Addis Ababa Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Addis Ababa.
Healthcare System
Addis Ababa has a mix of public and private healthcare facilities, with the private sector offering significantly better quality care for those who can afford it. The public healthcare system is often overcrowded and under-resourced, while private hospitals and clinics cater to expatriates, diplomats, and tourists with higher standards of care.
Hospitals
Recommended private hospitals for tourists include Hayat Hospital (Bole area), Landmark Hospital (near Bole International Airport), Korean Hospital (CMC area), and St. Gabriel Hospital. These facilities have English-speaking staff and accept international patients. Always call ahead or have your hotel arrange visits.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are widely available throughout Addis Ababa, with many clustered around Bole, Piazza, and Merkato areas. Common medications are available, but specific brands may differ from Western countries. Bring prescription medications from home as availability cannot be guaranteed. Counterfeit medications can be an issue, so use reputable pharmacies recommended by hotels or embassies.
Insurance
Travel insurance with comprehensive medical coverage and emergency evacuation is strongly recommended and may be required for visa applications. Ensure your policy covers medical evacuation to Kenya or Europe, as serious conditions cannot be adequately treated locally.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring a complete supply of any prescription medications in original packaging with prescriptions
- Carry contact information for your embassy and your insurance company's emergency assistance number
- Consider altitude sickness prevention if you're arriving from low-altitude areas; the city sits at 2,355 meters
- Drink only bottled or purified water to avoid waterborne illnesses
- Ensure routine vaccinations are up to date and consider hepatitis A, typhoid, and yellow fever vaccines
- Private hospitals often require upfront payment or proof of insurance before treatment
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing and bag snatching are the most common crimes affecting tourists, particularly in crowded areas, markets, and on public transportation. Thieves often work in groups to distract victims while accomplices steal belongings.
While violent crime against tourists is relatively rare, opportunistic mugging can occur, especially after dark in poorly lit areas or when walking alone. Incidents increase during evening hours and in less-traveled neighborhoods.
Traffic in Addis Ababa is chaotic with poor road conditions, limited traffic enforcement, aggressive driving, and pedestrians, livestock, and vehicles sharing roads. Traffic accidents are common and represent a significant risk to travelers.
Addis Ababa sits at 2,355 meters (7,726 feet) above sea level, which can cause altitude sickness in some visitors, particularly those arriving from sea level. Symptoms include headaches, nausea, fatigue, and shortness of breath.
Ethiopia has experienced periodic political tensions, and protests or demonstrations can occur in Addis Ababa, sometimes with little warning. While most protests are peaceful, they can turn violent and may result in road closures or curfews.
Traveler's diarrhea and other foodborne illnesses are common due to different food preparation standards and water quality. Contaminated water, unwashed produce, and undercooked food pose risks.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Individuals approach tourists offering unsolicited help, directions, or tour guide services, then demand payment or lead tourists to shops where they receive commission. Some may become aggressive if refused payment.
Friendly locals invite tourists to experience a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony at their home, which is then followed by demands for excessive payment or pressure to buy overpriced goods or 'charity' donations.
Scammers claim to represent orphanages or charities and request donations or ask tourists to buy supplies from specific shops (where prices are inflated and the scammer gets a cut).
Unlicensed or dishonest taxi drivers quote inflated prices, take unnecessarily long routes, claim the meter is broken, or insist on payment in foreign currency at unfavorable rates.
Black market money changers offer attractive rates but use sleight of hand to shortchange tourists, provide counterfeit notes, or work with accomplices who pose as police to confiscate the money.
One person creates a distraction (spilling something on you, asking for help, starting an argument) while accomplices steal bags, wallets, or phones.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Money and Valuables
- Use hotel safes for passports, extra cash, and valuables you don't need daily
- Carry only the cash you need for the day in different pockets or bags
- Keep a photocopy of your passport separate from the original
- Use ATMs inside banks or hotels during business hours, never at night
- Be discreet when handling money; don't display large amounts in public
- Credit cards are accepted in major hotels and some restaurants, but cash is essential
- Inform your bank of travel plans to avoid card blocks
Transportation
- Use ride-hailing apps (Ride, FERES) or hotel-arranged taxis for reliable transport
- Avoid public minibuses unless you're experienced with local transport systems
- Always wear seatbelts; insist the driver does too
- Avoid traveling between cities after dark due to poor road conditions and security concerns
- Keep car doors locked and windows up, especially in traffic
- Have your destination written in Amharic to show drivers if needed
- For airport transfers, arrange pickup through your hotel in advance
Accommodation
- Stay in reputable hotels in safer neighborhoods like Bole, Old Airport area, or near embassies
- Ensure your room has working locks and use the door chain or deadbolt
- Don't open doors to unexpected visitors; verify identity through hotel reception
- Keep ground floor windows locked, especially at night
- Know the location of emergency exits in your hotel
- Store the hotel's business card with address in Amharic for taxi returns
Photography
- Never photograph military installations, government buildings, airports, or police
- Ask permission before photographing people, especially in religious sites
- Be respectful when photographing in churches, mosques, or during religious ceremonies
- Avoid displaying expensive camera equipment in crowded areas
- Be aware that some people may request payment for photographs
- Sensitive locations may result in confiscation of equipment or detention if photographed
Health and Hygiene
- Wash hands frequently or use hand sanitizer, especially before eating
- Drink only bottled water; check seals are intact when purchasing
- Avoid raw vegetables unless you can peel them yourself
- Eat at busy restaurants where food turnover is high
- Bring anti-diarrheal medication and oral rehydration salts
- Be cautious with dairy products and ensure meat is well-cooked
- Consider bringing a basic first aid kit with bandages, antiseptic, and pain relievers
Communication
- Purchase a local SIM card (Ethio Telecom) for reliable communication
- Save important numbers including your embassy, hotel, and emergency contacts
- Download offline maps before traveling as internet can be unreliable
- Learn basic Amharic phrases; English is widely spoken in tourist areas but not everywhere
- Keep your phone charged and consider a portable charger for long days out
- Be aware that internet and phone services can be disrupted during political tensions
- WhatsApp and other messaging apps work well when internet is available
Cultural Sensitivity
- Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites; cover shoulders and knees
- Remove shoes when entering churches, mosques, and some homes
- The left hand is considered unclean; use your right hand for eating and greeting
- Respect religious practices; Ethiopia is predominantly Orthodox Christian and Muslim
- Avoid public displays of affection, which are considered inappropriate
- Friday is the Muslim holy day and Sunday is observed by Christians; some services may be limited
- During fasting periods (especially Lent), many restaurants may have limited menus
Document Security
- Carry a photocopy of your passport and visa, keep originals in hotel safe
- Have digital copies of important documents stored in secure cloud storage
- Register with your embassy upon arrival for emergency notifications
- Keep a list of credit card numbers and emergency contact numbers separately
- Ensure your passport has at least 6 months validity beyond your travel dates
- Make copies of your travel insurance policy and keep emergency assistance numbers accessible
- If your passport is lost or stolen, report to police and your embassy immediately
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Women travelers generally report feeling safe in Addis Ababa, though they may experience unwanted attention, staring, and occasional verbal harassment, particularly if traveling alone. Ethiopian culture is generally conservative, and foreign women may attract curiosity. Most interactions are harmless, but women should take standard precautions and be assertive when needed. Solo female travelers are becoming more common, and many visit without incident.
- Dress modestly to blend in and avoid unwanted attention; cover shoulders and knees, avoid tight or revealing clothing
- Wear a wedding ring (real or fake) and mention a husband if asked about marital status, as this can deter unwanted advances
- Avoid walking alone after dark; use registered taxis or ride-hailing apps
- Be firm and assertive if declining unwanted attention; don't feel obligated to be overly polite
- Consider joining group tours or finding travel companions for certain activities
- Book accommodations in safer neighborhoods like Bole or near the Old Airport area
- Trust your instincts; if a situation feels uncomfortable, remove yourself from it
- Keep your phone charged and have emergency contacts readily available
- Be cautious in crowded areas where inappropriate touching can occur; carry bags in front of you
- Connect with other female travelers through hotel networks or online travel communities
- Avoid accepting drinks from strangers and keep your drink in sight at bars or restaurants
- Learn basic Amharic phrases for 'leave me alone' and 'no thank you'
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is illegal in Ethiopia under Article 629 of the Criminal Code, with penalties including imprisonment. Same-sex relationships, both male and female, can result in legal consequences ranging from fines to imprisonment of up to 15 years.
- Exercise extreme discretion; avoid any public displays of affection or discussion of sexual orientation
- Do not attempt to visit LGBTQ+ venues as there is no established LGBTQ+ scene in Addis Ababa
- Be cautious about sharing personal information regarding sexual orientation or gender identity
- Use dating apps with extreme caution, as there have been reports of entrapment and blackmail
- Consider the legal risks before traveling; consult your embassy about protections available if detained
- Book hotel rooms as 'friends' or 'colleagues' rather than as a couple
- Be aware that hotels may refuse to provide double beds to same-sex couples
- Research LGBTQ+-friendly countries in the region if you need support or safe spaces
- Register with your embassy and ensure they have your contact information
- Have a contingency plan and know your embassy's location and contact information
- Consider travel insurance that covers legal assistance
- Be mindful that local laws apply to visitors regardless of their home country's laws
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential for visiting Addis Ababa due to limited medical facilities, the potential need for medical evacuation, risk of trip disruptions from civil unrest, and the possibility of theft or lost belongings. Ethiopia's healthcare system cannot handle serious medical emergencies, making evacuation coverage critical. Political situations can change rapidly, potentially requiring trip cancellation or early departure.
Travel insurance for adventurous travelers • Coverage in 200+ countries