Vaccinations & Health Rules for Ethiopia for British Citizens 2026

Quick Answer: What Vaccinations Do British Travellers Need for Ethiopia?

Yellow fever certificate is required if you're arriving from a country listed as having yellow fever transmission risk—this includes >12-hour airport transits through such countries. Vaccination is recommended for all areas of Ethiopia except Afar and Somali provinces, where it's generally not advised. Malaria prophylaxis, hepatitis A, typhoid, and a polio booster are also strongly recommended for most itineraries.

You should arrange travel vaccinations with a travel health clinic 4–6 weeks before departure to allow time for multi-dose vaccines and immunity to develop.

Yellow Fever: Certificate Requirements & Entry Rules

Do You Need a Yellow Fever Certificate to Enter Ethiopia?

Ethiopia's entry requirement depends on where you're travelling from. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission, or if you have transited for more than 12 hours through an airport in a country with yellow fever risk.

Since the UK is not classified as a yellow fever-endemic country, British citizens travelling directly from the UK to Ethiopia do not technically require a yellow fever certificate for entry. However, vaccination is still strongly recommended by the CDC, WHO, and UK health authorities for all travellers aged 9 months and older, except those with itineraries limited to Afar and Somali provinces.

Important: If you are connecting through another country with yellow fever transmission risk (e.g., parts of West or Central Africa, South America, or Asia), you will need proof of yellow fever vaccination to enter Ethiopia. Check your entire flight itinerary, including layovers longer than 12 hours, as these may trigger the requirement.

Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate: Validity & Proof

Once you receive a yellow fever vaccine, you will be issued an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP). This certificate is valid for life—the WHO eliminated booster requirements in 2016. Keep this certificate with your passport when travelling, as you may need to present it at entry or when travelling onward to other countries.

The yellow fever vaccine must be administered at an accredited yellow fever vaccination centre (typically a travel clinic, certain GPs, or occupational health services) that is authorised to issue the ICVP.

Areas Where Yellow Fever Vaccination Is Not Recommended

Yellow fever vaccination is generally not recommended for travel limited only to the Afar and Somali provinces of Ethiopia, which have low potential for yellow fever virus exposure. However, if you plan to visit other regions of Ethiopia, vaccination is advised.

People aged 60 years or older should not receive the vaccine for travel only to areas with low potential for exposure, due to higher risk of serious vaccine-associated side effects. If you fall into this age group and plan to visit only Afar or Somali, discuss alternative precautions (mosquito bite avoidance) with a travel health professional.

Recommended Vaccinations for Ethiopia Travel

Vaccination Timeline & Scheduling

Book your travel health appointment at least 4–6 weeks before departure. Some vaccines require multiple doses or time to build immunity, and last-minute vaccination may leave you unprotected when you travel. Bring your passport, existing vaccination records, current medications, and your detailed Ethiopia itinerary (destinations, dates, activities) to your appointment.

Vaccine	Risk/Disease	Recommendation	Notes
Yellow Fever	Mosquito-borne viral infection	Recommended for all aged 9 months+, except Afar/Somali regions	Requires ICVP certificate; valid for life; allow 10 days before travel for immunity
Hepatitis A	Food/water-borne infection	Recommended for most travellers	High transmission risk in Ethiopia; 2 doses (0 & 6–12 months) or accelerated schedule available
Typhoid	Food/water-borne bacterial infection	Highly recommended	Injection lasts 3 years; oral vaccine lasts 5 years but requires refrigeration
Polio	Food/water-borne viral infection	Booster recommended if fully vaccinated as child; complete series if unvaccinated	Single lifetime booster for previously vaccinated adults; Ethiopia vulnerable to outbreaks
Hepatitis B	Blood/body fluid exposure	Recommended for extended stays or potential exposure	3-dose course or accelerated schedule; moderate presence in local population
Meningococcal (Meningitis)	Bacterial respiratory infection	Recommended; Ethiopia is in the meningitis belt	Especially for travel during dry season (Nov–Mar)
Rabies	Viral infection from animal bites	Selective: for rural travel, adventure activities, or animal contact	Dogs infected with rabies are common in Ethiopia; vaccines not readily available in-country
Cholera	Food/water-borne bacterial infection	Recommended for travel to most regions	Widespread throughout Ethiopia; single dose provides protection
Tetanus/Diphtheria	Wound/environmental exposure	Booster if >10 years since last dose	Routine travel recommendation
COVID-19	Respiratory viral infection	Recommended for all travellers	Check current entry requirements before travel

Which Vaccinations Are Free or Paid in the UK?

Some travel vaccinations are available free on the NHS, while others require private payment. Tetanus, polio, and diphtheria boosters are typically free if you're due for a routine update. Yellow fever, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, meningococcal, rabies, and cholera are usually paid-for private vaccines obtained through travel clinics or private GPs. Confirm costs and availability with your travel health clinic when booking.

Malaria: Risk Areas, Prophylaxis & Prevention

Which Areas of Ethiopia Have Malaria Risk?

Malaria risk exists throughout Ethiopia below 2,000 metres elevation year-round. The disease is caused by two parasite types: approximately 60% Plasmodium falciparum and 40% Plasmodium vivax. Importantly, P. vivax resistance to chloroquine has been reported in Ethiopia.

Addis Ababa, the capital, has no malaria risk due to its altitude (2,355 m), so travellers staying only in the city do not require malaria prophylaxis.

If you are planning a safari to Ethiopia's wildlife parks or travel to lower-altitude regions, malaria prophylaxis is essential.

Malaria Prophylaxis: Which Medication?

For areas with malaria risk, your travel health provider will recommend one of the following antimalarial medications based on your itinerary, health history, and drug-resistance patterns:

• Atovaquone-Proguanil (Malarone): Daily dose; fewer side effects; ideal for short trips; expensive.
• Doxycycline: Daily dose; affordable; increases sun sensitivity (use high SPF sunscreen); good for longer stays; not suitable if pregnant or for children <8 years.
• Mefloquine: Weekly dosing; potential mood or sleep disturbances; suitable for longer stays but less commonly used due to side effects.

Start antimalarial medication before you travel (timing varies by drug—typically 1–2 weeks before), continue during your stay, and continue for 4 weeks after leaving the malaria risk area.

Malaria Prevention: Mosquito Bite Avoidance

Alongside prophylaxis, mosquito bite prevention is essential. The malaria mosquito (Anopheles) bites predominantly at night and in the early morning.

• Sleep under an insecticide-treated bed net.
• Wear long sleeves and trousers, especially at dawn and dusk.
• Use insect repellent containing DEET (20–30%), picaridin, or IR3535 on exposed skin.
• Stay in air-conditioned or screened accommodation.

Other Mosquito-Borne Diseases

Yellow fever, dengue, chikungunya, and Zika virus are also transmitted by mosquitoes in Ethiopia. Use the same bite-prevention measures (insect repellent, long clothing, bed nets) to protect against all mosquito-borne infections.

Health Documents, Insurance & Medical Requirements

What Health Documents Should You Carry?

• International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP): Proof of yellow fever vaccination (if vaccinated). Keep with your passport.
• Vaccination record: A copy or photo of your NHS vaccination history or travel clinic records, listing all vaccines received and dates.
• Prescription copies: Written prescriptions or letters from your GP for any regular medications, especially antimalarials, antibiotics, or chronic condition medicines. Names should match your passport.
• Medical alert card: If you have allergies, blood type, or chronic conditions, carry a card or wear a medical alert bracelet.
• Travel insurance certificate: Proof of medical and repatriation coverage (see below).

Travel Insurance: Medical Coverage

Comprehensive travel insurance with medical and repatriation cover is essential. Ethiopia's healthcare system varies in quality; serious medical emergencies may require evacuation to neighbouring countries (Kenya, Djibouti) or back to the UK.

Ensure your policy covers:

• Medical treatment and hospital costs.
• Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation to the UK.
• Pharmacy and prescription costs.
• Pre-existing medical conditions (if applicable).

Confirm that yellow fever vaccination is covered (usually it is) and that there are no exclusions for travel to Ethiopia.

Medication Rules & What to Pack

Prescription & Over-the-Counter Medications

Bring all regular medications in original, labelled containers with your name and the dosage clearly marked. Carry a letter from your GP or pharmacist describing the medication, its purpose, and your dosage—this helps if questioned at customs or if you need a refill.

Many common UK medications are unavailable or expensive in Ethiopia. Pack sufficient quantities for your entire trip, plus 2–4 weeks extra in case of delays.

Medications to Pack for Ethiopia Travel

• Antimalarial prophylaxis: Full course as prescribed.
• Antibiotics: Traveller's diarrhoea treatment (e.g., azithromycin or ciprofloxacin) prescribed by your doctor before travel.
• Antidiarrhoeal agents: Loperamide (Imodium) for symptomatic relief.
• Antihistamines: For allergies and insect bite reactions.
• Paracetamol & ibuprofen: For pain and fever.
• Antacids: For digestive upsets.
• Hydration salts: Oral rehydration solution sachets.
• Sunscreen: SPF 50+ (especially if taking doxycycline).
• Insect repellent: DEET 20–30% or picaridin.
• Antihistamine cream: For insect bites.
• First-aid supplies: Plasters, antiseptic wipes, tweezers (for thorns), blister treatment.

Carrying Medications Through Customs

Ethiopia allows personal medications for your own use, but always carry medications in original, labelled containers with a doctor's letter or prescription. Unlabelled tablets or powders may be confiscated or cause delays. Some medications (e.g., certain antibiotics, sleeping tablets) may be restricted; check with the Ethiopian Embassy in London before travel if you have concerns.

Health Facilities & Medical Emergencies in Ethiopia

Quality of Healthcare

Healthcare standards in Ethiopia vary significantly. Addis Ababa has private clinics and hospitals with reasonable standards, but rural areas and smaller towns have limited facilities. Serious medical emergencies (trauma, severe infections, surgical needs) may require evacuation.

The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals in Addis Ababa but does not endorse specific providers. Consult your travel insurance provider or embassy for recommendations.

Water, Food & Traveller's Diarrhoea

Tap water in Ethiopia is not safe to drink. Use bottled or boiled water, and avoid ice. Practise rigorous hand hygiene—wash hands after the toilet and before eating, or use alcohol-based sanitiser.

Eat recently prepared, thoroughly cooked food served hot. Avoid raw vegetables, salads, unpasteurised dairy, and food from street vendors unless you are confident of hygiene. Peel fruit yourself.

Traveller's diarrhoea is common; mild cases resolve with hydration and oral rehydration salts. If symptoms persist >48 hours or include blood/severe pain, seek medical care and take your prescribed antibiotic.

Air Quality & Environmental Health

Air pollution can be significant in Addis Ababa and other urban centres, especially during the dry season. If you have respiratory conditions (asthma, COPD), bring inhalers and consult your doctor before travel. Consider a particulate mask (N95 or FFP2) for days with poor air quality.

Altitude & Acclimatisation

Much of Ethiopia is at high altitude. Addis Ababa sits at 2,355 m; the Simien Mountains exceed 4,000 m. Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is possible. Ascend gradually, stay hydrated, avoid alcohol initially, and take paracetamol for headache. Descent is the best treatment if symptoms worsen. Consult your doctor about acetazolamide (Diamox) if you have a history of AMS.

Mpox (Monkeypox) Screening Requirements

Travellers arriving in Ethiopia from some countries are required to complete an Ethiopian Ministry of Health survey before arrival if they are visiting Ethiopia or making a transit stop that includes movement outside the airport. Check with your airline whether the UK is listed as a country requiring this screening. If you have mpox symptoms upon arrival, you may be required to undergo testing or treatment.

Special Considerations: Age, Pregnancy & Immunocompromise

Infants & Young Children

Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for infants aged 9 months and older. Some other vaccines (e.g., hepatitis A) can be given from 12 months. Discuss an accelerated vaccination schedule with your travel health clinic if you have <4 weeks before departure. Malaria risk is serious for infants; antimalarial prophylaxis is essential if travelling to endemic areas.

Pregnancy

Live vaccines (yellow fever, BCG) cannot be given during pregnancy. Inactivated vaccines (hepatitis A, typhoid injection, polio, tetanus) are generally safe. Discuss your travel plans and vaccination timing with your GP or travel health clinic and midwife. Malaria in pregnancy carries serious risks; prophylaxis is essential.

Immunocompromised Travellers

If you have a weakened immune system (HIV, immunosuppressive therapy, recent organ transplant), inform your travel health provider. Some live vaccines cannot be given; inactivated vaccines may be less effective. Your provider may recommend additional precautions or advise against travel to high-risk areas.

Cost of Travel Vaccinations

Costs vary by clinic. As a rough guide (confirm with your provider):

• Yellow fever: £50–£100 (includes ICVP certificate).
• Hepatitis A: £30–£50 per dose.
• Typhoid: £20–£40 (injection) or £30–£50 (oral).
• Polio booster: Often free on NHS if due; private cost £20–£40.
• Hepatitis B: £40–£60 per dose.
• Meningococcal: £40–£100 depending on type.
• Rabies: £50–£150 (3-dose course).
• Antimalarial prescriptions: £10–£40 depending on type and duration.

NHS travel health clinics may offer lower prices than private clinics. Book early to compare costs and availability.

Before You Travel: Checklist

• ☐ Book travel health appointment 4–6 weeks before departure.
• ☐ Confirm yellow fever requirement based on your full itinerary (including layovers).
• ☐ Receive all recommended vaccinations and request ICVP if vaccinated against yellow fever.
• ☐ Obtain antimalarial prescription and start as advised.
• ☐ Get written prescriptions/letters for all regular medications.
• ☐ Purchase comprehensive travel insurance with medical and repatriation cover.
• ☐ Pack medications, insect repellent, sunscreen, and first-aid supplies.
• ☐ Check Ethiopia visa requirements and passport validity (6 months minimum).
• ☐ Inform your GP of your travel plans and any pre-existing conditions.
• ☐ Register with the UK Foreign Office's Locate service for emergency support.
• ☐ Download copies of vaccination records and insurance details to your phone.

When planning your trip, compare safari package costs and itineraries on SafariFind to understand which regions you'll visit and adjust health precautions accordingly.

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Last checked July 2026 — always confirm with official sources before travelling. Requirements change; visit the GOV.UK Ethiopia travel advice, TravelHealthPro, and your NHS travel health clinic for the latest information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do British citizens need a yellow fever certificate to enter Ethiopia?

Only if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk, or if you have transited for more than 12 hours through an airport in a yellow fever-endemic country. Since the UK is not yellow fever-endemic, direct travel from the UK does not require a certificate for entry. However, yellow fever vaccination is strongly recommended for all areas of Ethiopia except Afar and Somali provinces.

What vaccinations are recommended for Ethiopia travel from the UK?

Yellow fever (except for Afar/Somali only), hepatitis A, typhoid, polio booster, meningococcal, and rabies (if rural/adventure travel) are recommended. COVID-19 is also advised. Malaria prophylaxis is essential for areas below 2,000 m. Arrange vaccinations 4–6 weeks before travel.

How long is a yellow fever vaccine valid?

Once administered, a yellow fever vaccine is valid for life. The WHO eliminated booster requirements in 2016. Your International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) does not expire, so you only need one dose.

Is malaria risk present throughout Ethiopia?

Yes, malaria risk exists year-round in areas below 2,000 metres elevation due to Plasmodium falciparum and vivax parasites. Addis Ababa (at 2,355 m) has no malaria risk. If you are planning a safari or travel to lower-altitude regions, antimalarial prophylaxis is essential.

Which antimalarial medication is best for Ethiopia?

Your travel health provider will recommend atovaquone-proguanil (fewer side effects, short trips), doxycycline (affordable, long-term), or mefloquine (weekly dosing) based on your itinerary and health. P. vivax resistance to chloroquine has been reported, so chloroquine is not used. Start the medication 1–2 weeks before travel and continue 4 weeks after.

Can I get yellow fever vaccination on the NHS for free?

Yellow fever vaccination is not free on the NHS; it costs £50–£100 at a private travel clinic and includes the ICVP certificate. Some other vaccines (e.g., tetanus, polio boosters) may be free if you are due. Book with a travel clinic to confirm costs.

What should I pack for health and safety in Ethiopia?

Pack antimalarial medication, antibiotics for traveller's diarrhoea, antihistamines, insect repellent (DEET 20–30%), sunscreen (SPF 50+), first-aid supplies, and all regular medications in original, labelled containers with a doctor's letter. Tap water is unsafe; use bottled or boiled water.

Is travel insurance essential for Ethiopia?

Yes. Comprehensive travel insurance with medical and emergency repatriation cover is essential. Ethiopia's healthcare is variable; serious emergencies may require evacuation to Kenya, Djibouti, or the UK. Ensure your policy covers medical treatment, evacuation, and pre-existing conditions.

How do I avoid traveller's diarrhoea in Ethiopia?

Drink only bottled or boiled water, avoid ice, eat recently cooked food served hot, and peel fruit yourself. Wash hands thoroughly after the toilet and before eating. Mild diarrhoea resolves with hydration; persistent cases or bloody stools warrant medical attention and antibiotics.

Can I carry my prescription medications through Ethiopian customs?

Yes, if they are in original, labelled containers with your name and dosage. Carry a doctor's letter or prescription explaining the medication and your dosage. Unlabelled tablets or restricted medications may be confiscated; check with the Ethiopian Embassy in London if concerned.

Do I need a polio booster for Ethiopia travel?

If you were fully vaccinated as a child, a single lifetime booster dose of inactivated polio vaccine is recommended. If unvaccinated or partially vaccinated, you need a complete series. Ethiopia is vulnerable to polio outbreaks.

What is the risk of yellow fever in Addis Ababa?

Yellow fever transmission is present in parts of Ethiopia, but Addis Ababa (the capital) and the Afar and Somali provinces have low potential for exposure. However, vaccination is still recommended for most itineraries as protection, and you may need it for onward travel to other countries.