Things You Need To Know Before You Travel To Ethiopia

Ethiopia is landlocked in the Horn of Africa, with its capital and largest city, Addis Ababa. Eritrea borders Ethiopia to the north, Djibouti to the northeast, and Kenya to the west. The country covers an area of 1,100,000 square kilometres (420,000 sq mi).

Scholars consider Ethiopia “never colonised” because the occupation of the country by Italy from 1936 to 1941 did not result in a long-term colonial administration.

1. CLIMATE
Ethiopia’s climate is highly diverse, ranging from high rainfall in the equatorial rainforest and humidity in the south and to Afromontane regions on the summits of the Semien and Bale Mountains to desert regions in the northeast, east and southeast. Ethiopia is divided into three climatic zones: Alpine vegetated zones, also known as Dega, temperate zones (Woyna Dega), and hot zones (Qola).

According to worldometers, the current population of Ethiopia is 121,396,689 as of Friday, October 7, 2022, based on Worldometer elaboration of the latest United Nations data, with a forecast population of 205,410,675 by 2050.

2. NATURAL RESOURCES
Ethiopia is blessed with abundant natural resources such as land, minerals, and gas. Gold, copper, potash, platinum, and natural gas.

3. ETHNIC GROUP(S)
The most populous ethnic group in Ethiopia is Oromo. Others are Amhara, Somali, Tigrayan, Sidama, Gurage, Welayta, Hadiya, Afar, Gamo and others.

4. LANGUAGE

English is the most popular foreign language in the country. It is the medium of instruction in secondary and tertiary education. The country’s other widely spoken national languages include Afar, Amharic, Oromo, Somali, and Tigrinya.

5. RELIGION
Christianity is the most common religion practised in Ethiopia, the others being Islam and traditional faiths.

6. LITERACY RATE

Ethiopia is landlocked in the Horn of Africa, with its capital and largest city, Addis Ababa. Eritrea borders Ethiopia to the north, Djibouti to the northeast, and Kenya to the west. The country covers an area of 1,100,000 square kilometres (420,000 sq mi).

Scholars consider Ethiopia “never colonised” because the occupation of the country by Italy from 1936 to 1941 did not result in a long-term colonial administration.

1. CLIMATE
Ethiopia’s climate is highly diverse, ranging from high rainfall in the equatorial rainforest and humidity in the south and to Afromontane regions on the summits of the Semien and Bale Mountains to desert regions in the northeast, east and southeast. Ethiopia is divided into three climatic zones: Alpine vegetated zones, also known as Dega, temperate zones (Woyna Dega), and hot zones (Qola).

According to worldometers, the current population of Ethiopia is 121,396,689 as of Friday, October 7, 2022, based on Worldometer elaboration of the latest United Nations data, with a forecast population of 205,410,675 by 2050.

2. NATURAL RESOURCES
Ethiopia is blessed with abundant natural resources such as land, minerals, and gas. Gold, copper, potash, platinum, and natural gas.

3. ETHNIC GROUP(S)
The most populous ethnic group in Ethiopia is Oromo. Others are Amhara, Somali, Tigrayan, Sidama, Gurage, Welayta, Hadiya, Afar, Gamo and others.

4. LANGUAGE

English is the most popular foreign language in the country. It is the medium of instruction in secondary and tertiary education. The country’s other widely spoken national languages include Afar, Amharic, Oromo, Somali, and Tigrinya.

5. RELIGION
Christianity is the most common religion practised in Ethiopia, the others being Islam and traditional faiths.

6. LITERACY RATE

According to UNESCO, the adult literacy rate in 2017 was 51.77%. While the male literacy rate is 59.24%, it is 44.42% for females, demonstrating a significant inequality between the sexes.

7. FOODS
Ethiopia is a country where extreme hospitality reigns. The country has varieties of sweet delicacies. Popular foods in the country include Tibs, Injera, Shiro be Kibbe, Berbere, Kitfo, Coffee, Fir-Fir, and Doro wat.

8. VISA POLICY
According to Visaindex.com, the Ethiopian passport is currently ranked at 100, with 45 visa-free destinations with the passport.

The Republic of Ethiopia was among the 48 visa-free/ visa on arrival for Nigerians until recently when the Ethiopian Embassy suspended visa-on-arrival for Nigerians. In other words, Nigerians seeking to move to the Republic of Ethiopia will need to first and foremost obtain their visa at the Ethiopian embassy in Abuja or apply for an electronic visa (e-visa) through the country’s Immigration and Citizenship Service (ICS) portal at www.evisa.gov.et before embarking on any trip to the country.

According to the Ethiopia Visa Policy, citizens of only two nations, Kenya and Djibouti, are allowed to enter Ethiopia without a visa. However, passport holders of two hundred and thirty countries can visit Ethiopia for short trips with an e-visa.

Ethiopia Tourist E-visa

The Ethiopian Government issues a tourist visa, an electronic single-entry visa, to visitors who wish to visit the country solely for tourism or other non-business-related purposes.

Eligibility

Tourist visas are available to citizens of all countries worldwide who meet the requirements listed below.

Requirements

A copy of the following documents is required.
A recent passport-size photograph of the applicant is required.
The visa applicant’s passport must be valid for at least six months from the intended entry into Ethiopia.
Processing Time
Normally, the processing time for a tourist visa is three days. As a result, travellers should submit their application at least three days before their expected arrival date.

Validity and duration

Ethiopia tourist visa is valid for up to 90 days from the date of intended arrival in Ethiopia. If a traveller’s arrival date changes, they should contact the e-Visa Support Team at Support@evisa.gov.et to adjust the validity period of their visa.

Extension

Travellers can request an extension before their visa expires by visiting the Immigration and Citizenship Service’s headquarters (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia). Travellers who stay beyond the validity period without extending face fines and legal consequences.

HomeLatest News
Things You Need To Know Before You Travel To Ethiopia
LATEST NEWS
By Adam Mosadioluwa On Dec 14, 2022

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Ethiopia is landlocked in the Horn of Africa, with its capital and largest city, Addis Ababa. Eritrea borders Ethiopia to the north, Djibouti to the northeast, and Kenya to the west. The country covers an area of 1,100,000 square kilometres (420,000 sq mi).

Scholars consider Ethiopia “never colonised” because the occupation of the country by Italy from 1936 to 1941 did not result in a long-term colonial administration.

1. CLIMATE
Ethiopia’s climate is highly diverse, ranging from high rainfall in the equatorial rainforest and humidity in the south and to Afromontane regions on the summits of the Semien and Bale Mountains to desert regions in the northeast, east and southeast. Ethiopia is divided into three climatic zones: Alpine vegetated zones, also known as Dega, temperate zones (Woyna Dega), and hot zones (Qola).

According to worldometers, the current population of Ethiopia is 121,396,689 as of Friday, October 7, 2022, based on Worldometer elaboration of the latest United Nations data, with a forecast population of 205,410,675 by 2050.

2. NATURAL RESOURCES
Ethiopia is blessed with abundant natural resources such as land, minerals, and gas. Gold, copper, potash, platinum, and natural gas.

3. ETHNIC GROUP(S)
The most populous ethnic group in Ethiopia is Oromo. Others are Amhara, Somali, Tigrayan, Sidama, Gurage, Welayta, Hadiya, Afar, Gamo and others.

4. LANGUAGE

English is the most popular foreign language in the country. It is the medium of instruction in secondary and tertiary education. The country’s other widely spoken national languages include Afar, Amharic, Oromo, Somali, and Tigrinya.

5. RELIGION
Christianity is the most common religion practised in Ethiopia, the others being Islam and traditional faiths.

6. LITERACY RATE

According to UNESCO, the adult literacy rate in 2017 was 51.77%. While the male literacy rate is 59.24%, it is 44.42% for females, demonstrating a significant inequality between the sexes.

7. FOODS
Ethiopia is a country where extreme hospitality reigns. The country has varieties of sweet delicacies. Popular foods in the country include Tibs, Injera, Shiro be Kibbe, Berbere, Kitfo, Coffee, Fir-Fir, and Doro wat.

8. VISA POLICY
According to Visaindex.com, the Ethiopian passport is currently ranked at 100, with 45 visa-free destinations with the passport.

The Republic of Ethiopia was among the 48 visa-free/ visa on arrival for Nigerians until recently when the Ethiopian Embassy suspended visa-on-arrival for Nigerians. In other words, Nigerians seeking to move to the Republic of Ethiopia will need to first and foremost obtain their visa at the Ethiopian embassy in Abuja or apply for an electronic visa (e-visa) through the country’s Immigration and Citizenship Service (ICS) portal at www.evisa.gov.et before embarking on any trip to the country.

According to the Ethiopia Visa Policy, citizens of only two nations, Kenya and Djibouti, are allowed to enter Ethiopia without a visa. However, passport holders of two hundred and thirty countries can visit Ethiopia for short trips with an e-visa.

Ethiopia Tourist E-visa

The Ethiopian Government issues a tourist visa, an electronic single-entry visa, to visitors who wish to visit the country solely for tourism or other non-business-related purposes.

Eligibility

Tourist visas are available to citizens of all countries worldwide who meet the requirements listed below.

Requirements

A copy of the following documents is required.
A recent passport-size photograph of the applicant is required.
The visa applicant’s passport must be valid for at least six months from the intended entry into Ethiopia.
Processing Time

Normally, the processing time for a tourist visa is three days. As a result, travellers should submit their application at least three days before their expected arrival date.

Validity and duration

Ethiopia tourist visa is valid for up to 90 days from the date of intended arrival in Ethiopia. If a traveller’s arrival date changes, they should contact the e-Visa Support Team at Support@evisa.gov.et to adjust the validity period of their visa.

Extension

Travellers can request an extension before their visa expires by visiting the Immigration and Citizenship Service’s headquarters (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia). Travellers who stay beyond the validity period without extending face fines and legal consequences.

Steps of Applying for an Ethiopian Visa Online (Ethiopia eVisa)

Select the type of visa you require.
Enter your trip information (arrival, departure, and accommodation)
Enter your personal information (name, age, nationality, profession, address, etc.)
Please include any supporting documents (scanned picture of yourself, scanned copy of your passport and electronic copies of the documents related to your purpose of travel.)
Make the Ethiopia Visa fee payment.
Wait for the eVisa to be processed. The Ethiopia eVisa is usually processed within three days.
Once your Ethiopia eVisa application is approved, the immigration office will notify the applicant via email.
Visa fee

Before you can process your eVisa application, you have to make the visa fee payment. The Ethiopia eVisa fees are:

1.Single-entry, 30-day visa: $52
2.Single-entry, 90-day visa: $72

9. TOP ATTRACTION CENTRES
Ethiopia is a country blessed with many fascinating attraction centres. Let’s explore some of the places according to a list of crazy tourists.

1. Danakil Depression

The Danakil Depression is located on the border between Ethiopia and Eritrea. It is officially one of the driest and hottest places on the planet.

With temperatures regularly reaching 50 degrees or higher, it’s easy to see why. It is a strange land strewn with active volcanoes, salted basins, hot springs, and a lava lake, all of which combine to create a lunar-like landscape.

It is Africa’s lowest point and the world’s second lowest point, sitting below sea level (after the Dead Sea).

2. Lalibela

Everyone who visits Lalibela is completely taken aback. This mediaeval settlement was intended to be a second Jerusalem, and its current residents are proud of this distinction.

Lalibela is situated in the centre of a large church complex made entirely of rock.

The settlement has 11 monolithic and grand churches, all built by King Lalibela as early as the 12th century.

The churches are notable for their architectural design, as they are dug into the ground.

St George’s Cathedral is the most famous and beautiful. A breathtaking sight.

3. Harar

This holy, historical, and fortified city is a fascinating maze of narrow alleyways. It has Africa’s oldest Islamic city, built in the early 16th century.

It was once a commercial link between Africa and the Middle East, and it is now an enchanting lost-in-time city known for its impressive walls and centuries-old buildings.

Within the city, there are approximately 99 mosques. The nightly ritual of feeding the hyenas on the city’s outskirts is a popular attraction.

4. Babile Elephant Sanctuary

Only about 1,000 elephants remain in Ethiopia, with the Babile Elephant Sanctuary housing the largest and most visible herd.

Babile, a short drive from Harar, is also home to gazelles, lions, leopards, cheetahs, and an abundance of exotic birds.

The scenery changes from rocky outcrops to lovely tree-dotted landscapes.

There are approximately 400 elephants, and you will enjoy the daily walking safaris.

5. The rift valley

The Rift Valley comprises seven lakes, each with its distinct personality. The route includes beautiful lakes, hot springs, and interesting wildlife.

If you’ve come to Africa to see the wildlife, the Rift Valley will not disappoint. Tourists and locals enjoy spending time near hot springs for their therapeutic benefits and as a great way to unwind.

6. The Blue Nile Fall

The Nile River is Africa’s longest, with two tributaries: the White Nile and the Blue Nile.

The Blue Nile begins in Ethiopia, and along its course are the Blue Nile Falls, which rival Niagara Falls.

The scenery here is truly breathtaking, about 90 minutes from Bahar Dar. During the rainy season, the falls are about 45 metres high and are known locally as Tis Abbay, or “great smoke.”

7. The Omo Valley

It has a fascinating look at Ethiopia’s tribal peoples. The villages in the Lower Omo Valley, like the Maasai in Kenya, have not been influenced by the outside world. Here, you will have the privilege of interacting with people from cultures that are vastly different from your own.

8. Gondor

Ethiopia’s 18th century was Gondar, where Emperor Fasiladas built his fairy tale castles. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is now a wonderful museum complex showcasing the country’s emperors’ last centuries.

9. Addis Ababa

Because the African Union is headquartered here, it might as well be considered Africa’s capital.

Addis Abeba has Africa’s largest market, incredible cathedrals, churches, and mosques, and the museum that houses Lucy, the world’s oldest known humanoid.

For the surrounding locals, Addis Ababa is a magical place with gold-paved streets; for visitors, it is the ideal blend of traditional and modern Ethiopia.

10. Aksum

Aksum is a folklore-rich region, one of Africa’s oldest cities and is thought to have been the home of the Queen of Sheba and the final resting place of the Ark of the Covenant.

You can Visit the Northern Stelea Field to see the ancient Aksumite Obelisks and look over the walls of the St Mary of Zion Church Complex, where the Ark is said to be kept.

10. COST OF LIVING
According to livingcost.org, the cost of living in Ethiopia is $732, which is 1.27 times less expensive than the world average. Ethiopia ranked 114th out of 197 countries by the cost of living and the 149th best country to live in.

11. ACCOMMODATION
In Ethiopia, there are many accommodation alternatives. These could be hotels, apartments, flats, etc. On average, the rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Ethiopia’s city centre costs $351, whereas a similar apartment outside the city centre costs around $157.

12. MINIMUM WAGE
There is no official national minimum wage. The minimum wage exists only for public sector workers, around 420 birrs ($22). Some Government institutions also set their minimum wages.

13. CURRENCY
The country’s official currency is the Ethiopian Birr (ETB). The Ethiopian Birr is subdivided into santim; 100 santim = 1 ETB. Br is the symbol used for the Birr.

14. WORKING HOURS
Government offices are open 39 hours a week. Monday through Thursday, 8.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. (with a one-hour lunch break), and Fridays, 11.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m.

15. JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR FOREIGNERS
Teaching the English language might be an employment option in Ethiopia if you are a native speaker. You can search for jobs in Ethiopia on job sites such as ex-pats, Ethiojobs, overseas jobs, Go abroad, and Linkedin.

16. WORK PERMIT
Your employers must demonstrate to the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs that you, as an employee from outside the country, possess the qualifications required for the position. You will also be required to submit some documents during the application process.

17. TRANSPORTATION
Ethiopia has a variety of transportation alternatives for moving about the country. The bus is the most popular means of transportation, which could be a luxurious, ordinary bus or minibus. Others include Trains, planes, and taxis.

18. CRIME AND SECURITY
According to the 2021 statistics on the organised crime rate in Africa by statista.com, the Republic of Ethiopia is placed at number 35th out of 54 countries with a 4.83 index out of 10, while the Democratic Republic of the Congo had the highest organised crime index on the list, scoring 7.7 points.

In Ethiopia, crime takes many forms, from petty theft to homicide. High unemployment and a lack of basic amenities such as food, shelter, and education are all motivators for a crime. Ethiopia’s rapid population growth has also contributed to increased crime rates. The Crime rate in Ethiopia is, however, minimal compared to that of other African countries.

19. HOW TO ENSURE SAFETY
Be cautious if approached by strangers seeking assistance; criminal gangs are known to use distraction techniques such as begging or pretending to be ill. Take extra precautions when visiting crowded public places, especially late at night. Also, only move around with a large sum of money or valuables at odd hours.

(Tribune Online)

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