Is Ethiopia Open for Tourists? – Latest Travel Restrictions

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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 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.

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)