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Print Version
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TRAVEL REPORT
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Last Updated: November 8, 2006 11:35
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Still Valid: December 8, 2006 21:53
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1. INTRODUCTION
The level of Travel Warning in this report has not changed. Section 2 has been updated.
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2. ATTENTION
OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against all travel to the region(s) specified below. (IDW5)
You are advised against all travel to the border area with Eritrea and to the east and south of Jijiga in the Ogaden and Hararge areas toward the Somali border, where ongoing military operations and the presence of landmines have been reported. The border between Eritrea and Ethiopia is closed, and adjacent areas are part of a special security zone under the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement. A strict no-fly zone is in effect between Ethiopia and Eritrea for all aircraft, other than those of the United Nations.
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OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against non-essential travel to the region(s) specified below. (IDW9)
You are advised against non-essential travel to the region along the border with Kenya where armed clashes involving Ethiopian and Kenyan security forces periodically raise tensions and have caused hundreds of civilians to flee their homes. Cases of cross-border banditry related to the drought in the region have increased. Armed groups hostile to the Government of Ethiopia operate in several areas near the border with Kenya.
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You are advised to exercise a high degree of caution in the country because of the current high threat of terrorist attacks against Western interests in Ethiopia.
Canadians should evaluate carefully the implications for their security and safety before deciding to travel to Ethiopia. Canadians currently in Ethiopia should take all possible security precautions, ensure that they are registered with the Embassy of Canada in Addis Ababa and contact the embassy for assistance and advice. It is recommended that you monitor local developments and avoid large crowds and demonstrations. Canadians should also carry photo ID (preferably their passport) with them at all times and cooperate fully with law enforcement officials. It is also recommended that speaking in public areas about topics regarding the current political situation be avoided.
Addis Ababa has been largely calm since the post-election troubles that have caused many casualties in 2005. However, violent incidents, bombings and general strikes could re-occur without warning. Security forces continue to be conspicuously deployed throughout the city.
In rural areas (particularly in the regions of Oromiya and Amhara), low level unrest continues to occur with sporadic clashes, especially between students and security forces. Skirmishes have occurred between military units and forces from the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) in eastern and southern Ethiopia (including the areas around Shakisso and Bore).
Since 2003, there have been periodic instances of ethnic unrest, violent demonstrations, and military operations in the Gambella region. Road banditry is common.
During the last few years periodic bombings have occurred in Addis Ababa but these small scale bombings have increased in frequency and severity since November 2005. Targets have included government institutions, public transit, local restaurant and cafes. To date foreigners have not been targeted.
Severe seasonal flooding occurred in August and September 2006 throughout Ethiopia, particularly on Lake Tana and on the Dechatu, Omo and Awash Rivers. Flash floods have caused hundreds of deaths and displaced tens of thousands of inhabitants, including in areas around Lake Tana, in the city of Dire Dawa and the rural South Omo region. Transportation and other services may still be disrupted in these areas. The government of Ethiopia is warning that further flooding is possible due to heavy seasonal rains. Canadians already in the region are advised to monitor local news and weather reports and to follow the advice of local authorities.
OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada offers a registration service for Canadians travelling or residing abroad. Canadians who choose to travel to the region(s) specified despite this warning should register with the responsible Canadian government office in this country. Registration can be done on-line or by calling the responsible Canadian government office abroad to request a registration form. Canadians visiting other areas of the country for three months or more should also register. Canadians visiting for less than three months are strongly advised to: (a) leave a detailed travel itinerary and contact information with family or friends in Canada; (b) provide family with the emergency number for Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (1 800 267-6788 or 613-944-6788); and (c) keep the phone number of the responsible Canadian government office on hand (see Section 7 below).
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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY
The risk of terrorist attacks remains high in Addis Ababa and other cities. Although foreigners are not ordinarily the target of such attacks, some local hotels including the Hilton and the Ghion have received bomb threats. Canadians should monitor local developments, avoid demonstrations, as well as register and remain in regular contact with the Embassy of Canada in Addis Ababa (see section 7 below).
In Addis Ababa, petty theft and violent crimes have significantly increased in recent years due to the increasing urban population and poor economic prospects. Pickpockets and thieves are active throughout the city, but particularly in the Piazza, Merkato and other areas where foreigners congregate. Theft of visible items from cars is also increasing. Outside the capital, crimes of opportunity and petty theft do occur, usually perpetrated by teenaged boys or young men targeting foreigners. Ensure personal belongings are secure and do not show signs of affluence.
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4. LOCAL TRAVEL
Roads are poorly lit and mostly unpaved. Highway robberies by armed bandits are increasing. Excessive speeds, local driving habits, pedestrians, roaming animals, and poorly maintained and broken-down vehicles pose hazards. Overland travel should be undertaken during daylight hours only. Periodic fuel shortages can disrupt road travel.
Overland travel to the areas bordering Kenya, Somalia, and Sudan is generally unsafe. Telecommunications are not reliable. Banditry, including armed robbery and carjacking, is common. Landmines remain a hazard, particularly in the former conflict zones of northern Ethiopia and near the areas bordering Sudan and Somalia.
A local driver's licence is required to drive in Ethiopia. Travellers must present their valid Canadian driver's licence or their International Driving Permit (IDP) to obtain one.
Travel by train is not recommended due to frequent acts of sabotage, bombings and derailment. Travellers should contact the Embassy of Canada in Addis Ababa (see section 7 below) or local authorities for the latest security information.
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5. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE
The rainy season extends from June to September. Some roads may become impassable during this period due to flooding. Travellers should keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.
Ethiopia is located in an active seismic zone. Canadians should know the address and telephone number of the Embassy of Canada in Addis Ababa in the event of an emergency (see section 7 below).
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6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail or death sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.
Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 7 below. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.
The Department publishes A Guide for Canadians Imprisoned Abroad, specifically targeted at incarcerated Canadians. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian detainees, their families, and friends about available assistance and advice.
Dual nationality is not legally recognized, which may limit the ability of Canadian officials to provide consular services. Canadians should travel using their Canadian passport and present themselves as Canadian to foreign authorities at all times.
The Department publishes a booklet entitled Dual Citizenship: What Travellers Should Know, specifically targeted at Canadians with dual nationality.
All drugs are illegal except khat, a local stimulant. Khat is illegal in Canada.
It is illegal to carry a firearm in Ethiopia.
Homosexual activity is illegal.
Permits are required to export antiques or animal skins. The export of antique religious artifacts, including Ethiopian crosses, requires a letter of authorization from an official of the National Museum in Addis Ababa. Laptop computers and video equipment must be declared upon arrival and departure. Tape recorders require special customs permits. Canadians should contact the Embassy of Ethiopia in Ottawa (see below) for specific information regarding customs requirements.
The Ethiopian Highlands are predominantly Orthodox Christian, where there is fasting each Wednesday and Friday, and during Lent. Only vegetarian dishes are available during this period (except in large hotels).
The Julian calendar is used. Ethiopia has its own way of telling time, so care should be taken with time.
Always obtain permission from religious authorities before visiting churches.
It is strictly prohibited to photograph military installations, police and military personnel, industrial facilities, and government buildings and infrastructure, including roads, bridges, dams, and airfields. Never stop near a restricted area; it is extremely dangerous to do so.
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7. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD
You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address:
Ethiopia - ADDIS ABABA, Embassy of Canada
Address: Old Airport Area, Nefas Silk Lafto Sub City, Kebele 04, House No.122, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Postal Address: P.O. Box 1130, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Tel.: 251 (0) 11-371-3022
Fax: 251 (0) 11-371-3033
E-mail: addis@international.gc.ca
Internet: www.ethiopia.gc.ca
Office hours are Monday to Thursday 8 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and on Friday 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Addis Ababa and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call to the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.
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8. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS
The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Ethiopian authorities and, to the best of our knowledge, was valid on August 30, 2006. However, entry and exit requirements are subject to change.
It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited. Conditions are subject to change.
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the Embassy of Ethiopia, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements.
A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Ethiopia. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country. Canadians must also be in possession of a visa. Tourist visas can be obtained on arrival at Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa. However, lengthy delays have been known to occur. You should therefore acquire a visa in advance. If you arrive by any land border, you must already be in possession of a valid visa or you risk being denied entry. Visa expiry dates should be checked carefully because Ethiopian immigration authorities have become very strict in its treatment of people who overstay their visas. Fees must be paid and in some instances court appearances and/or jail time may be ordered.
Tourist Visa : Required
Business Visa : Required
Student Visa : Required
Transit Visa : Required
Ethiopia does not recognize dual citizenship. For more information on the risks and problems Ethiopian-Canadians may face, contact the Embassy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia in Canada. You may also see Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada’s booklet, entitled Dual Citizenship: What Travellers Should Know.
Travellers are required to carry evidence of a yellow fever vaccination.
A domestic departure tax must be paid at the airport when travelling by air within Ethiopia.
Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.
Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.
Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.
Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.
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9. MONEY
The currency is the birr (ETB). Visitors must declare foreign currencies 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. Official exchange rates are close to black market rates. Credit cards are not widely accepted except in large hotels, travel agencies, and a few shops and restaurants in Addis Ababa. You are advised to take hard-currency cash or traveller's cheques to Ethiopia.
Check with your bank for information on ATM services in other countries. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ATMs around the world. Your bank can advise if you need a new personal identification number (PIN) for overseas access to your account. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ATMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.
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10. GENERAL INFORMATION
Ethiopia (capital: Addis Ababa) is located in eastern Africa, bordered by Eritrea, Djibouti, Somalia, Kenya, and Sudan. The official language is Amharic. English is widely understood in Addis Ababa. Tourist facilities are limited outside Addis Ababa.
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11. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM
The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program Web site.
The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) continues to monitor the global polio situation, including recent reports of human polio infection in Ethiopia.
The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage. The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.
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12. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION
Health facilities and medical supplies are extremely limited in Addis Ababa and completely inadequate outside the capital. Physicians are generally well trained, but hospital resources remain a constant problem. Emergency assistance is limited.
You should be cautious about water-borne diseases. As HIV/AIDS infection rate is high, you should also be cautious about activities involving the transmission of bodily fluids.
The country is mountainous and high altitudes may cause health problems, including shortness of breath, fatigue, nausea, headaches, and inability to sleep.
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13. RETURNING TO CANADA
Please consult the Current Issue on returning to Canada.
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14. INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS
Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child from another country, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.
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15. TRAVEL TIPS
Please consult our Traveller's Checklist.
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16. HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE
Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes. Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.
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17. FOR MORE INFORMATION
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18. ANNEX
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