Africa

Is Ethiopia safe?

Capital: Addis AbabaAmharic, English, Tigrinya, SomaliUpdated October 2026

L3Reconsider travel

Is Ethiopia safe?

Addis Ababa and tourist circuits in the south are manageable, but armed conflict continues in Amhara, parts of Oromia, Tigray and border areas. The FCDO advises against travel to several regions; check current advice.

Key facts

US travel advisory: Level 3: Reconsider travel, updated 2026-08-26.
Homicide rate: 8.5 per 100,000 people (2012, UNODC via World Bank).
Road deaths: 28.2 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
Emergency numbers: Police 991 · Ambulance 907 · Fire 939.
Solo women: Possible in Addis and on guided circuits; expect staring and catcalling. Use taxis at night, dress modestly, and avoid conflict regions entirely.

Risks, scams and laws

Main risks

Armed conflict in Amhara, Tigray, parts of Oromia and border regions
Kidnapping and banditry on remote roads
Bag snatching and pickpocketing in Addis Mercato and crowds
Altitude sickness at 2,300 m in Addis and higher in the Simien and Bale

Common scams

Friendly strangers inviting you to a coffee ceremony or 'cultural event' then billing you
Fake guides at Lalibela, Gondar and Addis

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

Safety by place in Ethiopia

Place	Safety
Addis Ababa	3/5 · Take real precautions
Lalibela	2/5 · High risk

Quick answers

Is Ethiopia safe for tourists?

Is Ethiopia safe for solo female travelers?

Possible in Addis and on guided circuits; expect staring and catcalling. Use taxis at night, dress modestly, and avoid conflict regions entirely.

What is the emergency number in Ethiopia?

Police 991 · Ambulance 907 · Fire 939.

Safety by place

Sources

Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.