Millennium Challenge Series #16: British Travel Advise in Ethiopia- Can the Millennium Survive This?

Dear Patriotic Ethiopians and Friends of Ethiopia:

As we plan to celebrate the Millennium in Ethiopia, security and travel restrictions continue to be the challenge for Ethiopians and Friends of Ethiopia.

The recent Dallol Depression kidnappings of British and Ethiopian Citizens have left a serious negative mark on the potentially blooming tourism industry in Ethiopia. However, we have to be cognizant of the region's challenges as home to diverse cultural and geopolitical center where the African, Asian and European continents meet.

As the population explodes and resources continue to be limited and fair trade in the Coffee Market becomes a serious challenge, the poulation will seek for alternative economic and cultural engagement. The current travel notice by the British Government is accurate, yet needs to be addressed by all concerned citizens to ensure that the Horn reverts back to an ocean of security, peace and prosperity.

Active productive engagement is the only solution. As such we still recommend people to travel and create the much needed economic and cultural diversity to reave up the engine of thriving economy.

As we plan to travel to the Horn, we need to be aware about the opportunities and challenges and the following is a factual statement to provide us guidance on how to navigate the region.

Please use this web site and attached information to your advantage as you plan to celebrate the Millennium in Ethiopia and the Horn.

Let us turn all our challenges into opportunities and the current travel advisory is an issue to address in the coming Millennium.

With our prayers for those Ethiopians still in the hands of the Shabia manipulated ARDF rebels. May the Lord protect them and comfort their loved ones in these trying times.

Hoping to learn of better news to come, I remain;

in prayer and hope for freedom of abudcted Ethiopians!

Belai Habte-Jesus, MD, MPH
Global Strategic Enterprises, Inc
Partners for Peace and Prosperity
www.SolomonicCrown.org; www.globalbelai4u.blogspot.com
Globalbelai@yahoo.com

Still Current at: 16 March 2007
Updated: 16 March 2007


Ethiopia


This advice has been reviewed and reissued with an amendment to the Summary and Local Travel section. The overall level of the advice has not changed.


SUMMARY


We advise against all travel to the Afar and Danakil regions of north eastern Ethiopia. On 1 March 2007, thirteen people including a group of western tourists and their tour guides were abducted by an armed group near Lake Asele in the Danakil Depression region in North Eastern Ethiopia. Five of those abducted were released on 13 March.


We also advise against all travel within 20 kms of the Eritrean border in the Tigray and Afar regions at any time, which remain predominantly military zones. The Ethiopia/Eritrea border remains closed. On 16 October 2006, the UN Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea reported that Eritrean troops have moved troops and tanks into the Temporary Security Zone (TSZ) separating the two countries. The situation is very tense and could deteriorate extremely rapidly.


We advise against all travel to the Gambella Region at any time, where continuing unrest and sporadic violence has led to many deaths since December 2003. On 11 June 2006, there was an attack on a bus outside Gambella in which a number of people are believed to have been killed. The situation remains tense.


We advise against crossing the Ethiopia/Somalia border by road at any time, and against all travel in the area east of the Harar to Gode line. The outbreak of conflict in Somalia could increase the risk of conflict in Somali Regional State.


Since the mid-1990's, Somali groups affiliated with terrorist organisations have clashed with government forces in the border states, particularly in the Ogaden region. They may also occasionally operate within the Oromiya, and Afar regions. A number of explosions have occurred in Jijiga, most recently on 3 September 2006.


There is a high threat from terrorism in Ethiopia; attacks could be against civilian targets including places frequented by foreigners.


Following serious disturbances in Addis Ababa in late 2005, the situation remains unpredictable and there are continued reports of incidents, often involving educational establishments. There were explosions in Addis Ababa on 12 May 2006, resulting in four deaths and 43 injured. See the Terrorism section of this travel advice for more details.


You should remain extremely vigilant at all times if in public places and you should avoid any public demonstrations or large gatherings of people.


If you are visiting Ethiopia either on a long or short-term basis, you should register with the British Embassy in Addis Ababa on arrival. Full details are on the Embassy website, see below.


Around 8,000 British tourists visit Ethiopia each year. The main type of incident for which British nationals require consular assistance in Ethiopia is for lost passports/stolen property.


We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake. Please see: Travel Insurance.


SAFETY AND SECURITY


Terrorism/Security

There is a high threat from terrorism in Ethiopia. Attacks could occur throughout the country and be against civilian targets and places frequented by foreigners.

We advise against all travel to the Gambella Region. Continuing unrest and sporadic violence has led to many deaths since December 2003, when a number of UN personnel were ambushed and killed. On 11 June 2006, there was an attack on a bus travelling from Addis Ababa to Gambella, which resulted in a number of deaths. The situation remains unpredictable.

Explosive devices, such as grenades, are readily obtainable throughout Ethiopia and are occasionally used during domestic disputes. There is a risk of British nationals and other foreigners becoming indiscriminately caught up in attacks.

On 12 May 2006, there were explosions in Addis Ababa, primarily in the areas of Piazza and Mercato but also elsewhere. Four people were killed and 43 injured. This followed explosions, which occurred in various parts of Addis Ababa on 7 and 27 March 2006, killing one person and injuring 17.

According to Ethiopian police, at least one person was killed and seven wounded in Jijgia on 3 September 2006, following a grenade attack on a recreation centre. Forty-two people were also injured in Jijiga (Somali region) on 27 May 2006, following three simultaneous bomb blasts. On 15 and 16 April 2006, explosions were reported in Jijiga (Somali region) and Gedo (western Ethiopia). A number of people were killed and injured in both attacks. There has been no claim of responsibility for these attacks.

You should be aware that sabotage and derailment of trains between Ethiopia and Djibouti is possible. You are reminded to remain vigilant with your personal security and to exercise caution.

Please read "Security and General Tips" and "Risk of Terrorism when Travelling Overseas" pages of the FCO website for further information and advice.

Political Situation

Ethiopia Country Profile

General elections took place in Ethiopia in May 2005. Final results were announced in September 2005. During this time localised clashes between protestors and police in Addis Ababa resulted in over 30 deaths. Since that time serious disturbances in Addis Ababa have resulted in further deaths.

Although the violence in Addis Ababa and other towns across Ethiopia has abated, the situation remains unpredictable.

Further politically-motivated violence, whether in Addis Ababa or elsewhere in Ethiopia, could flare up at any time. In September and October 2006, in Jimma Zone, Agaro town, clashes between Christians and Muslims reportedly resulted in a number of deaths.

You are advised to remain prudent and keep a low profile, avoid public demonstrations and large crowds and remain vigilant in public places throughout the country.

Crime

Petty theft/mugging is common particularly in the Piazza or Mercato areas of Addis Ababa and is on the increase in other areas. Keep valuables, particularly cameras and passports out of sight. Be aware of bag and jewellery snatching, pick-pocketing and opportunistic snatching from vehicles stopped at traffic lights in Addis Ababa.

Banditry is a problem along border areas, particularly with Somalia.

Local Travel

We advise against all travel to the Gambella Region following continuing unrest in the area that has resulted in many deaths (see Terrorism/Security section above).

We advise against all travel to the Afar and Danakil regions of north eastern Ethiopia. On 1 March 2007, thirteen people including a group of western tourists and their tour guides were abducted by an armed group near lake Asele in the Danakil Depression region in North Eastern Ethiopia. Five of those abducted were released on 13 March.

We advise against all travel within 20kms of the Eritrean border in the Tigray and Afar regions, which remain a predominantly military zone. On 16 October 2006, the UN Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE) reported that Eritrean troops have moved troops and tanks into the Temporary Security Zone (TSZ) separating the two countries. Tensions are increasing and the border remains closed. There is also a strict no fly zone in force between Ethiopia and Eritrea. Eritrea has recently extended the ban to UN aircraft operating within Eritrea. The border is closed and the situation remains very volatile and could deteriorate rapidly.

We advise against crossing the Ethiopia/Somalia border by road, and against all travel in the area east of the Harar to Gode line because of the instability in Somalia. Since the mid-1990's, insurgent groups, some affiliated with terrorist organisations have clashed with government forces in the Somali regional state, particularly in the Ogaden region. They may also occasionally operate within the Oromiya, and Afar regions.On 20 September 2006, ICRC confirmed that two aid workers were kidnapped near Gode who were subsequently released. It is not clear who was responsible for the abduction.

We advise particular caution if travelling in the Kenya/Ethiopia border region. If crossing into Kenya or Sudan, keep to the main road and seek advice from local authorities about travelling in convoy. If travelling overland to Kenya via Moyale, we recommend that you also consult the FCO Travel Advice for Kenya.

Independent travellers should keep themselves abreast of local and international news. Avoid driving after dark in rural areas: vehicles often have no lights and livestock may be roaming the roads.


LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS


The Ethiopian Highlands are predominantly Orthodox Christian with ‘fasting’ each Wednesday, Friday and during Lent when only vegetarian dishes are available (except in larger hotels). The Julian calendar is used and the current year is 1999. Christmas is celebrated on 7 January and New Year on 11 September. Some Ethiopians set their clocks from dawn to dusk and there is a six-hour difference between Ethiopian time and Western time i.e. 6 o’clock can mean 12 o’clock. So take care when making appointments.

There is a large Muslim population and generally Ethiopians dress in a conservative manner. You should respect local customs and sensitivities at all times, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas.

Ethiopian antiques need an export certificate to be taken out of the country. Major tourist outlets in Addis Ababa can offer assistance in obtaining one.

Male homosexual behaviour is illegal and carries a penalty of up to five years imprisonment. Although there is no provision under Ethiopian law for lesbianism there is the presumption that the punishment would be the same.

Drug offences are treated seriously in Ethiopia. You should not become involved with drugs of any kind.


ENTRY REQUIREMENTS


British nationals require a visa to enter Ethiopia. If you are flying into Ethiopia for as a tourist you may obtain your visa on arrival at Addis Ababa (Bole) and Dire Dawa International airports. If you are arriving by other means, or at another airport, you must obtain a visa prior to arrival, even when travelling from countries without an Ethiopian Embassy or Mission. Visa applicants in the United Kingdom should contact the Ethiopian representation in the UK. Penalties for overstaying your visa can be severe. Yellow Fever vaccination certificates may be required for visitors from countries where it is endemic.

Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country, or in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country. For further information on exactly what will be required at immigration, please contact the Ethiopian representation in the UK.

Since 1 November 2005, all airport departure taxes for international flights departing Ethiopia and for internal flights within Ethiopia are no longer collected on departure as they are now included in the price of airline tickets.


HEALTH


You should ensure that you obtain adequate medical insurance before arrival and carry a comprehensive medical pack when travelling up country. Medical insurance should cover the cost of air ambulance evacuation out of Ethiopia in the event of serious accident or illness. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake. Please see Travel Insurance

There are hospitals in Addis Ababa. Elsewhere medical facilities (including dentistry) are extremely poor. The British Embassy has its own medical facility, which tourists may consult in an emergency only. If you intend to take up residence in Ethiopia for a period of more than one year you may officially register their families with the Clinic.

Malaria is prevalent in areas of the country below 2000 metres. More than three-quarters of British travellers who contracted malaria in 2005 did not take preventive measures, such as malaria prevention tablets. However, malaria can occur despite appropriate prevention, and therefore you should promptly seek medical care in the event of a fever or flu-like illness in the first year following your return from travelling to a malaria risk country. Before travelling you should seek medical advice about the malaria risk in Ethiopia.

Waterborne diseases are prevalent. Since August 2006 there have been approximately 60,000 reported cases of Acute Watery Diarrhoea resulting in about 600 deaths. You should take necessary precautions including boiling water before drinking, or using bottled water. Information on food and water hygiene may be found on the NaTHNaC website: http://www.nathnac.org/pro/factsheet/food.htm

HIV/AIDS is widespread and transmission may also occur through sub-standard medical facilities.

Addis Ababa sits at 2,800 metres above sea level. Adjusting to the altitude may take several weeks. If you have a heart condition you should take advice.

You should seek medical advice before travelling and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up to date. For further information on health, check the Department of Health’s website at www.dh.gov.uk.


GENERAL


If things go wrong when overseas, please see: What We Can Do To Help

If you are visiting Ethiopia either on a long or short-term basis you should register with the British Embassy in Addis Ababa on arrival. Full details are on the Embassy website, see below. Please ensure that you keep your entry up to date.

Money

Credit cards are accepted at only a very few outlets in Addis Ababa. It is not normally possible to obtain currency advances against a credit card in Ethiopia. You should ensure you have an adequate supply of hard currency or travellers-cheques.


CONTACT DETAILS

Address: British Embassy
Comoros Street
Addis Ababa
Postal address:
PO Box 858

Telephone: (251) (11) 661 2354


Facsimile: (251) (11) 6610588
(251) (11) 6614154 Consular/Visa Section


Email: BritishEmbassy.AddisAbaba@fco.gov.uk


Office Hours: GMT:
Mon-Thurs: 0500-1330
Fri: 0500-1000
Consular/Visa Section: Mon-Fri 0530-0900

Local Time:
Mon-Thurs: 0800-1630
Fri: 0800-1300
Consular/Visa Section: Mon-Fri: 0830-1200


Website: http://www.britishembassy.gov.uk/ethiopia