Latest News:

International Restrictions:

*Entry into Ethiopia: There are special measures in place at all borders when entering Ethiopia. Flights to some destinations in northern Ethiopia are resuming. Proof of a negative COVID-19 RT PCR test result issued within the previous 120 hours (5 days), starting from the time the sample is given, is required for all air passengers over the age of 10 years entering Ethiopia (except diplomats). All passengers will be subject to 7 days mandatory self-isolation. You must provide the address for your self-isolation upon arrival.

Diplomats are encouraged to present a negative RT PCR COVID-19 test certificate. Where they do so, they will need to self-isolate at their residence for 7 days. Where they do not present a negative test certificate, they will be required to self-isolate for 14 days.

*Transit Passengers: Passengers transiting for 24 hours or less can remain in the departure lounge of the airport. For transits over 24 hours, you will be taken to a designated transit hotel for the duration of your stay. On arrival in Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, you should report to the transit desk to confirm your hotel details. After health screening and immigration you will then need to present your hotel details and passport to the desk marked “transit shuttle bus” from where you will be taken to the hotel. You will not be able to leave the hotel during your transit. To the extent airline schedules allow, you should therefore minimise the duration of your transit in Addis Ababa. Passengers transiting Addis Ababa Bole International Airport are subject to COVID-19 screening measures during transit.Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (and other international airports) have put in place measures to screen passengers arriving, departing or transiting through Ethiopia. Arriving passengers are required to present a negative RT PCR COVID-19 test certificate prior to entry. Additional screening may include temperature measurements, completing a health screening questionnaire and answering questions from health officials. This will include checks on recent travel to affected areas and your accommodation details for your self-isolation.

Anyone who is suspected of having COVID-19 will be taken to a government designated isolation centre where they will receive appropriate follow-up care and will be tested. Any person that tests positive for COVID-19 will be prohibited from entering Ethiopia. Anyone with a pre-existing condition that requires regular medicines should bring sufficient amounts to cover a potential unplanned additional 2 week stay.

*Land Borders: Measures are in place when arriving into the country across land borders. Those crossing with a negative RT PCR COVID-19 test certificate dated within the previous 120 hours (5 days) will be screened for symptoms and required to self-isolate at home for 7 days. Those that do not present a negative test certificate will be screened and required to self-isolate for 14 days. Only PCR tests will be accepted. Anyone who is suspected of having COVID-19 will be taken to a government designated isolation centre where they will receive appropriate follow-up care and a further test. The standard of isolation centres varies significantly around the country. Internal Restrictions:

*Travel to the airport: You should arrive at the airport at least two hours before your scheduled departure time. You will need a printed copy of your itinerary, e-ticket or boarding pass in order to be allowed to enter the airport terminal. You should check whether you need a negative COVID-19 test to travel to your destination; this may be requested before your departure. You should comply with all local restrictions.

*Local coronavirus measures: Government directives to help limit the spread of COVID-19 currently include:

• Any person known to be infected with coronavirus is prohibited from entering the country, mixing or meeting with other people in any way that may spread the virus;

• Gatherings (including religious gatherings, weddings and funerals) are limited to 50 people. Gatherings of over 50 people must be authorised by the relevant authority. Organisers and participants must comply with all measures outlined in the Ministry of Health Directive, from page 20. Personal in-home gatherings such as birthday parties may only include family members;

• Deliberate physical contact is banned, including greetings by handshake;

• Wearing of face masks is mandatory in all public places (except for children under 6 years or those with a relevant provable condition);

• Individuals will be expected to ensure that they are 2 adult strides apart at all times;

• Schools, universities and daycare centres are banned from operating until appropriate safety measures are agreed;

• Any person that suspects they have COVID-19 must report to the Ministry of Health or Ethiopian Public Health Institute (call 8335 or 952) to be tested;

• All sectors and businesses (including hotels, cinemas, tour operators) must provide necessary sanitising material and information to customers and staff, maintain 2 strides distance where appropriate and maintain the cleanliness of their premises. Cafes, bars and restaurants are limited to serving three people per table. Occupancy limits are in place for nightclubs as well as rules on no contact. Sports may take place in compliance with coronavirus measures, but no spectators are allowed apart from participants;

• Visits to care homes for the elderly are prohibited. Visits to prisons must comply with coronavirus measures;

• Public transport providers must comply with relevant coronavirus measures, including reduced passenger loads, mask-wearing and ventilation;

• Those required to self-isolate at home should follow the correct procedures (page 13, Ministry of Health Directive).

Failure to comply with these measures is punishable by criminal law. You should comply with all measures, wear a mask in public, and monitor local media for further updates. There may be local restrictions to public transport to help limit the spread of coronavirus. Tigray Regional State has instituted additional quarantine measures for those travelling from overseas and other parts of Ethiopia and curtailed movement between cities and rural areas in the region. You should follow the advice of the local authorities.

*Accommodation: Most hotels and accommodation remain open. You should follow national coronavirus measures. See ‘local coronavirus measures’ in Travel in Ethiopia.

*Public places and services: There are restrictions in place for public spaces, including social distancing, limited gathering and wearing of face masks. See ‘local coronavirus measures’ in Travel in Ethiopia.