Travel Vaccines and Advice for Ethiopia

Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Ethiopia. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Ethiopia: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.

COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. Check with your local Passport Health clinic if immunization is offered in your area.

Ethiopia sits in the meningitis belt. This region of Africa is known for it’s meningitis transmission from December through June. Make sure you are vaccinated against all forms of meningitis before your trip.

Ethiopia requires proof of yellow fever vaccination if you are arriving from a region where the virus is present. Immunization is generally recommended for travel to Ethiopia, except if travel is limited to Afar and Somali provinces.

Mosquito-borne diseases like malaria and dengue are in Ethiopia. Make sure you’re protected with antimalarials, repellents and netting. A travel health specialist will help you determine what protection is right for you.

Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now.

A visa is required for entry to Ethiopia. Passports must have at least six months’ validity and one blank page for entry/exit stamps.

Ethiopia Entry Requirements
Do I Need A…	For My Trip to Ethiopia?
Passport
Tourist Visa
Business Visa
Vaccinations

Sources: Embassy of Ethiopia and U.S. State Department

Proof of yellow fever and polio vaccination may be required at entry.

Ethiopia’s main climate is tropical monsoon. Weather will vary depending on the region. Here are 3 of the major cities and what you can expect when you travel:

• Addis Ababa – The capital of Ethiopia is on the foothills of Mount Entoto. With an elevation of around 7,874 feet, you can experience a pleasant climate year round. Expect average temperatures in the 60-70’s. The main wet season is from June to September with higher temperatures.
• Mekele – This city is located in the Tigrayan Highlands in the north of the country. The warmest it gets is low-80’s and the coolest is low-60’s. Be cautious of traveling during the wet months. Many roads can be inaccessible due to flooding.
• Adama – Also known as Nazret or Nazareth, this city is a major weekend destination located near Addis. With a similar elevation of Addis Ababa, the climate is about the same.

Most of the major cities in Ethiopia have a similar elevation to Addis Ababa. If you’re traveling to lower regions, the climate can be hotter and drier depending on the time you travel.

Be sure to take this into account when packing your bags.

Ethiopia has had some terrorist attacks over the last few years. Travelers should take extra precautions especially in the Oromia and Amhara regions.

Be cautious of areas with large gatherings. If you think a protest may be forming try to leave the area as a precaution.

Remain alert and cautious if traveling near bordering countries of Ethiopia. There is a high threat of landmines along the western border and tensions are high due to ethnic conflicts.

Ethiopia has a low crime rate compared to other African countries. As with any major city, be wary of pick-pocketing and other theft that are common in Addis Ababa. Many of the crimes are petty but some violent robberies have been known to occur.

Stay alert, take your surroundings into consideration, plan your trips ahead of time, and make sure you have everything you need.

Lalibela is a small town in Ethiopia that is famous for its churches made from rock. These churches are very old, constructed in the 12th and 13th centuries. Visitors can explore the churches and see the beautiful carvings and paintings.

Lalibela is also a religious town, and many festivals are held there throughout the year. One of the most popular festivals is called Timkat and takes place in January. Visitors can also go on guided treks to see the surrounding mountains and beautiful landscape.

The town has a rich history, and visitors can learn about it by visiting the local museum. It also has markets where visitors can buy souvenirs and try the local food.

Lalibela offers a unique experience that combines religion, culture and history, making it a great place to visit in Ethiopia.

What you need to take to Ethiopia will depend on when you are traveling. Make sure you bring these items with you:

• Rain Gear – If you’re visiting during the wet season bring protective gear against the rain. Consider bringing waterproof shoes. They can help so you don’t need to pack extra socks in your day bag.
• Comfortable Hiking Shoes – A lot of Ethiopia’s wonders involve varying terrain and activities like hiking or climbing. Pack shoes you’ve already broken in and are comfortable wearing for long periods of time.
• Lightweight Jacket – With varying elevation you may find yourself needing to layer. Higher elevations have a different climate. Be sure to have a decent jacket you don’t mind carrying around for when it gets warmer.

It’s recommended that you enroll in STEP, the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, with the U.S. Department of State. It’s a free program that will offer you information from the Embassy on safety conditions, help the U.S. Embassy contact you in an emergency, and help your family and friends get in touch with you in the case of an emergency.

U.S. Embassy Addis Ababa
Entoto Street
PO Box 1014
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Telephone: +(251) 11 130-6000
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: 011 130-6000
Fax: +(251) 11 124-2435 and +(251) 11 124-2419

Note that the Embassy is also closed on both Ethiopian and American Holidays.

The embassy’s services may vary depending on individual needs and circumstances. It’s important for travelers to visit the embassy’s website or contact it directly for more information.

Ready to start your next journey? Call us at or book online now!