Entry and Travel Restrictions to Ethiopia

The Entry and Travel Restrictions for Ethiopia

Due to the coronavirus outbreak, Ethiopia has joined the list of countries that have introduced additional entry requirements to protect public health.

The temporary travel restrictions are intended to help contain the virus and stop it from spreading.

Entry to Ethiopia by Visa

Ethiopia’s borders remain open to international travelers who meet the Ethiopian visa requirements. Airline passengers are required to follow special COVID-19 safety protocol on arrival in Ethiopia.

Airline passengers are required to follow special COVID-19 safety protocol on arrival in Ethiopia, and it is necessary to have a negative PCR test to travel to the country.

Procedures may be changed by the Ethiopian government at short notice, travelers must check the latest coronavirus restrictions before making plans.

Ethiopia screening on arrival at the Airport

There are screening measures in place at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport and other international ports of entry.

Travelers will have their temperature checked and will be required to complete a health form and answer questions about recent travel and accommodation in Ethiopia.

Ethiopia Passenger Health Registration Form:

The Passenger Registration form for Ethiopia must be completed with the following information:

Passenger data

First name
Middle name
Last name
Email address
Phone number
Chickenpox
Sex
Nationality
Age
Passport number

Travel details

Country of origin
Transiting through (if applicable)
Flight number
Seat number
Date of arrival
Social media phone number

Note: Additionally, the passenger must indicate if they have experienced any of the symptoms of COVID-19, including fever, a cough, shortness of breath, or a sore throat. Those traveling with any dependents will also be required to complete a form on their behalf.

Ethiopia Passengers Quarantine Requirements

All passengers traveling to Ethiopia without a negative PCR COVID-19 test must self-isolate for 14 days on arrival, either at their home or at a hotel. Diplomatic passport-holders who arrive without a negative PCR test must also undergo quarantine for 14 days. they are able to do so at the embassy of their country in Ethiopia. Individuals who are known to be positive for coronavirus prior to arriving in Ethiopia will not be allowed to enter.

Ethiopia COVID-19 Symptoms During Quarantine

Anyone who develops one or more visible symptoms of coronavirus during the 14-day period after arriving in the country are advised to call the 8335 number for health services in Ethiopia. They may then be transferred to a special isolation facility or hospital for treatment. It is also advisable to keep a minimum distance of 1 meter from anyone displaying COVID-19 symptoms and to call the 8335 number on their behalf.

Ethiopia Measures Against COVID-19:

TTravelers in Ethiopia should be aware of safety rules in place across the country. Although the government state of emergency has now come to an end, several measures continue to be enforced.

Face masks must be worn in public spaces
Shaking hands as a greeting is not allowed
Reduced public transportation facilities
Social distancing, people should remain 2 adult strides apart
No more than 3 diners per table at cafes and restaurants
Entertainment venues such as theatres and nightclubs are closed

Are Ethiopia’s Land Borders Open?

The majority of Ethiopia’s land borders have now reopened, screening procedures such as temperature checks are currently in place.

Anyone who produces a positive COVID-19 test result will be treated. Anyone without a negative PCR test result will be required to self-isolate.

Ethiopia’s land borders were originally closed with few exceptions. The situation is under constant review and cross-border travel could be suspended again at short notice. It is important to stay up to date with the latest information and travel advisories.

Rules for Transiting Ethiopia during COVID-19

It is possible to travel through an Ethiopian airport during the pandemic. The maximum transit time permitted is 72 hours, passengers in transit are exempt from quarantine procedures.

Travelers with a short transit time can remain in the airport departure lounge; for layovers longer than 24 hours, passengers will be taken to a designated hotel. A shuttle service is provided to take passengers to and from the terminal.

Individuals traveling through Addis Ababa Bole International Airport will undergo health screening such as temperature checks.

General Travel Advisory for Ethiopia

Outside of travel restrictions related to the coronavirus pandemic, there are certain parts of Ethiopia that visitors are advised to avoid due to sporadic civil unrest, communications disruptions, crime, and conflict.

These areas tend to be border regions, such as the border with Somalia as well as the Kenya, Sudan, South Sudan, and Eritrea frontiers.

Other regions where foreign travelers should be careful when visiting are:

Somali Regional State
Benishangul Gumuz and the western part of Oromia State
Ethiopia’s Southern Nations, Nationalities, and People’s Region (SNNPR)
The East Hararge region and the Guji zone of Oromia State

The rest of Ethiopia is generally considered safe for foreign nationals.

As with visiting any country, it is advisable for all travelers to be vigilant of their surroundings and take care of their personal belongings.

General Entry Restrictions for Ethiopia:

Under normal circumstances, only nationals of 2 neighboring countries may enter Ethiopia without a visa. Travelers from all other nations must obtain a visa in order to visit.

The Ethiopia online visa (also known as the Electronic Visa or eVisa for Ethiopia) is available to the majority of travelers.

The eVisa is quick and easy to acquire by completing a simple Ethiopia online visa application form, which takes a matter of minutes to fill in. This accessibility eliminates the need to go to an embassy to apply for a visa, which takes longer to process than the online option.

Find out who is eligible for an eVisa by checking the Ethiopia visa requirements.

Foreign nationals who obtain the necessary travel documents will be able to enter the country.