Ethiopia Port of Entry for foreign Visitors

The Ethiopia Port of Entry for International Visitors

Authorities in Ethiopia have issued orders updating the country's COVID-19-related entry, exit, and transit requirements. Effective June 7, all incoming travelers must produce a digital negative COVID-19 test at all ports of entry based on the Africa Union Trusted Travel or UNDP Global Haven Program.

Travelers leaving Ethiopia must present a negative COVID-19 test with Trusted Travel (TT) codes that can be verified by airlines and Port Health Authorities. The existing paper-based COVID-test certificate will be invalid from July 1. According to Ethiopia's Health Ministry, the change in requirements is in response to a reported surge in forged health documents since the start of the pandemic.

Ethiopia International ports of entry

International ports of entry, including Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD) and land border crossings, are open but operating at reduced levels. Heightened screenings are in effect. Travelers will be permitted to enter if they are in possession of the aforementioned negative COVID-19 test taken no later than 120 hours prior to travel arrival. Arrivals must then complete seven days of mandatory self-quarantine. Passengers with transit layovers of more than 24 hours will be taken to a designated transit hotel where they must remain pending their onward travel. Diplomats are not required to provide evidence of negative testing; however, they are expected to observe up to 14 days of self-isolation.

Ethiopia Entry and borders

See Ethiopia Entry requirements to find out what you will need to do when you arrive in Ethiopia, including quarantine measures.

Travel in Ethiopia

Travel to the airport. You should arrive at the airport at least two hours before your scheduled departure time. You will need a printed copy of your itinerary, e-ticket or boarding pass in order to be allowed to enter the airport terminal. You should check whether you need a negative COVID-19 test to travel to your destination; this may be requested before your departure. You should comply with all local restrictions.

Entry and Travel Restrictions for Ethiopia: COVID-19

The conditions in Ethiopia can be very different depending on the region.

Regional states such as Oromia, Amhara, and the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples Region (SNNPR) have also imposed local restrictions, though specific details of these directives are unclear. Additional security and travel restrictions are almost certain in Tigray Region due to ongoing hostilities between the regional and the federal governments.

Domestic MeasuresPublic gatherings are limited to a maximum of 50 persons. Individuals are required to wear protective face coverings while in public; penalties will be applied for noncompliance. Places of worship, bars, sporting events, funerals, and cinemas are allowed to operate, albeit with certain health precautions in place.

Due to the coronavirus outbreak, Ethiopia has joined the list of countries that have introduced additional entry requirements to protect public health.

Ethiopia temporary travel restrictions contribute to containing the virus and stop it from spreading.

The federal and regional governments could announce additional restrictions in the coming weeks, depending on disease activity; further measures may be implemented on short notice.

What Should I Pack for Ethiopia?

When traveling to Ethiopia, it is advisable to pack cool, comfortable clothes, since temperatures are high in lowland areas most of the time.

On the other hand, visitors who plan to go up into the Ethiopian highlands, for example to the Simien Mountains National Park, should be prepared for cooler weather and bring extra layers.

When considering what to pack for Ethiopia, the following items of clothing are essential:

• Sun hat
• Sunglasses
• Lightweight walking shoes or sneakers
• Long trousers and long-sleeved tops (made from light fabrics)
• Travel jacket with plenty of pockets
• Sweaters or a fleece

Ethiopia Packing Lists for Women and Men

The following items are essential on any woman’s Ethiopia packing list:

• Long skirt
• Long dresses
• Loose-fitting trousers
• Sarong or Pashina

Women are advised to keep their shoulders and knees covered, particularly in Muslim areas. Sleeveless tops and shorts are not considered acceptable in Ethiopia.

Men should wear the following items while in Ethiopia: Shirts, Long trousers