Is Ethiopia Safe to Visit? Travel Advice for 2026

Ethiopia is a welcoming country, and most visitors feel safe and well looked after. But parts of the country are affected by conflict and insecurity, and the situation can change quickly. We would rather give you an honest picture than a sales pitch. This page summarises current government advice and what it means for your trip. Last reviewed: October 2026.

The Short Answer

Addis Ababa is generally calm and is visited by thousands of travellers every week. Several parts of the south and the Bale Mountains National Park remain popular with visitors. However, the UK and US governments currently advise against all travel to the Amhara and Tigray regions, which include Lalibela, Gondar, Bahir Dar, the Simien Mountains, Axum and Gheralta. The US also advises avoiding Afar, which includes the Danakil Depression, and the UK advises against all but essential travel there.

Always read your own government’s latest advice before you book, and check that your travel insurance covers the places you plan to visit. Some policies do not cover areas where your government advises against travel.

Official Travel Advice

Advice differs between countries and is updated often. As of October 2026, the US advisory also lists most of Oromia (except Bishoftu and Bale Mountains National Park), some zones in the Somali, Central and South Ethiopia regions, the Somali region and areas near the borders with Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan and Eritrea as places to avoid.

Region by Region

Addis Ababa: generally stable. Normal city precautions apply.
Bale Mountains National Park: the US advisory makes an exception for the park. We recommend flying to Robe rather than driving through the Arsi zones.
South Omo and the Omo Valley: visited regularly. Some nearby zones, including Konso, are on the US list, so we plan routes around them.
Rift Valley lakes and day trips from Addis Ababa: check your route. Bishoftu is specifically excluded from the US Oromia restrictions.
Harar and Dire Dawa: check current advice. The surrounding East Hararghe zone is on the US list.
Amhara, Tigray and Afar (Lalibela, Gondar, Simien, Axum, Gheralta, Danakil): currently advised against. We follow the situation daily and will tell you honestly when we think these places are ready to visit again.

Everyday Safety Tips

Petty theft and pickpocketing happen in busy areas such as Merkato. Keep phones and wallets out of sight.
Avoid demonstrations and large crowds, and follow local news.
Mobile internet can be cut in some regions at short notice. Share your plans with someone at home.
Roads are the biggest everyday risk. Avoid driving at night outside cities, and use an experienced local driver.
Addis Ababa is at about 2,400 metres. Take it easy on your first day. See our health and altitude guide.
Women travellers: read our solo female travel guide.

How We Keep You Safe

We are based in Addis Ababa and in touch with guides, drivers and lodges across the country every day. We only run a route when we judge it safe, we change plans quickly when the situation changes, and our team is on call throughout your trip. If an area is not right to visit, we will tell you and suggest an alternative, even if it means a different trip.

Have a question about a specific place or date? Ask us or message us on WhatsApp +251 988 111 222. Back to the Ethiopia travel guide.