Known as ‘the Land of Origins,’ Ethiopia is one of the most popular countries in Africa for many different reasons. 

Besides its important archaeological and historical discoveries (hence ‘origins’ in its name), the country is famous for its natural scenery and arid plains, legendary coffee, colourful festivals, religious sites, and a host of undiscovered gems. 

After shutting its borders for much of last year, Ethiopia has finally reopened. However, before planning a trip, it’s wise to read up on the latest travel restrictions and country-specific information (for example, if you plan to travel to Ethiopia from South Africa). 

From the current coronavirus situation in Ethiopia to entry requirements, how to get there, and more, here is everything you need to know before travelling to this fascinating country! 

COVID-19 situation in Ethiopia

Ethiopia has already gone through four waves of the coronavirus ever since it was detected in early 2020. The most recent wave happened between December 2021 through January 2022, when cases hit a peak of more than 5,185 new infections per day. 

At the moment, there are four approved vaccines available in Ethiopia: BioNTech Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, AstraZeneca, and Sinopharm BIBP. However, the national vaccine rollout is still fairly sluggish, as only 8 percent of the population has received at least one dose, and only 1.4 percent are fully vaccinated.

Current Ethiopian entry requirements

After successfully battling the fourth wave of the coronavirus and curtailing the number of infections, the government of Ethiopia lifted its state of emergency and once again allowed tourists to enter the country.

The latest entry requirements for Ethiopia are as follows:

All incoming travellers, regardless of vaccination status, are required to show a negative PCR test before boarding a flight to Ethiopia. The test must have been conducted within 5 days (120 hours) before arrival. 

Arrivals who do not have a test or have results that were issued more than 120 hours ago will not be able to enter the country. 

Those who are transiting through Ethiopia and/or children under 10 years of age are exempt from the negative PCR requirement. The maximum transit time is 72 hours (3 days). 

Likewise, rapid antigen results are currently not accepted as a valid form of test to travel to Ethiopia. However, this may change in the future.

Unlike other countries, Ethiopia does not maintain a ‘red list,’ or list of banned countries. As long as a traveller has the proper requirements (a valid negative test and a travel authorization, if needed), they are allowed to enter the country. 

Special considerations: the African Union Truster Travel Initiative

In June 2021, the Ethiopian Ministry of Health issued a new regulation that states all incoming travellers must present a negative PCR test from an approved and accredited lab. 

This is part of the new requirements created by the African Union’s Trusted Travel (TT) Initiative. The African Union includes 55 member states across the African continent, with the exception of Mali, Guinea, Sudan, and Burkina Faso.

The easiest way to make sure your negative COVID-19 test is in line with the Trusted Travel Initiative is to upload it to the PanaBIOS electronic system. The system can easily verify if the test was done by an authorized and Trusted Traveler compliant laboratory.

Travellers who are planning an onward trip to other African countries will be happy to hear that all of the PCR testing facilities in Ethiopia are accredited on the African Union Trusted Travel system. This means that there is no need to take the extra step of registering the result on the PanaBIOS system, as the test is already valid.

Travelling to Ethiopia

As Ethiopia is a landlocked country, there are only two methods of travelling to Ethiopia: via crossing a land border or via flying to an airport.

Ethiopia is bordered by seven countries — Djibouti, Eritrea, Kenya, Somalia, Somaliland, South Sudan, Sudan— and, as such, has many land checkpoints. The majority of land borders have reopened between Ethiopia and its neighbours.

The easiest option to travel to Ethiopia is via airplane. The country has one of the busiest airports on the entire continent, Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, and serves hundreds of destinations every week.

Besides Ethiopian Airlines (the national flag carrier), there are many airlines that fly to and from Ethiopia. They include Turkish Airlines, EgyptAir, Lufthansa, Emirates, British Airways, Qatar Airways (which also flies out of South Africa), and many more. 

Once in Ethiopia, visitors are asked to follow a few simple rules, including wearing masks in public areas, maintaining proper social distance, and having less than three people sitting at a table. 

By keeping these travel restrictions and entry rules in mind, travellers can enjoy the culture and see the sights of Ethiopia, stress-free.