Travel Warning: Ethiopia

May 12, 2000

The Department of State warns U.S. citizens to consider deferring travel to Ethiopia in view of the renewed hostilities between Ethiopia and Eritrea. Travelers are further warned against all travel to the Tigray and Afar regions.

The U.S. Government and others continue to work for a negotiated solution to this conflict. Nevertheless, we cannot rule out the possibility that the hostilities could spread beyond the immediate border area and potentially cause curtailment or interruption of commercial transportation from the capital.

Although the U.S. Government will do everything possible to assist U.S. citizens in the event of an emergency, its ability to do so may become limited should the situation unexpectedly deteriorate. The Department encourages U.S. citizens residing in Ethiopia to consider the above information when determining what precautions they deem appropriate for their personal security, including departing the country should commercial transportation become limited.

In addition, U.S. citizens are warned that travel in the Somali region of Ethiopia is considered dangerous due to increasing incidents of armed banditry, and travel outside the town of Gode should not be attempted.

U.S. citizens are advised that they are strictly prohibited from taking photographs of military installations, police/military personnel, industrial facilities, government buildings and infrastructure (roads, bridges, airfields, etc.).

As always, American citizens in Ethiopia are encouraged to contact the American Citizens Services Section of the Embassy (Tel: 251-1-550-593; After-hours Tel: 251-1-552-558) to register and to obtain up-to-date information.

For further information on travel to Ethiopia, please consult the Public Announcement for Ethiopia of May 5, 2000 concerning upcoming elections, and the latest Consular Information Sheet for Ethiopia.