Britain pulls its embassy staff out of Eritrea, calls for all UK citizens to leave
Posted: 25 Apr 2020, 13:45
Summary
Still current at: 25 April 2020 Updated: 17 April 2020 Latest update:
Updated information on the State of Emergency and updated advice for people wishing to return to the UK ('Coronavirus' and 'Return to the UK' pages)
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Coronavirus: stay up to date
Cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) have been confirmed in Ethiopia. See information on measures introduced in Ethiopia to limit the spread of the virus. Find out how to return to the UK from Ethiopia.
See coronavirus travel advice for guidance on international travel.
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The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) is advising British nationals against all non-essential international travel at this time. Existing advice for Ethiopia remains in place:
The FCO advise against all travel to:
the four woredas (districts) (Akobo, Wantawo, Jikawo and Lare) of Nuer zone and the Jore woreda of the Agnuak zone in Gambella region
the Nogob (previously Fik), Jarar (previously Degehabur), Shabelle (previously Gode), Korahe and Dollo (previously Warder) zones of the Ethiopian Somali Region
within 10 km of the border with South Sudan
within 100 km of the Ethiopian border with Somalia and Kenya in the Afder and Liben zones of Ethiopia’s Somali region
within 10 km of the border with Sudan and the other parts of the Kenyan border, with the exception of principal roads/towns
The FCO advise against all but essential travel to:
within 10 km of the border with Eritrea, with the exception of: the main road through Axum and Adigrat; tourist sites close to the main roads (eg Debre Damo and Yeha); and open border crossings with Eritrea and the main roads to these border crossings. You should take local advice and not walk away from roads or towns unaccompanied
all other areas of the Ethiopian Somali Region, including Siti zone, Fafan zone (with the exception of the main road and railway line to Djibouti), and the areas of Liben and Afder zones more than 100km from the Somalia and Kenya borders
the woredas (districts) of Tsegede, Mirab Armacho and Tach Armacho in North Gonder zone
the West Wollega and Qellem Wollega zones in the Oromia region, with the exception of the main Addis Ababa-Gambella road
the rest of Gambella region, except the main Addis Ababa-Gambella road
For more information, see Local travel
Cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) have been confirmed in Ethiopia. The Ethiopian authorities have introduced a number of measures to limit the spread of the virus and on 8 April declared a State of Emergency across the country giving the authorities more power to enforce these measures. All passengers arriving in to the country will be subject to mandatory 14 day quarantine, in a hotel nominated by the authorities and at the passenger’s own cost. A number of major airlines have reduced their flight schedules. See Coronavirus
Given the rapidly changing situation in Ethiopia, a limited number of UK staff and their dependents are being temporarily withdrawn from the British Embassy. The Embassy will continue to carry out essential work including providing 24/7 consular assistance and support to British people in Ethiopia.
There are frequent incidences of civil unrest in Ethiopia, including protests and strikes. Some of these can cause temporary closure of roads or disruption to local business and transport, and in the past some have escalated into serious violence. See Local travel
Tensions are raised in the Somali Regional State and on the border between the Somali and Oromia Regions following clashes in a number of locations, including in the East and West Harerge zones and in the areas surrounding the town of Moyale on the border with Kenya. These clashes have led to a number of deaths. Although there are no reports of foreign nationals being targeted, you should exercise caution and follow the advice of local authorities. Road travel in the area – including on the route between Dire Dawa airport and Harar City – may be disrupted. See Ethiopian Somali Regional State and Oromia Region
Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Ethiopia. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners. You should be vigilant at all times, especially in crowded areas and public places like transport hubs, hotels, restaurants, bars and places of worship and during major gatherings like religious or sporting events. There is a threat of kidnapping in Ethiopia’s Somali region, and on the southern border with Kenya, particularly in the eastern areas to which the FCO advise against all travel. See Terrorism
Internet connections in Ethiopia, including mobile data, can be intermittent.
If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission. Consular support is severely limited in parts of Ethiopia where the FCO advise against all travel and limited where the FCO has existing advice against all but essential travel (see above).
Ethiopia is primarily a cash based society and banking facilities, including card payments and ATMs are very limited outside major cities. See Money
UK health authorities have classified Ethiopia as having a risk of Zika virus transmission. For more information and advice, visit the National Travel Health Network and Centre website. See Health
There is an ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. You may see some additional checks taking place at arrival on all flights into Bole Airport in Addis Ababa. See Health
The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating overseas on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.
Take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before you travel.
