TRAVEL INFORMATION
Health & Vaccinations
Speak with a travel clinic or your healthcare provider 4–8 weeks before departure. Personal medical advice … always takes priority over general guidance. What follows is a practical starting point.
Recommended Vaccinations
Yellow Fever
A yellow fever vaccination is recommended for most travellers and is required if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk. Carry your yellow fever certificate with your travel documents.
Malaria Prevention
Malaria risk in Ethiopia depends on region and elevation:
- Risk is generally low in Addis Ababa.
- Risk is also low in highland regions above 2,500 metres.
- Lower-altitude areas (Omo Valley, parts of the south and west, the Danakil region) carry
- increased risk.
Discuss appropriate antimalarial medication and bite-prevention measures with a travel health professional before you go.
Other Recommended Vaccines
Most travellers are advised to be up to date on:
- Routine vaccinations (MMR, tetanus/diphtheria, polio, etc.)
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Typhoid
Your doctor may also recommend rabies or meningitis vaccines depending on your itinerary and length of stay.
Personal Health Kit
Bring a small travel health kit so common issues don’t slow you down:
- Prescription medication (in original packaging) with a copy of the prescription
- High-SPF sunscreen — the sun at altitude is strong
- Insect repellent (DEET or picaridin based)
- Hand sanitiser and wet wipes
- Oral rehydration salts
- Basic pain relief (ibuprofen or paracetamol)
- Anti-diarrheal medication
- Motion sickness medication if needed for mountain roads
- Plasters, bandages, and basic first-aid supplies
Water & Food
Drink bottled or properly filtered water. Hot, freshly cooked food is safest; we recommend choosing well-cooked dishes and peeling your own fruit. Inside Ethiopia Tours selects restaurants and lodges with strong hygiene standards as part of every itinerary.
Visa & Entry Requirements
All foreign nationals travelling to Ethiopia require a valid tourist visa before arrival. The fastest and most reliable route is the official Ethiopian eVisa, applied for online before you fly.
Apply Online — Ethiopian eVisa (Recommended)
Apply only through the official government portal: www.evisa.gov.et
Several third-party sites offer Ethiopia visa services at inflated prices. We strongly recommend avoidingthem and using only the official portal to prevent unnecessary fees, scams, or processing delays.
Tourist eVisa at a Glance
- Visa type: Single-entry tourist visa
- Validity: 30 days from date of arrival
- Fee: USD 62 (non-refundable)
- Processing: Typically completed online within a few business days before departure
- Payment: Visa, MasterCard, or American Express
Who Can Apply Online
The eVisa is available to citizens of most European countries as well as the United States, Canada,Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Kenya, Japan, South Korea, India, China, Russia, and many other eligible nations. If you are unsure whether your passport qualifies, check the official eVisa portal or contact our team.
Documents You’ll Need
- A passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure date from Ethiopia
- A scanned copy of your passport’s photo page
- A recent passport-sized photograph (digital)
- Your arrival information (flight details and dates)
- A valid email address to receive your approval
- Payment for the visa fee
Visa on Arrival
Visa on arrival is available to some nationalities at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, but availability is limited and not guaranteed. For peace of mind, we always recommend applying for the eVisa in advance.
Important Travel Tip
Print a physical copy of your approved eVisa and carry it together with your passport. Airline check-in staff and immigration officers may ask to see it on departure and on arrival in Addis Ababa.
Domestic flights
When travelling to Ethiopia, it is important to know that domestic fares are considerably reduced (by more than 40%) if your international ticket to travel to the country has been purchased with Ethiopian Airlines.
Please be aware that Ethiopian Airlines, as the only domestic carrier, requires the ticket number in order to make the discount for any domestic flights.
For further information please click here.
Weather in Ethiopia
The weather in Ethiopia depends tremendously on the elevation of the region. When planning a trip, it is advisable to check the average temperatures of the region you plan to visit due to this geographical variation. For example, on a trip to South and the Bale Mountains temperatures are low and warm clothing is essential. In contrast, a trip to the North and the Danakil Depression, you can easily experience daytime temperatures above 50ºC (122ºF).
The Ethiopian climate is actually quite pleasant for tourism due to the altitude. Thus, on the historic North route situated in the Ethiopian highlands, temperatures vary on average of 15ºC (59ºF) and 27ºC (80ºF). On the other hand, in some southern areas of Ethiopia its warmer on average with temperatures reaching up to 32ºC (90ºF).
The rainy season normally starts mid-June and it will continue until early October but sometimes this pattern may change from the Rift Valley area (starting and ending a few weeks earlier than in the highlands) to the Omo Valley (concentrating the rainy season in March, April and May).
Best time to travel to Ethiopia
Ethiopia can be visited year-round. Because of its sheer size, varied altitude, and dramatic geography, the climate shifts significantly from one region to another so whatever the month, there is always somewhere beautiful and comfortable to explore.
Overall, the best time to travel is the dry season, from mid-October to May. Skies are clear, days are sunny, and conditions are ideal for sightseeing, trekking, wildlife, and cultural travel.
The green or low season (June to September) is also rewarding: landscapes are lush, prices are often lower, and there are fewer visitors at the major sites.
Northern Ethiopia — Lalibela, Gondar, Bahir Dar, Axum & Simien Mountains
Best time: October through March.
These months bring cooler daytime temperatures, clear skies for photography, comfortable trekking conditions, and excellent road access between the historic sites of the northern circuit.
For trekking in the Simien Mountains specifically, September to November is ideal the landscape is freshly green after the rains, visibility is excellent, and the trails are dust-free.
Southern Ethiopia & the Omo Valley
Best time: August through October.
These months are particularly rewarding for exploring village life, weekly markets, and the cultural traditions of the Omo Valley’s many distinct communities. Conditions are pleasant for overland journeys, and the south offers one of the most culturally diverse travel experiences anywhere in Africa.
Danakil Depression
Best time: November to early January.
The Danakil is one of the most extraordinary — and hottest — landscapes on Earth, with temperatures that can exceed 50°C (122°F). The cooler months make exploring the salt flats, active volcanoes, and vivid hydrothermal pools far more manageable.
Travelling Around Festivals
Ethiopia’s calendar is rich with religious and cultural celebrations, and planning around them transforms a trip into something unforgettable.
- Timket — Ethiopian Epiphany (January): one of the country’s most vibrant and photogenic celebrations, with colourful processions and ritual water blessings.
- Meskel (September): a major religious festival marked by large public gatherings, music, and the lighting of the great bonfire (Demera).
- Genna — Ethiopian Christmas (January 7): celebrated especially memorably in Lalibela.
- Enkutatash — Ethiopian New Year (September 11): marking the end of the rainy season.
Currency & Money
The official currency of Ethiopia is the Ethiopian Birr (ETB). Banknotes are commonly issued in denominations of 10, 50, 100, and 200 birr.
Currency Exchange
You can exchange foreign currency at
- Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (most convenient on arrival)
- Branches of the major Ethiopian banks
- Licensed foreign exchange bureaus
Keep your exchange receipts. If you wish to convert leftover birr back to foreign currency before leaving Ethiopia, banks may require proof that the original currency was exchanged legally inside the country. For this reason, exchange only what you expect to spend and top up later if needed.
ATM Access
ATMs are widely available in Addis Ababa and in most larger towns and cities. Before you travel:
- Check international withdrawal fees with your bank.
- Confirm your debit or ATM card is enabled for international use.
- Let your bank know your travel dates so transactions aren’t flagged.
Single-transaction limits at most ATMs are around 4,000 ETB. Carrying a mix of cash and card is usually the most practical approach.
Credit Cards & Tipping
Major hotels and some upscale restaurants in Addis Ababa accept Visa and MasterCard, but cash is essential almost everywhere else, especially in rural areas and the south. Tipping is customary and appreciated for drivers, guides, hotel staff, and porters. Our team can advise on typical amounts before you travel.
Practical Travel Tips
Language
Ethiopia’s official working language is Amharic, and dozens of regional languages are spoken across the country including Oromo, Tigrinya, Somali, and Afar. English is widely understood in hotels, airports, restaurants, and the tourism industry, and all Inside Ethiopia Tours guides speak fluent English.
Climate & What to Pack
Ethiopia’s climate varies dramatically by region and altitude. Highland areas like Addis Ababa, Lalibela, and Gondar are mild year-round, while lowland areas in the south and east can be very warm. Evenings at altitude can feel surprisingly cold, especially in the Simien Mountains.
Recommended packing:
- Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes
- Light, breathable layers for daytime
- A warm sweater, fleece, or jacket for cool evenings and early mornings
- Wide-brim sun hat and sunglasses
- Reusable water bottle (ideally with a filter)
- A scarf or shawl — useful for sun, dust, and entering religious sites
- Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for churches and monasteries
- Slip-on shoes that are easy to remove at religious sites
- A small daypack for daily essentials
Connectivity & Communication
Local SIM cards and mobile data are easily purchased on arrival from Ethio Telecom or Safaricom Ethiopia. Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, lodges, cafés, and restaurants in the main cities, though connection speed and reliability can vary, particularly in remote areas. We recommend downloadingoffline maps and any travel essentials before heading into more rural regions.
Electricity
Ethiopia uses 220V power with European-style two-pin plugs (Type C, E, and F). Travellers from the US, UK, and elsewhere should bring a universal adapter. Power cuts are occasional, especially outside major cities, so a power bank for phones and cameras is useful.
Cultural Etiquette
Ethiopia has one of Africa’s oldest and most distinctive cultural heritages, and Ethiopians are famously warm and hospitable. A few small courtesies go a long way:
- Always ask before photographing people, especially in the Omo Valley and at religious sites.
- Dress modestly when visiting churches, monasteries, and mosques.
- Remove your shoes when requested — at religious sites and in many homes.
- Greet people before starting any conversation or transaction; a handshake and a smile are appreciated.
Safety
Most travel in Ethiopia is safe and welcoming, but conditions can vary by region. Our team monitors the situation continuously and adjusts itineraries when needed. We recommend comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical evacuation, registering with your embassy where applicable, and following the guidance of your guide while in the country.
Before You Travel — Quick Checklist
Tick these off in the weeks before departure
✔ Apply for your Ethiopian eVisa online at evisa.gov.et
✔ Print your visa approval and pack it with your passport
✔ Confirm your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond travel
✔ Arrange comprehensive travel insurance (including medical evacuation)
✔ Visit a travel clinic for vaccinations and malaria advice
✔ Carry your yellow fever certificate if applicable
✔ Notify your bank and credit card providers of your travel dates
✔ Pack prescription medication in original packaging with prescriptions
✔ Pack modest clothing for religious sites, layers for altitude, and sun protection
✔ Bring a universal power adapter and power bank
✔ Save digital and printed copies of all key travel documents
✔ Download offline maps and translation apps
We’re Here to Help
We want your journey through Ethiopia to be inspiring, comfortable, and unforgettable. Whether you are travelling for culture, history, trekking, wildlife, photography, or simply to experience one of Africa’s most extraordinary countries firsthand, our team is here to make it seamless.
If you have questions before your trip or while you are planning please get in touch. We respond personally and quickly.
Contact us any time, and we look forward to welcoming you to Ethiopia.