Travel information on Security & Safety for visitors in Ethiopia

FAQs

Questions we get asked from time to time

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Below is a list of frequently asked questions

How safe is travel in Ethiopia?

Generally speaking Ethiopia is a safe country in which to travel. Unlike in many parts of the world (Egypt and Kenya for example), tourists have not been targeted (with the exception of many years back in the Danakil depression). Although Ethiopia has suffered many disputes, protests and internal conflicts since 2016, the biggest risk in travel was inconvenience (not being able to follow the itinerary as planned). I (Mark) travel out to different part of the country and reviews the security situation in worrying places. In late Jan 2022, soon after the conflict ended in Amhara Region, I travelled to Bahir Dar, and drove to Meket and Lalibela. And again in May he travelled to Gondar, the Simiens and back to Lalibela. In March & May 2023 I have travelled through Tigray region, visiting the main tourism sites as well as the community tourism guesthouses. His principle is that he would not send clients somewhere he wouldn't send his family. He is happy to talk through the security issues for the part of the country where you would like to travel. To give you more information I have prepared a page on the security situation. (https://www.tesfatours.com/security-for-tourism-in-ethiopia/). Sadly the travel advise given out by different governments for Ethiopia often does not reflected the current situation and reality on the ground.

How do I get a visa?

Visa on arrival has JUST (Nov 23) restarted and is available at Bole Airport for most nationalities - check the information on the government website (https://www.evisa.gov.et/information/touristOnArrivalVisa) Visa- on-line is also available :- https://www.evisa.gov.et/. but the system has had some glitches with visas not coming through. Hopefully now many people will get on arrival it should improve. The 1 month visa cost is $80

Can I bring binoculars to Ethiopia .. any thing else I should know?

If your binoculars are of these magnifications : 7 x 50; 8 x 32 - 8 x 56; 10 x 25 - 10 x 56; 12 x 30 & 12 x 42 we will need a permit. Any higher magnification is not allowed, any lower is allowed without a permit. Several years ago, during the conflict, a state of emergency was imposed, and as part of that a whole list of equipment was listed as not allowed to be carried into the country (and around the country). The relevant ones for tourism are binoculars, hand held GPS devises (watches do not seem to be an issue), drones, telescopes, and compasses! If any of these is a critical part of your trip we can try to obtain permission for you to bring them, but this is a time consuming and challenging process. We may need to make a charge for this too.

Can I get travel insurance to visit places market by UK and other governments as unsafe?

Yes you can. The UK-FCDO has 3 status levels - Green - see our travel advice before traveling; Orange- advise against all but essential travel; Red - Adviser against all travel. If the area is green then there is no problem on your travel insurance. But if orange or red, it may mean your insurance doesn't cover you. Often we find this very frustrating as these areas may not pose any risk (several of our team were in Tigray in late Apr23 - for a week of hiking and visiting tourist sites, and there was not security risk despite the whole region being red!). You can however get travel insurance for a reasonable price to cover travel to such places as this article explains: https://www.forbes.com/uk/advisor/travel-insurance/can-i-get-insurance-if-i-travel-against-fcdo-advice/. And here is one example of an insurance you could look at: https://highriskvoyager.com/

How is COVID in Ethiopia ?

There are currently no COVID linked requirements and no talk of any coming inot force. Ethiopia was hit by COVID just as most countries have, although the impact in terms of deaths was not been what it is in many countries. Nevertheless the virus spread through the whole country. You may still see a few people wearing masks. Since late Oct 22 the regulations from the public health institute we reduce to requirements to get tested if you have symptoms, and to wear a mask or isolate if you have COVID. There is no longer to show a vaccination certificate or test result on arrival in Ethiopia. Check Ethiopian Airlines website for up to date information.

Internal flights in Ethiopia

The easiest and quickest way to get to around Ethiopia from Addis Ababa is to fly. Ethiopian Airlines currently connects 20 cities across Ethiopia. Many flights leave Addis early in the morning, and return early in the afternoon. Not all routes offer a daily service though. Tesfa Tours can assist by reserving and booking flights. However keep in mid that flying is burning carbon, so look to do some routes by road. See Ethiopian Airlines local flight network

Renting vehicles Ethiopia

Instead of relying on buses it is a good idea to use a tour vehicle to take you around. Tesfa Tours can arrange this for trips to Meket from Lalibela, Gondar, Bahir Dar and the Simiens. Or heading south from Addis to the Rift Valley, Bale Mountains and/or Omo Valley. Sometimes we hire from our local partners to avoid vehicles travelling big distances, or if the journey originates in Addis, Tesfa Tours has a fleet of landcruisers & minibuses and we are able arrange pick up at Addis Ababa airport, a tour of Addis itself and trips out of Addis. Travelling in your personal vehicle means you can stop for photos, food and drink and you will be able to maximise your visit time, reducing journey time, but if you are 1 or 2 people it will increase costs.

Buses in Ethiopia

Those with more time and who want to see more of the surrounding countryside may chose to do all or some parts of their journey by road. The roads are improving, the main East west road that dissects Meket (the ‘Chinese Road’) is now asphalted, as are the main arteries from Addis heading north. Local buses ply all major roads in Ethiopia and vary from uncomfortable to hellish. However good buses leave Addis for Dessie, Gondar and Bahir Dar, and the buses from Dessie and Weldiya to Gondar and Bahir Dar can be OK and pass close to many of the sites south of Lalibela. Remember buses are better for the environment!

Should I bring walking boots for treks?

It is a good idea to bring good boots. The going can be rocky and there are times of year when you might encounter rain. If you hike in the mountains (Simiens, Bale, Abuna Yoseph) it can also be very cold. However the most important thing is that you do not wear brand new boots for a hike that are not broken in as blisters are the worst outcome. Also do not wear old boots that are likely to fall apart. Some people like trainers and trail running shoes but these wont give ankle support and protection from knocks on rocks. But they are lighter and cooler.

What kind of clothing should I bring?

Remember although this is Africa the latitude makes a lot of places cooler. Addis Ababa, Lalibela, Axum, Gondar and many other places are over 2,000m and can be cool (and wet). While lower altitude places (Hawassa, Arba Minch and Bahir Dar will feel more tropical). So you will need a mix of clothing with layers that can be put on or taken off. For trekking we recommend wearing walking trousers (ones with zip off legs can be useful). Good socks to go in the boots are important. A collared trekking short sleeve shirt keeps the sun off more of the neck. Do bring a fleece/jacket/top for cold evenings, and a rain/wind jacket for showers. Remember the sun is harsh at altitude so have a sun hat. At higher camps a wooly hat, thermals and gloves can be nice!

Is there a mobile network on the trek?

It comes and goes, some places have good reception others none. You might want to buy an Ethiopian Telecom SIM card in Addis Ababa if you want to stay in touch.

Do I need a sleeping bag?

On the community treks this is not essential as the communities provide beds with mattresses, sheets and blankets. However, if you want to feel snug and cosy there is no harm in bringing one along. The higher places can be cold at night. However if on a trek in the Simiens or Bale Mountains you will need a good sleeping bag.

Can we recharge equipment on the Tesfa trek?

Unfortunately not. We suggest bringing enough spare batteries, power banks and/or a solar charger.

Will I have to carry all my things on the Tesfa Trek?

No. On Tesfa Treks donkeys provided – they can carry a maximum of 40kgs. So one donkey per two guests means they can carry a 20kg bag. Please use soft - holdall style bags for the donkeys. On treks in the national parks there will also be pack animals.

Tesfa Tours absolutely delivers on their promise to show you the Real Ethiopia. We were exposed to incredible sights–ancient castles, churches and monasteries–but also to people as they live in the countryside.

Jo Ricks and Jeffrey Clark | February, 2014