Ethiopia: Authorities to update entry, exit, and transit restrictions effective June 7 /update 13

Ethiopia to update entry, exit, and transit restrictions as of June 7; travelers to present digitally-verified negative COVID-19 test.

Event

Authorities in Ethiopia have issued orders updating the country's COVID-19-related entry, exit, and transit requirements. Effective June 7, all incoming travelers must produce a digital negative COVID-19 test at all ports of entry based on the African Union's Trust Guidelines and the UN-sponsored Global Haven Program. Travelers leaving Ethiopia must present a negative COVID-19 test with Trusted Travel (TT) codes that can be verified by airlines and Port Health Authorities. The existing paper-based COVID-test certificate will be invalid from July 1. According to Ethiopia's Health Ministry, the change in requirements is in response to a reported surge in forged health documents since the start of the pandemic.

International ports of entry, including Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD) and land border crossings, are open but operating at reduced levels. Heightened screenings are in effect. Travelers will be permitted to enter if they are in possession of the aforementioned negative COVID-19 test taken no later than 120 hours prior to travel arrival. Arrivals must then complete seven days of mandatory self-quarantine. Passengers with transit layovers of more than 24 hours will be taken to a designated transit hotel where they must remain pending their onward travel. Diplomats are not required to provide evidence of negative testing; however, they are expected to observe up to 14 days of self-isolation.

Domestic Measures
Public gatherings are limited to a maximum of 50 persons. Individuals are required to wear protective face coverings while in public; penalties will be applied for noncompliance. Places of worship, bars, sporting events, funerals, and cinemas are allowed to operate, albeit with certain health precautions in place.

Regional states such as Oromia, Amhara, and the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples Region (SNNPR) have also imposed local restrictions, though specific details of these directives are unclear. Additional security and travel restrictions are almost certain in Tigray Region due to ongoing hostilities between the regional and the federal governments.

The federal and regional governments could announce additional restrictions in the coming weeks, depending on disease activity; further measures may be implemented on short notice.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments. Plan for queues and delays at available shopping centers.