Ethiopia

Always carry a copy of the photo page of your passport and your visa and entry stamp. It is not a legal requirement to carry the original.

Ethiopia is religiously diverse and largely tolerant. However, many people are devout in their faith. Take care to not offend local traditions, customs, laws and religions. Dress conservatively and observe local customs. Take particular care if travelling:

• during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan
• to religious sites of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church
• outside Addis Ababa, particularly in rural areas

Ramadan is individually observed but there are no official regulations imposed.

Health and safety precautions like life jackets in boats or protective railings at historical sites are rarely in place in Ethiopia.

Traditionally Ethiopia has a different calendar and way of expressing time than are widely used internationally. 

Most documents issued by hotels and larger organisations, including airline tickets, use the international calendar and clock. However:

• official documents are often dated using the Ethiopian calendar
• individuals and smaller organisations might use the Ethiopian clock

Ethiopia is a cash-based society. Banking facilities, including card payments and ATMs are limited, and unreliable, especially outside of cities. Make sure you have enough cash before leaving cities.

Drug offences are treated seriously in Ethiopia. Possession of drugs can lead to prison sentences of 5 to 10 years and potentially large fines. 

Khat is legal in Ethiopia, but it is illegal to take it out of the country. If you’re found with it in your baggage, the authorities are likely to prosecute you.

There are no restrictions on buying or possessing alcohol. This includes the predominantly Muslim regions although it may be more difficult to obtain.  

Women are expected to dress conservatively, especially when visiting religious sites.   

Same-sex acts (applying to both sexes) are illegal and carry penalties of between 1 and 15 years in prison. Local authorities intimidate and detain owners and clients of hotels, bars and restaurants in Addis Ababa where same-sex activity is alleged to take place.

The public are not generally accepting of same-sex relationships. Some religious leaders have called for violence against the LGBT+ community. Showing affection in public may receive unwanted attention. It is dangerous to be openly (or covertly) LGBT+ in Ethiopia, and can lead to great personal risk. 

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

It is illegal to take photos:

• near military zones or of military personnel
• near the Presidential Palace in Addis Ababa
• anywhere that there are signs prohibiting photography

The use of drones is subject to permission from the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority and Information Network and Security Agency.

There is a risk of earthquakes and earth tremors. You should:

• familiarise yourself with safety procedures in the event of an earthquake
• follow advice given by the local authorities
• call the Ethiopian emergency services on 939 if you are in immediate danger (it is likely they will answer in Amharic)

The US Federal Emergency Management Agency has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.