When to visit Ethiopia

Ethiopia is a destination that can be visited all year round. But the best time to travel is from October to March, while the country is experiencing warm temperatures. Rainy periods are experienced from June through to August.

Special Events

Visiting Ethiopia during the Christian Orthodox festivities is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Meskel (September 27) and Timkat (Ethiopian Epiphany, January 19), in addition to the common holidays Christmas (January 7) and Easter, are the most well-known (varies).

Covid-19

A covid-19 vaccine certificate is needed. So, passengers age of 12 and over who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 are required to show evidence of this. If you are not fully vaccinated, you must present evidence of a negative COVID-19 RT PCR test result issued within 72 hours (3 days) of departure, or a rapid lateral flow test up to 24 hours before arriving in Ethiopia.

Passport validity

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entrance into Ethiopia. Make sure your passport has two blank pages when you arrive.

Visas

To enter Ethiopia, you will need a valid visa and a valid travel document. Visitors must apply for a visa through the Ethiopian e-visa portal https://www.evisa.gov.et. The visa on arrival service is still suspended. Overstaying your visa costs USD10 per person every day. If you overstay, you must pay the fine in full before you can leave Ethiopia. Visitors arriving in Ethiopia without a valid travel document and an Ethiopian visa risk being detained and/or penalized.

Domestic flights

The price for the domestic flight is highly affected by the carrier you choose. If you fly into Ethiopia by Ethiopian Airlines, you can enjoy a 50% discount on the domestic flights.

Photography

There are no true photographic taboos. Capturing the interior and exterior of churches, as well as mosques from the outside, is permitted, and Ethiopians are generally unconcerned with foreigners photographing street scenes. What is unacceptable, though, is photographing locals without permission, which is frequently refused or granted in exchange for a few birr. This is especially true in South Omo, where photography (and the paying for it) dominates tourist engagement to an alarming extent. Before photographing any significant bridge or government structure, it is also a good idea to get permission or ask your guide or driver.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is strongly advised. Make certain that it includes evacuation in the event of an accident or disaster. Read the fine print, especially if you plan to participate in adventure activities or visit border (or other) areas designated as risky by the FCO or other government recommendations.

LGBT travellers

In Ethiopia, homosexuality is prohibited and punishable by up to fifteen years in prison for both men and women. The vast majority of Ethiopians likewise regard homosexuality to be unacceptable (around 97 percent, according to a Pew Global Attitudes Project survey undertaken in 2007). This is not an issue for gay or lesbian visitors to Ethiopia if they are reasonably discreet about their sexuality, though same-sex couples, particularly men, should be prepared to accept that many hotels will insist on twin or possibly two single rooms.

Visiting religious sites

Ethiopian churches still practice a number of ancient Judaic traditions. Shoes must be removed before entering any church (socks are OK), and if there are separate entrances for men and women, visitors will be expected to comply. It is illegal for a woman to attend any church when menstruation, and there are further restrictions on visiting specific churches on certain days if you have had sex the night before or have recently eaten. Women are traditionally required to cover their bodies and hair with a long dress and a scarf before entering a church, and while this custom is no longer enforced as strictly as it would have been twenty years ago, it would still be respectful to follow it, especially when visiting rural churches or churches that are rarely visited by tourists.

Dressing

Ethiopia is a deeply traditional country, and most people, both Christian and Muslim, dress modestly and conservatively by current Western standards, though this is changing in some areas, particularly Addis Abeba. It is recommended that visitors dress in accordance with local sensibilities. A long flowing shirt and dress that covers the shoulders and knees would be excellent for women. Trousers are also permitted (though few local women wear them outside of Addis Abeba), but shorts or sleeveless shirts are banned, especially in Islamic neighbourhoods and rural settings. Men should wear long pants and a shirt or T-shirt that covers their shoulders. Going shirtless is completely inappropriate, and shorts are often regarded as impolite dress for mature men.