Find Cheap Flights to Ethiopia and Book Your Next Adventure

This is the peak dry season, offering clear skies and pleasant temperatures, perfect for trekking and visiting historical sites.

Expect occasional short rains, but the landscape begins to turn green and lush, making for beautiful photography.

This is the main rainy season. While travel can be challenging, you can find the cheapest flights Addis Ababa during this time.

The rain stops and the country is covered in yellow Meskel flowers. It is arguably the most beautiful time to visit.

Travelers from the United Kingdom must obtain a visa to enter Ethiopia. The most efficient way is the e-Visa system, which allows you to apply and pay online before your departure. Most e-Visas are processed within 24 to 72 hours. Ensure your passport has at least two blank pages and is valid for six months beyond your stay. While visa-on-arrival was previously common at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, the e-Visa is now the preferred and more reliable method. Keep a printed copy of your e-Visa approval with your travel documents. If you plan to stay longer than 30 days, you may need to apply for a different visa category or seek an extension at the immigration office in Addis Ababa. Always verify current requirements on the official Ethiopian immigration website before your trip.

Ethiopia is a vast country, and while road travel offers stunning views, it can be slow due to mountainous terrain. For long distances, domestic flights operated by Ethiopian Airlines are the most practical choice; if you fly with them internationally, you often get a discount on domestic legs. Within cities like Addis Ababa, the Light Rail and 'blue and white' minibus taxis are common. For a more comfortable experience, use ride-hailing apps like RIDE or Feres, which are similar to Uber. Between major towns, 'Selam Bus' or 'Sky Bus' offer reliable, scheduled coach services with air conditioning. Avoid driving yourself, as road conditions and local driving habits can be challenging. Instead, hire a car with a professional driver for regional exploration. Walking is common in smaller towns, but always be aware of your surroundings in crowded market areas.

Ethiopians are known for their hospitality and deep-rooted traditions. When meeting someone, a polite handshake and a slight bow of the head are standard. If you are invited to a coffee ceremony, it is a sign of respect to stay for at least three rounds of coffee. Always use your right hand for eating and passing items, as the left hand is traditionally considered unclean. Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites; women should carry a scarf to cover their heads in churches, and everyone must remove their shoes before entering. Asking for permission before taking photos of people is essential. You might notice the Ethiopian calendar and clock are different—they follow a 12-hour cycle starting at dawn and are roughly seven years behind the Gregorian calendar. Don't be a tourist; try learning a few words of Amharic like 'Ameseginalehu' (Thank you) to build rapport with locals.

Ethiopian food is unique and meant to be shared. The staple is Injera, a sourdough flatbread made from teff flour, served with various 'wats' (stews). Try 'Doro Wat' (spicy chicken stew) or 'Beyaynetu' (a platter of various vegetarian dishes). Coffee is a point of national pride, so enjoy it at a traditional ceremony. For a unique experience, visit a 'Tej Bet' to try Tej, a local honey wine. Food is eaten with the hands by tearing off pieces of injera to scoop up the stew. To get the maximum emotions from your culinary journey, visit a traditional 'cultural restaurant' in Addis Ababa like Yod Abyssinia, where you can watch traditional dances while you eat. TICKETS.ME.UK recommends trying 'Gursha'—the act of placing a morsel of food into someone else's mouth as a gesture of friendship and respect.