The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all travel to:

• the whole of Tigray regional state
• within 30km of the border with Tigray regional state in Amhara
• within 100km of the border with Tigray regional state to the north of Anseba town in Afar, and within 30km of the border with Tigray regional state to the south of Anseba town in Afar
• the whole of Gambella regional state
• north of (but not including) the A4 road in West Shewa Zone, and south and west of (but not including) the A3 in North Shewa Zone in the Oromia regional state.
• the West Wollega Zone, East Wollega Zone, Kellem Wellega and Horo Gudru Wellega in the Oromia regional state
• the whole of the Metekel Zone and Maokomo Special zone in the Benishangul Gumuz regional state
• within 20 km of the border with Sudan
• within 10 km of the border with South Sudan
• within 100 km of the Ethiopian border with Somalia and Kenya in Ethiopia’s Somali region, and within 30 km of the Ethiopian border with Somalia in Fafan zone, with the exception of border town and crossing at Wajale, and the principal road between Jijiga and Wajale
• within 10 km of the border with Kenya, with the exception of principal roads/towns
• within 10km of the border with Eritrea

The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to:

• in Ethiopian Somali Regional State, the Siti zone, the Nogob (previously Fik), Jarar (previously Degehabur), Shabelle (previously Gode), Korahe and Dollo (previously Warder), and the areas of Liben and Afder zones more than 100km from the Somalia and Kenya borders
• the West Guji and Guji zones in the Oromia regional state
• the Konso Special Woreda of the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ Region (SNNPR)
• the rest of the Benishangul Gumuz regional state

Due to religious and political tensions, nationwide demonstrations have been announced for Sunday 12 February. Demonstrations on other days than 12 February could also be arranged quickly and with little notice. These could lead to large scale gatherings with road closures and disruption to travel possible. It is recommended that you are vigilant and avoid any gatherings and especially around religious sites/churches. You should monitor the situation carefully, and consider limiting any planned travel in Addis Ababa and the rest of the country over the weekend of 11 and 12 February and exercise caution if you do need to travel.

The Government of Ethiopia and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front signed a peace agreement to cease hostilities in Tigray on 02 November 2022. Implementation of disarmament and reconstruction measures have begun. The situation in Tigray continues to be fragile and the possibility of isolated armed incidents remains.

The FCDO advises against all travel to Tigray region and to parts of northern Amhara region and western Afar region. If you are in Tigray region, you should leave where safe to do so. If you are in the vicinity of military activity and you cannot leave safely, you should stay indoors, away from windows and remain alert to developments that would enable you to leave safely. See Tigray Region, Amhara Region, and Afar Region.

On 20 July, Al-Shabaab fighters attacked the towns of Aato, Yeed and Washaaqo, near to the border between Somalia and Ethiopia. Al-Shabaab has indicated its intention to commit further attacks in the area and there may be further fighting. Travellers in Somali Regional State should remain vigilant at all times.

There have been reports of incidents along the Addis Ababa – Bahir Dar road, including those of armed men attacking vehicles. These usually take place in the early hours when there is poor visibility. You should exercise additional caution and avoid traveling in the dark or when visibility is poor. See Amhara Region

There has been an increase in sporadic conflicts between armed groups in Oromia region and Amhara region. These are mostly reported to be taking place in rural areas of Oromia region, with limited clashes in Amhara region, including in urban areas. Air strikes against armed groups in the West Shewa zone have been reported. The FCDO advises against all travel to areas north of (but not including) the A4 road in West Shewa Zone, and south and west of (but not including) the A3 in 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. You should exercise extreme caution when travelling and be aware that situations have potential to escalate quickly. See Amhara Region and Oromia Region

On 15 February a nationwide State of Emergency, was lifted by the House of People’s Representatives. Those of Tigrayan or Oromo ethnicity may continue to face increased scrutiny, including at the airport and through direct police operations. You should avoid large gatherings and demonstrations. You should carry copies of ID, avoid possession of foreign currency and possession of weapons. You should avoid confrontation and follow the instructions of the authorities. You should monitor local news and social media closely for further updates. See Addis Ababa

Conflict has broken out in Gambella with heavy gunfire reported on 14 June. See Gambella

The current political and security situation means that the consular support the British Embassy can provide may be limited. If you need urgent help, call +251 (0)11 617 0100. If you experience technical difficulties or if you are in the UK call +44 (0)20 7008 5000.

For information on returning to England from Ethiopia, see Returning to the UK.

It is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides appropriate cover. See the FCDO’s guidance on foreign travel insurance.

There are frequent incidences of civil unrest in Ethiopia, including protests and strikes. Some of these can cause temporary closure of roads, internet and mobile networks or disruption to local businesses and transport. In the past some protests have escalated into serious violence. See Local travel

Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Ethiopia. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners. You should be vigilant at all times, especially in crowded areas and public places like transport hubs, hotels, restaurants, bars and places of worship and during major gatherings like religious or sporting events. There is a threat of kidnapping in Ethiopia’s Somali region, and on the southern border with Kenya, particularly in the eastern areas to which the FCDO advise against all travel. See Terrorism

Internet connections in Ethiopia, including mobile data, can be intermittent.

Ethiopia is primarily a cash based society and banking facilities, including card payments and ATMs are very limited outside major cities. See Money

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating overseas on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.