Ethiopia Travel Risk Level

There was no change to the advisory level. The “other” risk indicator was updated to include exit bans and communication disruptions. The advisory summary was updated. Reconsider travel to Ethiopia due to unrest, crime, kidnapping, terrorism, landmines, communications disruptions, and exit bans. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Do Not Travel To: Tigray region and border with Eritrea due to armed conflict, unrest, and crime. Afar region due to armed conflict, unrest, and crime. Amhara region due to armed conflict, unrest, and crime. Gambella region due to crime, kidnapping, armed conflict, and unrest. Benishangul Gumuz region due to crime, kidnapping, armed conflict, and unrest. Specific areas within the Oromia region due to armed conflict, ethnically motivated violence, and unrest. Sidama Region due to armed conflict and unrest. Central Ethiopia Region due to armed conflict and unrest. South Ethiopia Region due to armed conflict and unrest. Southwest Ethiopia Region due to armed conflict and unrest. Border with Somalia due to terrorism, kidnapping, and landmines. Border with Sudan and South Sudan due to crime, kidnapping, unrest, and armed conflict. Border with Kenya due to terrorism, armed conflict, and unrest. Advisory summary Unrest The security situation in Addis Ababa is stable. However, there is sporadic violent armed conflict and civil unrest in other areas of Ethiopia. The security situation may worsen 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 Americans U.S. government employees working in Ethiopia need special authorization to travel outside of Addis Ababa due to safety risks. Due to travel restrictions, the U.S. embassy has limited access to Americans arrested or

Areas where FCDO advises against travel Border areas FCDO advises against all travel to within: 20km of the border with Sudan 10km of the border with South Sudan 100km of the Ethiopian border with Somalia and Kenya in Ethiopia’s Somali region, and within 30km of the Ethiopian border with Somalia in Fafan zone, except the border town and crossing at Wajale, and the principal road between Jijiga and Wajale 10km of the border with Kenya, except for principal roads and towns 10km of the border with Eritrea FCDO advises against all but essential travel to: areas between 10-15km from the border with Eritrea Tigray region FCDO advises against all travel to Tigray region. Amhara region FCDO advises against all travel to Amhara region. Afar region FCDO advises against all travel to the parts of Afar region within 10km of the border with Eritrea. Gambela region FCDO advises against all travel to Gambela region. Oromia region FCDO advises against all travel to: within 10km of the border with Kenya, except for principal roads and towns north of (but not including) the A4 road in West Shewa zone south and west of the A3 road in North Shewa zone, including the A3 road itself in North Shewa West Wollega zone (including the main Addis Ababa to Gambela road), East Wollega zone, Kellem Wollega and Horo Gudru Wollega FCDO advises against all but essential travel to: all of East Shewa zone except the Addis Ababa to Adama Expressway, 10km either side of the Addis Ababa to Adaba expressway between Addis Ababa and Bishoftu, and the A7 from junction with the Addis Ababa to Adama expressway down to Hawassa the A4 road between Addis Ababa and Cheliya, except for the section in the Finfine special zone the remainder of North Shewa zone West Guji and Guji zones (except the Hawassa to Mega road) Somali region FCDO advises against all travel to within: 30km of the Ethiopia-Somalia border in Fafan zone, except the border town and crossing at Wajale, and the principal road between Jijiga and Wajal