Is it safe to travel?
Most visitors to Addis Ababa have no problems. Parts of Ethiopia are affected by armed conflict and unrest, and the situation can change quickly. Read your own government's travel advice before you book and again before each journey.
Travel advice maps
The maps the UK and Canadian governments publish with their travel advice, loaded from their sites so you always see the latest edition. Tap a map to open it full size.
UK Foreign Office (FCDO)Updated October 30, 2026
- Against all travel
- Against all but essential travel
- Read the advice before travelling
Government of CanadaUpdated October 29, 2026
- Avoid all travel
- Avoid non-essential travel
- High degree of caution
Official travel advice
What each government says, as read on October 31, 2026. Advice changes quickly: open your own before you book and again before you go.
- UK FCDO updated October 30, 2026Against all travel to Tigray, Amhara, Gambela, parts of Afar, Oromia and Benishangul-Gumuz, and border areas
US State Department updated August 27, 2026Level 3: Reconsider travel. Do not travel to Tigray, Amhara, Gambella, Benishangul Gumuz, most of Oromia and border areas
Japan MOFA updated March 21, 2025Level 1 in Addis Ababa. Level 3 (do not travel) for most of Tigray and Amhara. Level 4 (leave) along the borders
Good to know
- Fly between regions where you can. Flights to Mekele, Axum and Shire are suspended, and foreigners cannot currently use airports in Afar.
- Do not drive after dark outside Addis Ababa.
- Carry a paper copy of your passport photo page, visa and entry stamp. Expect checkpoints and follow police instructions.
- Some areas of the country have no mobile or internet coverage, so download an offline map before you set off and leave your plans with someone you trust.
- Stay away from demonstrations, large crowds and military sites.
- Ethiopia runs mostly on cash and ATMs are unreliable outside cities. Take enough cash before you leave a city.
- Make sure your travel insurance covers your full route and activities. Ask your insurer about areas with travel warnings.
- Sign up for alerts from your government: STEP for US citizens, FCDO email alerts for UK citizens, Tabireg for Japanese citizens.
Questions people ask
Is Ethiopia safe to visit?
Parts of Ethiopia are affected by armed conflict and unrest, and conditions change quickly. As of 27 October 2026, the US rates Ethiopia overall at Level 3: Reconsider Travel, and both the US and UK warn against all travel to the Amhara, Tigray and Gambela regions and to many other zones and border areas. Read your own government's latest advice before booking and again before each journey.
Is Addis Ababa safe for tourists?
Addis Ababa is visited by many travellers without problems. The main risks are petty crime and traffic, so use ride-hailing at night, keep valuables out of sight and be careful crossing busy roads.
Is it safe to visit Lalibela, Gondar or Bahir Dar?
As of 27 October 2026, both the US and UK warn against all travel to the Amhara region, which includes Lalibela, Gondar and Bahir Dar. Check your own government's latest advice before planning a trip.
Can I fly to Axum in Ethiopia?
The US State Department advisory of 27 August 2026 says flights to Axum and Shire are suspended. Check the latest advice before planning a trip.
Is it safe to travel by road between regions in Ethiopia?
Our advice is to fly, not drive, between regions where possible, and to avoid road travel after dark. Expect checkpoints and carry your passport.
Will my travel insurance cover me in Ethiopia?
It depends on your policy and where you go. Many policies exclude areas under "do not travel" warnings, so check that yours covers every region you'll visit.