Australia Recommends Reconsidering Travel to Ethiopia Due to Safety Issues: All You Need To Know

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Published on
February 5, 2026

Australia’s updated travel guidance for Ethiopia outlines a range of security, health, and legal conditions that continue to shape the travel environment for international visitors. The advisory, released by the Australian government, indicates that conditions across the country remain unpredictable, with certain regions assessed as particularly high risk. The update highlights factors that may affect tourism planning, movement within the country, and access to services, reinforcing the need for travellers to carefully reassess travel decisions and remain aware of evolving on-ground conditions.

The advisory indicates that travel conditions across Ethiopia remain fluid, with the potential for sudden deterioration. As a result, travellers are advised to reassess the necessity of travel, particularly in areas assessed as high risk. The guidance applies broadly to tourists, business travellers, and other short-term visitors.

Security Conditions Affecting Travel Movement

Security conditions across Ethiopia are described as unstable, with disruptions capable of occurring without advance notice. Road closures and unreliable communication networks are identified as factors that can affect travel logistics and itinerary planning. The advisory specifies that travel to the Tigray regional state is not recommended due to the possibility of rapid security escalation and limited external assistance availability.

Border regions adjoining Eritrea, Somalia, Kenya, South Sudan, and Sudan are also identified as high-risk zones. These areas present elevated safety concerns for travellers, particularly those moving overland. In addition, the presence of terrorism threats nationwide is noted, with potential targets including public venues, transport facilities, government sites, and locations frequented by civilians.

Kidnapping risk is highlighted in parts of Amhara and Oromia regional states, as well as areas near certain international borders. The advisory notes that foreigners, including aid and humanitarian workers, may be targeted. In urban areas such as Addis Ababa, petty crime including pickpocketing is identified as a common issue, with violent incidents more likely after dark.

Travel Awareness and Visitor Preparedness

For travellers considering or undertaking travel to Ethiopia, heightened situational awareness is identified as essential. The advisory underscores the importance of vigilance in public spaces and crowded locations. Restrictions on movement during periods of unrest and the need to remain indoors when disturbances occur are also outlined.

Tourists are advised to account for limitations in consular support in certain regions, particularly where security conditions restrict access. The advisory also draws attention to risks associated with drink spiking and unsafe alcoholic beverages, highlighting the need for caution in social settings and food consumption.

Natural hazards are also noted, with earthquakes and volcanic activity affecting some parts of the country. These environmental factors add another layer of complexity to travel planning and risk assessment.

Tourism Planning in a High-Uncertainty Environment

From a tourism perspective, the advisory reflects an environment where travel planning requires flexibility and continuous monitoring. The dynamic nature of security conditions means itineraries may need to be adjusted at short notice, and travellers may face unexpected disruptions.

The advisory context reinforces the importance of comprehensive travel insurance, particularly coverage that includes medical evacuation. Tourism activities outside major urban centres are affected by limited infrastructure and service availability, which may influence destination selection and travel duration.

Travel decision-making under these conditions is shaped by risk awareness rather than destination appeal alone. The advisory framework positions safety considerations as central to travel planning, influencing how tourists approach timing, movement, and accommodation choices.

Considerations for Tourists and Short-Term Visitors

For tourists, the advisory outlines a travel environment where compliance with local regulations and awareness of legal standards are essential. Laws relating to identification, currency, photography, and cultural artefacts are highlighted as areas where non-compliance can result in penalties.

Health considerations are also prominent. Medical facilities are described as limited, particularly outside Addis Ababa, with private hospitals offering the primary option for basic care in the capital. The prevalence of yellow fever and malaria in many parts of the country is noted, alongside risks associated with food, water safety, and altitude exposure.

Entry requirements, including visa obligations and currency limitations, are identified as practical considerations for travellers. The Ethiopian Birr is confirmed as the official currency, with limited access to large cash withdrawals and uneven acceptance of cards outside major hotels and businesses.

Health and Infrastructure Factors Impacting Travel

The advisory outlines constraints within Ethiopia’s healthcare infrastructure that may affect travellers. Ambulance services are described as limited, and serious illness or injury may necessitate evacuation from the country. These factors are positioned as critical considerations for travel preparedness.

Public health risks, including water- and food-borne diseases, are identified as common. Preventive measures related to drinking water, food selection, and personal health management are emphasised within the advisory framework. Altitude-related health risks in high-elevation areas, including Addis Ababa, are also noted as relevant to visitor wellbeing.

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Australia Recommends Reconsidering Travel to Ethiopia Due to Safety Issues: All You Need To Know

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