Ethiopia

Reconsider travel to Ethiopia due to unrest, crime, kidnapping, terrorism, landmines, communications disruptions, and exit bans.

to Ethiopia due to unrest, crime, kidnapping, terrorism, landmines, communications disruptions, and exit bans. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Unrest

• The security situation in Addis Ababa is stable. However, there is sporadic violent, armed conflict, and civil unrest outside of Addis Ababa.
• The security situation may worsen suddenly without warning.

Communications disruptions

• Internet, cellular data, and phone services are often restricted or shut down before, during, and after unrest. 
• These disruptions affect the U.S. embassy’s ability to communicate with Americans in Ethiopia and delay consular services.

Limited consular services for U.S. citizens

• U.S. government employees working in Ethiopia need special authorization to travel to most locations outside of Addis Ababa due to safety risks.
• Due to travel restrictions, the U.S. embassy has limited access to U.S. citizens arrested or detained in Ethiopia. Routine consular services are only available at the embassy.
• Ethiopian law does not recognize dual citizenship. There are often delays in notifying the U.S. embassy of an arrest for dual U.S.-Ethiopia nationals. 

Exit bans that prevent departure

• You are subject to local laws. If you break Ethiopian laws – even by mistake – you could face deportation, fines, imprisonment, or an exit ban. Exit bans prevent travelers from leaving.
• As noted, Ethiopian law does not recognize dual citizenship. Research Ethiopian entry and exit requirements and immigration law if you travel. Dual citizens who have entered Ethiopia on their Ethiopian passports have been heavily fined after government authorities discovered they also held U.S. passports. Ethiopian law treats dual nationals as foreigners. Individuals who obtain their first U.S. passport while in Ethiopia, including children of U.S. citizens born in Ethiopia and documented with a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, should immediately obtain a visa or residency permit. 
• The Ethiopian government imposes exit bans, including on minors, who have unpaid immigration fines and strictly enforces them.
• There have been cases where U.S. citizens have been assessed more than $100,000 in immigration fines and prevented from leaving Ethiopia until they resolved the fines.

Crime

• Petty crime is common, especially in popular tourist locations. Stay aware of your surroundings.
• Most crimes against foreigners are crimes of opportunity, like purse snatching and pickpocketing.
• Violent crime can occur and is more common after dark. Do not walk or drive at night. 

Terrorism

• There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Ethiopia. Visit the U.S. Department of State’s country reports on terrorism to learn more.

Kidnapping

• Criminal and terrorist groups are active in Ethiopia and have targeted foreigners for kidnapping. 
• The risk of kidnapping for ransom is highest in the following regions: 
• Gambella 
• Benishangul Gumuz 
• Somalia border 
• Sudan border
• South Sudan border  

Landmines

• Landmines and unexploded ordnance exist in the Somali region near the border with Somalia. The locations of landmines and unexploded ordnance are often not marked or easy to recognize.

Do Not Travel To:

• Tigray region and border with Eritrea due to armed conflict, unrest, and crime.
• Specific areas within the Afar region due to armed conflict, unrest, and crime.
• Amhara region due to armed conflict, unrest, and crime.
• Gambella region due to crime, ethnically motivated violence, kidnapping, armed conflict, and unrest.
• Benishangul Gumuz region due to crime, kidnapping, armed conflict, and unrest.
• The Oromia region, with the exception of Bishoftu and Bale Mountains National Park due to armed conflict, ethnically motivated violence, and unrest.
• Specific areas within the Central Ethiopia Region due to unrest.
• Specific areas within the South Ethiopia Region due to armed conflict and unrest.
• Specific areas within the Southwest Ethiopia Region due to armed conflict and unrest.
• Specific areas within the Somali region due to terrorism and unrest.
• Border with Somalia due to terrorism, kidnapping, and landmines.
• Borders with Sudan and South Sudan due to crime, kidnapping, unrest, and armed conflict.
• Border with Kenya due to terrorism, armed conflict, and unrest.
• Border area with Eritrea due to the possibility of armed conflict and unrest.