Ethiopia Travel Vaccines and Advice
Some might not see Ethiopia first come to mind when travelling. If you think it’s all about deserts, then think again. This country certainly has charm and originality to spare. Rich in history and culture, it is worthy of its name as the Cradle of humanity. Unsuspected landscapes and ancient architectural remains such as the fascinating Orthodox Christian heritage all add to its fame. For avid hikers, walk through its high volcanic plateaus. You will find a particularly rich fauna and flora. Its magnificent lakes, which contrast with its dizzying peaks, are also suitable for many water activities. It should be noted that Ethiopia has one of the mildest climates in Africa. This allows you to enjoy the charm of this country whenever throughout the year.
Recommended travel vaccinations for Ethiopia
Vaccine | Disease Transmission |
---|---|
Traveler’s diarrhea | Contaminated water/food |
Cholera | |
Typhoid | |
Hepatitis A | |
Hepatitis B | Contaminated body fluids (blood, sex, razors, needles, etc.) |
Rabies | Infected Animals |
Yellow Fever | Mosquito bites |
Meningitis | Airborne Droplets |
Influenza |
Recommended Medication for Travelling to Ethiopia
Medication | Additional Information |
---|---|
Acetazolamide or Dexamethasone | Recommended for prevention of acute mountain sickness |
Azithromycin or Suprax | Antibiotic in case of traveler’s diarrhea |
Malarone, Doxycycline or Mefloquine | Recommended anti-malaria medication |
Current Weather in Ethiopia
Medical Care in Ethiopia
The Ethiopian health situation has recently collapsed due to many factors: inequality of basic care access between urban and rural areas, lack of medicines, shortage of medical personnel and equipment, and rudimentary facilities. Care provided in urban centres is still far from sufficient, even in the capital Addis Ababa. Even quality doctors struggle to operate with old equipment.
Pharmacies are not well-stocked, and the few pharmaceuticals available are unreliable. Ethiopia is also often struck by a shortage of drugs. For this reason, the US Embassy recommends that travellers carry enough prescriptions and medications to prevent sickness whilst travelling. However, if you are bringing a large number of drugs into the country, you require permission from the Ministry of Health. Before visiting Ethiopia, consult your doctor for advice.
To call for an ambulance, call 907 for the red cross in Addis Ababa.
Is Ethiopia Safe for Travel?
Safety and Security | Descriptive |
---|---|
Crime | Risk present |
Terrorism | Risk present |
Demonstrations and civil unrest | Risk of violence; Avoid Amhara and Oromia regions |
Road safety | Secondary roads are in poor condition; Overland travel is unsafe |
Public transportation | Unregulated and unsafe |
Women’s safety | Risk present |
Borders with Sudan/South Sudan/Gambella region | AVOID ALL TRAVEL |
Border with Eritrea/Somali/ Danakil Desert/Erta Ale Volcano | AVOID ALL TRAVEL |
Border with Kenya | AVOID ALL TRAVEL |
Health | Polio, Cholera and Chikungunya warning |
Risk level | High degree of caution |
Do I Need a Visa to Visit Ethiopia?
Prior to travel, make sure you check with your transportation company about any passport requirements. This is important as in some cases their regulations on passport validity may be more strict than those of the destination country. Both, a visa and a passport are required to enter Ethiopia. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of departure. Please click here for more information.Embassy of Canada to Ethiopia information
When travelling to another country, it is important to know where the Canadian embassy is located in the event of:- A legal problem
- A lost passport
- The need to report a crime
Canadian Embassy to Ethiopia
Street Address:
Old Airport Area, Nefas Silk Lafto Sub City,
Kebele 04, House No.122, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Tel.: 251 (0) 11 317 0000
Fax: 251 (0) 11 317 0040
Email: [email protected]