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Consular Information Sheet

May 2, 1997

Country Description: The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia is a developing east African country comprised of ten semi-autonomous administrative regions organized along major ethnic lines. After two decades of civil war, a transitional government turned over power to an elected permanent government in August 1995. Tourism facilities in Ethiopia are minimal. Eritrea, a former province of Ethiopia which became an independent country in May 1993, has a separate Consular Information Sheet.

Entry Requirements: Entry/exit information may be obtained from the Embassy of Ethiopia, 2134 Kalorama Road, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 234-2281/2; fax (202) 483-8407. Inquiries overseas may be made at the nearest Ethiopian embassy or consulate.

Areas of Instability: In April 1997, coordinated grenade attacks against public places in Addis Ababa injured numerous people including several foreigners and killed at least one Ethiopian. In addition, a foreign national was killed in an ambush by gunmen of uncertain affiliation about 60 miles south of Gobe, the capital of the Bale Zone in southern Ethiopia. A February 1997 grenade attack at a hotel in Harar in east central Ethiopia wounded five foreign nationals. Two foreigners were killed and one wounded in daylight shooting incidents in the nearby city of Dire Dawa in October 1996. In several of these incidents, the attacks appear to have targeted foreigners. U.S. citizens are advised to defer travel to Harar, Dire Dawa, and Bale Zone. Americans throughout Ethiopia are advised to carefully consider the security implications when visiting such public places as markets, restaurants, bars, night clubs and hotel lobbies and to limit their presence in these places.

Reports of banditry are not uncommon in the southernmost areas of Ethiopia, along the Kenyan border and as far north as Woleyita (former Sidamo province). Isolated incidents of violence have recently occurred in other regions as well, including the Lake Tana, Lake Langano, Awassa, and Arbaminch areas. There have also been sporadic reports of armed clashes between various opposition elements and government forces in the Somalia border area of Region 5 (Somali Regional State). Military, police and regional authorities have temporarily detained some American citizens traveling in Region 5. In addition, Ethiopian military units have skirmished with forces alleged to be of the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) in the western area of Nekemte (former Wollega Province) and in the east, around Harar.

Road Safety and Travel Hazards: Land mines and other anti-personnel devices can be encountered frequently in areas which suffered fighting during the war. Many persons, including foreign travelers have been injured by these devices. Travel on paved roads generally is safer than travel on unpaved roads. Areas off the pavement around bridges or water crossings may also be hazardous. The route to Asebeteferi, the vicinity of Harar, the Ogaden region, and the sides of the roads north from Addis Ababa to Tigray province are known mined areas. Many persons, including foreigners, have been injured by these devices. Overland travel is especially dangerous in areas east and south of Harar, in Region 5 (Somali Regional State), due to land mines on the main road between Harar and Jijiga.

Excessive speed, unpredictable local driving habits, and the lack of basic safety equipment on many vehicles are daily hazards on Ethiopian roads. In addition, vehicle travel after dark outside Addis Ababa and other cities is dangerous due to the possibility of armed robbery.

Airport security procedures are thorough, however, there have been occasional hijackings of domestic and international flights carrying American citizens. A recent flight from Addis Ababa to Kenya was hijacked and crashed, killing 125 passengers, including two Americans.

Medical Facilities: Medical facilities in Ethiopia are extremely limited. Although physicians themselves are generally well-trained, even the best hospitals in Addis Ababa suffer from inadequate facilities, antiquated equipment and shortages of supplies (particularly medicine). Emergency assistance is limited. Travelers generally bring their own supplies of prescription drugs and preventive medicines. Doctors and hospitals usually expect immediate cash payment for services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. The Medicare/Medicaid program does not provide for payment of medical services outside the United States. Travelers have found supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage and medical evacuation provisions to be useful. Information on health matters may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's international travelers hotline at (404) 332-4559, Internet: http://www.cdc.gov.

Information on Crime: Pickpocketing and other petty crimes are prevalent in urban areas. There have been occasional reports of thieves snatching jewelry. Armed banditry can occur on roads outside major towns or cities and may be accompanied by violence. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to local police and to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The pamphlets "A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa" provide useful information on personal security while traveling abroad and on travel in the region in general. Both are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.

Currency Regulations: The black market for hard currency is declining as the official and free market rates for the Ethiopian birr converge. Visitors must declare hard currency upon arrival and may be required to present this declaration when applying for an exit visa. Penalties for exchanging money on the black market range from fines to imprisonment. Credit cards are not accepted at most hotels in Ethiopia. Foreigners are required to pay for hotel and car rental expenses in hard currency.

Prohibition on Photography: Certain buildings and public places may not be photographed, but not all sites are clearly marked. Travel guides, police, and Ethiopian officials can advise if a particular site may be photographed. Photographing banned sites may result in the confiscation of film and camera. Equipment such as video cameras and laptop computers must be declared upon arrival and departure from Ethiopia. Tape recorders require special customs permits. Those intending prolonged stays should check with the Ethiopian Embassy prior to travel regarding customs procedures.

Export of Antiques and Animal Skins: Permits are required before either antiques or animal skins can be exported from Ethiopia. Antique religious artifacts, including "Ethiopian crosses," require documentation from the National Museum in Addis Ababa.

Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs are strictly enforced. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences, fines and possible confiscation of personal property.

Registration/Embassy Location: U.S. citizens are encouraged to register at the U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa and to obtain updated information on travel and security in Ethiopia. The U.S. Embassy is located at Entoto Avenue, P.O. Box 1014, in Addis Ababa. The telephone is (251-1) 550-666, extension 316/336; the emergency afterhours number is (251-1) 552-558. The Embassy's general fax number is (251-1) 552-191 and the Consular fax numbers are (251-1) 551-094 and 551-748.