Security status
High Degree of Caution
Travel Alert
The Embassy strongly advises against all travel to the Amhara region at the present time due to ongoing fighting between local militia groups and Ethiopian federal military forces. Fighting is dynamic and unpredictable, and may break out across the region at any time, both in cities and in rural areas. Travellers to Amhara region are at significant risk of harm and encountering movement restrictions and losing access to communications. While foreign nationals are not generally a target of the fighting, they are at risk of being caught up in the violence. If you are currently in the region, and find yourself caught up in the fighting, you are advised to shelter in place until it is safe to leave. You should follow the instructions of local authorities. Please contact the Irish Embassy in Addis Ababa on +251 11 518 0500 if you are in need of consular assistance.
There have been increasing reports during 2023 and 2024 of kidnapping for ransom incidents in Ethiopia, particularly in the Oromia region. These have primarily targeted Ethiopian nationals, but the Embassy is aware of at least one incident of the kidnapping of foreign nationals. Those travelling between cities in Ethiopia are strongly recommended to travel by air where possible. Where travel must take place by road, travellers should travel in convoy and driving at night is strictly discouraged.
In Addis Ababa, the Embassy is aware of an increasing number of aggravated robberies and muggings, particularly after dark or in the early hours of the morning (before 8am). This has included foreigners being targeted with knives or other weapons. Citizens should avoid walking alone during these times. If threatened, you should hand over your valuables without resistance.
General Travel Advice
Irish citizens require a visa to enter Ethiopia. Visas are available as an eVisa online. Visa on arrival services are available for tourism visas only, but Irish citizens entering Ethiopia for tourism purposes are encouraged to obtain the appropriate visa before they travel to facilitate smoother entry into Ethiopia. Other visa types of visa should be applied for online in advance.
A valid passport is required for travel to Ethiopia. Irish passports should have a minimum validity of 6 months and 2 blank pages. Passport cards cannot be used.
The e-visa can be obtained from www.evisa.gov.et. This is the official government website. Please be aware that there are a number of unofficial websites charging additional fees to apply for the visa on your behalf. Irish citizens entering Ethiopia should allow additional time for the processing of e-visa applications as there may be delays.
Visa on arrival services can only be paid in US Dollars at the point of entry into Ethiopia.
Visitors to Ethiopia are advised to follow the guidance of national and local authorities and stay fully informed of what is going on by monitoring local news and social media.
Citizens can also follow the Embassy on X@IrlEmbEthiopia to ensure access to relevant updates and alerts.
The Department of Foreign Affairs advises against all travel to:
- Tigray region, except Mekele. Travel outside of the Tigray regional capital is currently not considered safe.
- Amhara Regional State, including Lalibela, the cities of Gondar and Bahir Dar, and the Simien Mountains.
- Northern Afar region, within 10km of border with Eritrea.
- Benishangul-Gumuz region
- Gambella region
- Border areas with Sudan, South Sudan and Kenya (including all land border crossings)
- The border area with Somaliland, and within 100km of the border of Somalia (in Ethiopian Somali region), excluding the area around Jijiga.
- East and West Guji zones (Oromia) and Gedeo zone (South Ethiopia Regional State)
- Western Oromia, in particular West Wellega, East Wellega, Kelam Wellega and Horo Gudru Wellega zones.
The Department of Foreign Affairs advises against all but essential travel to:
- The Awash Valley and East Shewa region in Oromia, in particular along the A1 road between Bishoftu and Awash town and the areas within 20km of this road due to militia activity and road blocks.
- In Tigray, Mekele. Travel to Mekele should be undertaken only by air.
- Ethiopia's Somali Regional State, excluding the area around Jijiga. Care should be take on the A10 road between Harar and Jijiga due to sporadic unrest, particularly in the area around Babile.
- In Afar Regional State,within 50km of the border with Tigray regional state
Travel insurance, including international medical evacuation, is essential for visitors to Ethiopia as medical facilities may be limited. It is essential that you check the terms of your travel insurance policy thoroughly before you travel. You should be aware that if you travel to areas of the country where the Department advises against all travel, your travel insurance is likely to be invalidated and the Embassy’s ability to provide consular assistance may be limited.
Details
Amhara
The Embassy recommends against all travel to Amhara Regional State as the region has seen active and ongoing armed conflict between local FANO militia groups and the Ethiopian National Defence Forces (ENDF) in both urban and rural areas since mid-2023. Conflict is dynamic and unpredictable, with large cities like Gondar and Bahir Dar and tourist sites including Lalibela periodically becoming contested sites with active shooting and artillery fire. Communications and electricity outages are widespread and air and road transport disruptions, including informal roadblocks, are common and unpredictable. Travellers in the region are at significant risk of being caught up in violence. Any Irish citizens in Amhara region should make plans to leave the region if it is safe to do so.
Tigray
The Cessation of Hostilities Agreement signed in November 2022 ended the large-scale fighting in Tigray. While larger urban areas have not had significant security incidents over recent months, the security situation in Tigray remains unpredictable and civil unrest and demonstrations can materialise at short notice. There also continue to be reports of sporadic and indiscriminate violence along border areas with Eritrea and with Amhara and Afar Regional States, particularly in the disputed of territory of Western Tigray and the Raya area of southern Tigray. The Tigray region is also understood to be contaminated by unexploded ordinance which poses a significant risk to travellers. As such, the embassy advises against all travel outside of Mekele. Any travel to Mekele should be done by air.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Ethiopian Committee of the Red Cross (ECRC) has set up a service to ‘restore family links’ across Tigray. You can get in touch on +251 (0) 94 312 2207 or 251 (0) 11 552 7110, email add_tracing_service@icrc.org, or online.
Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa is currently calm from a security perspective . However, citizens should exercise a high degree of caution, monitor local media and avoid any signs of demonstration. Irish citizens both resident in and visiting Addis should carry copies of identification at all times.
There has been an increase in petty crime in Addis Ababa, in particular street robbery and muggings. These incidents can turn violent. Be wary of distraction techniques while on the street, such as youth grabbing onto your person or offering things to you. Remain cautious when walking around the city, particularly if alone or after dark. While driving, ensure that doors are locked and windows are raised. If you are threatened, you should hand over any valuables without resistance.
There have also been reports of luggage theft and stealing of valuables in Addis Ababa Bole Airport, including in transport from the airport. Travellers should arrange official airport transport with their hotel and ensure they keep their luggage and valuables in sight at all times. Theft of valuables has also been reported at security screening on entry to the airport. All valuables should be placed inside luggage before screening.
Festivals and celebrations are held frequently in Addis Ababa throughout the year. Large crowds can gather, particularly around the Meskel Square area. Exercise caution around large gatherings, as these events can be targets for opportunistic crime (particularly pickpocketing).
Oromia
Due to clashes between armed groups and security forces, inter-communal violence and militia activity, all travel to western Oromia should be avoided, including Nekemte, West Wellega, East Wellega and Kelem Wellega zones. You should also avoid all travel to the East and West Guji and Gedeo zones (on the border between Oromia and South Ethiopia regions) due to civil unrest and armed clashes.
There have been reports of armed groups active along the A1 road in Oromia, particularly in the Awash Valley region between Adama and Awash town. Travel along this road is discouraged, particularly at night, due to the possibility of roadblocks or attacks on vehicles.
There have been a number of instances of kidnapping for ransom in Oromia region in 2023/2024 These have primarily targeted Ethiopian nationals, though there has been at least one case involving the kidnapping of foreign nationals. Travel by road should be minimised; travellers are encouraged to travel between regions by air to the greatest degree possible.
Citizens planning to travel elsewhere within Oromia region should seek up-to-date security advice. Get in touch with local contacts in advance of travel, and minimise road transportation when possible due to risk of impromptu road blocks and checkpoints.
Afar
There have been reports of attacks on goods vehicles and trucks moving along the A1 road from Djibouti to Addis Ababa in recent months. Driving at night on this road should be avoided.
Tensions in the border zones between Afar and Somali regions can give rise to unrest and violence.
Southern Regions
Border areas with Kenya and South Sudan can be volatile and should be avoided. If travelling in southern and south-western Ethiopia, you should exercise caution and follow the advice of local authorities.
Somali Region
Serious confrontations between ethnic groups have taken place along the Oromia-Somali and Afar-Somali borders, resulting in the mass displacement of people. Caution is advised along border areas with other regional states. All travel to the international border with Somalia should be avoided.
Al-Shabaab has a history of terrorist activity along the border regions with Somalia in Somali Regional State. Recent tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia have reportedly been used to drive recruitment for the group, and the local security situation is unpredictable. Travellers to Somali regional state should remain vigilant at all times and are advised to seek specific advice in advance of travel.
Emergency Assistance
The best help is often close at hand so if a problem arises, try talking to your local contacts, tour operator representatives or hotel management.
Visitors can contact the emergency services in Ethiopia by dialling:
- Emergency: 911
- Police: 991
- Ambulance (in Addis Ababa): 907
Our tips for Safe Travels:
- Get comprehensive travel insurance that covers all planned activities.
- Register your details with us so that we can contact you quickly if there is an unforeseen crisis like a natural disaster or a family emergency.
- Follow us on twitter @dfatravelwise for the latest travel updates.
- Read our ‘Know Before You Go’ guide.