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Last update: 09/16/2023
Ethiopia reopened its borders to international travel on September 23, 2020. Tourists and travelers from around the world can enter the country since it is one of several African countries that are currently open for tourism.
Like many other countries, Ethiopia’s main entry requirement is that travelers present a digital negative RT-PCR test result that was obtained within 5 days (120 hours) of arrival in Ethiopia.
Travelers must also complete a Passenger Health Registration Form.
Can I travel to Ethiopia right now?
You can travel to Ethiopia from anywhere right now. Below is a map of all the countries that can visit Ethiopia at the moment.
Ethiopia - EN
- Ethiopia
- Countries allowed to travel to Ethiopia
Ethiopia has reopened borders to tourists from these countries
Travelers from all countries can currently visit Ethiopia.
Ethiopia travel ban is in place for these countries
Ethiopia has not banned travelers from any country.
Ethiopia COVID-19 travel restrictions and entry requirements
Ethiopia has two main entry requirements for all travelers.
Ethiopia COVID-19 travel restrictions and entry requirements
All travelers who are over the age of 10 must have a digital medical certificate for a negative RT-PCR test result that was obtained within 5 days (120 hours) of arrival in Ethiopia. The test result should be validated with Africa Union Trusted Travel or UNDP Global Haven.
Travelers must also complete a Passenger Health Registration Form.
Is PCR testing mandatory to travel to Ethiopia?
All travelers must have a digital medical certificate for a negative RT-PCR test result that was obtained within 5 days (120 hours) of arrival in Ethiopia. The test result should be validated with Africa Union Trusted Travel or UNDP Global Haven.
Only RT PCR tests will be accepted. Children age 10 or younger are exempt from this testing requirement.
Is there a mandatory quarantine upon arrival in Ethiopia?
Travelers who travel to Ethiopia without proof of a negative RT-PCR test result must quarantine for 14 days from their arrival.
Is there a mandatory quarantine upon arrival in Ethiopia?
Anyone who exhibits symptoms of COVID-19 will be taken to a designated government isolation center and given follow-up care.
Travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage to visit Ethiopia
It’s not an entry requirement to have travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage for Ethiopia. However, if you plan on traveling, especially during a pandemic, you should always make sure you have some kind of travel health insurance coverage.
If you need travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage, Heymondo is an excellent choice. Their policies offer extensive coverage, particularly for COVID-19 testing and treatment abroad, at a reasonable price. You can save 5% on their policies by using the discount link below.
COVID-19 vaccine to travel to Ethiopia
At the moment, fully vaccinated travelers must abide by the same entry requirements as all other travelers.
If you’re going to get the COVID-19 vaccine before traveling to Ethiopia, I recommend taking a copy of a vaccination record or certificate with you in case Ethiopia changes its travel restrictions.
COVID-19 vaccine to travel to Ethiopia
Other travel restrictions for Ethiopia during COVID-19
Ethiopia has implemented several other travel restrictions:
- All travelers will undergo health screenings upon arrival in Ethiopia. Screenings may include temperature checks and health questionnaires. Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 will not be allowed to enter Ethiopia.
- Face masks must be worn in all public areas.
- Social distancing rules must be observed.
- You may need a tourist visa to visit Ethiopia. Check if you need one below.
What’s open in Ethiopia
Ethiopia is an incredible place to visit for many reasons: delicious coffee, breathtaking landscapes, rich history, amazing food, and more. Hotels, attractions, restaurants, and airports are all currently open, and tours are operating too, so you can experience Ethiopia’s beauty for yourself.
Hotels that are open in Ethiopia
Hotels and accommodations in Ethiopia are open, but with increased health and safety measures so as to keep guests and employees safe and healthy. We recommend staying at any of these accommodations:
- Ethiopian Skylight Hotel (Addis Abeba)
- Best Western Plus Addis Ababa (Addis Abeba)
- Goha Hotel (Gondar)
Guests must wear masks in all public areas. They must also keep a distance of 2 meters away from others who are not in their household. Employees will be trained in measures to help prevent COVID-19.
You can find more information on hotel regulations here.
Attractions that are open and tours that are operating in Ethiopia
Attractions, such as art galleries, are currently open and tours are operating in Ethiopia. There is so much to see and do, but we think these are some of the best things to do in Ethiopia right now:
- Debre Libanos, Blue Nile Gorge & Cave Church from Addis Ababa
- Simien Mountains National Park from Gondar
- Ethiopian Food and Drink Culture Tour in Addis Ababa
- Addis Ababa: Guided City Tour
Indoor attractions, such as art galleries, movie theaters, and theaters, are limited to 25% of their normal capacity. At attractions and on tours, guests must keep a distance of 2 meters away from others who are not in their household. They must also wear masks at all times.
More information on attraction and tour regulations is available here.
Restaurants that are open in Ethiopia
If you’re a coffee-lover, you can’t go to Ethiopia without having a cup of their world-famous coffee. You can try that and more if you visit right now because Ethiopia’s restaurants are open.
Restaurants that are open in Ethiopia
Customers must wear face masks, except when they are eating and drinking. No more than 3 people are allowed at one table. There will be a 2-meter distance between tables.
More details on restaurant regulations can be found here.
Airports that are open in Ethiopia
International flights have resumed to Ethiopia’s main airport, Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.
All travelers must wear face masks and follow social distancing protocols. They will also be subject to health screenings, which may include temperature checks and health questionnaires, upon arrival.
Where to get a PCR test in Ethiopia
Your country may require you to take a PCR test in order to fly back home. If you need to get a PCR test in Ethiopia, here is a list of places you can get tested.
Ethiopia reopening its borders to tourists – F.A.Q.
Check out these FAQs related to Ethiopia reopening for tourists and let us know if you have any other questions in the comments below.
Can I travel to Ethiopia right now?
Yes, travelers from all countries can visit Ethiopia right now.
Is it safe to travel to Ethiopia during the COVID-19 pandemic?
There are currently 22,000+ active cases and 4,000+ deaths due to COVID-19 in Ethiopia as of today. The CDC classifies travel to Ethiopia as “Level 2- Moderate Risk.” If you have a pre-existing condition or any health condition that could increase your chances of serious illness, do not travel to Ethiopia.
Is there a travel ban in Ethiopia?
No, Ethiopia has not banned travelers from any country.
Is quarantine required to visit Ethiopia?
No, you will only be required to quarantine if you do not present a negative RT-PCR test result on arrival in Ethiopia. If you do not have a RT-PCR test result, you will have to quarantine for 14 days from your arrival.
Do you need a PCR COVID-19 test to travel to Ethiopia?
Yes, you must have a digital medical certificate for a negative RT-PCR test result that was obtained 5 days (120 hours) of arrival in Ethiopia. The test result should be validated with Africa Union Trusted Travel or UNDP Global Haven. Children age 10 and under are exempt from this requirement.
Is a curfew in place?
No, there is currently no curfew in place.
Are there restrictions on intercity or interregional travel?
No, there are no restrictions on intercity and interregional travel.
Are hotels open in Ethiopia?
Yes, hotels and accommodations in Ethiopia are open.
Are airports open in Ethiopia?
Yes, Ethiopia’s main airport, Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, is open and commercial flights are operating.
Are restaurants open in Ethiopia?
Yes, restaurants in Ethiopia are open.
Are tours and excursions operating in Ethiopia?
Yes, tours and excursions are currently operating.
Are attractions open in Ethiopia?
Yes, attractions are open.
Is Ethiopia open to American tourists?
Yes, Americans can travel to Ethiopia right now.
Is Ethiopia open to Canadian tourists?
Yes, Canadian tourists can visit Ethiopia.
Sources
We will update this guide on Ethiopia reopening to tourism with any new developments. If you need more information on travel to Ethiopia, you can check these official sources:
- US Embassy Updates on COVID-19 in Ethiopia
- CDC Travel Recommendations for Ethiopia
- General Ethiopia Travel Advisory
- Ethiopian Entry Requirements
- Regulations for Hotels, Restaurants, Attractions, and Tours (in English and Amharic)
- Ethiopian Airlines COVID-19 Updates and Entry Requirements for Ethiopia
- Ethiopian Public Health Institute’s COVID-19 Website (in English)
- Ethiopia COVID-19 Dashboard (in Amharic)
