12+
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
Pre Departure
Before You Travel With Us
Welcome aboard! We’re excited to be your gateway to the wonders of Ethiopia. This pre-departure guide is designed to help you feel prepared, informed, and ready to make the most of your upcoming journey. Let’s make this adventure smooth, safe, and unforgettable!
Emergency Contact
In case of an emergency during your travels, it’s essential to have our contact information saved in your phone and easily accessible. Our team is available 24/7 to assist with anything urgent.
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Pre-Departure Information
Arrival & Departures
Entry Requirements
All travelers must hold a valid passport to enter Ethiopia. Tourist visas are required for most foreign visitors and can be easily obtained either online or upon arrival, depending on your nationality.
E-Visa Option:
Citizens of the U.S., Canada, and many other countries can apply for an Ethiopian tourist visa online through the official portal: www.evisa.gov.et. The process is simple—complete the application, pay the fee (approx. $52 for a 30-day visa), and receive an approval email. Your passport will be stamped upon arrival at Bole International Airport.
Visa on Arrival:
A 30-day tourist visa is also available on arrival at Bole International Airport for eligible nationalities, including the U.S., Canada, most EU countries, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and others. Please bring $50 in cash. Visa forms are usually distributed during your flight.
Important Notes:
Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of entry.
Your passport must have at least 2 blank pages.
Carry a photocopy of the main passport page separately in case of loss.
Your air ticket must match the exact name on your passport—please double-check your booking details.
Health & Vaccination
Water
Altitude Awareness
Cell-Phones & Wifi
Ethiopia has decent telecom coverage, especially in major cities. If you want to stay in touch, you can buy a local SIM card from Ethio Telecom—just make sure your phone is unlocked and supports GSM networks. Ethio Telecom offers 3G/4G data packages with good urban coverage.
WiFi is available at many hotels, but speeds can be inconsistent. For international calls or video chats, apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, or Skype are your best bet when connected. North American mobile plans rarely include Ethiopia, and roaming can be costly—so plan accordingly.
Climate & Weather
Electricity & Power Outlets
Electricity
Money Matters
The local currency in Ethiopia is the birr. Notes are available in denominations of 200, 100, 50, 10, 5, and 1 birr, while coins are minted in 50, 25, 10, 5, and 1 cent. The birr is one of the stronger currencies in Africa but is not widely available outside of the country. Exchange rates fluctuate moderately.
While US dollars are accepted in major establishments like hotels, shopping malls, and souvenir shops, it’s wise to carry local currency for smaller purchases, meals at local restaurants, and tipping. Many churches, for example, appreciate small donations in birr.
We do not recommend using traveler’s checks as they are difficult to cash, particularly in smaller towns where banks may not be available. Additionally, if your cash is lost or stolen, it cannot be easily replaced.
If you’re carrying US dollars, bring smaller denominations, such as 10’s and 5’s, as they are often needed for tips and it can be difficult to get change. When exchanging currency, avoid exchanging large sums at once, as it’s complicated to convert birr back to foreign currency. To exchange birr back to dollars upon departure, you will need to show bank receipts, so be sure to keep them.
Banking Hours
ATMs, Debit & Credit Cards
What to Wear
Pack light, comfortable clothing for Ethiopia’s varying climates. In the lowlands, lightweight cotton clothes, sunglasses, and a hat will keep you cool, while the highlands require medium-weight clothing. Bring a light jacket for cooler evenings and a raincoat during the rainy season. Remember to dress modestly when visiting religious sites, with women covering their heads and removing shoes.
Baggage Weight Restrictions within Ethiopia
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Destination Profile - Ethiopia
Location
Capital City
Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia, serves as a political hub for Africa. It is home to the African Union headquarters and was the former base of the Organization of African Unity (OAU). Additionally, it hosts the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and numerous international organizations. Due to its political and diplomatic importance, Addis Ababa is often referred to as “the political capital of Africa.” The city is located just west of the East African Rift, which divides Ethiopia along the Nubian and Somali Plates.
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Airports
Bole International Airport
Getting There
All international flights to Ethiopia arrive and depart from Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa. The national carrier, Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s oldest airline, boasts an excellent safety record and offers extensive connections throughout Africa, as well as flights to major cities in Europe and North America. For more information, visit their website at www.ethiopianairlines.com.
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Travel Within Ethiopia
Air Travel
Road Travel
Traveling by road in Ethiopia offers scenic views but can be time-consuming due to poor road conditions. Long journeys, like to Axum, can take several days, making air travel a faster alternative. While public buses are cheap but uncomfortable, vehicle hire can be expensive due to high customs duties and challenging terrain.
Rail
Customs
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Food & Accomodation
Hotels
Food
Ethiopian cuisine is centered around communal eating, where everyone shares a large circular plate. A key feature is injera, a sourdough pancake made from teff, a nutrient-rich grain. The injera is typically served with meat or vegetable sauces, and eaten by tearing off pieces of injera to scoop up the dishes. Teff is highly nutritious, rich in iron, calcium, and other essential minerals. Vegetarians will enjoy the “fasting food” options, which include a variety of salads, vegetables, and pulses, perfect for those seeking plant-based meals. Dining in Ethiopia is a unique cultural experience, often requiring an open mind as you explore the country’s distinct flavors.
Drinks
History
Background
Ethiopia is one of the founding members of the United Nations, and its efforts in supporting African decolonization and promoting Pan-African cooperation were instrumental in the creation of the Organization of African Unity and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, both headquartered in Addis Ababa. Ethiopia is unique among African countries in that it preserved its independence from colonial rule, except for a brief Italian occupation from 1936-1941.
In 1974, the monarchy under Emperor Haile Selassie was overthrown by a military junta, the Derg, which established a socialist state. The country then went through a period of instability, marked by coups, uprisings, severe droughts, and refugee crises. The Derg regime was eventually ousted in 1991 by the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF). A new constitution was adopted in 1994, and Ethiopia’s first multiparty elections were held in 1995.
In the late 1990s, Ethiopia fought a border war with Eritrea, which concluded with a peace treaty in 2000. Despite the peace agreement, tensions persisted, especially regarding the demarcation of the border, with Ethiopia refusing to accept the Eritrea-Ethiopia Border Commission (EEBC)‘s ruling on the coordinates. However, in 2018, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed took significant steps toward peace by offering to end the standoff with Eritrea, initiating a series of reforms that reshaped the political landscape of the Horn of Africa.
Topography
Economy
People
Cultural Customs
Ethiopian culture places great importance on traditional courtesies. A typical greeting involves a handshake, often accompanied by a friendly conversation about personal matters before getting down to business. Offering tea or coffee is a common practice, and time is not a rigid concept. Smoking is generally avoided in front of priests or among traditional people. Visitors are encouraged to respect local customs, including maintaining privacy (especially when taking photos) and making sure not to make promises they cannot keep. Bargaining is a serious tradition, so if you’re not genuinely interested in purchasing something, it’s best to simply decline, as saying “maybe” is often interpreted as a “yes.” Respecting these customs will ensure a positive and respectful interaction with the local culture.
Ethiopian Calendar
Ceremonies, Festivals & Rituals
Time Zone
Langauage
Ethiopia is home to around 90 languages and over 200 dialects, reflecting its diverse ethnic makeup. Amharic is the official working language and uses the unique Ge’ez script. Other widely spoken languages include Oromiffa, Tigrigna, Somali, Sidama, and Guragegna. While some languages use the Ge’ez alphabet, others adopt the Latin script, showcasing the country’s rich linguistic heritage.
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Ethiopian Common Phrases
Learning a few words of Amharic (Amarigna)—Ethiopia’s official language—can enhance your experience and show respect for local culture. Though the script is complex, even basic spoken phrases are warmly appreciated
Days
Dictionary
Hello: Selam / Tena yistilign
Good morning: Endemin adderk (m) / adderish (f)
Good afternoon: Endemin walek (m) / walish (f)
Good evening: Endemin ameshek (m) / ameshesh (f)
Goodbye: Dehna hun / hugne (f)
How are you?: Dehna neh? (m) / Dehna nesh? (f)
Essential Expressions
Where is …?: Yet no …?
Good: Tiru / Melkam
Bad: Metfo
No: Aydelem / Ayhonem
Yes (Alright): Eshi
Excuse me: Yikirta
I am sorry: Aznalehu
How much is it?: Sint no?
Thank you: Ameseginalehu
You’re welcome: Minim aydel
Please: Ebakih (m) / Ebakish (f)
Why?: Lemin?
Only a little: Tinish
