Do I need a visa to travel to Ethiopia?
All nationalities except for Kenyan and Djiboutian nationalities require a visa to visit Ethiopia.
All nationalities – except for Eritrea, Somalia and Pakistan – can obtain a visa on arrival at the airport. A Tourist visa on arrival is $50 for 30-day, single entry, $70 for three months, single entry, $80 for three months, multiple entry and $100 for six month, multiple entries.
If you arrive by land, visa arrangements should be made in advance from an Ethiopian embassy in a neighboring country. Where there are no Ethiopian consulates.
Is tipping customary in Ethiopia?
Leaving a small tip in restaurants is welcomed.
What is the Internet access like in Ethiopia?
WiFi is increasingly common in hotels and restaurants, and there are internet cafes across the Ethiopian City. USB internet dongles can be purchased and loaded with data from the local internet provider.
Can I use my mobile/cell phone while in Ethiopia?
Mobile coverage is generally good across the city. Your phone may work on roaming, depending on your home network. You can also purchase a local SIM card for around 1USD.
What are the toilets like in Ethiopia?
Very basic western-style flushable toilets are standard in Ethiopia, these are available in large hotels and other modern buildings.
What will it cost for a…?
Cup of coffee = Approx. USD 1
Soft drink = Approx. USD 1
Bottle of beer = Approx. USD 1
Simple lunch = Approx. USD 5
Nice dinner in a restaurant = USD 10
Can I drink the water in Ethiopia?
Tap water isn’t considered safe for travelers to drink.
You can buy bottled water that is available in local shops, cafes and restaurants. Ask your accommodation provider for local advice on where safe drinking water can be accessed.
Are credit cards accepted widely in Ethiopia?
Credit cards are accepted in supermarket and hotels, though some will place a surcharge on the payment.
What is ATM access like in Ethiopia?
There are ATMs in Addis Ababa City. They all accept Visa. ATMs are limited. Be sure to have the local currency (Ethiopian birr). The Ethiopian birr is pegged to the US dollar, but beware of the conversion rate offered in some places.
Do I need to purchase travel insurance before travelling in Ethiopia?
Absolutely. All passengers are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.
A travel-insurance policy for all medical problems is essential for travel in Ethiopia, while one to cover theft and loss really is helpful but not vital.
Many insurance companies will not cover you for countries, or parts of a country, that your home government has issued a travel warning for.
In Ethiopia many border regions and parts of the south can often fall under this category – check before travelling.
What public holidays are celebrated in Ethiopia?
| Date | Holiday | Details |
|---|---|---|
| January 7 | Ethiopian Christmas | Called 'Genna' |
| January 19 | Timket | Orthodox Epiphany |
| March 2 | Victory of Adwa | |
| April 14 | Ethiopian Good Friday | Called 'Siklet' |
| April 16 | Ethiopian Easter | Called 'Fasika' |
| May 1 | International Labor Day | |
| May 5 | Patriot's Victory Day | Called Arbegnoch Qen |
| May 28 | Downfall of the Dergue | National Day |
| June 25 | Eid-Al-Fitr | End of Ramadan |
| September 1 | Eid Al Adaha | Arefa |
| September 11 | Ethiopian New Year | Enkutatash |
| September 27 | Meskel | Finding of the True Cross |
| November 21 | Mawlid | Birthday of the Prophet Mohammed |
