The Department of State raised the Travel Advisory Level for Ethiopia to Level 4 - Do Not Travel on November 2, 2021. This replaces the previous Travel Advisory issued on June 7, 2021.
The full text of the updated Travel Advisory is as follows:
Ethiopia – Level 4: Do Not Travel OKHUTC
Do not travel to Ethiopia due to armed conflict, civil unrest, communications disruptions, crime, and the potential for terrorism and kidnapping in border areas. Read the entire Travel Advisory. U.S. citizens in Ethiopia should consider departing now using commercial options.
Travel to Ethiopia is unsafe at this time due to the ongoing armed conflict. Incidents of civil unrest and ethnic violence may occur without warning.
Further escalation is likely, and may cause supply chain shortages, communications blackouts and travel disruptions. The Ethiopian government declared a state of emergency on November 2, 2021.
The Government of Ethiopia has previously restricted or shut down internet, cellular data, and phone services during and after civil unrest. These restrictions impede the U.S. Embassy's ability to communicate with, and provide consular services to, U.S. citizens in Ethiopia.
The U.S. Embassy has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens outside of Addis Ababa. U.S. Embassy personnel are currently restricted from traveling outside of Addis Ababa city limits.
Read the country information page.
If you are currently in Ethiopia or plan to travel to Ethiopia:
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program(STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- See the S. Embassy's web page regarding COVID-19.
- Visit the CDC's webpage on Travel and COVID-19.
- Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
- Draft a will, and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries and/or power of attorney.
- Discuss a plan with loved ones regarding care/custody of children, pets, property, belongings, non-liquid assets (collections, artwork, etc.), funeral wishes, etc.
