Airport
Your arrival will be at Addis Ababa (ADD), Bole airport ,the main airport which is used for international connections. There is also local flight service to tourist destination sites and major cities from this air port.
Entry Requirements
A valid passport is required by all visitors and a visa is required for all foreign visitors, except for citizens of Kenya, Djibouti and Sudan. Visas may be obtained by application to the nearest Ethiopian diplomatic mission, or to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Addis Ababa.
Customs
Personal belongings are admitted free actually with some limitation on the amount. Cameras, computers and major electrical items should be declared on arrival.
Photography
While the scenic beauty of Ethiopia makes it a photographer’s paradise, it is prohibited to take photographs of military or strategic buildings. It will be kind to ask permissoin of individuals before taking picture of them. Photographic for commerical purpose needs permit from Ministry of information. Some tourist destinations like parks, museums etc might charge extra for photographs or filmging.
Currency
The Ethiopian Birr (ETB) is the national currency. There is a 100 birr note, 50b birr note, 10 birr note, 5 birr note, 1 birr coin and 1 birr note to be deprecated. 50 cent coin, 25 cents coin, 10cent coin, 5 cent coin and rairly seen 1 cent coin are used in the daily transaction in Ethiopia.
Banking
Up on arrival at the airport, you will find bank service at the terminal for currency exchange. This service is also available at other places including hotels in Addis Ababa.
Communications
Telephone, internet, mobile telephone, postal and fax facilities are available in most main towns. The IDD code for Ethiopia is +251.
Medical Facilities
When planning to visit Ethiopia, every individual is required to possess a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. Vaccination against cholera is also required if a person has visited a cholera-infected area within six days prior to arrival in Ethiopia. Vacination against hepatitis is also recommended. Malaria is endemic in some parts of low land areas, hence visitors should take recommended medication before and after travel to Ethiopia. It is also advisable for visitors to bring sufficient supplies of any drugs that they need regularly.
Electricity
Electrical supply is generally 220 volts 50 cycles AC.
Time
Ethiopia is in GMT+3 time zone. Ethiopia has 12 hours of day light and 12 hours of night. Telling hour in Ethiopia is as follows: It is 1:00 o’clock local time in the morning, 6:00 o’clock local time at noon and 6:00 o’clock local time midnight.
Admission Fees
There are admission fees to most historic sites and National Parks.
Public Holidays
Ethiopia’s Sabbath is Sunday. The Ethiopian Orthodox Church and Islamic community celebrate many holy days throughout the year. There are also ohter public holidays.
Driving
Ethiopia drives on the right. A valid international driving license is required. Car rental service is available in Addis Ababa for tour and other purposes.
What to wear
Wear according to the weather at the time of planed visit and also the place you are planning to visit.
Traditional courtesies
Shoes are often taken off on entering churches, and always on entering mosques.
Language
The official language of Ethiopia is Amharic. English will be a preferable language for communication in Ethiopia for foreigners. However, depending on the area of visit, Arabic, French and Italian can also be used.
