100 FAQs for Travelers to Ethiopia
Quick answers about visas, passports, Yellow Card, flights, safety, money, culture, food, attractions, and more — curated by YebboTravel.
Ethiopia sits in the Horn of Africa, bordered by Eritrea, Djibouti, Somalia, Kenya, South Sudan, and Sudan.
Addis Ababa is the capital and largest city, home to the African Union and many international organizations.
Amharic is the federal working language; over 80 languages are spoken nationally, including Oromo, Tigrinya, Somali, Afar, and more.
English is common in hotels, airlines, tour operations, and among many city residents; less so in rural areas.
The Ethiopian Birr (ETB). Carry small denominations for local markets and tipping.
Major hotels may take USD, but everyday purchases require Birr. Exchange at banks or licensed bureaus.
Rates fluctuate. Check banks or official bureaus on arrival and avoid street exchangers.
Accepted at upscale hotels, airlines, and some restaurants in cities; carry cash for shops and rural travel.
Yes, in Addis Ababa and large towns. Bring backup cash for remote areas and occasional outages.
East Africa Time (UTC+3). Ethiopia also follows the Ethiopian Calendar, ~7–8 years behind the Gregorian.
Most travelers need a visa; some regional nationals are exempt. Options include e-visa and embassy visas. Call YebboTravel at 619-255-5530 for visa help.
Apply online (e-visa) or via an Ethiopian embassy/consulate. Requirements vary by nationality. Call YebboTravel at 619-255-5530 for guided application support.
Some nationalities can obtain visas on arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. Rules change—verify before travel. Call YebboTravel at 619-255-5530 to check eligibility.
Common durations are 30 or 90 days (single or multiple entry). Call YebboTravel at 619-255-5530 to pick the right option.
Fees vary by nationality, duration, and entry type. Call YebboTravel at 619-255-5530 for current pricing.
Usually yes; some infants listed in a parent’s passport may follow the parent’s status. Call YebboTravel at 619-255-5530 to confirm requirements.
At least two blank pages for visas/stamps. For passport guidance or renewal tips, Call YebboTravel at 619-255-5530.
At least six months beyond your intended stay. For passport questions or renewals, Call YebboTravel at 619-255-5530.
Often required as proof of onward travel. For ticket booking or changes, Call YebboTravel at 619-255-5530.
Yes, at the Immigration and Citizenship Service in Addis Ababa. Processing times vary. Call YebboTravel at 619-255-5530 for extension support.
Yellow Fever may be required; Hep A/B, Typhoid, and Tetanus are commonly recommended. For Yellow Card scheduling, Call YebboTravel at 619-255-5530.
Required if arriving from (or transiting through) Yellow Fever risk countries. For appointments and proof, Call YebboTravel at 619-255-5530.
The Yellow Card is your Yellow Fever vaccination certificate. Many airlines/immigration points will ask for it. To arrange your Yellow Card, Call YebboTravel at 619-255-5530.
Requirements can change. Check with your airline and health authorities before travel.
Yes, in lowland regions. Addis Ababa and highlands have lower risk. Consult your doctor about prophylaxis.
Often recommended for rural/lowland travel. Seek medical advice based on your itinerary.
Tourist areas are generally safe with normal precautions. Avoid conflict zones and heed local advice.
Restrictions can apply in certain border or conflict-prone areas. Check advisories before travel.
Contact local emergency services, your embassy, and go to a reputable hospital. Carry insurance details.
Private hospitals in Addis offer better care; facilities can be limited in rural areas. Consider medical evacuation insurance.
Addis Ababa Bole International (ADD) is the main hub; a few other cities handle limited international flights.
ADD (Bole International). It has multiple terminals with lounges, duty free, and transit services.
Roughly 5–7 km (15–30 minutes by car depending on traffic).
Yes, in many areas and lounges. Speeds vary.
Yes—hotel shuttles, airport taxis, and ride-hailing apps operate at the arrivals area.
Yes, major domestic routes can be booked online. For ticketing, changes, or best prices, Call YebboTravel at 619-255-5530.
Ethiopian Airlines is the flag carrier with extensive domestic/international routes; others connect via regional hubs.
Yes, it’s among Africa’s most reputable carriers with a large modern fleet and global network.
Yes—meet-and-assist, lounge access, and ticketing support are available. For customized assistance, Call YebboTravel at 619-255-5530.
Yes, multiple lounges at ADD with food, showers, and Wi-Fi. Access depends on class of travel/status or paid entry.
Yes—international chains and quality local hotels exist across districts like Bole, Kazanchis, and CMC.
Many do. Arrange ahead through your hotel or tour operator.
Yes, especially in Addis and popular tourist towns like Lalibela, Gondar, Hawassa, and Bahir Dar.
Commonly $50–$120 per night in Addis; rates vary by season, location, and amenities.
Yes, if reputable. Read reviews and store valuables securely.
Yes, via booking platforms or direct websites. Tour agencies can bundle hotels with transfers and tours.
Some accept USD/EUR; most accept Birr. Ask before arrival and keep small notes.
Often yes, especially at business and tourist hotels.
Varies. Confirm policies before booking.
Most mid- to high-end hotels offer Wi-Fi; speeds can vary. Consider local SIM data for reliability.
Ride-hailing apps, hotel cars, and taxis are convenient. Light rail connects key corridors.
Yes with reputable drivers or ride-hailing apps. Agree on price if no meter.
Not always. Negotiate fare before departure if there’s no meter.
Local ride-hailing apps operate in Addis. Availability can vary by area/time.
Yes, with or without driver. Driving yourself is possible but local traffic norms can be challenging.
Recommended along with your valid home license if you plan to drive.
Express buses connect major cities; book early and expect long travel times due to terrain.
They are inexpensive but crowded. Use for short city hops; keep valuables secure.
Yes—use normal city precautions. It’s useful for commuting corridors.
Yes—flying is often the fastest way between far-flung destinations like Addis–Lalibela–Axum–Gondar.
Diverse and ancient—rooted in hospitality, faith, music, food traditions, and strong regional identities.
Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity, Islam, and Protestant denominations are most common; others also present.
Modest attire is appreciated, especially at religious sites. Layer for highland chill and sunny days.
Yes—small tips for service staff, guides, and drivers are appreciated.
Handshakes, shoulder touches among friends, and warm verbal greetings. Use right hand for giving/receiving.
Avoid overly revealing clothes at religious sites, public intoxication, and photographing people without permission.
Dress modestly; remove shoes when asked; women may cover hair in some churches; ask before photos.
Always ask permission first—some may request a small tip for posed photos.
With family gatherings, religious observances, coffee ceremonies, music, and special foods.
Ceremonial and social—freshly roasted beans, incense, and multiple rounds (abol, tona, baraka).
Doro wat (spicy chicken stew) is iconic, often served with injera and boiled eggs.
A spongy sourdough flatbread (often teff-based) used as a plate and utensil to scoop stews.
Many dishes use berbere spice, but mild options exist. Ask your server for spice level.
Yes—fasting (vegan) dishes are common: shiro, lentils, greens, and vegetable platters.
Stick to bottled or filtered water. Avoid ice in uncertain places.
Yes, especially on road trips or treks. Hydration is key at altitude and in dry climates.
Yes—beer, tej (honey wine), areki, and international spirits are available in cities and tourist hubs.
Coffee, tej, tella (local beer), and fresh fruit juices.
Yes—Italian, Middle Eastern, Asian, and fusion options are common in Addis.
Often with injera using hands; utensils provided in many restaurants on request.
Lalibela rock-hewn churches, Simien Mountains, Axum stelae, Gondar castles, Danakil Depression, Bale Mountains, and Lake Tana monasteries.
Generally, yes when open to tourism—check local advisories regarding regional conditions.
Yes—guided treks are popular. Prepare for altitude and variable weather.
Lalibela, Axum, Fasil Ghebbi (Gondar), Harar Jugol, Lower Omo and Awash Valleys, Tiya, Konso, and Simien National Park.
Fly or drive to Lalibela; hire local guides for context and access tips.
Yes—Bale, Simien, Awash, and Omo regions offer wildlife experiences distinct from classic savannah safaris.
Look for Gelada baboons, Ethiopian wolves (endemic), ibex, nyala, birds, and more in national parks.
Lake Tana (monasteries), Hawassa (lakeside vibe), Ziway, and the Rift Valley chain.
Yes—especially in rainy season when flow is strongest. Combine with Bahir Dar monasteries.
Yes—city tours, historical circuits, trekking, birding, coffee routes, and cultural tours are widely offered.
Yes at markets and with artisans; be friendly and fair.
Coffee, hand-woven scarves (netela), baskets, carvings, paintings, spices, and jewelry.
Absolutely—vacuum-sealed beans are widely available. Check your country’s customs rules.
Mostly in malls and upscale shops; bring cash for markets and small vendors.
Licensed banks and transfer services operate in major cities; bring ID and recipient details.
Many open Saturday mornings; Sunday closures are common. Hours vary.
10% is appreciated where service charge isn’t included; round up for small cafes.
Yes in select malls/hotels in Addis; selection is smaller than in larger global hubs.
Yes at the international airport; options vary by terminal and time of day.
Growing quickly in cities; delivery coverage varies. For gifts and experiences, local markets are still king.