The e- visa is processed and issued online on a single webpage where applicants apply, pay and secure their entry visa online. Once the application is approved, applicants will receive an email authorizing them to travel to Ethiopia and they will get their passport stamped with the visa upon arrival in Addis Ababa. The online visa system will promote tourism, trade and investment to the country. It will save time, energy and cost for travellers to Ethiopia in addition to the simplicity and convenience that it facilitates.

Duty-free imports are permitted for up to:

1. 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, or 1/2 lb of tobacco

2. 2 liters of alcoholic beverages

3. Half-liter or two bottles of perfume.

Visitors may export souvenirs, although some articles (such as animal skin and antiques) require an export permit.

Prior to entry, visitors should be in possession of a valid health certificate for yellow fever. Vaccination against cholera is also required for any person who has visited or transited a cholera-infected area within six days prior to arrival in Ethiopia.

The Bole International Airport is situated 8 kilometers from the centre of the city (a 15 minute drive under normal conditions). Paid parking, luggage carts and uniformed porters are available at the airport terminal. Taxis are readily available. The rates for these taxis are fixed and receipts will be given if requested. Privately-owned blue cabs and yellow cabs are also in abundance, but do not have fixed rates; establishing their fare is advisable before getting into the vehicle. Foreign exchange service is available at the arrivals lounge. Security at the airport is tight and travelers need to produce their air ticket and passport to enter the terminal building.

Illegal drug use (no matter what the drug) carries stiff penalties, including fines and long prison terms.

The Western and Julian calendars are used in Ethiopia. The year 2016 in the Western calendar is 2008-2009 in the Julian calendar. Christmas is celebrated on 7 January and New Year on 11 September. Similarly, two systems of time are used. Ethiopian time is measured as a 12-hour day starting at 6am. Western 7am is referred to by many as one o’clock. Many Ethiopians are aware of this difference and will often convert times when speaking to foreigners.

Homosexual activity is illegal and punishable by imprisonment under the law. The subject is taboo for the majority of Ethiopians.

You must get a permit to export antiques from Ethiopia. To avoid confusion on departure, you should keep receipts for any souvenirs you’ve bought, including crosses, which could be mistaken for valuable cultural artifacts. In Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, you can fill in the customs declaration form in the baggage hall.

Ethiopian law strictly prohibits the photographing of military installations, police/military personnel, industrial facilities, government buildings, and infrastructure (roads, bridges, dams, airfields, etc.). Such sites are rarely marked clearly. Travel guides, police, and Ethiopian officials can advise if a particular site may be photographed. Photographing prohibited sites may result in the confiscation of film and camera and arrest.

There are some ATM machines at the major hotels and commercial centers that accept major international credit and debit cards, although connectivity problems sometimes limit their availability. While credit cards are gaining acceptance with some hotels, travel agencies, and merchants (Visa is much more widely accepted than MasterCard). It is best to check ahead and ensure you have sufficient cash reserves. Bear in mind that travelers’ cheques are not generally accepted outside Addis Ababa. There are strict rules about taking foreign currency and Ethiopian birr out of Ethiopia. You can’t take more than USD$3,000 (or equivalent in foreign currency) out of Ethiopia, unless you declared the amount when you arrived in the country or you have Ethiopian bank advice certifying the purchase of the foreign currency. And you can’t take more than 200 Ethiopian birr in to or out of the country. Amounts over 200 Ethiopian birr, or undeclared amounts over USD$3,000 may be confiscated by the Ethiopian authorities. In case of emergency, Western Union has offices in Ethiopia, which can facilitate money transfers.