U.S. Department of State
Level 3Reconsider Travel
There was no change to the advisory level or risk indicators. Areas of increased risk were modified to reflect current travel restrictions for U.S.
Full advisory →Personalize Report NowTailor this report specifically to you and get the latest and most valuable insights with one click.US Level 3 9 assessed
Is Ethiopia safe? 🇪🇹
Africa · Updated
As of September 2026, Ethiopia scores 40/100 on the IsMyTripSafe safety index (average across assessed destinations). The U.S. State Department rates Ethiopia Level 3: Reconsider Travel. Of the 9 Ethiopia destinations assessed, Harar scores highest (44/100), while Bahir Dar scores lowest (34/100).
01 · Official Guidance
Government advisories
UK Foreign Office (FCDO)
Level 3Advises against all travel to parts of the country
Areas where FCDO advises against travel Border areas FCDO advises against all travel to within: 20km of the border with Sudan 10km of the border with South Sudan 100km of the Ethiopian border with Somalia and Kenya in Ethiopia’s Somali region, and within 30km of the Ethiopian border with Somalia in Fafan zone, except the border town and crossing at Wajale, and the principal road between Jijiga and Wajale 10km of the border with Kenya, except for principal roads and towns 10km of the border with Eritrea FCDO advises against all but essential travel to: areas between 10-15km from the border with Eritrea Tigray region FCDO advises against all travel to Tigray region. Amhara region FCDO advises against all travel to Amhara region.
Full advisory →Government of Canada
Level 3Avoid non-essential travel (with regional advisories)
Canada's official risk level for Ethiopia: avoid non-essential travel (with regional advisories).
Full advisory →02 · Destinations
Ethiopia destinations by safety score
#1🇪🇹HararUse Caution · updated 10 September 202644#2🇪🇹LalibelaUse Caution · updated 10 September 202644#3🇪🇹AwasaUse Caution · updated 19 August 202644#4🇪🇹Addis AbabaUse Caution · updated 10 September 202643#5🇪🇹HawassaUse Caution · updated 6 August 202643#6🇪🇹Dire DawaUse Caution · updated 29 July 202641#7🇪🇹GonderUse Caution · updated 10 September 202636#8🇪🇹AxumUse Caution · updated 29 July 202634#9🇪🇹Bahir DarUse Caution · updated 29 July 202634
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03 · Evidence Signals
Ethiopia safety data
| Indicator | Value | Score | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Government travel advisoryCA / US | Level 3 — Reconsider Travel · 2 govts | 25 | CA / US |
| Homicide rateWorld Bank Open Data · 2012 | 8.5 / 100k | 50 | World Bank Open Data (2012) |
| Political stability & no terrorismWorld Bank Governance Indicators · 2024 | 34/100 | 34 | World Bank Governance Indicators (2024) |
| Rule of lawWorld Bank Governance Indicators · 2024 | 39/100 | 39 | World Bank Governance Indicators (2024) |
| Road traffic deathsWHO Global Health Observatory · 2021 | 17.7 / 100k | 47 | WHO Global Health Observatory (2021) |
04 · Questions
Ethiopia safety FAQ
Is Ethiopia safe to visit right now?
The U.S. State Department currently rates Ethiopia Level 3 of 4 — Reconsider Travel. On our composite index Ethiopia averages 40/100. See the destination reports above for city-level detail. (Updated 10 September 2026.)
What is the safest place to visit in Ethiopia?
Of the destinations we've assessed, Harar currently scores highest at 44/100 (Use Caution). Bahir Dar scores lowest at 34/100.
Where does this Ethiopia safety data come from?
Directly from public sources: US, UK and Canadian government advisories, World Bank and UNODC crime statistics, WHO health data, live air-quality, disaster and earthquake feeds — plus AI field research over current local reporting. Read the full methodology.