What You Need to Know Before Visiting Ethiopia?
Whether you’re planning an adventure through Ethiopia’s historical sites, exploring the Danakil Depression, or attending colorful cultural festivals, this guide offers all the essential travel tips, plus a calendar of national holidays that may enhance your trip.
Climate & What to Pack
Highlands
Warm days, cool nights (8°C–28°C)
Lowlands
Very hot, can exceed 50°C
Rainy Season
Jun - Sep (north)
Apr–Oct (south)
Transportation & Connectivity
Air Flights
Ethiopian Airlines offers reliable service to all major tourist cities.
Roads
Extensive asphalt roads now connect most popular destinations.
Rail
The Addis Ababa–Djibouti railway is under renovation.
Internet
Available in most cities and tourist towns. Limited in rural areas like the Omo Valley.
Food & Drinks
- Ethiopia’s cuisine is delicious and diverse. The staple food, injera, is served with a variety of stews (meat & vegetarian).
- Coffee: Don’t miss the traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony!
- Drinks: Tej (honey wine), Tella (local beer), and Areki (grain liquor) are widely available.
Visas
Most travelers need a visa to enter Ethiopia, which can be obtained:
Online (e-visa): www.evisa.gov.et
30-day visa: $82
90-day visa: $102
On Arrival: For many nationalities at Bole International Airport
Exempt: Kenya & Djibouti citizens
Money & Currency
To check realtime exchange rate: www.nbe.gov.et
- Currency: Ethiopian Birr (ETB)
- USD, EUR, GBP major accepted currencies
- Visa/MasterCard accepted in major cities
- Atms are Available in cities, but unreliable in rural areas
💡 Keep your currency exchange receipts, required to change Birr back before departure.
Public Holidays in Ethiopia
Ethiopia follows its own Julian calendar, which is 7 – 8 years behind the Gregorian calendar. Holidays are deeply rooted in Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity and are often marked with vibrant festivals and traditional ceremonies.
Ethiopia follows its own Julian calendar, which is 7–8 years behind the Gregorian calendar. Holidays are deeply rooted in Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity and are often marked with vibrant festivals and traditional ceremonies.
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