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Travel Tips for Ethiopia
Everything you need to know before you go: what to pack, visas, money, health, safety, the best time to visit and how to respect local customs.
Ethiopia is a country of incredible diversity, from towering mountains and vast deserts to lively cities and centuries-old cultures. Travelling here is unforgettable, and a little preparation makes all the difference. These practical tips will help you know what to expect, respect local customs, stay healthy and manage your money, so you can focus on enjoying the trip.
Ethiopia at a glance
Currency
Power
Time zone
Languages
Addis Ababa
Good to know: Ethiopia has its own calendar of 13 months, around seven to eight years behind the Western calendar, and locals often tell time on a 12-hour clock that starts at 6 am. If a time sounds strange, just ask whether it is “Ethiopian” or “international” time.
What to bring when travelling to Ethiopia
Ethiopia ranges from cool highlands to some of the hottest places on earth, so pack for different climates and altitudes.
Clothing
- Light, breathable clothes for warm days
- A warm jacket or fleece: Addis Ababa, Lalibela and the Simien Mountains can be cold at night
- Comfortable walking or hiking shoes
- Sandals or casual shoes for evenings
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Modest clothing for religious sites (shoulders and knees covered)
Health & personal
- High-SPF sunscreen
- Lip balm and moisturiser (the highland air is dry)
- Personal medication and a small first aid kit
- Hand sanitiser and wet wipes
- Insect repellent, especially for lowlands and national parks
- A reusable water bottle
Travel essentials
- Plug adapter for types C, F and L
- Power bank
- Copies of your passport and travel insurance
- Small day backpack
- Torch or headlamp for power cuts and remote lodges
- Some small change for tips
Do’s and don’ts in Ethiopia
Ethiopia has deep cultural and religious traditions. A little respect and awareness go a long way.
✓ Do
- Dress modestly, especially in rural areas and at religious sites
- Take off your shoes before entering churches and mosques
- Ask before photographing people
- Accept coffee if it is offered: the coffee ceremony is a sign of hospitality
- Use your right hand to give or receive things, especially food
- Respect fasting periods and religious holidays
✗ Don’t
- Show affection in public, particularly in conservative areas
- Photograph soldiers, police, government buildings or airports
- Discuss sensitive political topics with strangers
- Turn down hospitality abruptly: politeness is highly valued
- Drink tap water; stick to bottled or filtered water
Is it safe to go to Ethiopia right now?
Last updated: 22 October 2026
Ethiopia is a large and diverse country, and the security situation differs greatly from region to region. It can also change quickly, so it is important to stay informed before and during your trip.
Current situation in northern Ethiopia: since late September 2026 there has been renewed fighting in the north of the country. The UK, US and Irish governments currently advise against all travel to the Tigray and Amhara regions (which include Axum, Lalibela, Gondar, Bahir Dar and the Simien Mountains) and against travel to most or all of the Afar region (which includes the Danakil Depression). Flights to Mekelle, Axum and Shire are suspended.
If your planned trip includes these areas, please contact us. We will explain the current situation honestly and suggest alternative routes.
Other parts of the country are less affected. The US Embassy describes the situation in Addis Ababa as stable, and destinations such as the Rift Valley lakes, the Bale Mountains, the Omo Valley and Harar are not included in the UK’s advice against travel, although some nearby areas, roads and border zones are. The US currently rates Ethiopia as a whole as Level 3: Reconsider Travel.
- Check your government’s latest travel advice for your exact route before you book and again before you travel.
- Make sure your travel insurance covers every area you plan to visit; many policies exclude areas under official travel warnings.
- Travel with an experienced local operator. Our team follows the situation daily and will adjust your route or itinerary if needed.
- Follow the advice of your guide and driver while on the road.
If any part of your planned route is affected, we will tell you openly and suggest good alternatives.
Health and vaccination advice
Speak to your doctor or a travel clinic six to eight weeks before your trip. General points to keep in mind:
- Routine vaccinations (such as tetanus, polio, measles and hepatitis A and B) are recommended.
- A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if you arrive from a country with a risk of yellow fever.
- Malaria is present in lower areas (roughly below 1,800 m), such as the Omo Valley, Gambella and parts of the Rift Valley. Ask your doctor about preventive medication and use insect repellent.
- Addis Ababa and much of the north lie above 2,000 m. Take it easy for the first day or two and drink plenty of water.
- Drink bottled or filtered water and carry a basic first aid kit.
How much money should I take to Ethiopia?
Ethiopia’s currency is the Ethiopian Birr (ETB), and the exchange rate changes regularly. Ethiopia is still largely cash-based, so carry enough local currency, especially when you travel outside the big cities.
Daily spending (personal)
On an organised tour, most big costs such as accommodation, transport and activities are already arranged, so you mainly need money for personal spending:
- Budget: approx. USD 20–40 per day
- Mid-range: approx. USD 50–100 per day
- Higher-end: USD 120+ per day
Money tips
- Cards are accepted at some hotels and restaurants in Addis Ababa, but rarely elsewhere
- ATMs are found in cities but can be unreliable in rural areas
- Bring clean, newer US dollar or euro notes; old or damaged notes may be refused
- Change money only at banks, licensed exchange bureaus or the airport: exchanging money on the street is illegal
- You will need cash for tips, markets and small purchases
Customs rules: there are limits on how much Ethiopian Birr you can bring into or take out of the country, and larger amounts of foreign currency must be declared on arrival. The rules change from time to time, so please check the current limits before you travel.
Best time to visit Ethiopia
Ethiopia’s climate depends mostly on altitude. The main dry season, from October to March, is the most popular time to visit.
Highlands
Addis Ababa, Lalibela, Gondar, Simien and Bale Mountains
- October–March: dry, sunny days and cool nights
- June–September: main rainy season, green landscapes but muddy trails
Danakil Depression
One of the hottest places on earth
- November–March: the best time to visit
- June–August: extreme heat; trips are harder and not recommended
South & Omo Valley
Lowland areas with hot temperatures
- Generally best outside the long rains
- March–May: heavy rains can make roads difficult; lighter rains may fall in October–November
Festivals: plan around Genna (Ethiopian Christmas, 7 January), Timkat (Epiphany, 19 January; 20 January in leap years) and Meskel (27 or 28 September, depending on the year) for unforgettable celebrations. See our Religious Festivals Tour.
Visa and entry requirements
Most visitors need a visa to enter Ethiopia.
- The easiest option is the official eVisa, which you apply for online before you travel at evisa.gov.et. Use only the official website: unofficial sites charge extra fees.
- Tourist visas on arrival are also available at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, payable in US dollars, but rules can change, so we recommend getting your eVisa in advance.
- Your passport must be valid for at least six months and have at least two blank pages.
- Requirements differ by nationality. Check the Ethiopian Immigration and Citizenship Service or your nearest Ethiopian embassy for the latest information.
- Travel insurance with medical cover is strongly recommended.
Internet and connectivity
- Mobile internet (4G) is widely available in cities and larger towns.
- Mountains, deserts and rural areas may have weak or no signal.
- Local SIM cards from Ethio Telecom and Safaricom Ethiopia are available in Addis Ababa and other cities; bring your passport to register. Travel eSIMs are another easy option.
- Most hotels offer Wi-Fi, although speeds vary.
- Power and internet cuts happen occasionally, so keep a power bank charged.
Plan your Ethiopia trip
Tell us your dates, number of travellers and what you would love to see. We usually reply within 1–2 working days.