Travel Vaccines and Advice for Ethiopia
Said to be one of the oldest nations in the world, Ethiopia has a lot to offer those visiting its borders. The country has stunning landscapes with varying terrain and history going to prehistoric times.
Enjoy rafting on the Omo River, see the enormous crocodiles in Lake Chomo, or hike to historic churches. These gorgeous sites offer unique experiences that you can only get in Ethiopia.
Enjoy the hub of city life in Addis Ababa. Sit in the plaza and sip some coffee while taking in the culture and hospitality of the country.
Do I Need Vaccines 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.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travelers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travelers to most regions. - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Recommended for travelers
to most regions. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if traveling from a region with yellow fever. Recommended for all travelers over 9 months of age. Generally not recommended for Afar and Somali provinces. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Located in the meningitis belt, vaccination is recommended during the dry season (Dec. – June) - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Polio –
Food & Water –
While there is no active polio transmission in Ethiopia, it is vulnerable for outbreaks. Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Ethiopia |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travelers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travelers to most regions. |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Recommended for travelers to most regions. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if traveling from a region with yellow fever. Recommended for all travelers over 9 months of age. Generally not recommended for Afar and Somali provinces. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Located in the meningitis belt, vaccination is recommended during the dry season (Dec. – June) |
| Polio | Food & Water | While there is no active polio transmission in Ethiopia, it is vulnerable for outbreaks. Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
Routine Vaccinations for Ethiopia |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
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.
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.
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Ethiopia
“I was not expecting to get so educated about health issues concerning my upcoming trip to Ethiopia. I left with confidence having the resource booklet to take with me. The shots didn’t hurt either!”
“Great experience today. Got a good, thorough review of the vaccinations and meds I needed to think about for my travel to Ethiopia. Good guidance and no pressure. Will definitely recommend this service to others.”
“Easy and quick, got loaded up for a jaunt to Ethiopia. Wall-sized map is fun to look at while nurse prepares injections.”
“The service was quick and yet very thorough. Passport Health has done a great job getting me ready for my trip to Ethiopia.”
“Passport Health was a phenomenal help in my preparations to go to Ethiopia! Their customized itinerary package let me know exactly what shots were critical for the exact region I was going to. The nurse who helped me was friendly and was able to advise me above and beyond standard medical jargon about certain medicines and travel supplies based on other people’s feedback. I’m so glad I went there rather than trying to sort things out with a regular doctor who doesn’t have the specialized knowledge that Passport Health offers.”
Do I Need a Visa for Ethiopia?
A valid passport and visa are required for entry to Ethiopia. Be sure to get your passport before arriving in Ethiopia to avoid any potential problems.
Ethiopia Entry Requirements |
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| 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.
For more information, see our Ethiopia visa page. Or contact a Passport Health Passport and Visa specialist by calling 1-844-366-8472 or by filling out our online form.
What Is the Climate Like in Ethiopia?
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.
Is Ethiopia Safe?
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.
Crocodiles at Lake Chomo
Lake Chomo is home to scores of crocodiles lounging around in the sun. If you’re lucky you’ll see other natural wildlife such as hippos and shore birds.
If you’re looking for a great way to be up close and personal with wildlife, you’re able to take a boat tour around the lake. The Rift Valley Boat Service Association is in control of making these trips. It’s best to visit early morning to mid-afternoon to see the crocodiles. The boat ride may only take about half an hour, but the whole trip could take longer. Allow two or more hours for the trip and plan accordingly.
What Should I Pack for 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 brining 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.
United States Embassy in Ethiopia
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.
Ready to start your next journey? Call us at or book online now!
On This Page:
What Vaccines Do I Need for Ethiopia?
Do I Need a Visa for Ethiopia?
What Is the Climate Like in Ethiopia?
Is Ethiopia Safe?
Crocodiles at Lake Chomo
What Should I Pack for Ethiopia?
United States Embassy in Ethiopia
