Explore Ethiopia's tribes and cultures

Situated in the Horn of Africa, Ethiopia boasts extraordinary natural features, a vast range of wildlife, and a captivating historical and cultural heritage. An increasing number of visitors frequent this treasure trove filled with unique attractions. Popular attractions include the medieval castles of Gondar, the walled city of Harar, and Lalibela, a pilgrimage site known for its ancient monolithic churches hewn into the area’s steep rocky hillsides. Ethiopia’s stunning natural landscapes are the real tourist drawcard. From the lush Simien Mountains to the sulphur vents of the Danakil Depression, the country’s outstanding natural environment is unforgettable. Bahir Dar, located on Lake Tana, is popular as a base to explore the fascinating monasteries on the numerous islands dotted around the lake and the Blue Nile Falls, which are arguably the most spectacular falls in North Africa.

Planning for your trip

We advise that you talk to your GP, practice nurse or travel health clinic about any immunisations you may need at least two months before travelling. Visitors from the UK can find out more information by visiting the immunisation website (www.immunisation.nhs.uk) and the National Travel Health Network and Centre website (www.nathnac.org).

A certificate of vaccination for yellow fever is no longer mandatory.

How to Apply for a Visa

Applications can be made in person at the Visa Section, by post or on arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.

ON ARRIVAL AT BOLE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT IN ADDIS ABABA

Please note that this option is only applicable to tourist visas. Business visas are not applicable on arrival. Please secure your business visa in person at your nearest Embassy or Consulate

Some tourist visas can also be issued on arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, for which a different form is provided. The form available on this website and from the Ethiopian Embassy in London cannot be used for this purpose.

Tourist visas can only be issued on arrival to:

Foreign nationals who are coming from countries where there is no Ethiopian Mission

Foreign nationals who are coming from and are permanent residents in any of the following internationally recognised tourist-generating countries: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea Republic, Kuwait, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russian Federation, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States.

If applying for a tourist visa on arrival, visitors will need to bring with them two recent passport-sized photographs and no less than US $50 before their application can be processed.

Foreign nationals who are coming from countries that are not listed as tourist generating countries and from those countries that do not have an agreement with Ethiopia regarding the issuance of visas on arrival, can enter Ethiopia by obtaining a visa from a nearby Ethiopian Mission. However, if tourists from such countries wish to get a visa on arrival at the airport, they are required to get approval from the Immigration and Nationality Affairs Main Department in Ethiopia. Requests for such approval can be sent to:

Main Department for Immigration and Nationality Affairs, PO Box 3741, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Email: mdina@ethionet.et

Fax: 002511 55 32 09 / 002511 56 49 81

Fees

Single entry for 30 days US$50 per person

PLEASE NOTE:

The above prices do not apply to American citizens. By special arrangement with the US government, American citizens receive a two year multiple entry visa for both business and tourist purposes, for which the fee is US$75

Check list

Remember...visa applications MUST be accompanied by the following:

a valid passport - valid for a minimum of six months

one passport-sized photograph

the correct visa fee

any supporting documents (or copies) requested in the guidance notes above

a copy of your passport and application form

an undated special delivery self-addressed envelope if you require your passport and visa to be returned by post

NOTE: All Travel Document Passport Holders are required to submit their applications in person AT LEAST 15 DAYS prior to travelling for their visa application.

Currency: 
Local currency: Ethiopian Birr 
Symbol: Br 
ISO code: ETB 
Subunit: santim 
Banknotes: 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 200 birr 
Coins: 1, 5, 10, 25, 50 santim; 1 birr 

Banking: 
Card Transactions: 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Yes/No 
Diner’s club: Yes/No 
 
Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: 08:00-17:30 
Weekends: 08:00-16:00 
Public Holidays:  
Foreign exchange services: Yes 
 

Air: 
Main airlines: Ethiopian Airlines 
International Airports: Addis Ababa Bole International Airport   
 
Road: 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: Yes 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
Uber available: No 
 
Bus: 
Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: No 
 
Rail: 
Railway system: Yes 
Subway System: No 
 
Water: 
Ferries: Yes/No 
Water taxis: Yes/No 
Leisure cruises: Yes/No 

Most upmarket restaurants in Ethiopia will have reasonably high standards of food hygiene. Eating from roadside food stalls is not recommended as the food safety cannot be guaranteed. Travelers should be warned against eating vegetables such as those in salads that may have been washed in water. Try limiting fruits and vegetables to those you peel yourself such as oranges, mangos, etc.

Ethiopian cuisine characteristically consists of vegetable and often very spicy meat dishes. This is usually in the form of wat (also w'et or wot), a thick stew, served atop injera, a large sourdoughflatbread, which made out of fermented teff flour. Ethiopians eat exclusively with their right hands, using pieces of injera to pick up bites of entrées and side dishes. Utensils are optional.

It is important to remember to only drink bottled water. There are many brands to choose from; always check the plastic seal on all bottles before paying any vendor.

Ethiopian restaurants are found world over but Addis Ababa is the place to taste the best. Nothing is mass produced, every dish is made freshly to order. Try these five top restaurants if you're in the area: Oda Cultural Restaurant and Cafe, Puagmea African Restaurant, Chane's Restaurant, Yod Abyssinia and Brundo Butchery.

Annual rainfall: 850.14 mm 
Average temperature: 24°C 
 
Summer: 

Average Highs: 25°C 

Average Lows: 15°C 

Winter: 

Average Highs: 23°C 

Average Lows: 11°C 

Best time to visit: The best time to travel to Ethiopia is the dry season between October and June, when the highlands are green and lush, ideal for hiking. 

Spring and Summer 
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: Yes 
 
Winter and Autumn 
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Yes 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: Yes 
 
General 
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

Internet cafes: Yes 
Accommodation options: Yes 
Restaurants: No 
Cafes: No 
Shopping malls: No 
Public parks: Yes, in Addis Ababa. 
Libraries: No 

Plug Type: C, E, F, G and L 
Voltage (V): 220 V 
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50 V

*A Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances. 

Tipping/Gratuities

Tipping is not compulsory. If, however, you would like to tip because you have received good service, we have enclosed a brief guideline to assist you. The amounts are not set in stone and you can tip less than the guidline or more.

You may wish to add a nominal amount ranging between US$ 10 to US$ 30 per day for incidentals (subject to personal budget choice) – i.e. if additional activities are booked once on your journey, if travel arrangements change for any reason, in acknowledgement of good service received in another area, etc.

Guides, Specialist Guides & Butlers – We recommend US$5 to US$ 10 per guest per day.

Mokoro Paddlers & Trackers – We recommend that each paddler receive US$ 3 to $5 per guest per day and that camp/lodge trackers receive US$ 3 to $5 per guest per day.

The General Safari Camp, Lodge or Hotel Staff – We recommend about US$ 5 to $10 per guest per day for safari camps/lodges. This should be placed in the communal tipping box to be distributed equally amongst all the staff.

Transfer Driver – We recommend about US$ 2.00 to US$ 3.00 per guest per movement.

Porterage – We recommend about US$ 2.00 to US$ 3.00 per guest per movement.

We recommend tipping your guide directly and making use of the gratuity box in the main area for the general camp/lodge staff.