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Before you go to Ethiopia: what to know

Must know

  • A visa is required. Apply through the official Ethiopian e-visa service before arrival for a 30-day single-entry tourist visa.
  • Cards are mainly accepted by large hotels and selected businesses in Addis Ababa. ATMs outside cities are limited and may run out of cash.

Entry and visas

British citizen passport: A visa is required. Apply through the official Ethiopian e-visa service before arrival for a 30-day single-entry tourist visa. Check the linked immigration guidance for other nationalities and purposes.

Online arrival forms and permits

Passport validity: At least 6 months after arrival; machine-readable passport.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗, evisa.gov.et ↗, evisa.gov.et ↗

Money

Mostly cash is used. Cards are rarely accepted.

Apple Pay — no data · Google Pay — no data

  • Cards are mainly accepted by large hotels and selected businesses in Addis Ababa. ATMs outside cities are limited and may run out of cash.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: travel.gc.ca ↗

Rules and bans

Laws visitors break unknowingly

  • Check customs restrictions before bringing medicines, drones or wildlife products.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗, travel.gc.ca ↗

Culture and clothing

Religion: Respect local religious traditions; ask before entering places of worship.

Clothing: Ask your hosts about appropriate clothing for community visits and religious sites.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: travel.gc.ca ↗

Climate

The main rainy season is June–September; floods and landslides can interrupt overland journeys.

Month by month
  • January: Jan: Outside the stated main rains; check local forecasts.
  • February: Feb: Outside the stated main rains; check local forecasts.
  • March: Mar: Outside the stated main rains; check local forecasts.
  • April: Apr: Outside the stated main rains; check local forecasts.
  • May: May: Outside the stated main rains; check local forecasts.
  • June: Jun: Main rainy-season window; check local forecasts.
  • July: Jul: Main rainy-season window; check local forecasts.
  • August: Aug: Main rainy-season window; check local forecasts.
  • September: Sep: Main rainy-season window; check local forecasts.
  • October: Oct: Outside the stated main rains; check local forecasts.
  • November: Nov: Outside the stated main rains; check local forecasts.
  • December: Dec: Outside the stated main rains; check local forecasts.

Best season: Choose dates for your route using local forecasts and road-condition advice.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: travel.gc.ca ↗

What to pack

  • Copies of travel documents
  • An adapter compatible with your accommodation
  • Medicines with their prescription documents

Practical

Plugs: Confirm socket type and supply voltage with your accommodation before packing.

Water: Use a safe drinking-water supply; ask locally before drinking tap water.

Traffic: drives on the right

Insurance: Arrange insurance for your itinerary and planned activities, including medical evacuation where needed.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: tcs.ch ↗, travel.gc.ca ↗

Entry rules change. Before your trip, check the website of the embassy or immigration service of the country.

Before you go to Ethiopia: what to know · Atlas