Official advice for New Zealanders living and travelling overseas

  • Reviewed: 22 September 2023, 11:08 NZST
  • Still current at: 19 March 2024

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COVID-19

If you are planning international travel at this time, please read our COVID-19 related travel advice here, alongside our destination specific travel advice below.

Do not travel

Do not travel to more remote regions or within 10 kilometers of Ethiopia's borders with Somalia, Kenya, South Sudan, Sudan and Eritrea, with the exception of Highway 80 and the Moyale border crossing along the Kenyan border due to the high risk of violence, kidnapping and landmines. Despite a peace agreement in November 2022 between the Ethiopian Government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), the border between Ethiopia and Eritrea remains a heavily militarized security corridor. Border roads with Eritrea are closed due to the conflict in Tigray. Conditions at the border may change with no warning (level 4 of 4).

Do not travel to the Regional State of Tigray, the Regional State of Amhara, and the northern areas of Afar Regional States bordering Tigray due to due to the ongoing military conflict and uncertain security situation, which could deteriorate with little warning (level 4 of 4).

Do not travel to most parts of the Somali region, specifically the Nogob (previously Fik), Jarar (previously Degehabur), Shabelle (previously Gode), Korahe and Dollo (previously Warder) zones and within 100 kilometres of the border with Somalia in the Afder and Liben zones, due to the high risk of terrorist attacks, kidnapping, violence and landmines (level 4 of 4).

Do not travel to certain parts of the Gambella region (the districts of Akobo, Wantawo, Jikawo and Lare in the Nuer zone and Jore district in the Agnuak zone) due to the high risk of violence and the volatile security situation (level 4 of 4).

Do not travel to parts of the Oromia regional state (the West Wollega Zone, East Wollega Zone, Kelem Wollega, Horo Gudru Wollega) and Benishangul Gumuz Regional State due to high degrees of violent civil unrest (level 4 of 4).

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid non-essential travel to the Danakil desert area (east of the Dessie-Adigrat road and north of the Dessie-Djibouti road). There is a significant threat to your security in these areas due to cross border tensions, the activities of armed militant groups, the risk of kidnapping and armed banditry, and the presence of landmines (level 3 of 4). 

Avoid non-essential travel elsewhere in the Oromia region, except for the city of Addis Ababa, due to ethnic conflicts and the unpredictable security situation (level 3 of 4).

Avoid non-essential travel elsewhere in Ethiopia, except for the city of Addis Ababa, due to ongoing civil unrest and armed conflicts in the northern part of the country, which could spread to new areas without warning (level 3 of 4). 

Exercise increased caution

Exercise increased caution in the city of Addis Ababa due to the unstable political situation and ethnic tensions (level 2 of 4).

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Ethiopia

Care and careful preparation should be taken with all travel in Ethiopia due to ongoing civil unrest and armed conflicts in the northern part of the country, which could spread to new areas without warning. 

Civil Conflict
A nationwide state of emergency was declared on 2 November 2021 due to an escalation of the armed conflict with the Tigray People’s Liberation Front. While the state of emergency was lifted on 15 February 2022, there is ongoing conflict in Northern Ethiopia and the security situation remains volatile. Therefore, New Zealanders in Ethiopia are strongly advised against all travel to the North and surrounding areas. 

Inter-ethnic and other conflicts frequently break out and expand with little warning in Ethiopia. Ongoing tensions along the Oromia-Ethiopian Somali regional border have displaced many people and can flare up at any time (including in the urban centres of Dire Dawa, Harar and Jijiga). Conflict between Oromos and Gedeo people in southwest Ethiopia from May 2018 has displaced around one million people. Protests and violent civil unrest have occurred recently in the Oromia, Amhara, Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Region, and Somali regions of Ethiopia, but can take place anywhere in the country.

Security forces have in the past responded with violence and previous protests have led to a number of deaths. Disruptions to telephone and internet communications have been experienced throughout the country, including in Addis Ababa, and roads have been blocked without warning.

Explosive devices, such as grenades, are readily available in Ethiopia and are occasionally used in local disputes.

New Zealanders in Ethiopia are advised to exercise vigilance throughout the country and avoid all protests, demonstrations and large public gatherings as they have the potential to turn violent with little warning. If you are in an area affected by demonstrations or violence, you should find a safe location and remain indoors until it is safe to depart the affected area, adhering to any instructions and restrictions issued by the local authorities. Monitor the media to stay informed of local developments and potential risks to safety and security.

Terrorism
There is an ongoing threat from terrorism throughout Ethiopia, and the country has suffered a number of terrorist attacks in the past. On 3 December 2017, a German tourist was shot and killed in the Afar region, north-east Ethiopia.

The Somalia-based terrorist group Al-Shabaab has issued public threats against Ethiopia due to its involvement in military intervention in Somalia. Al-Shabaab has carried out attacks in neighbouring countries in recent years and there are credible reports that Al-Shabaab has the intent and capability to attack targets in Ethiopia, including western interests. 

New Zealanders in Ethiopia are advised to be security conscious at all times and follow any instructions and restrictions issued by the local authorities. Particular care should be taken in crowded and public places and in areas known to be frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers, including hotels, restaurants, bars, clubs, shopping centres, market areas, places of worship, schools, government offices, sporting or other large public events, tourist sites and transport hubs.

Crime
Petty theft and muggings are common in Addis Ababa and there have been violent assaults against foreigners. Carjackings outside urban areas have been reported. Crime significantly increases after dark.

New Zealanders in Ethiopia are advised to be security conscious at all times and avoid walking or travelling alone, particularly at night and to isolated areas. Take particular care when visiting crowded public places. Avoid displaying or wearing items that appear valuable, such as mobile devices and jewellery.

Kidnapping
There is a high threat of kidnapping in Ethiopia’s Somali region, border regions of eastern Ethiopia, along the Eritrea-Ethiopian border and Oromia regions (particularly Qellem, East and West Wollega zones). Recent attacks have targeted the mining industry. We advise against all travel to these areas.  

Road Travel
Due to the potential for the security situation to change at short notice, New Zealanders are advised to take care when travelling outside of Addis Ababa, particularly when travelling by road.

Where road travel is required you should keep doors locked and windows up at all times. Wherever possible travel in a convoy and avoid all travel after dark. Pre-plan your travel route and ensure all vehicles are fully equipped with essential supplies especially potable water.

General Travel Advice
New Zealanders travelling or living in Ethiopia should have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place that includes provision for medical evacuation by air.  Medical facilities and emergency response services outside of Addis Ababa are limited, and even in Addis Ababa standards of care can vary greatly.

New Zealanders must have a valid visa/permit to enter and remain in Ethiopia. Staying beyond the validity of your visa/permit is seen as a serious issue by Ethiopian authorities and can result in daily fines and imprisonment before you are able to leave the country.

Same-sex sexual acts are illegal. If found guilty you could face up to 15 years imprisonment. See our advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers here.

US dollars are only accepted at Banks for exchange but it is not usually possible to access US dollars inside the country. Make sure you have an adequate supply of hard currency for your trip before arriving in Ethiopia. Credit cards are accepted at a number of locations including most hotels, restaurants and some grocery stores in Addis Ababa. Credit cards are rarely accepted elsewhere in Ethiopia. ATMs are available in Addis Ababa for withdrawing local currency.

New Zealanders in Ethiopia are strongly encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Travel tips


The New Zealand Embassy Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Street Address Bole Sub City, Woreda 03, House No 111, Behind Atlas Hotel/close to Shala Park, (Namibia Street), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Postal Address New Zealand Embassy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Private Bag 18-901 Wellington Mail Centre 5045, Wellington Telephone +251-11-515-1269 Fax +251-11-552-6115 Email aue@mfat.govt.nz Web Site https://www.mfat.govt.nz/ethiopia Hours Open to the public: Monday – Friday, 9am-12pm by appointment Note In an emergency or if you require urgent assistance after hours, please call the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade's 24/7 Consular Emergency line on +64 99 20 20 20.

See our regional advice for Africa

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New Zealand Embassy Ethiopia

Street Address
Bole Sub City, Woreda 03, House No 111, Behind Atlas Hotel/close to Shala Park, (Namibia Street), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Telephone: +251-11-515-1269

Fax: +251-11-552-6115

Email: aue@mfat.govt.nz

Website: https://www.mfat.govt.nz/ethiopia

Hours: Open to the public: Monday – Friday, 9am-12pm by appointment

Related advice from other countries

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