London — The United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has issued extensive travel warnings for Ethiopia, advising against all travel to multiple regions following renewed violence and ongoing security concerns throughout the country.
Renewed Conflict in Tigray Region
The FCDO now advises against all travel to Tigray region following clashes between Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) aligned forces and the Ethiopian military since January 26, with reports indicating drone strikes that have resulted in civilian casualties. All civilian flights to and from Tigray region have been suspended since January 29, 2026.
Extensive No-Travel Zones
The British government has designated several regions as completely off-limits to UK travelers:
Complete Travel Bans:
- All of Tigray region
- All of Amhara regional state
- Gambela region
- Parts of Afar region within 10km of the Eritrean border
- Areas within 10km of borders with South Sudan and Kenya, including Lake Turkana shores
Ongoing Violence in Amhara
Violent protests and clashes have occurred in Amhara since April 2023, with significant conflict between Amhara militia groups (Fano) and Ethiopian authorities. The security situation remains highly volatile, with movement restrictions and risks of arbitrary detention.
Additional Regional Concerns
The FCDO has also issued warnings against all but essential travel to numerous other areas, including:
- Specific zones in Oromia region
- Parts of Benishangul-Gumuz region
- Border areas with Somalia and Kenya in Somali regional state
- The Danakil desert area, where tourism has been targeted by armed groups
The advisory notes that irregular armed clashes occur between ethnic groups, particularly along the main Addis Ababa to Djibouti road.
Health Warnings
In addition to security concerns, the FCDO advises against all but essential travel within 5km of Hawassa due to a Marburg outbreak, though the Ethiopian government and WHO have since declared the outbreak ended as of January 26, 2026.
Terrorism Threat
Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Ethiopia, with attacks potentially being indiscriminate and targeting places frequented by foreigners, including transport hubs, hotels, restaurants, and places of worship.
Travel Restrictions and Consular Support
Foreign nationals are currently unable to travel to airports in Afar regional state due to restrictions imposed by Ethiopian authorities. The FCDO warns that authorities may implement travel restrictions anywhere in the country at short notice.
The British Embassy in Addis Ababa has indicated that consular support may be limited in areas where travel is advised against, and staff cannot provide in-person support in these regions.
Guidance for British Nationals
UK travelers are strongly advised to:
- Monitor FCDO travel advice regularly for updates
- Maintain contact with travel providers
- Exercise extreme caution when traveling
- Be aware that situations can escalate quickly
- Ensure comprehensive travel insurance coverage
British nationals requiring urgent assistance can contact the British Embassy in Addis Ababa at +251 (0)11 617 0100, or from the UK at +44 (0)20 7008 5000.
The FCDO emphasizes that no travel can be guaranteed safe and urges all potential travelers to thoroughly research their destinations before making travel decisions.
Source: UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) – Ethiopia Travel Advice, accessed February 2026
For the most current information, visit: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/ethiopia
