Ethiopia🇪🇹
Ethiopia, officially known as the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, is a landlocked country located on the Horn of Africa in the eastern part of the continent. It shares borders with Eritrea to the north, Djibouti to the northeast, Somalia to the east, Kenya to the south, South Sudan to the west, and Sudan to the northwest. The relationship with neighboring countries is tense, particularly with Eritrea due to territorial disputes. Ethiopia is known for its diverse landscapes ranging from the rugged Simien Mountains to the hot Danakil Depression. It's the cradle of humanity where the ancient fossil 'Lucy' was discovered. Traditions such as the Meskel festival present a vibrant cultural scene. Sites like the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela and the obelisks of Aksum are key attractions to tourists. Visitors can also enjoy the unique culinary delight of injera and traditional ethiopian coffee.
⚠️Things you should avoid⚠️
- Avoid border areas with Eritrea, Kenya, South Sudan, and Sudan due to potential conflicts.
- Avoid drinking tap water to prevent waterborne diseases.
- Avoid displaying any form of affection between same-sex individuals to avoid potential punishments.
- Avoid getting visibly intoxicated and be wary of using substances, as they can make you a target for crime.
- Avoid unnecessary travel during the rainy season due to poor road conditions.
- Do not walk alone in isolated areas, especially at night to avoid the risk of crime.
- Avoid discussing topics related to politics and religion, as these discussions can escalate.
- Do not take photographs in secure locations or of military installations without explicit permissions.
- Refrain from public gatherings or demonstrations, as they can quickly turn violent.
- Avoid travel to the Tigray region due to ongoing conflict.
Overall
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Crime 🔫
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Ethiopian cities are generally safe, but petty theft and pickpocketing are common in crowded areas like markets and bus stations. Addis Ababa, the capital, experiences the most crime, primarily inappropriate conduct, assault, and theft. Travelers are advised to take safety precautions at all times.
Terrorism 💣
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Terrorism, particularly from Al-Shabaab, is a pressing issue in Ethiopia. Numerous attacks, including the 2016 Gondar city bombings and the lethal explosion at a rally for Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in 2018, highlight the threat of terrorism.
War ⚔️
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Ethiopia is currently embroiled in a domestic conflict with the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) in the Tigray region, which started in late 2020. Past incidents also include a long-standing border dispute with Eritrea which culminated in the Eritrean-Ethiopian War from 1998 to 2000.
Natural Disasters 🌊
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Flooding, drought and locust infestations are the main natural disasters in Ethiopia. The most devastating incident in recent history was the drought of 2015-2016, which caused a severe food shortage affecting approximately 10.2 million Ethiopians.
Medical Care 🏥
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While medical facilities are available in Ethiopia, they vary significantly in standard and availability, especially outside of Addis Ababa. There are few pharmacies outside major cities, and many medications are not readily available.
Tap Water Quality 💧
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Tap water in Ethiopia is generally not safe to drink. Visitors are strongly advised to drink only bottled water. Boiling or using a chemical disinfectant is highly recommended for those who need to use tap water.
Disease Burden 🤒
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There is a high risk of malaria, dengue, and other mosquito borne diseases in Ethiopia. The HIV/AIDS epidemic also poses a significant health concern. Ethiopia was heavily hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Corruption 💸
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Corruption remains ingrained within Ethiopia and is a significant problem across many sectors, including the police, land administration and tax collection. Ethiopia ranked 96 of 180 on Transparency International's 2020 Corruption Perceptions Index.
Safety for Women ♀️
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While efforts have been made to improve female safety, gender-based violence, discrimination, and harmful traditional practices are pervasive. The conflict in Tigray has heightened the risk of sexual violence against women.
Safety for Queer People 👬
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Queer safety is very low as homosexuality is criminalized and socially stigmatized in Ethiopia. There is prevalent violence and discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community.
Censorship 📺
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Despite recent improvements, censorship in Ethiopia is high. The government has shut down internet and blocked social media sites multiple times to control information flow, particularly during protests and elections.
Public Transportation 🚌
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The public transportation system is undeveloped and often unreliable. Accidents caused by poor vehicle maintenance and lack of adherence to safety regulations are common, particularly in rural areas.
Other useful information
🔒 How safe is it?
In general, Ethiopia faces significant safety hazards, such as war, terrorism, crime, and disease outbreaks. Travelers need to keep a high level of vigilance. It's essential to stay updated about the local situation, avoid risk areas such as border regions, and follow instructions issued by local authorities.
🏰 Embassies in this Country
Several foreign embassies are located in Addis Ababa, including the United States Embassy, the British Embassy, and the Australian Embassy, amongst others.
💉 Recommended Vaccinations
Travel to Ethiopia requires vaccinations for diseases such as hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, and polio. Also, routine vaccinations should be up to date.
🐍 Dangerous Animals
Ethiopia is home to dangerous wildlife like lions, leopards, hyenas, crocodiles, and venomous snakes. The large number of mosquitos can also transmit diseases such as malaria and yellow fever. Avoiding animal contact and using adequate protection measures is advised.
🛂 Visa Requirements
A visa is required for most travelers to Ethiopia. It can be obtained either from an Ethiopian consulate or embassy before departure or upon arrival at Addis Ababa airport.
💲 Currency
The currency of Ethiopia is the Ethiopian Birr (ETB). Money can be exchanged at banks, hotels, and airports. ATMs are available in major cities.
💳 Credit Card Acceptance
Credit card acceptance is not widespread in Ethiopia, and card fraud is a risk. Cash is the preferred method of payment, especially outside urban areas.
🧑🏭 Is it possible to work and travel in this country?
It is possible to work and travel in Ethiopia but planning is required. Working for international organizations and teaching English are common jobs for foreigners. A work visa is typically required.
💵 Cost of Travel and Living
The cost of travel in Ethiopia is affordable compared to many destinations, although the cost of living can vary depending on the location. Accommodation, food, and transportation are relatively cheap, but imported products can be quite expensive.