Travel
Guide

Visa requirements by region

Ethiopia offers e-Visa and visa on arrival for many nationalities. Requirements vary by region; always confirm with the Ethiopian embassy or official e-Visa portal before travel.

Safety tips & do's and don'ts

Do's

• Respect religious sites: dress modestly and remove shoes where required.
• Carry copies of your passport and visa; keep originals secure.
• Drink bottled or purified water to avoid stomach issues.
• Use registered guides and tour operators for remote areas.
• Inform your embassy of your travel plans when visiting far regions.
• Be mindful of altitude in the highlands — take it easy the first days.

Don'ts

• Don't photograph military installations, airports, or government buildings.
• Don't drink tap water or use ice from tap water.
• Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas.
• Don't exchange money on the street — use banks or authorized forex.
• Avoid political demonstrations or large crowds.
• Don't leave valuables visible in vehicles or hotel rooms.

Emergency contacts

Save these numbers locally. In Addis Ababa and major cities, emergency services are available; response may be slower in remote areas.

For consular help, contact your embassy or consulate in Addis Ababa.

SIM, currency & etiquette

SIM & mobile

Ethio Telecom is the main provider. SIM cards are available at the airport and in cities; you'll need your passport. Prepaid bundles for data and calls are affordable. Coverage is good in cities and along main roads; patchy in remote areas.

Currency

The local currency is the Ethiopian Birr (ETB). US dollars are widely accepted for tours and hotels; carry smaller birr notes for day-to-day expenses. ATMs are available in cities; inform your bank of travel to avoid card blocks.

Etiquette

• • Greet with a handshake; use the right hand or both hands for respect.
• • Remove shoes before entering homes and some religious sites.
• • Accept coffee when offered — it's a sign of hospitality.
• • Dress modestly, especially in religious and rural areas.
• • Avoid pointing with the finger; use an open hand or nod.

Exchanges

Use banks or authorized forex bureaux to exchange currency. Bole Road and other main areas in Addis Ababa have many bureaux. Keep exchange receipts; you may need them to reconvert birr when leaving.

Street exchange is not recommended — risk of fraud or poor rates.