Travel Vaccines and Advice for Ethiopia (2024)

Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Ethiopia. The National Travel Health Network and Centre and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Ethiopia: COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio and tetanus.

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

Mosquito-borne diseases like malaria and dengue are in Ethiopia. Ensure 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.

Visas are required for all travellers to Ethiopia. On arrival visas are available for tourists, other travellers must apply before travel. Passports should be valid for at least six months from the point of entry. Proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required if you are travelling from a region where yellow fever is present.
Business visas often require prior approval from the Ethiopian department of Immigration and Nationality Affairs.

Ethiopia Entry Requirements
Do I Need A…	For My Trip to Ethiopia?
Passport
Tourist Visa
Business Visa
Vaccinations

Sources: Embassy of Ethiopia and GOV.UK

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.

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 ensure you have everything you need.

Lake Chom*o 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 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 you need to take to Ethiopia will depend on when you are travelling. Ensure 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.

If you are in Ethiopia and have an emergency (for example, been attacked, arrested or someone has died) contact the nearest consular services. Contact the embassy before arrival if you have additional questions on entry requirements, safety concerns or are in need of assistance.

British Embassy Addis Ababa
Comoros Street
Addis Ababa
858
Ethiopia
Telephone: +251 11 6170100
Emergency Phone: +251 (0)11 617 0100
Fax: +251 11 617 55 58
Contact Form: Click Here

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