conflict and a humanitarian crisis. The two-year conflict in the northern Tigray region , which ended with a peace deal in November 2022, left most of the region’s population of 6 million relying on international help.

The country is both a major place of origin and transit for migrants and refugees in the Horn of Africa region, often serving as a hub for people from Eritrea and Somalia aiming to reach Europe or other northern parts of the African continent.

Travel Vaccines and Advice for Ethiopia

Said to be one of the oldest nations in the world, Ethiopia has a lot to offer those visiting its borders. The country has stunning landscapes with varying terrain and history going to prehistoric times.

Enjoy rafting on the Omo River, see the enormous crocodiles in Lake Chomo, or hike to historic churches. These gorgeous sites offer unique experiences that you can only get in Ethiopia.

Enjoy the hub of city life in Addis Ababa. Sit in the plaza and sip some coffee while taking in the culture and hospitality of the country.

Do I Need Vaccines for Ethiopia?

Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Ethiopia. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Ethiopia: COVID-19 , hepatitis A , hepatitis B , typhoid , cholera , yellow fever , rabies , meningitis , polio , measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) , Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) , chickenpox , shingles , pneumonia and influenza .

See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:

• COVID-19 – Airborne – Recommended for all travellers
• Hepatitis A – Food & Water – Recommended for most travellers
• Hepatitis B – Blood & Body Fluids – Recommended for travellers to most regions.
• Typhoid – Food & Water – Recommended for travellers to most regions.
• Cholera – Food & Water – A risk in some regions. Especially recommended for those visiting rural areas.
• Yellow Fever – Mosquito – Required if travelling from a region with yellow fever. Recommended for all travellers over 9 months of age. Generally not recommended for Afar and Somali provinces.
• Rabies – Saliva of Infected Animals – High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals.
• Meningitis – Airborne & Direct Contact – Located in the meningitis belt, vaccination is recommended during the dry season (Dec. – June)
• Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) – Various Vectors – Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
• TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) – Wounds & Airborne – Only one adult booster of pertussis required.
• Chickenpox – Direct Contact & Airborne – Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox.
• Shingles – Direct Contact – Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles.
• Pneumonia – Airborne – Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both.
• Influenza – Airborne – Vaccine components change annually.
• Polio – Food & Water – While there is no active polio transmission in Ethiopia, it is vulnerable for outbreaks. Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.

See the tables below for more information:

Ethiopia sits in the meningitis belt. This region of Africa is known for it’s meningitis transmission from December through June. Make sure you are vaccinated against all forms of meningitis before your trip.

Mosquito-borne diseases like malaria and dengue are in Ethiopia. Make sure you’re protected with antimalarials, repellents and netting. A travel health specialist will help you determine what protection is right for you.

Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now .

Do I Need a Visa for Ethiopia?

A visa is required in order to visit Ethiopia. The government of Ethiopia sells visas on arrival for those who will be in the country less than 12 hours and to tourists. Only citizens of several different countries, including Canada, may receive a visa upon arrival at Bole International Airport.

Sources: Embassy of Ethiopia and Canadian Travel and Tourism

Proof of yellow fever and polio vaccination may be required at entry.

Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.

What Is the Climate Like in Ethiopia?

Ethiopia’s main climate is tropical monsoon. Weather will vary depending on the region. Here are 3 of the major cities and what you can expect when you travel:

• Addis Ababa – The capital of Ethiopia is on the foothills of Mount Entoto. With an elevation of around 2,400 metres, you can experience a pleasant climate year round. Expect average temperatures in the high-teens to low-20’s. The main wet season is from June to September with higher temperatures.
• Mekele – This city is located in the Tigrayan Highlands in the north of the country. The warmest it gets is mid-20’s and the coolest is in the teens. Be cautious of travelling during the wet months. Many roads can be inaccessible due to flooding.
• Adama – Also known as Nazret or Nazareth, this city is a major weekend destination located near Addis. With a similar elevation of Addis Ababa, the climate is about the same.

Most of the major cities in Ethiopia have a similar elevation to Addis Ababa. If you’re travelling to lower regions, the climate can be hotter and drier depending on the time you travel.

Be sure to take this into account when packing your bags.

Is Ethiopia Safe?

Ethiopia has had some terrorist attacks over the last few years. Travellers should take extra precautions especially in the Oromia and Amhara regions.

Be cautious of areas with large gatherings. If you think a protest may be forming try to leave the area as a precaution.

Remain alert and cautious if travelling near bordering countries of Ethiopia. There is a high threat of landmines along the western border and tensions are high due to ethnic conflicts.

Ethiopia has a low crime rate compared to other African countries. As with any major city, be wary of pick-pocketing and other theft that are common in Addis Ababa. Many of the crimes are petty but some violent robberies have been known to occur.

Stay alert, take your surroundings into consideration, plan your trips ahead of time, and make sure you have everything you need.

Crocodiles at Lake Chomo

Lake Chomo is home to scores of crocodiles lounging around in the sun. If you’re lucky you’ll see other natural wildlife such as hippos and shore birds.

If you’re looking for a great way to be up close and personal with wildlife, you’re able to take a boat tour around the lake. The Rift Valley Boat Service Association is in control of making these trips. It’s best to visit early morning to mid-afternoon to see the crocodiles. The boat ride may only take about half an hour, but the whole trip could take longer. Allow two or more hours for the trip and plan accordingly.

What Should I Pack for Ethiopia?

What you need to take to Ethiopia will depend on when you are travelling. Make sure you bring these items with you:

• Rain Gear – If you’re visiting during the wet season bring protective gear against the rain. Consider bringing waterproof shoes. They can help so you don’t need to pack extra socks in your day bag.
• Comfortable Hiking Shoes – A lot of Ethiopia’s wonders involve varying terrain and activities like hiking or climbing. Pack shoes you’ve already broken in and are comfortable wearing for long periods of time.
• Lightweight Jacket – With varying elevation you may find yourself needing to layer. Higher elevations have a different climate. Ne sure to have a decent jacket you don’t mind carrying around for when it gets warmer.

Canadian Embassy in Ethiopia

The Embassy of Canada in Addis Ababa serves Canadians as well as other citizens for a various number of issues. The embassy also serves those who are visiting the country of Djibouti.

Embassy of Canada to Ethiopia Old Airport Area, Nefas Silk Lafto Sub City Kebele 04, House No. 122 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Telephone: +251 11 317 00 00

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On This Page: What Vaccines Do I Need for Ethiopia? Do I Need a Visa for Ethiopia? What Is the Climate Like in Ethiopia? Is Ethiopia Safe? Crocodiles at Lake Chomo What Should I Pack for Ethiopia? Canadian Embassy in Ethiopia

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Human papillomavirus vaccination in Ethiopia protects over 6.3 million girls from cervical cancer

Addis Ababa ‒ Fourteen-year-old girl Saba. D. (name changed), from Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa, has just received her first and final dose of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, which protects against cervical cancer. This cancer is the second most common cancer among women in Ethiopia after breast cancer and each year significant number of women die from it.

Prior to getting the vaccine, Saba attended an orientation session on HPV at her school, along with her friends. “The orientation was given by our teachers, the health workers and community mobilizers. I have also discussed with my parents on the same matter since they have been also sensitized about the benefit of HPV vaccine, and thus they advised me to get the vaccine from my school,” she says. 

Saba is one of the 1.5 million 14-year-old girls who were vaccinated in early March 2024, as part of a four-day nationwide vaccination campaign. The HPV vaccine is being administered using a campaign mode by availing vaccination for four consecutive days at fixed vaccination posts and temporary fixed vaccination posts at schools where most of the target age group, 14-year-age girls, are easily found. 

The Ethiopian Ministry of Health (MoH) Ethiopia recommends that the HPV vaccine is administered to girls between the ages of 9 and 14 years before they become sexually active, and exposed to the virus that causes changes to the cervix that can lead to cancer. However, due to the global HPV vaccine shortage, Ethiopia introduced the vaccine in December 2018 for 14-year-old girls only. To date, over 6.3 million girls in Ethiopia have received one dose of the vaccine. 

Based on the MoH decision and the country’s National Immunization Technical Advisory Groups, the two-dose schedule used over the past five years was switched to a single-dose schedule for the primary target group, girls aged 14 years. The decision was based on the evidence which indicated that a single-dose schedule provides solid protection with a comparable efficacy to the two or three-dose schedules. This evidence has also been evaluated and recommended by the WHO Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE) in 2022. 

“Ethiopia is demonstrating great progress in HPV vaccination, achieving high rates of vaccine coverage among 14-year-old girls. The country is preparing to build on this success and expand coverage to provide multi-age-cohort vaccination among 9 to 14 year old girls”, says Dr. Owen Kaluwa, WHO Representative in Ethiopia. 

Sensitization and community mobilization have been conducted with support from different partners. National and regional advocacy workshops were conducted to sensitize and engage different stakeholders, including religious leaders, Ministry of Women and Social Affairs representatives, schoolteachers, medical associations, people with disabilities, media and hotline workers. Key messages were developed for town announcements, TV and radio spots and broadcasted through various media outlets.

“Providing awareness to the community and parents is key for the success of this campaign. I urge parents to use this opportunity to get their girls vaccinated against Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and protect their children from the deadly cervical cancer,” says Dr Kaluwa. 

Dr Yohannes Chala, the Health Bureau Head of Addis Ababa City Administration, acknowledges that the great collaboration with the education sector was key to the success of the campaign. During a post-campaign evaluation meeting, he also thanked and acknowledged partners, including WHO, for the great role and contribution towards achieving the target.

Partners like WHO, UNICEF, CHAI, JSI/immunization, PATH, IRC, CCRDA/CGPP, JSI/QHA, FHI360, and Girls Effect provided technical support by deploying technical assistants to sub-national levels. They have also provided vehicles support for supportive supervision and supply distribution.

Saba is happy that she has been able to receive the vaccine. “I have learned that the HPV vaccine is safe and effective in preventing HPV infection that causes most of cervical cancer,” she says.   

Tel: +251 911 671134 Email: yilmas [at] who.int

EU tightens visa requirements for Ethiopians over a lack of government cooperation on deportations

The European Union is tightening visa requirements for people from Ethiopia

BRUSSELS -- The European Union announced on Monday that it is tightening visa requirements for people from Ethiopia , accusing the government there of a failure to cooperate in taking back citizens found to be living illegally in the 27-nation bloc.

EU headquarters said the time it takes to process visas for Ethiopian nationals will triple from 15 to 45 days. EU countries will no longer be permitted to waive requirements for certain paperwork or issue multiple-entry visas. Ethiopian diplomats and officials will now have to pay for travel visas.

The EU’s executive arm, the European Commission, has vowed to use visa rules as a way of applying pressure on countries to cooperate in deportation procedures. Only around one in three people ordered to depart the EU ever actually leave.

The Commission says the action is being taken due to “a lack of response from the Ethiopian authorities with regard to readmission requests,” as well as shortcomings with “the organization of both voluntary and non-voluntary return operations,” which is the way the EU describes deportation.

Most people staying illegally in the EU arrive without breaking any rules via airports or ports but never go home once their visas expire, outnumbering those who arrive on unseaworthy boats or travel overland in search of refuge, jobs or better lives in Europe.

Ethiopia is mired in conflict and a humanitarian crisis. The two-year conflict in the northern Tigray region, which ended with a peace deal in November 2022, left most of the region’s population of 6 million relying on international help.

The country is both a major place of origin and transit for migrants and refugees in the Horn of Africa region, often serving as a hub for people from Eritrea and Somalia aiming to reach Europe or other northern parts of the African continent.

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Millions of Girls in Africa Will Miss HPV Shots After Merck Production Problem

The company has told countries that it can supply only 18.8 million of the 29.6 million doses it was contracted to deliver this year.

By Stephanie Nolen

Stephanie Nolen has been following efforts to bring the HPV vaccine to girls in Africa for more than a decade.

Nearly 1.5 million teenage girls in some of the world’s poorest countries will miss the chance to be protected from cervical cancer because the drugmaker Merck has said it will not be able to deliver millions of promised doses of the HPV vaccine this year.

Merck has notified Gavi, the international organization that helps low- and middle-income countries deliver lifesaving immunizations, and UNICEF, which procures the vaccines, that it will deliver only 18.8 million of the 29.6 million doses it was contracted to deliver in 2024, Gavi said.

That means that more than 10 million girls will not receive their expected HPV shots this year — and 1.5 million of them most likely will never get them because they will be too old to qualify for the vaccine in subsequent years.

Patrick Ryan, a spokesman for Merck, said the company “experienced a manufacturing disruption” that required it to hold and reinspect many doses by hand. He declined to give further details about the cause of the delay.

“We are acting with urgency and rigor to deploy additional personnel and resources to resolve this matter as soon as possible,” he said.

Mr. Ryan said that Merck would deliver the delayed doses in 2025.

He also said the company would ship 30 million doses of the vaccine to Gavi-supported countries this year. However, about a third of these are doses that were supposed to have been sent in 2023, leaving Gavi with the 10.7 million dose shortfall.

The delay is a big setback for countries that had already waited years to begin vaccinating girls against HPV, the human papillomavirus, which causes an estimated 90 percent of cervical cancers.

About 350,000 women die from cervical cancer annually, according the World Health Organization . Ninety percent of them are in low-income countries, where routine screening for the disease is rare. The vaccine offers near-total protection against HPV infection, making it the lone vaccine against cancer.

“HPV is the highest impact vaccine Gavi has: If you vaccinate 1,000 girls, you prevent 17.4 future deaths,” said Dr. Aurélia Nguyen, Gavi’s chief program officer. “If there is one vaccine that you want to get out and do well on, this is it.”

The W.H.O. recommends the vaccine for girls up to age 14. The delay means that girls in countries including Sierra Leone, Burkina Faso and Mozambique who are now 14 will no longer be eligible for vaccination when these campaigns finally start.

The HPV vaccine is a complex one to deliver , since it is associated with sexual activity, a taboo topic for teenagers in many of the cultures affected by the delay, and because it is given to children who are outside the usual age for routine immunization. Both girls and their parents must be amenable to vaccination, and that requires crafting distinct messages, delivered on different media, to drum up demand. The vaccine has to be given before girls are sexually active to be effective.

The countries affected have some of the lowest-resource health systems in the world, Dr. Nguyen said. They have invested in planning for the scrapped HPV campaign, while juggling other urgent vaccination needs such as measles or cholera, and can ill-afford the disruption, she said.

The delay will disrupt carefully laid plans to catch up on vaccinations — most of the delayed doses were bound for what’s called “multi-age cohorts,” when countries try to reach all unvaccinated girls between 9 and 14, alongside a standard immunization program for 9-year-olds, usually run in schools.

Most high-income countries routinely vaccinate both girls and boys against HPV, but the global coverage rate for the vaccine is only 20 percent.

Gavi has been trying to expand HPV vaccination for more than a decade. Many low-income countries had designed programs to begin in 2018, but Gavi could not get shots then either because it and UNICEF were competing with a global market and suppliers did not increase production to meet Gavi’s predicted demand.

The version of the Merck HPV vaccine used in the United States costs about $285. UNICEF, which typically negotiates big discounts from pharmaceutical companies, pays $3 to $5 per shot for the large volumes of vaccine it sought to procure.

“UNICEF and Gavi have struggled for years to get sufficient supply, and that was finally starting to change,” said Andrew Jones, UNICEF’s deputy director, immunization supplies.

UNICEF has contracts with other suppliers, but because the Merck product is in high demand from countries, the Gavi program is dependent on the company’s supply. That means this delay disrupts vaccination campaigns in a half-dozen countries, many of which have already had to postpone repeatedly.

“It affects countries’ confidence because for years they were told there wasn’t sufficient supply, but when finally supply opened up, they campaigned, got political buy-in, and now delivery is delayed by six or eight months,” Mr. Jones said.

Mr. Ryan of Merck said the company was committed to supporting the drive to vaccinate millions of girls in developing countries against HPV and had invested more than $2 billion in that effort.

Though Mr. Ryan said the company will deliver the delayed doses next year, Merck has yet to notify Gavi when countries can expect those deliveries, which means they cannot yet begin to plan new campaigns.

The countries that won’t get doses this year include Mozambique, Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso. They were going to do the multi-age blitz campaigns aimed at catching as many girls as possible, in addition to the routine vaccination of 9-year-olds. The routine program will continue using doses Merck has delivered.

In addition, Burundi, and, in Asia, Tajikistan, were supposed to get supplies at the end of this year to start doing both multi-age and routine vaccinations, while Cameroon and Liberia were to take delivery of shots so they could start doing multi-age vaccination early in the new year. All of those campaigns will be postponed.

The girls who won’t get vaccinated this year are some of the least likely in the world to be screened or treated for cervical cancer, said Dr. Cathy Ndiaye, the Dakar-based director of the HPV vaccine program for the health-focused nonprofit organization PATH.

“In some countries you can say, ‘OK, you weren’t vaccinated but if you have anything later on in life you can go and get treated’, but not for these girls,” Dr. Ndiaye said.

The delay also complicates the challenge of maintaining political and community support for the HPV shot, she said.

“When you have momentum you want to take advantage of that: When you manage to create demand from the community, you want to deliver, to give them what they need,” she said. “Even at the national level you have to convince them this is important, that it should be a priority because they don’t see cervical cancer, they don’t see the disease now, they say, ‘No let’s deal with polio, let’s deal with measles, that is urgent now.’”

In Mozambique, the plan was to begin the multi-age campaign in June. “There is huge demand, people are asking for it,,” said Dr. Betuel Sigaúque, who works to support routine immunization in Mozambique through JSI, a global nonprofit focused on health and education.

Merck also failed to deliver 7.7 million doses of vaccine to Ethiopia that were scheduled to arrive late last year, and now says they will arrive in June. The country had to scrap a planned school campaign set for spring. Instead, that campaign will take place later this year and will miss girls who have aged out.

Stephanie Nolen is a global health reporter for The Times. More about Stephanie Nolen

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