Travel Advisory Update - Ethiopia

Updated 09/12/2011 14:20:18

- We advise against all travel to:

- within 10 km of the border areas with Eritrea, with the exception of the main road through Axum and Adigrat, and tourist sites close to the road (e.g. Debre Damo and Yeha
- areas off the principal roads/towns within 10 kms of the borders with Sudan and Kenya
- the Fik, Degehabur, Gode, Korahe and Warder zones of the Somali region where rebels groups are active and the situation remains volatile
- within 10km of the Somalia border, except for the Jijjga and Shinile districts of the Somali region
- the Danakil desert area bounded by the Dessie-Adigrat road; the Dessie-Djibouti road
- the Gambella region outside of Gambella town itself

For further details on the above recommendations, ple ase see Safety and Seuciryt - Terrorism/Security and Safety and Security - Local Travel.

- We advise against crossing the Ethiopia/Somalia or Somaliland border by road.

- We advise against all but essential travel to Jijiga town.  See Safety and Seucirty - Terrorism/Security and Safety and Security - Local Travel (North & east Ethipia).

- There is a general threat from terrorism in Ethiopia; attacks could be indiscriminate including places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.  Visitors and expatriates should be vigilant at all times.

- There is generally a low level of crime but you should avoid any large gatherings and public demonstrations, both in Addis Ababa and in regional cities and towns. Visitors should be aware that very large crowds are common in cities and towns across Ethiopia on key national and religious dates, and should remain particularly vigilant.  Pick pocketing is the main crime risk at such events. Claustrophobia may also affect some people. Specific dates of key national and religious events you should be aware of are listed below - please see the Terrorism/Security section.

- The Ethiopia-Eritrea border remains closed. Several security incidents have taken place along the border. The risk of cross-border tensions increasing and the security situation deteriorating very rapidly continues.

- Around 20,000 people visited Ethiopia in the period 01 April 2010 - 31 March 2011. See General - Consular Assistance Statistics. Also see Safety and Security - Crim

- You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. See General - Insurance.