- Travel Advice
DFAT advice for Ethiopia
When travelling to Ethiopia, you should always get travel insurance in case the worst happens. To help you ensure you travel safely, we have included the travel advice from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for Ethiopia.
| Ethiopia overall | This Advice is current for Friday, 05 December 2008. | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Be alert to own security | Exercise caution | High degree of caution | Reconsider your need to travel | Do not travel |
| Border areas with Kenya, Somalia, Sudan and Eritrea, the Gambella region and Ogaden area | ||||
| Be alert to own security | Exercise caution | High degree of caution | Reconsider your need to travel | Do not travel |
This advice has been reviewed and reissued. It contains new information in the Summary and under Safety and Security: Terrorism. The overall level of the advice has not changed.
[top]Summary
- We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to Ethiopia, including Addis Ababa, at this time due to the high threat of terrorist attack against Western interests and ongoing political tensions.
- We strongly advise you not to travel to the border areas with Kenya, Somalia (in particular the Ogaden area) and Sudan, including the Gambella region, or to the disputed border area between Eritrea and Ethiopia because of the extremely dangerous security situation in these areas.
- Recent credible information indicates terrorists may be planning attacks in the eastern Ethiopian city of Jijiga. Possible targets include hotels. Information indicates terrorists may also be planning attacks in the eastern Ethiopian city of Dire Dawa.
- On 6 November 2008, the US Embassy advised US citizens that the Ethiopian Government’s Joint Taskforce of National Intelligence Security and Federal Police have publicly warned of an unspecified terrorist threat concern in Ethiopia. The Embassy notes there has been an increase in security personnel in Addis Ababa and greater security at large hotels frequented by Westerners. It further advises American citizens to avoid public gatherings and public places, including hotels and that they avoid using public transportation and avoid transportation hubs.
- There has been an upsurge in violence in the area east of Harer and Gode. Foreigners have been among the victims of attacks and kidnappings. All travel to the Ogaden area of the Somali region should be avoided.
- Conflict in neighbouring countries could spill over into Ethiopia, particularly along the border with Somalia. There is also a possibility of attacks against symbols and buildings of the government.
- Protesters have in the past been killed in violent demonstrations in Addis Ababa. We advise you to avoid large gatherings throughout the country given their potential to turn violent.
- Australia does not have an Embassy or Consulate in Ethiopia. The Canadian Embassy in Addis Ababa provides consular assistance to Australians in Ethiopia (except the issue of passports). The Australian High Commission in Kenya can also assist Australians.
- Be a smart traveller. Before heading overseas:
- organise comprehensive travel insurance and check what circumstances and activities are not covered by your policy
- register your travel and contact details, so we can contact you in an emergency
- subscribe to this travel advice to receive free email updates each time it's reissued.
