Ethiopia Travel Status

DISRUPTION

International travel through Addis Ababa continues, but serious disruption currently affects parts of Ethiopia. Civilian flights to and from Tigray are suspended, active fighting is affecting northern regions, significant travel warnings apply across several parts of the country and some international border areas are closed or severely restricted.

Tigray flights suspended

All civilian flights to and from the Tigray region are currently suspended. Travellers should not plan journeys that depend on normal commercial flights to Mekelle, Axum, Shire or other destinations in Tigray.

Active fighting in northern Ethiopia

The security situation in northern Ethiopia has deteriorated. Active fighting has been reported in and around parts of Tigray, Amhara and Afar, and conditions can change quickly.

Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa remains accessible and Bole International Airport continues handling international flights. Conditions in the capital should therefore be distinguished from conflict-affected regions elsewhere in Ethiopia.

Amhara

Strong travel warnings apply throughout the Amhara region because of continuing armed conflict, crime and insecurity.

Tigray

Strong official advice currently warns against all travel to Tigray. Armed clashes have resumed and civilian air services are suspended.

Afar

Parts of Afar are subject to severe travel warnings, particularly areas close to Eritrea and the Tigray-Afar border. Travellers should check their exact route before attempting overland journeys.

Oromia

Security conditions vary considerably across Oromia. Armed violence, kidnapping and clashes involving security forces and armed groups remain concerns in several areas.

Eritrea border

Roads across the Ethiopia-Eritrea border are closed. Travellers should not plan an overland itinerary that depends on crossing between the two countries.

Other border regions

Strong travel warnings apply to areas close to Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia and parts of the Kenyan border because of conflict, terrorism, kidnapping and other security risks.

Landmines

Landmines and unexploded ordnance remain a risk in areas affected by previous fighting, particularly around Tigray and the Eritrean border. Travellers should remain on established routes.

Visa requirements

Most foreign visitors require an Ethiopian visa or eVisa before travelling. Travellers should check the requirements applying to their nationality and intended entry point before departure.

Tigray civilian flights suspended

All civilian flights to and from Tigray are currently suspended because of the deteriorating security situation.

Active fighting reported

A new U.S. Embassy security alert issued on 25 September reports active fighting affecting parts of Amhara, Tigray and Afar.

Northern travel increasingly restricted

Flights elsewhere in northern Ethiopia can be suspended or cancelled at short notice, and Ethiopian authorities can impose additional travel restrictions without warning.

Eritrea border remains closed

Road crossings between Ethiopia and Eritrea remain closed amid heightened tensions between the two countries.

Addis Ababa international travel continues

Despite disruption elsewhere in Ethiopia, international commercial aviation through Addis Ababa continues to operate.

Check conditions for your exact destination rather than treating Ethiopia as having one uniform security situation. Addis Ababa and conflict-affected northern regions currently have very different travel conditions.

Do not plan a journey to Tigray that depends on civilian air travel. Flights to and from the region are currently suspended.

If travelling elsewhere in northern Ethiopia, confirm your flight immediately before departure because additional services can be cancelled or suspended at short notice.

Do not plan an overland journey that depends on crossing the Eritrea-Ethiopia border.

Check current security conditions before any long-distance road journey. Armed conflict, checkpoints, road closures and communications disruptions can occur with little notice.

Travel Status is designed to highlight significant changes that could affect a trip. It is not a replacement for official immigration, airline or government advice.