Ethiopia

Singaporeans are required to apply for a visa before travelling to Ethiopia. There should be at least six months' validity on your passport on the expected date of departure from Ethiopia. Travellers are advised to contact their travel agent or the Honorary Consulate-General of Ethiopia in Singapore for the latest information.

Civil unrest can escalate quickly and turn violent. Be aware that security forces may not be able to respond to incidents adequately. Exercise caution, avoid protest areas, monitor developments through the local news, and heed the instructions of the local authorities.

Street crime, including pickpocketing and snatch thefts, does occur. These crimes may be carried out by small children. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash and wearing jewellery. Do not travel alone at night. Due to the prevalence of HIV/AIDS, victims of sexual assault should seek medical attention immediately.

Ethiopia is a conservative society. Dress and behave modestly and be sensitive to the local customs. Fasting is a common occurrence and food may not always be available in smaller restaurants and hotels.

It is illegal to possess ivory products and this can result in heavy fines. It is illegal to export items of historical or cultural significance. The export of precious stones is restricted. Check with local authorities if in doubt.

Prior to your travel, consult your doctor for travel health advice regarding vaccinations required or recommended and purchase comprehensive travel insurance.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there is a risk of yellow fever transmission in Ethiopia. To fully protect yourself against yellow fever during your travels, you are advised to receive the yellow fever vaccination 10 days before your travels. All travellers, including Singapore residents, who arrive in Singapore from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission (i.e. regardless of area, city or region) are required to have a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate and present it to the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officer at the immigration counter upon arrival to Singapore.

The International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is only considered valid 10 days after vaccination and the validity lasts for the life of the person vaccinated.

Travellers without a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (e.g. unvaccinated individuals, including those who are ineligible to receive the vaccination, such as children aged 1 year old and below and individuals with contraindications, and travellers whose certificate has yet to become valid), are liable to be quarantined under Section 31 of the Infectious Disease Act for six days from date of departure from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission. Quarantine must be served at designated vector-free government quarantine facilities. Non-residents who refuse quarantine will be denied entry into Singapore.

Please refer to MOH website https://www.cda.gov.sg/public/health-and-safety-abroad more information on yellow fever.

Please refer to MFA’s general travel advice for Singaporeans before you travel overseas.