Which parts of Ethiopia can you visit today — and what happens to your insurance? This table summarises government advisories by region. Last checked: 2 November 2026.
| Region | Status | US State Dept | UK FCDO | Insurance consequence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Addis Ababa & the Rift Valley expressway towns Addis, Bishoftu, Adama, Hawassa (via the expressways) | Generally open | Within the overall Level 3 "Reconsider Travel" rating; not listed Do Not Travel | Expressways to Adama, Bishoftu and Hawassa are excluded from the East Shewa restrictions | Normally unaffected — still confirm with your insurer |
| Southern circuit (Arba Minch, Konso, Omo Valley) and Bale Nechisar, Dorze, Konso, Jinka, Turmi, Bale Mountains | Check by zone | Not listed Do Not Travel in the regions we read; check the current advisory text for each zone | Parts of West Guji/Guji and areas within 10 km of the Kenya border are restricted; check zone by zone | Usually unaffected, but near-border and Guji stops can be excluded — name each stop to your insurer |
| Amhara — Lalibela, Gondar, Bahir Dar, Simien Mountains Lalibela, Gondar, Bahir Dar & Lake Tana, Debark & the Simien Mountains | Advised against | Do Not Travel | Advises against travel to the whole of Amhara; the Addis–Bahir Dar road is specifically flagged | Most policies exclude claims here — get written confirmation before paying anything non-refundable |
| Tigray — Axum, Gheralta, Adigrat Axum, Gheralta rock churches, Adigrat, Mekele | Advised against | Do Not Travel | Advises against all travel to Tigray | Expect exclusion — do not book without written insurer confirmation |
| Afar — Danakil Depression, Dallol, Erta Ale Danakil Depression, Dallol, Erta Ale, Lake Afrera | Advised against | Do Not Travel for specific areas of Afar (check the exact areas on the advisory) | Against all travel within 20 km of the Eritrea border and within 50 km of Tigray; against all but essential travel to the rest of Afar | Expect exclusion; established operators have suspended departures |
| Parts of Oromia, Benishangul-Gumuz, Gambela, Somali region and border strips West/East Wollega, parts of Shewa, Metekel, Gambela, areas near Sudan/South Sudan/Kenya/Somalia borders | Advised against | Check the advisory for other restricted areas beyond the three headline regions | Advises against all travel to Gambela and to defined parts of Oromia, Benishangul-Gumuz and Somali region and to border strips | Excluded under most policies |
How to read the table
- Generally open does not mean “no advisory” — Ethiopia overall is Level 3 “Reconsider Travel” for the US.
- Check by zone means the region looks open but defined zones or border strips are restricted.
- Advised against means governments advise against travel and most insurance excludes claims there.
Before you book
- Read your own government’s advisory (links above).
- Ask your insurer in writing whether every night is covered.
- Book refundable where you can.
Related: Is Ethiopia safe? · Insurance guide · 7-day Rift Valley itinerary · Trip planner.