All collected sources · selected advisory updated 2026-08-27
Site summary · whole-country advice
Level 3 · Reconsider Travel
Uses the official U.S. level.
Regional advisories: avoid all travel to some areas. Regional restrictions do not mean a whole-country ban.
China MFA assessments use their own scale and do not affect this site's numeric summary.
Original source wording; interface language does not translate official advice.
Source document checked 2026-11-01T18:49:53Z · version b0b4d79ea949.
Reconsider travel to Ethiopia due to unrest, crime, kidnapping, terrorism, landmines, communications disruptions, and exit bans. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
Do Not Travel To:
This is a partial extract. Read the full official advisory for all warnings and locations.
Source: U.S. State Dept — View full advisory ↗. Text extracts from the linked U.S. Department of State advisory. This site is independent; third-party materials retain their own rights.
FCDO advises against all travel to some areas — Border areas FCDO advises against all travel to within: 20km of the border with Sudan 10km of the border with South Sudan 100km of the Ethiopian border with Somalia and Kenya in Ethiopia’s Somali regi
Source document checked 2026-11-01T18:49:54Z · version 4967190d6075.
FCDO advises against all travel to within:
FCDO advises against all travel to Tigray region.
FCDO advises against all travel to Amhara region.
FCDO advises against all travel to within 20km of the border with Eritrea
FCDO advises against all travel to within 50km of the boundary with Tigray region.
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the rest of Afar.
FCDO advises against all travel to Gambela region.
FCDO advises against all travel to:
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to:
FCDO advises against all travel to within:
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to:
FCDO advises against all travel to within 10km of the borders with South Sudan and Kenya including the shores of Lake Turkana.
FCDO advises against all travel to:
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the rest of Benishangul-Gumuz region.
Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel to these regions.
Staff at the British Embassy in Addis Ababa cannot offer support in person in areas of Ethiopia where FCDO advises against travel.
If you need urgent help from the UK government, for example if you’ve been arrested or you’re concerned about forced marriage, contact the British Embassy in Addis Ababa.
If you’re in the UK and are concerned about a British national in Ethiopia, call FCDO on 020 7008 5000.
This is a partial extract. Read the full official advisory for all warnings and locations.
This section comes from the same source document as the advisory above.
There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Ethiopia.
There is a threat of terrorism across Ethiopia. Attacks could target westerners, including British nationals. These could occur at any time including at religious events, public holidays or celebrations. Attacks could be indiscriminate and occur in places visited by foreign nationals, such as:
Large crowds are common on key national and religious dates, including:
Parts of the country also have local festivals (often celebrating saints’ days) which can lead to large gatherings.
Terrorist group Al-Shabaab, based in Somalia, poses a threat across East Africa. The group threatens all countries who have military forces in Somalia, including Ethiopia. In 2022, Al-Shabaab attacked the Somali towns of Aato, Yeed and Washaaqo, near the border with Ethiopia. Al-Shabaab has said it intends to commit further attacks in the area.
Mugging (violent theft or theft with the threat of violence) is on the rise. There have been a number of incidents of sexual harassment of women.
Take care of your belongings when visiting crowded public places, especially at night. There is a risk of petty theft around Bole International Airport, particularly pickpockets and bag-snatchers.
Be vigilant if strangers approach you. Criminal groups, often including children and young people, sometimes attempt to steal phones, wallets or other valuables by jostling and pickpocketing. They may use distraction techniques including begging, spitting, spilling food and drink, and feigning illness.
There has been an increase in reported crime against foreign nationals and Ethiopian nationals in these areas of Addis Ababa:
Attacks have included knifepoint robberies and victims being choked unconscious. Do not travel alone in these areas if possible. Be cautious if travelling on foot. Consider using road transport where possible, especially after dark.
There is a risk of bag and jewellery snatching from vehicles at traffic lights and of thefts from parked cars.
When travelling in vehicles:
If threatened, hand over valuables without resistance.
Kidnapping is widespread in parts of Ethiopia, with incidents in the Oromia, Amhara and Somali regions and on the southern border with Kenya.
There have been a number of recent kidnappings in Amhara and Oromia, especially within the Adama special zone south of Addis Ababa, and western areas of Oromia region, particularly West Wollega, East Wollega and Qellem Wollega zones.
Possible targets for criminal kidnap include people engaged in humanitarian aid work, journalism or business sectors. The motivation for kidnappings is extortion, with criminals demanding high sums for ransom.
When arranging meetings, use a secure location. Avoid regular patterns of travel and aim to only travel during daylight hours. If you go to areas where the FCDO advises against travel, you will be at extreme risk.
Partial safety extract; read the full official section.
Source: UK FCDO — View full advisory ↗. Contains public sector information from GOV.UK licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
This section has safety advice for regions of Ethiopia. It only covers regions where FCDO has specific advice.
You should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice for Ethiopia.
All civilian flights to and from Tigray region have been suspended. Foreign nationals are currently unable to travel to airports in Afar regional state due to restrictions by the Ethiopian authorities. Check with your operator before travel.
The Ethiopian authorities may implement travel restrictions anywhere in the country at short notice.
FCDO advises against all travel to within:
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to:
FCDO advises against all travel to Tigray region.
There is ongoing fighting between Ethiopian federal government forces and forces opposed to the federal government in the Tigray region. Some flights are suspended and flights across northern Ethiopia may also be suspended or cancelled at short notice.
If you are in the Tigray region, shelter in place. You should also:
There have been some threats from armed groups against Alula Aba Nega Airport, Mekele. As soon as you judge it is safe to do so, leave the Tigray region using commercial means.
FCDO advises against all travel to all of Amhara regional state.
There have been violent protests and clashes between security forces in Amhara since April 2023, resulting in an unknown number of deaths including of 11 aid workers.
Violence has increased due to conflict between local militia groups (Fano) and the security forces. Since spring 2023 there has been significant conflict in Amhara region, between Amhara militia groups (Fano) and the Ethiopian authorities, as well as opportunistic crime and banditry. Movement is heavily restricted, arbitrary detention is a risk and the security situation is very volatile.
There have been reports of incidents along the Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar (A3) road, including armed men attacking vehicles. Attacks usually take place in the early hours when visibility is poor. Be highly cautious and avoid travelling when visibility is poor. The A3 road can be subject to increased checkpoints and closure by the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF).
Some flights across northern Ethiopia could be suspended or cancelled at short notice. Domestic and international land borders may be closed. Mobile networks and internet connections may be disrupted. You should monitor local media for further information and comply with local authority instructions.
There have been sporadic, violent clashes between armed groups in Amhara and in areas bordering Oromia region, including in urban centres. As these are not contained to specific areas, be cautious when travelling throughout Amhara. Situations can escalate quickly.
Political disputes in the districts (‘woredas’) of Tsegede, Mirab Armacho and Tach Armacho have previously turned violent. Clashes have occurred around Chilga Woreda and Central Gondar zone, with reports of fatalities including civilians. While attacks are mostly related to inter-ethnic disputes and foreigners have not been targeted, attacks can occur at any time with significant risk of being caught up in violence. If you’re travelling in the area, monitor local media and follow the advice of local authorities and your tour operator.
There has been an increase in roadblocks across Amhara region.
FCDO advises against all travel to the parts of Afar region within 20km of the border with Eritrea and within 50km of the Tigray region, and advises against all but essential travel to the rest of Afar.
There are irregular armed clashes between ethnic groups in Afar region and Somali Regional State, in particular along the main Addis Ababa to Djibouti road (A1) and the surrounding areas. Attacks are sporadic and infrequent, but may involve roadblocks and vehicles being targeted.
FCDO advises against all travel to Gambela region.
Large-scale violence, inter-communal clashes and armed attacks occur regularly. While foreigners have not been targeted, there’s a significant risk of being caught up in violence.
FCDO advises against all travel to:
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to:
There have been reports of armed clashes between regional security forces from Oromia and Somali regions in the area of the border between the two regions, including in Moyale town in October 2026.
Violence has increased due to conflict in Oromia, and there may be disruption to travel, and to the operation of businesses and services.
In West and North Shewa zone there have been reports of attacks on vehicles travelling on the A1 road, between Adama and Awash, though not targeting international travellers.
There were reports in October 2023 of air strikes against armed groups in West Shewa. These could take place in a range of locations without notice. You should be extremely cautious when travelling in the West Shewa zone, particularly in rural areas.
There have been repeated and serious instances of violence in West Wollega, East Wollega, Kellem Wollega and Horo Gudru Wollega. This has included clashes between armed groups and security forces, violent crime and roadside attacks.
There are increased tensions and violence between armed groups and the security forces across Oromia region, particularly Shewa, Haraghe and Guji zones. Avoid military, police and security installations. Be extremely cautious and follow advice of local authorities.
Since late 2022, there has been an increase in incidents between armed groups in Oromia. These have mainly been reported in rural areas and areas bordering Amhara region. Incidents are not contained to specific areas. Be cautious when travelling, particularly between urban centres. The situation can escalate quickly.
Some protests have turned violent and resulted in casualties. There has also been severe disruption to road travel including major roads to and from Addis Ababa.
Protests and demonstrations occur periodically in towns across Oromia region. Towns in the Wollega and Shewa zones, and West Arsi zone, including Ambo, Wolissa, Nekemte and Shashemene, have been particularly affected. Demonstrations have also taken place elsewhere including in the Bale zone to the south-east.
In some instances, international investors have been threatened, although the British Embassy is not aware of foreign tourists having been targeted.
FCDO advises against all travel to within:
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to:
There have been reports of armed clashes between regional security forces from Oromia and Somali regions in the area of the border between the two regions, including in Moyale town in October 2026.
There are irregular armed clashes between ethnic groups in Afar Region and Somali Regional State, in particular along the main Addis Ababa to Djibouti road (A1) and the surrounding areas. Attacks are sporadic and infrequent, but may involve roadblocks with vehicles being targeted.
There is local instability, lawlessness, military activity and a general risk of banditry in Somali region. Insurgent groups, some affiliated with terrorist organisations, have clashed with government forces. Foreigners have been caught up in the violence or targeted. There have also been attacks on staff working for international non-governmental organisations.
FCDO advises against all travel to within 10km of the borders with South Sudan and Kenya including the shores of Lake Turkana.
Due to recent regional cluster changes, there have been instances of civil unrest as zones increasingly demand their own regional statehood. There has been civil unrest in Gurage zone in the newly formed Central region. A number of incidents have turned violent.
FCDO advises against all travel to:
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the rest of Benishangul-Gumuz region.
There is risk of armed clashes at near the border with Sudan.
Local tensions have led to frequent and unpredictable violent clashes, including reported abductions and deaths. There have been instances of civil unrest in and around Assosa.
For Chinese citizens and organisations. Published notice records; no site numeric mapping. Destination risk assessments are not included.
Continued validity not confirmed; check current official information.
Location-specific / shared notice; read the original scope.
近日，埃塞俄比亚阿姆哈拉州巴赫达尔、拉利贝拉、贡达尔等市发生武装冲突，安全形势严峻。外交部和驻埃塞俄比亚大使馆提醒中国公民和机构务必提高安全意识，暂勿前往上述冲突或高风险地区旅游、途经或者从事其他活动。已在上述地区的，应在具备条件时尽快撤离。请在埃塞其他地区的中国公民和机构高度关注局势发展和安全风险，保持警惕，加强安全防范和应急准备，确保人身与财产安全。
埃塞俄比亚当地报警电话：911
外交部全球领事保护与服务应急呼叫中心电话（24小时）:
+86-10-12308
+86-10-65612308
驻埃塞俄比亚使馆领事保护电话：
+251911686415
Original document version e7f2e1859f0f.
For Canadian travellers and residents abroad. Official Canadian four-level scale; source wording is retained separately from the site summary.
Older data retained · last successful check 2026-10-17T01:46:07Z
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Regional advisories: Northern regions — Avoid all travel; Central regions — Avoid all travel; Border areas — Avoid all travel. These do not replace the whole-entity level.
Source document checked 2026-10-17T01:46:07Z · version c1e003b9dc4a.
Ethiopia travel advice · Author: Global Affairs Canada. Text extracts from the linked official version; this site is independent of the Government of Canada.
Avoid non-essential travel to Ethiopia due to armed conflict, civil unrest, violence, potential fuel shortages and crime. The security situation can deteriorate further without warning.
This advisory excludes Addis Ababa, where you should exercise a high degree of caution.
Our ability to provide consular assistance is limited in some regions, particularly those affected by armed conflict.
Exercise a high degree of caution in Addis Ababa due to the high crime rate and the risk of spontaneous demonstrations becoming violent. Ongoing armed conflict and civil unrest in other parts of the country could spread to major cities without warning.
Avoid all travel to the following northern regions due to ongoing armed conflict, civil unrest, disruptions to flights and communications, and the unpredictable security situation:
Avoid all travel to the following areas in the central regions due to civil unrest, violent crime, kidnapping, armed conflict and airstrikes:
Avoid all travel to the following border areas due to persistent instability, military activity, banditry, the high risk of terrorist attacks, kidnapping, violence and landmines:
Security situation in Northern Ethiopia
Fighting between armed groups and the Ethiopian military is ongoing in Tigray, Afar and Amhara.
Air travel in Tigray, and elsewhere in Ethiopia, may be disrupted at short notice due to the evolving security situation.
Telecommunications and Internet access may be disrupted or limited.
The security situation is unpredictable and could deteriorate further.
If you are in a region affected by an armed conflict:
The security situation varies greatly from one region to another. While it is stable in Addis Ababa, it remains volatile and unpredictable in several regions throughout the country due to ethnic and political tensions, as well as ongoing armed conflicts. Areas near international and regional borders are particularly at risk of violent clashes and increased criminal activity.
Partial safety extract; read the full official document.
Read Global Affairs Canada official advice ↗Source: Global Affairs Canada — copy of the version at the official link. Reproduced for non-commercial information; Government of Canada terms.
Native MFA risk assessment; no mapping to travel-advice levels. Read regional scope and consular notices.
Last checked 2026-11-01T18:51:57Z
中国外交部评估：按地区分别分级
Grades vary by area; no whole-country grade is inferred. Stripes show differing regional assessments, not exact boundaries.
Original document version 63a62c6b9922.
埃塞俄比亚现有红色（极高风险）地区5个，橙色（高风险）地区5个，其他地区均为黄色（中风险）。具体如下：
一、红色地区：阿姆哈拉州除橙区以外地区，奥罗米亚州A4公路（含）以北（West Shewa区境内A4公路主路沿线除外）、A3公路（含）以西区域以及该州Horo Guduru Welega、East Welega、West Welega、Kelam Welega四个区域，提格雷州特克泽河以西地区及该州与阿姆哈拉州、厄立特里亚交界区域，阿法尔州与阿姆哈拉州交界区域，索马里州与索马里联邦共和国交界区域。外交部提醒中国公民近期暂勿前往埃塞俄比亚上述地区，已在当地的人员和机构尽快撤离或转移至安全地区。如遇紧急情况，请及时报警并与中国驻当地使领馆取得联系。
二、橙色地区：阿姆哈拉州巴哈达尔市区以及图勒法（含）以南该州与奥罗米亚州交界区域，奥罗米亚州West Shewa区境内A4公路主路沿线，本尼山古尔—古木兹州、甘贝拉州全境，阿法尔州、提格雷州除红色地区以外地区，索马里州北部与奥罗米亚州交界区域。外交部提醒中国公民近期谨慎前往埃塞上述地区，已在当地的人员和机构密切关注局势发展，保持高度警惕，加强安全防范和应急准备，确保人身和财产安全。如遇紧急情况，请及时报警并与中国驻当地使领馆取得联系。
三、黄色地区：其他地区。外交部提醒在埃塞其他地区的人员也要加强防范，注意安全。如遇紧急情况，请及时报警并与中国驻当地使领馆取得联系。
外交部和驻外使领馆将继续密切关注海外安全形势变化，动态调整有关风险评估，并实时在中国领事服务网等平台发布、更新相应安全提醒，请持续关注。
Read collected consular notices alongside this assessment; their dates and validity are separate.
来源：中国领事服务网 · Source: China MFA · destination risk assessments
| Source | Published advice / scope | Updated |
|---|---|---|
| This site (summary) | Level 3 · Reconsider Travel | 2026-08-27 |
| U.S. State Dept | Level 3: Reconsider Travel | 2026-08-27 |
| UK FCDO | FCDO advises against all travel to some areas | 2026-10-30 |
| China MFA · consular notices | Chinese consular notices · no site numeric mapping | Published 2023-08-07 |
| Canada · Global Affairs | AVOID NON-ESSENTIAL TRAVEL | 2026-10-14 |
| China MFA · risk assessments | 中国外交部评估：按地区分别分级 | Official update date not provided |
This site shows the higher available whole-country level. Missing data and regional advice are never treated as Level 1. UK FCDO does not publish a 1–4 numeric level — the level shown for it is our mapping of its published advice, not an official UK grading.