Africa
Ethiopia
Ancient culture, highland scenery, coffee and rock churches make Ethiopia unlike anywhere else in Africa. Addis Ababa is a growing hub, but armed conflict in several regions, power cuts and cash limits shape every trip.
- US travel advisoryLevel 3Reconsider travelDetails
- Visa2 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencyETBUS$1 ≈ Br162.84Details
- Price level37%of US prices (World Bank PPP)Details
- English2/5LimitedDetails
- PlugsType C, E, F, L220 V, 50 HzDetails
- Emergency991Police 991 · Ambulance 907 · Fire 939
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledTap water is unsafe.Details
- LGBTQ+CriminalizedAttitudes are strongly hostile; arrests and violence are reported.Details
- DrivingOn the rightForeign licences are accepted with an IDP for short stays; most visitors hire a driver because of road conditions and checkpoints.
Where to go in Ethiopia
2 places with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
| Place | Safety | Month, comfortable | Best months | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Addis AbabaCapital city | 3/5 | $553–921 | Oct–Feb | 91/100 |
| LalibelaTown | 2/5 | $338–553 | Oct–Feb | 96/100 |
When to visit Ethiopia
October–May is dry and best for the highlands; the Danakil is hot year-round and best November–February. June–September is the main rainy season.
Good to know
Entry
- Most visitors need an e-visa from the official Ethiopian portal before travel; a 30-day single-entry tourist visa is standard.
- Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk.
- Some arrivals must complete a health declaration; confirm with your airline before flying.
- Passport must be valid six months beyond arrival; overstays are fined per day.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Same-sex acts are criminalised
- Photographing military sites, government buildings and some border areas is prohibited
- Drone use needs a permit
Etiquette
- Greet with a handshake and ask about family before business
- Use your right hand to give, receive and eat; share injera by hand
- Dress modestly and remove shoes and cover shoulders in churches
- Many Orthodox Christians fast Wednesdays and Fridays; restaurants serve vegan fasting food
Tipping
Not expected; 5–10% in restaurants if no service charge, and small tips for guides and drivers.
Neighbouring countries
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Ethiopia e-visa portal
- Ethiopian Airlines
- Ethiopian Tourism Organization
- Speedtest Global Index: Ethiopia
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.