Ethiopia

Overview 

On 14 November 2025, Ethiopia's Ministry of Health and the World Health Organisation confirmed an outbreak of the Marburg virus in the south Ethiopia region. Marburg virus is a severe and often fatal illness, which is transmitted to humans from fruit bats, and spreads among people through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals or contaminated materials. Symptoms include high fever, severe headache, muscle aches and fatigue, with many patients developing severe bleeding within a week of onset.

If travelling to the area, follow local health guidelines, which include:

1. Avoid direct contact with blood, saliva, vomit, urine and other bodily fluids (e.g. semen, breast milk, sweat) of people with Marburg virus disease or unknown illnesses; and
2. Avoid close contact with wild animals and avoid handling wild meat.

If experiencing symptoms, please contact or visit local medical providers.

There are more significant safety or security concerns than you would usually find in New Zealand, with some areas where you should avoid non-essential travel or avoid all travel.  

There is civil unrest and armed conflict in parts of Ethiopia, which could spread without warning. Care and careful preparation should be taken with all travel in Ethiopia.  

Other things that New Zealanders travelling or living in Ethiopia should be aware of are: 

• Terrorism—terrorist attacks are likely in Ethiopia. Be cautious, and follow instructions and restrictions from local authorities.
• Crime—watch out for petty theft and muggings, and avoid travelling alone or at night.
• Road travel—avoid public transport and travel in a convoy if possible. 

New Zealanders travelling or living in Ethiopia should have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place that includes provision for medical evacuation by air.  

See below for detailed travel advice.  

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