Ethiopia: Current Travel and Safety Information for Visa Applicants

A partial travel warning remains in effect for Ethiopia, affecting several parts of the country and relevant to travel planning and visa applications. Among the areas affected are the regional states of Tigray, Amhara, Benishangul-Gumuz, Gambela, and Somali, as well as the Kilbet Rasu and Fanti Rasu zones in the Afar Regional State, which border Tigray. Also affected are the border areas with Eritrea, South Sudan, Sudan, and Kenya (approximately 10 kilometers along the border) as well as several zones west of Addis Ababa in the Oromia Regional State, including West Shewa, South West Shewa, North Shewa, and the Arsi Zone, are covered by this warning. Travel to all other parts of the country outside the capital, Addis Ababa, is also generally discouraged unless necessary.

This is due to an ongoing unstable security situation in the north of the country. Armed clashes occur repeatedly, particularly in Tigray and Amhara as well as in the neighboring areas. In early August 2026, heavy fighting was reported in western Tigray near the border with Sudan, following skirmishes that had already occurred in several locations in Tigray in late January 2026. According to current assessments, an escalation of hostilities is possible at any time. Travelers should be aware that this could lead to significant restrictions on departure options at short notice, such as airspace closures or the cancellation of flights in the Tigray region.

In the Amhara region, there have been recurring clashes for years between security forces of the Ethiopian federal government and local militias, which is why travel is also discouraged there. In addition, violent protests and armed clashes occur occasionally in numerous other parts of the country. Anyone planning to travel to Ethiopia should avoid overland travel—especially after dark—and, whenever possible, opt for domestic flights for necessary journeys. In addition, travelers should expect an increased number of checkpoints nationwide—including in Addis Ababa—set up by the army, militias, security forces, and local residents.

For travelers, this means above all limiting travel plans realistically to the capital, Addis Ababa, and to absolutely necessary stays, and closely monitoring daily developments, as the situation can change at short notice. It is advisable to always carry a valid identification document and to keep alternative travel routes and return options in mind in case the security situation in individual regions deteriorates. Anyone planning a business or study trip should, in particular, avoid stays in the aforementioned border areas and the western zones of Oromia.

Regardless of the security situation, a valid visa is still required to enter Ethiopia. We’ll handle the entire visa application process for you and check in advance which documents are necessary for your travel purpose, so you can focus on planning your trip. Our page on the various types of visas provides an overview of the options available for your stay in Ethiopia. Given the current situation, we recommend submitting your visa application well in advance and keeping your travel plans flexible.

Anyone deciding to travel to Ethiopia should definitely purchase adequate travel health insurance and check in advance for the latest entry requirements as well as the applicable airline transportation conditions. Since the security situation in certain regions can change at short notice, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on news and weather reports throughout the entire travel planning process. You can use our application form to submit your visa application for Ethiopia easily and without having to visit any government offices.