Ethiopia Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Ethiopia.
Healthcare System
Ethiopia's healthcare system is developing, with significant disparities between urban and rural facilities. Addis Ababa has the best medical facilities, including private hospitals and clinics that meet international standards. Outside the capital, medical facilities are basic with limited equipment, supplies, and English-speaking staff.
Hospitals
Recommended facilities in Addis Ababa include Hayat Hospital, Girum Hospital, and Korean Hospital. These private facilities have English-speaking staff and better equipment. Payment is typically required upfront or proof of insurance coverage. Medical evacuation services should be arranged in advance for serious conditions.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are available in cities and towns, but medication quality and availability can be inconsistent. Counterfeit medications are a concern. Bring sufficient supplies of prescription medications in original packaging, along with copies of prescriptions. Common over-the-counter medications may be available but brands differ from Western countries.
Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is strongly recommended and effectively essential. Ensure your policy covers evacuation to Kenya or beyond, as local facilities cannot handle serious medical emergencies. Medical costs must often be paid upfront before treatment.
Healthcare Tips
- Carry a comprehensive first aid kit including medications for common ailments
- Bring copies of prescriptions and medical records, including blood type
- Identify the nearest suitable medical facility upon arrival in each destination
- Keep your insurance provider's 24-hour emergency number readily accessible
- Consider medical evacuation membership services like AMREF Flying Doctors
- Drink only bottled or purified water to avoid waterborne illnesses
- Ensure tetanus and routine vaccinations are up to date before travel
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing and bag snatching occur in crowded areas, markets, bus stations, and tourist sites. Thieves often work in groups to distract victims while accomplices steal belongings.
Political demonstrations and civil unrest can occur with little warning, particularly around political events or in response to government actions. Protests can turn violent and may result in road closures, curfews, and internet shutdowns.
Road accidents are a significant risk due to poor road conditions, inadequate vehicle maintenance, aggressive driving, livestock on roads, and lack of street lighting. Overloaded buses and minibuses are particularly dangerous.
Much of Ethiopia sits at high elevation (Addis Ababa is at 2,400m/7,900ft), which can cause altitude sickness in visitors, especially those arriving by air without acclimatization.
Traveler's diarrhea, typhoid, hepatitis A, and other illnesses from contaminated food and water are common. Tap water is not safe to drink throughout the country.
Some border areas experience armed conflict, banditry, landmines, and kidnapping risks. Regional conflicts can flare up unpredictably.
Ethiopia has wildlife including crocodiles, hippos, and venomous snakes in certain areas. National parks require proper safety protocols.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Individuals approach tourists claiming to be official guides or offering to help find hotels, restaurants, or attractions. They lead tourists to overpriced shops where they receive commissions, or demand payment for unwanted services.
Taxi drivers, market vendors, and some businesses quote inflated prices to foreigners, sometimes 5-10 times the local rate. This is particularly common with taxis and in tourist areas.
One person creates a distraction (spilling something on you, asking for help, starting an argument) while an accomplice steals your belongings. Sometimes involves children working together.
Individuals claim to represent orphanages, schools, or medical causes and request donations. Some may show fake documents or photos. Money rarely reaches intended recipients.
Someone befriends tourists, spends time showing them around, then takes them to a restaurant or bar where they're presented with an extremely inflated bill. The 'friend' may have already left or claims to have no money.
Unofficial money changers offer better rates than banks but use sleight of hand to short-change tourists, provide counterfeit bills, or count money quickly to confuse the transaction.
After taking photos, individuals demand excessive payment claiming you photographed them or their property without permission, sometimes becoming aggressive or threatening to call police.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Money and Valuables
- Carry small denominations of Ethiopian birr for daily expenses as change can be scarce
- Use ATMs inside banks during business hours; ATM availability is limited outside major cities
- Keep emergency cash in USD or EUR as backup (newer bills in good condition)
- Divide money between multiple secure locations on your person and in luggage
- Make copies of credit cards and keep them separate from the originals
- Be discreet when handling money; count cash in private, not in public view
- Hotel safes are generally reliable in established hotels but photograph contents before storing
Transportation
- Use reputable taxi services or ride-hailing apps like RIDE in Addis Ababa
- Avoid 'blue taxis' (shared minibuses) as they're often overcrowded and unsafe
- Book domestic flights for long distances rather than overnight bus travel
- If hiring a car, use established rental companies and inspect vehicles thoroughly
- Never travel after dark on rural roads due to poor lighting, animals, and security risks
- Keep car doors locked and windows up when driving in urban areas
- Have a local SIM card with data for navigation and emergency communication
Accommodation
- Book accommodations in advance, especially during Ethiopian holidays and festivals
- Choose hotels with good security, including guards and secure compounds
- Keep your room locked and use the door chain or additional locks when inside
- Don't leave valuables visible in your room; use the safe for passports and electronics
- Know the emergency exits and evacuation procedures
- Keep the hotel's business card with you for showing taxi drivers
- Verify the identity of anyone claiming to be hotel staff before opening your door
Communication
- Purchase a local SIM card from Ethio Telecom upon arrival for data and calls
- Download offline maps before traveling to areas with limited connectivity
- Learn basic Amharic phrases; English is not widely spoken outside tourist areas
- Keep your embassy's contact information saved in your phone
- Inform someone of your itinerary and check in regularly
- Be aware that internet and phone services can be shut down during political unrest
- Consider a satellite phone or emergency communication device for remote areas
Cultural Sensitivity
- Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites; cover shoulders and knees
- Remove shoes when entering churches and mosques
- Ask permission before photographing people, especially in rural areas
- Respect religious customs; Ethiopia has ancient Christian and Muslim traditions
- Avoid public displays of affection, which are considered inappropriate
- Use your right hand for eating and greeting; the left hand is considered unclean
- Be respectful during religious holidays and fasting periods
- Avoid discussing sensitive political topics in public
Health Precautions
- Get vaccinated for yellow fever, typhoid, hepatitis A and B, and ensure routine vaccines are current
- Take malaria prophylaxis if visiting lowland areas below 2,000m
- Bring a comprehensive medical kit including antibiotics, anti-diarrheal medication, and altitude sickness medication
- Stay hydrated, especially at high altitudes and in hot climates
- Avoid contact with animals to prevent rabies exposure
- Wash hands frequently or use hand sanitizer, especially before eating
- Seek medical attention immediately for any fever, as it could indicate malaria or other serious illness
Document Security
- Keep passport copies separate from your original passport
- Store digital copies of important documents in secure cloud storage
- Carry a photocopy of your passport for daily activities, not the original
- Register with your embassy upon arrival for security updates
- Keep visa documentation accessible as police checkpoints are common
- Photograph your luggage tags and keep a list of contents
- Have both digital and physical copies of travel insurance policy and emergency contacts
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Women travelers can visit Ethiopia safely, but should take additional precautions. While violent crime against foreign women is relatively rare, harassment, unwanted attention, and occasional groping in crowded places can occur. Ethiopian women generally dress modestly, and foreign women who do the same will attract less attention. Solo women travelers are uncommon outside tourist areas, which may draw curiosity. Traveling with a companion or joining group tours can reduce unwanted attention.
- Dress modestly covering shoulders, cleavage, and knees; loose-fitting clothing is most appropriate
- Wear a wedding ring (real or fake) and mention a husband to deflect unwanted attention
- Avoid walking alone after dark; use trusted taxis even for short distances
- Be firm but polite when declining unwanted attention; avoid engaging in extended conversations
- Sit near other women or families on public transportation when possible
- Book accommodations with good security and reviews from other women travelers
- Keep your hotel room number private; have staff write it down rather than saying it aloud
- Be cautious in bars and nightclubs; never leave drinks unattended
- Trust your instincts; if a situation feels uncomfortable, leave immediately
- Consider hiring female guides when available, especially for cultural sites
- Join group tours for activities rather than exploring alone in unfamiliar areas
- Carry a whistle or personal alarm for emergencies
- Learn basic Amharic phrases to firmly decline advances: 'Aydelem' (No) and 'Lekegn' (Leave me alone)
- Be extra cautious during crowded festivals and markets where groping can occur
- Connect with other women travelers through hostels or online forums for shared experiences and advice
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is illegal in Ethiopia under the criminal code, with potential penalties including imprisonment. Same-sex sexual activity can result in sentences ranging from one to fifteen years. There are no legal protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Same-sex marriage and civil unions are not recognized.
- Exercise extreme discretion regarding sexual orientation and gender identity
- Avoid public displays of affection with same-sex partners
- Do not discuss LGBTQ+ topics openly or in public spaces
- Be cautious about sharing personal information with locals you've just met
- Use dating apps with extreme caution; there have been reports of entrapment and blackmail
- Book private accommodations rather than requesting double beds, which may raise questions
- Research LGBTQ+-friendly travel companies if you want support during your visit
- Connect with international LGBTQ+ travel communities for advice before traveling
- Have a cover story prepared if asked about relationships or marital status
- Be aware that hotel staff may question same-sex couples sharing rooms
- Avoid areas known for police presence if concerned about scrutiny
- Consider traveling as 'friends' or 'colleagues' rather than as a couple
- Keep embassy contact information readily available in case of issues
- Review your travel insurance to ensure it covers LGBTQ+ travelers in countries where homosexuality is illegal
- Be prepared for conservative attitudes and plan accordingly for your safety and comfort
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is essential for Ethiopia due to limited medical facilities, potential need for medical evacuation, political instability risks, and infrastructure challenges. Medical emergencies requiring serious treatment will necessitate evacuation to Kenya, South Africa, or Europe, which can cost $50,000-$100,000 or more without insurance. The security situation can change rapidly, potentially requiring itinerary changes or early departure. Many hospitals require payment upfront before providing treatment.
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