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Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Dial 907 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

• check the latest
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the

See , including:

• yellow fever
• malaria and dengue
• schistosomiasis
• Zika virus

Malaria is common in areas of the country up to 2,000 metres above sea level. Addis Ababa sits at 2,400m but a number of sites popular with tourists are below 2,000m.

Bilharzia is present in the vast majority of lakes in Ethiopia � check before swimming.

Water-borne diseases are common. Drink or use only boiled or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks.

»Ê¹ÚÌåÓýappre is an ongoing outbreak of cholera in the south of Ethiopia, and new cases have been reported in the north-west of the country. 

Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Ethiopia, including Addis Ababa. has more information.

Medication

»Ê¹ÚÌåÓýapp legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read .

Healthcare in Ethiopia

Only private hospitals in Addis Ababa offer a reasonable standard of basic care for minor health problems. Dentistry is especially scarce. Ambulance services are also limited. Outside the capital, medical facilities are extremely poor. Carry a comprehensive medical pack when travelling out of Addis Ababa. 

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Ethiopia where some staff will speak English.

»Ê¹ÚÌåÓýappre is also guidance on healthcare if you’re living in Ethiopia.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. »Ê¹ÚÌåÓýappre is also .