Published: October 9, 2025
This report is intended to supplement the U.S. Department of State Ethiopia Travel Advisory and Ethiopia Country Information Page.
Embassy & Consulate Contact Information
U.S. Embassy Addis Ababa:
Entoto Road, P.O. Box 1014, Addis Ababa.
Tel: +251 011 130-6000.
Hours of Operation: Monday-Thursday: 0730-1700; Friday: 0730-1230.
OSAC Country Chapter(s)
Addis Ababa OSAC Country Chapter meetings will resume in December 2025.
To find out more, contact OSAC’s Africa team with any questions.
Ethiopia Travel Advisory
The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication indicates that travelers should reconsider travel to Ethiopia due to sporadic violent conflict, civil unrest, crime, communications disruptions, terrorism and kidnapping in border areas.
It indicates that travelers should not travel to:
- Tigray Region and border with Eritrea due to sporadic violent conflict, civil unrest, and crime.
- Afar-Tigray border areas due to sporadic violent conflict, civil unrest, and crime.
- Amhara Region due to sporadic violent conflict and civil unrest.
- Gambella and Benishangul Gumuz Regions due to crime, kidnapping, ethnically motivated violence, and sporadic violent conflict
- Oromia Region – Specific areas due to sporadic violent conflict, civil unrest, and ethnically motivated violence.
- South Ethiopia Region, Central Ethiopia Region, Southwestern Ethiopia People’s Region, and Sidama Region due to sporadic violent conflict, civil unrest, and ethnically motivated violence.
- Border area with Somalia due to terrorism, kidnapping, and landmines.
- Border areas with Sudan and South Sudan due to crime, kidnapping, civil unrest, and sporadic violent conflict.
- Border areas with Kenya due to the potential for terrorism and ethnically motivated violence.
Crime
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Addis Ababa as being a CRITICAL-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has included a Crime “C” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Ethiopia, indicating that there may be widespread violent crime and/or organized crime present in the country, and/or that local law enforcement may have limited ability to respond to serious crimes.
While statistics on crime against Westerners are not publicly available, anecdotal reports suggest that petty crime against Westerners remains elevated. Crime is generally opportunistic in nature, with criminals targeting foreigners (ferenjis) for crimes under the assumption they possess valuables and are more susceptible to becoming victims. Pedestrians in crowded locations and those in vehicles stuck in traffic are frequently targets of petty crimes such as pickpocketing and snatch-and-grab robbery.
Exercise caution in crowded areas, such as tourist sites and shopping malls, and especially in the Merkato open-air market.
Physical violence does happen. If someone threatens you with violence over money/belongings, comply with demands and attempt to end the confrontation as quickly as possible.
In many cases, criminals attempt to use distraction as a tactic. For example, street vendors will engage you in conversation while another criminal steals your wallet, cell phone, etc. Always maintain situational awareness.
Residential burglaries in areas populated by U.S. Embassy personnel and other Western expatriates are not common but do occur on an isolated basis. Keep valuables locked in a secure area at work. Only give your keys to a trusted person; do not leave them in possession with others (e.g., guards). Identify a secure lockable area away from windows where you can isolate yourself in case of an intruder. Alarms, guards, and dogs are effective deterrents to criminals.
Ethiopia is primarily a cash economy. ATMs are readily available throughout Addis Ababa, and major hotels and commercial centers accept major international credit/debit cards, although connectivity problems can limit availability. While credit cards are gaining acceptance, there have been reports of unauthorized charges. Ensure you have sufficient cash reserves. Exchanging money at unofficial locations is illegal.
Petty crime is pervasive throughout Addis Ababa, particularly in wealthier areas populated by expatriates. In recent years there has been an increase in reports of violent crime involving Westerners in Entoto Park, Yeka Park (behind the British Embassy), and Gullele Botanical Gardens. These attacks and attempted assaults involved multiple assailants armed with knives, rocks, and other weapons of opportunity. In addition to the Merkato open-air market, other areas of concern for crime include major malls and shopping areas catering to wealthier Ethiopians and expatriates. Incidents have also been reported along Bole Road and Piazza.
The situation in Addis Ababa is relatively stable. However, armed conflict remains active in many areas of Ethiopia, and the security situation may deteriorate without warning.
In certain areas outside of Addis Ababa, injuries and deaths from criminal violence occur regularly. For example, in 2023, a Chinese national was murdered allegedly by insurgents while returning from a cement factory in Gebre Guracha in the North Shewa Region of Oromia. Ethnic conflict throughout Ethiopia must be monitored closely; fighting between federal government security forces and insurgent groups such as the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) and Fano are frequent, and travelers should avoid areas of active fighting or areas of historical instability.
Banditry and incidents involving ethnic conflict are also common along the southern border with Kenya, particularly around the town of Moyale and in northern the Afar and Tigray regions.
Crime and cattle raiding from Murle communities remain a concern in the Gambella region in the west of Ethiopia, though the capital city of Gambella remains relatively calm. Much of the violence is rooted in inter-ethnic conflict exacerbated by refugee flows into western Ethiopia from Sudan and South Sudan. The U.S. government restricts personnel travel outside of the city of Gambella.
U.S. government personnel must request permission for personal and official travel to restricted areas outside of Addis Ababa and are required to carry personnel tracking devices and, in some cases, satellite phones.
Kidnapping Threat
The U.S. Department of State has included a Kidnapping “K” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Ethiopia, indicating that criminal or terrorist individuals or groups have threatened to and/or have seized or detained and threatened to kill, injure, or continue to detain individuals to compel a third party (including a governmental organization) to do or abstain from doing something as a condition of release.
Remain cautious when traveling in/along the border with Somalia, where there is an ongoing al-Shabaab kidnapping threat to foreigners. A kidnapping threat against Westerners has been active in the Dolo Odo area of the Somali region since 2013. There is additionally a threat of kidnapping along the border with Sudan and South Sudan.
Kidnapping also remains a concern within Amhara Region, Benishangul Gumuz Region, Gambella Region, and Oromia Region. Kidnapping for ransom is commonly employed by armed groups, including the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) and Fano, attempting to generate revenue or achieve political aims. OLA militants have expanded their kidnapping areas of operations from strongholds in Western Oromia to include areas surrounding Addis Ababa. Foreigners and aid workers are not singled out for kidnapping, however the OLA’s and Fano’s targeting patterns have been indiscriminate and foreigners may be targeted based on perceived affluence or vulnerability.
Terrorism
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Addis Ababa as being a MEDIUM-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has included a Terrorism “T” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Ethiopia, indicating that terrorist attacks have occurred and/or specific threats against civilians, groups, or other targets may exist.
The continuing threat of al-Shabaab and ISIS emanating from Somalia is the Government of Ethiopia’s core terrorism concern and the focal point of its security apparatus and the Ethiopia National Defense Force’s (ENDF) counterterrorism efforts.
Current information indicates that terrorist organizations continue to plan terrorist attacks against U.S. citizens and Western targets and interests in East Africa, as well as against high-profile targets within those countries that contribute troops to the joint missions in Somalia, including Ethiopia, which also hosts the African Union headquarters.
The ENDF, the Ethiopian Federal Police (EFP), Ethiopian intelligence, and regional police work to block al-Shabaab attacks in Ethiopia. The Government of Ethiopia increased its public messaging, peace-building activities, and coordination role to combat the influence of al-Shabaab and other groups.
In August 2023, al-Shabaab killed one police officer and injured two in Afder zone in Somali region. In September 2023, al-Shabaab opened an offensive against the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) in Somalia’s Southwest State bordering the Afder Zone of Somali region. In June 2023, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated the ENDF thwarted an al-Shabaab plot on the Ethiopia-Somalia border in the Dolo Ado area of Somali region. Finally, in October 2023, media reported the ENDF prevented additional planned al-Shabaab attacks in the Somali region, with an ENDF general stating publicly the ENDF confiscated six jerrycans of flammable chemical and 3,000 ammunition from would-be suicide attackers.
Political Violence and Civil Unrest
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Addis Ababa as being a HIGH threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. The border region between Ethiopia and Eritrea is of particular concern given political tensions. The U.S. Embassy has limited ability to provide services to U.S. citizens, particularly outside of Addis Ababa.
The U.S. Department of State has included a Civil Unrest “U” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Ethiopia, indicating that demonstrations, protests, and/or strikes occur frequently, and/or that local law enforcement may have limited ability to respond adequately. Civil unrest can develop quickly without prior notice, often interrupting logistics and services. Avoid demonstration activity, as even those planned to remain peaceful have the potential to turn violent.
There are a number of active conflicts between Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) and ethnically aligned armed non-state actors throughout the country. Throughout 2024, the highest concentration of political violence occurred in the Oromia and Amhara regions. Since the cessation of conflict between the federal government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) in November 2022, the ENDF redeployed personnel and military resources to confront the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) and Fano militia in Amhara region.
Elections/Political Stability
After numerous delays, Ethiopia held national and regional parliamentary elections in June 2021. While there was a marked improvement in impartiality of election administration compared to previous elections in 2015 and 2010, logistical hurdles and security challenges in some parts of the country remain, with the potential to cause political instability. The National Election Board of Ethiopia, a relatively new institution, fell behind on key deadlines in preparation for the elections, fueling allegations of bias and exacerbating long-running intercommunal conflict.
In September 2020, following the national election delays, the Tigray region held parliamentary elections against the pronouncement of the Ethiopian government who postponed the nationwide parliamentary elections until 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing tensions and which contributed to the start of the northern conflict in November 2020.
Currently, Ethiopia’s political landscape is firmly controlled by the Prosperity Party (PP), which has consolidated its grip on the country’s institutions and political processes. With 464 of the 547 seats in the House of Peoples’ Representatives (HOPR), the PP faces no meaningful opposition from a fragmented array of political parties. Although 72 parties are officially registered, ethnic divisions, government repression, co-optation, and weak organizational structures have left opposition groups largely ineffective. Civil society organizations also face significant constraints.
The June 2026 elections are expected to further solidify the PP’s dominance, reinforcing Ethiopia’s trajectory toward a one-party state. Opposition parties will confront a critical choice: participate in a flawed electoral process or opt for a boycott. However, the PP’s dominance does not guarantee long-term stability. The elections may not fully determine Ethiopia’s political future, as insecurity could disrupt credible polling in over 50 constituencies. Armed conflicts in Amhara and Oromia, or the potential resurgence of hostilities in Tigray, could alter power dynamics through military action rather than democratic means, exacerbating Ethiopia’s fragile stability.
Protests & Demonstrations
Flash protests and incidents of civil unrest have occurred throughout Ethiopia, with many of these occurring with little to no warning and turning violent. During such episodes, the Ethiopian government often curtails or limits mobile telecommunications, internet access, and social media.
In 2021, pro-government protestors demonstrated in Addis Ababa against Tigrayan security forces involved in the regional conflict. Some incidents became violent, with instances of ethnic Tigrayans detained or arrested outside the rule of law. U.S. officials have had very limited consular access to U.S. citizens detained by Ethiopian authorities.
In April 2023, protests broke out in the Amhara region over the government’s decision to integrate regional security forces into federal forces and disband Fano. The protests then devolved into direct fighting between ENDF and Fano. In August 2023, Ethiopia declared a state of emergency in Amhara in response to the worsening security situation in the region. The state of emergency officially lapsed in June 2024, but its conditions remain in effect, including arbitrary detentions, enforced disappearances, and irregular rule of law.
Several incidents led to the stranding of U.S. citizens in cities and regions essentially shut down by unrest. Demonstrations can be large and may take place in/near city centers. The government must approve demonstrations in advance, and local police typically cover protest activity well. Avoid demonstrations and large gatherings.
In the capital of Addis Ababa, care should be taken when in and around the national stadium and Meskel Square area; this is the location of many festivals, religious events, and other demonstrations. This area typically experiences a heavy police presence as a result. Demonstrations Police may use non-lethal crowd control methods without warning.
Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment
Historically, anti-U.S. or anti-Western sentiment in Ethiopia has not been violent.
During the height of the Tigray crisis, significant anti-U.S. or anti-Western sentiment developed in Ethiopia due to perceived involvement of international and U.S. organizations in the regional conflict between the Ethiopian government and Tigrayan forces. Organizations faced harassment, abuse, and threats on social media and in person. Members of the Ethiopian diaspora held protests in the United States against U.S. policy. Two sizable demonstrations occurred at the U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa in the November/December 2021 and October 2022 timeframe as a result; both were peaceful protests and well-controlled by host national police.
There remains the possibility of nationalist sentiment, particularly related to patriotism surrounding Ethiopia’s Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.
Law Enforcement
The emergency line in Ethiopia is 991 or 11-111-0111.
The Ethiopian Federal Police (EFP) are responsible for investigating crimes that fall under the jurisdiction of federal courts, including any activities in violation of the Constitution that may endanger the Constitutional order, public order, hooliganism, terrorism, trafficking in persons, or transferring of drugs. The EFP also maintains law and order in any region when there is a deteriorating security situation beyond the control of the regional government and a request for intervention is made, or when disputes arise between two or more regional governments and the situation becomes dangerous for the security of the federal government. The EFP, along with Ethiopia’s National Intelligence and Security Service, safeguards the security of borders, airports, railway lines/terminals, mining areas, and other vital institutions of the federal government. The EFP delegates powers, when necessary, to regional police commissions. Regional police handle local crime under their jurisdiction and provide officers for traffic control and immediate response to criminal incidents.
Although EFP and regional police forces are responsible for law enforcement and maintenance of order, the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) and the Ethiopian Air Force (ETAF) provide internal security support. The EFP report to the Prime Minister Office, while the ENDF and ETAF report to the National Defense Ministry. The regional governments (equivalent to a U.S. state) control regional security forces, which are independent from the federal government. Civilian authorities maintain effective control over the security forces. Members of all security forces have reportedly committed abuses.
Police Response
The government rarely informs the U.S. Embassy of arrested or detained U.S. citizens, even those detained at the airport by immigration or customs authorities. In some instances, authorities have detained U.S. citizens for weeks or months without Embassy notification. If you are arrested or detained, you have the right to request that Ethiopian authorities alert the U.S. Embassy in accordance with the 1951 Treaty of Amity and Economic Relations between the U.S. and Ethiopia. If you are detained or arrested, use whatever means of communication available to alert the U.S. Embassy of your situation.
Police response to an incident, when notified by RSO, is generally good in Addis Ababa, although hindered by lack of resources such as vehicles. For minor accidents and incidents of petty crime, police response is adequate; more complicated investigations or responses require additional coordination by RSO. Incidents involving police outside the capital will generally require additional time due to limited resources.
Travelers with Special Considerations
For specific traveler concerns in Ethiopia, review the local laws and circumstances on the Department of State’s Country Information Page.
Rule of Law, Arbitrary Detention, Official Harassment, Corruption, & Transparency
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Risk of Wrongful Detention “D” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Ethiopia.
Despite a loosening of press restrictions on press and opposition activities following Prime Minister Abiy's assumption of office in 2018, there remain serious restrictions on free expression and the press, particularly on sensitive issues such as the conflict in Tigray and intercommunal violence throughout the country. This practice includes harassment of journalists and the blocking of internet and social media websites. The government has increasingly reimposed legal restrictions on civil society and media alongside increasing efforts to harass and intimidate media, civil society, and human rights professionals.
While the constitution and federal law prohibit arbitrary arrest and detention and provide for the right of the accused to challenge the lawfulness of an arrest in court, the Ethiopian government does not always observe these requirements.
The law provides criminal penalties for conviction of corruption, but the government does not implement the law effectively or comprehensively. While the government enacted new policies to hold officials more accountable, isolated reports of government corruption continue, with some officials engaging in corrupt practices with impunity. To bolster anti-corruption measures, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission created a process for civil servants to report their assets, focusing first on top officials. In August 2020, the commission sent police a list of 184 federal and Addis Ababa government officials who failed to register for possible criminal charges.
Cybersecurity
The government of Ethiopia actively monitors internet traffic in the country and routinely shuts down the internet periodically during periods of political unrest. From 2016 to 2018, the Embassy experienced periods with difficulty in communicating with U.S. citizens during periods of unrest in Addis Ababa and outside of the capital.
Import/Export Restrictions
The Trade and Industry Ministry has the power to restrict and/or limit imports and exports. There are some restrictions on the importation of some products that compete with locally produced goods. The following goods are prohibited imports into Ethiopia:
- Used clothing, binoculars, and hobbyist drones.
- Arms and ammunitions are subject to an import prohibition, except where the Defense Ministry grants permission.
- Particular telecommunication equipment requires Ethio Telecom authorization prior to importing. Satellite phones and other types of communications devices, such as UHF or VHF radios, are not permitted without prior authorization. Permits are granted through Ethiopia’s Information Network and Security Administration (INSA), however, OSAC members reported no businesses or NGOs have been successful with their applications. Unauthorized usage of a communications device can lead to immediate arrest.
- Imports of refurbished medical equipment for sale in the country is not permitted. Imports are permitted only in the case of use by the importer, and not resale.
- Goods of a commercial nature and quantity that are not imported through formal bank payment mechanisms.
You must have a permit before exporting antiques or animal skins. Antique religious artifacts, including Ethiopian crosses, require documentation for export from the National Museum in Addis Ababa. Retain all receipts and documentation, including for souvenirs including reproductions of Ethiopian crosses, until you have departed Ethiopia.
A country-specific listing of items/goods prohibited from being exported to the country or that are otherwise restricted is available from the U.S. International Trade Agency website.
Exit Visas and Overstay Fines
In October of 2024, Ethiopia changed its regulations regarding overstay fines to triple the fine from $10 per day to $30 per day, a fee which is also now imposed retroactively. It can also impose a $3,000 fine for anyone who has overstayed their visa. You will not be allowed to leave the country until the fines have been paid in American dollars. We recommend all U.S. citizens who are traveling to Ethiopia pay close attention to their visa expiration dates and renew them in a timely manner. In addition, if you are eligible for a residency ID (yellow card) we recommend getting one as soon as you arrive in Ethiopia. These are valid for longer than a visa and only incur a fine of $150 per month if they expire.
Additional resources and reports can be found in the OSAC Traveler Toolkit.
