Ethiopia
Last update 19 November 2025Travel advice
Risk index
Level 4: Avoid all travels (except in case of extreme necessity)
4
Select passport type
Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
Important! An outbreak of the deadly Marburg virus has been confirmed in the Jinka region of southern Ethiopia, near the borders with South Sudan and Kenya. Cases of the virus have also been reported in the town of Hawassa, northeast of the original outbreak. Do not travel to affected areas.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria warns Bulgarian citizens traveling or residing in the territory of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia about possible civil unrest and acts of violence.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises that due to the deteriorating security situation, travel to the Amhara, Oromia, Afar and Tigray regions, including the city of Axum, should be avoided. There is a possibility that local authorities may suddenly issue a ban on foreign nationals traveling to these regions.
Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
Address: Bole KK, Kebele 04/06/07, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; P.O.Box 987
Tel./Fax: +251 91 125 2514
Emergency phone (after working hours): +251 91 125 2514
Working hours: 09:00 – 17:30
Consular hours: 09:00 – 13:00 (by prior email appointment)
E-mail: Embassy.AddisAbaba@mfa.bg
Website: www.mfa.bg/embassies/ethiopia
Embassy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia in Ankara (accredited to Bulgaria)
Address: Oran Mah. Muhittin Çöteli sok. No: 6, 06450 Çankaya/Ankara
Tel.: +90 312 436 04 00
E-mail: ankaraethiopiaembassy@gmail.com
Website: ankara.mfa.gov.et
Honorary Consul of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia in the Republic of Bulgaria
Mr. Seife Bekele Wolde Aregay
Office: Sofia, “Sveta Troitsa” Residential Area, Block 173
Tel.: +359 878 52 58 04
E-mail: Seifbk@abv.bg
General information
Security Level:
Addis Ababa is currently calm in terms of security. Nevertheless, citizens should remain highly vigilant, follow local media, and avoid large gatherings. Always carry a copy of the personal data page of your passport and visa.
An increase in street crimes, including robberies and assaults, has been observed in Addis Ababa. Be cautious if someone tries to distract you on the street, as it could lead to theft. When driving, ensure that the vehicle doors are locked and windows are closed.
Reports indicate theft of luggage and valuables at Bole International Airport, including during security checks. Travelers are advised to arrange hotel transportation to and from the airport and keep personal belongings under constant supervision.
Outside the capital, Addis Ababa, there is a high security risk. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises against any travel outside the city.
Healthcare:
Before you depart, concider acquiring comprehensive travel assistance insurance that covers all medical expenses abroad, including medical repatriation/evacuation, repatriation of remains and legal costs. Check that the policy covers all the activities you plan to do. The insurance company should have a 24/7 helpline.
Medical facilities generally do not meet European standards. Exercise caution with food hygiene, including the consumption of fresh fruits and salads. Drink only boiled or bottled water. Ensure you have valid health insurance that covers Ethiopia. Malaria is present below 2000 meters altitude. If symptoms appear, seek medical attention immediately. Other deadly tropical diseases may also occur.
Depending on the country you are coming from, you may be given an Ebola or Monkeypox risk assessment form upon arrival at Bole Airport.
For updated information on mandatory or recommended vaccinations, please contact the Regional Health Inspectorates in Bulgaria.
Local Legislation:
Ethiopian law strictly prohibits photographing military or police facilities, industrial installations, government buildings, and infrastructure such as roads, bridges, dams, and airports. Violations may lead to confiscation of equipment and arrest.
Exporting antiques from Ethiopia requires authorization. Keep receipts for all purchased souvenirs, including crosses, as they may be considered cultural artifacts.
ATM fraud is severely punished, with cumulative penalties for all proven offenses.
Homosexual acts are criminalized in Ethiopia.
Customs Regulations:
Strict rules apply to the export of foreign currency and Ethiopian birr. You may not export more than USD 3,000 (or equivalent) unless declared upon entry or supported by a bank document. You cannot import or export more than 3,000 Ethiopian birr.
Amounts exceeding these limits may be confiscated by Ethiopian authorities.
Duty-free import allowances: up to 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 200 grams of tobacco, 1 liter of alcohol, and 2 bottles of perfume.
Import of drones, binoculars, and photographic equipment requires special permission. Further details: https://business.gov.et/business/need/0e967599-4f26-4a85-9a41-5507143ad8c0 .
Road Traffic:
Driving is on the right. Public transport is unreliable; foreigners are advised not to use city buses. Use only licensed taxis affiliated with hotels or airports. Poor road conditions limit driving speed. A railway line connects Addis Ababa – Dire Dawa – Djibouti.
An international driving permit is required. Drinking and driving is strictly prohibited.
Practical Information:
Local emergency number: 911
Police: 991
Ambulance: 907
Travelers are advised to exercise extreme vigilance, especially in public places frequented by foreigners and tourists (hotels, bars, restaurants, sports events, shopping centers, and transport hubs). There is an increased risk of terrorist attacks during official and religious holidays.
Currency:
Ethiopian birr (ETB). Currency exchange should be conducted only at authorized locations. It is recommended to carry US dollars, traveler’s checks, and credit cards. More information: https://nbe.gov.et/
Travel papers and visas
Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry and contain at least two blank pages for stamps and visa issuance.
Ethiopian visas must be obtained online at least two weeks before travel via https://www.evisa.gov.et/
Applicants with special characters in their email address (e.g., #$.&…) may experience payment processing issues. Visa fees are non-refundable.
Travelers must leave Ethiopia before their visa expires. Overstaying is punishable by a fine of USD 30 per day and may result in detention until payment. Fines exceeding USD 3,000 may apply.
Consular service
Ethiopia has not ratified the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations; therefore, consular officials may not always be allowed to visit detained citizens.
Legalization and Notarial Services:
The Embassy authenticates documents duly issued and legalized by the relevant authorities of both countries.
To be valid in Bulgaria, documents issued by Ethiopian authorities must bear the stamp of the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and then be legalized by the Consular Section of the Bulgarian Embassy in Addis Ababa. Once legalized, they must be translated into Bulgarian by a certified translation agency and further legalized by the “Certifications and Legalizations” Department of the Consular Relations Directorate at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria.
Issuance of Identity Documents:
The Embassy in Addis Ababa is not connected to the National Visa Information System and does not have biometric data collection equipment. It may assist in issuing a European Temporary Passport (ETD) to Bulgarian citizens through another EU member state’s embassy in Addis Ababa.
Civil Status:
The Embassy may legalize Ethiopian public documents certifying birth, marriage, or death for registration in Bulgaria.