Getting here
Flight info
- Bole Airport in Addis Ababa is currently Ethiopia’s only international airport.
Airlines include BMI www.flybmi.com , EgyptAir www.egyptair.com , Emirates www.emirates.com , Ethiopian Airlines www.flyethiopian.com , KLM www.klm.com , Kenya Airways www.kenya-airways.com , Lufthansa www.lufthansa.com , Saudi Arabian Airlines www.saudiairlines.com , Sudan Airways www.sudanair.com , Turkish Airlines www.turkishairlines.com, and Yemenia www.yemenia.com Note: The only direct Ethiopian Airlines flight from North America departs from Washington DC, so most American and Canadian travelers will transfer in Europe.
Overland routes
- Djibouti: Daily buses are available, crossing at Gelile and Galafi. The crossing is straightforward, but neither Ethiopian nor Djibouti visas are available at the border and must be obtained in advance.
- Kenya: There is a straightforward border crossing at Moyale – check the current safety situation prior to taking this route as tribal fighting can make traveling through this region dangerous. Kenyan visas are available at the border, but Ethiopian visas must be obtained in advance.
- Somaliland and Sudan: Overland border crossings do exist, but due to safety issues and the difficulties of obtaining visas, travelers should do their research and take precautions if taking this route.
- Eritrea: The Ethiopia-Eritrea border is closed and visitors should avoid traveling within 10km of it.
Visas
- Visas are required for almost all foreign nationals. Those arriving at Bole Airport can purchase a visa for US$20 on arrival (note: US dollars must be used). No Ethiopian visas are issued at the land borders so travelers entering via this route should contact their Ethiopian Embassy in advance.