What Vaccines Does Ethiopia Require for Swedish Travellers in 2026?

Quick answer: For Swedish citizens travelling to Ethiopia in 2026, yellow fever vaccination is recommended for most itineraries, but an entry certificate is required only when the traveller arrives from a country with yellow fever transmission risk or has transited for more than 12 hours through such a country. The vaccine is generally not recommended when travel is limited to Ethiopia’s Afar and Somali regions.

Malaria prevention may also be needed outside Addis Ababa, particularly for travel below 2,000 metres, while routine vaccinations, polio protection, mosquito-bite prevention, safe food and water practices, and travel insurance should be discussed with a travel-health professional. Ethiopia’s health risks vary significantly between Addis Ababa, highland areas and lower-lying safari destinations.

Verification note: Last checked August 2026 — always confirm with official sources before travelling. This article is informational content, not legal or medical advice; vaccination and entry rules can change.

Vaccination requirements for Swedish citizens visiting Ethiopia

Health measure	Requirement or recommendation	What Swedish travellers should do
Yellow fever certificate	Required for travellers aged 9 months or older arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk, including a transit or layover of more than 12 hours in such a country.	Check every airport stop on your itinerary. Carry the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis if your route triggers the rule.
Yellow fever vaccination	Recommended for travellers aged 9 months or older to most of Ethiopia; generally not recommended for itineraries limited to Afar and Somali.	Ask a travel-health clinician to assess your route, activities and medical history.
Polio	Travellers with a complete childhood series may receive a single lifetime booster; unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated travellers should complete a vaccination series before travel.	Check your Swedish vaccination records and discuss a booster or catch-up schedule.
Rabies	Dogs infected with rabies are commonly found in Ethiopia, and rabies is also present in some terrestrial wildlife. Rabies vaccines are typically not readily available in Ethiopia after exposure.	Discuss pre-exposure vaccination if you will be remote, around animals, cycling, trekking or travelling with children.
Malaria	Risk exists year-round below 2,000 metres throughout the country; there is no malaria risk in Addis Ababa, according to the Ethiopian Public Health Institute.	Ask whether prescription prophylaxis is appropriate for each destination and use mosquito precautions.

Your nationality does not by itself determine the yellow fever certificate rule described by the official guidance. The decisive factors are where you have travelled from and whether your route includes a qualifying transit through a yellow fever-risk country. A direct itinerary from Sweden should therefore be checked by route rather than assumed to require a certificate, especially if it includes a connection in another African country.

Before booking a multi-stop trip, review your route alongside your Ethiopia safari itineraries for seven days. An itinerary that combines Addis Ababa with lower-altitude parks can create different malaria and yellow fever considerations from a highland-only visit.

Yellow fever certificate rules and transit requirements

Ethiopia requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for travellers aged 9 months or older who arrive from countries with risk of yellow fever virus transmission. The requirement also applies when a traveller has transited for more than 12 hours through an airport in a country with that risk.

What counts as a relevant transit?

Review the complete itinerary, not only the final flight from Sweden. A long connection in a yellow fever-risk country can affect the documentation requirement even if you remain in the airport or do not plan to visit that country. The CDC specifically advises considering airport transfers that may require passengers to pass through immigration, obtain accommodation or otherwise leave the transit environment during a long layover.

Ask the airline and the Ethiopian embassy or consular authority to confirm how your particular connection will be treated. Airport procedures and border decisions can change, and the supplied official guidance describes the threshold as more than 12 hours.

International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis

If your route triggers the requirement, carry the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis, commonly called the yellow card. The CDC states that a completed certificate is valid for the life of the vaccinated person; since 2016, countries may no longer require a yellow fever booster as a condition of entry under the International Health Regulations.

Some travel-health guidance advises that the vaccine should be administered at least 10 days before arrival for the certificate to become valid. Because the supplied sources differ in detail about certificate administration timing, confirm the current rule with an authorised vaccination centre and Ethiopian authorities before departure. Keep the original certificate with your passport and make a secure copy.

Recommended vaccinations and when to arrange them

Book a travel-health consultation as early as possible. The UK government advises checking vaccine recommendations at least eight weeks before a trip, particularly when a traveller has a medical condition or is pregnant. An earlier appointment gives time to review medical history, complete multi-dose courses where needed and resolve yellow fever certificate questions.

Yellow fever

CDC guidance recommends yellow fever vaccination for travellers aged 9 months and older visiting Ethiopia, except that vaccination is generally not recommended for travel limited to Afar or Somali. This is a medical recommendation, not the same as the border-entry certificate rule. A traveller can be recommended to vaccinate even when their route does not require proof at entry.

Discuss yellow fever vaccination particularly carefully if you are pregnant, immunocompromised, have a significant allergy history or have another condition affecting vaccine decisions. The CDC says healthcare professionals should consider destination exposure and individual risk factors when deciding whether to vaccinate.

Polio

Adults who completed a full childhood polio series may receive a single lifetime inactivated polio vaccine booster when travelling to Ethiopia. Travellers who are unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated should receive a complete series before travel, while children who are not fully vaccinated may be considered for an accelerated schedule.

Bring your vaccination record to the appointment. The clinician can determine whether your Swedish childhood vaccinations are complete and whether a booster or catch-up course is appropriate.

Rabies

Rabies exposure is a practical concern for travellers spending time around dogs or wildlife. The CDC reports that infected dogs are commonly found in Ethiopia, rabies also occurs in terrestrial wildlife, and rabies vaccines are typically not readily available in the country after an exposure.

Ask about pre-exposure vaccination if your plans include remote trekking, rural stays, cycling, working with animals, extended stays or travel with young children. Avoid touching dogs, cats, bats and wild mammals. Any bite, scratch or saliva contact with broken skin requires urgent medical assessment.

Routine protection and food- and water-borne illness

Use your appointment to review routine vaccinations and destination-specific options. The supplied official sources identify polio as a travel-vaccine consideration and describe water-borne disease as a common health issue in Ethiopia. The UK government advises drinking or using only boiled or bottled water and avoiding ice in drinks.

Typhoid, hepatitis A and other vaccines may be discussed by a clinician according to your itinerary, accommodation, activities and health history. Do not treat a general online list as a personal prescription; ask a Swedish travel clinic for a destination-specific assessment.

Malaria in Ethiopia: risk areas, medication and prevention

The Ethiopian Public Health Institute reports malaria risk throughout the year in areas below 2,000 metres, with approximately 60% of cases attributed to Plasmodium falciparum and 40% to Plasmodium vivax. It reports no malaria risk in Addis Ababa. The UK government similarly notes that malaria is common up to 2,000 metres, while Addis Ababa is around 2,400 metres; several tourist sites are lower than 2,000 metres.

This altitude distinction matters for safari planning. Lower-lying areas such as the Awash, Omo and Mago regions can have a different exposure profile from Addis Ababa and the central highlands. Discuss the exact route, season, duration and accommodation with a travel-medicine professional rather than assuming that a city-only itinerary and a wildlife trip require the same plan.

Antimalarial medication

The Ethiopian Public Health Institute classifies malaria-risk areas as requiring mosquito-bite prevention plus an appropriate chemoprophylaxis option. Its listed options for areas with P. falciparum risk include atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline or mefloquine, selected according to resistance patterns, side effects and contraindications.

Only a clinician can select and prescribe the right medicine for you. Tell the clinician about pregnancy, mental-health conditions, allergies, kidney or liver problems, current medicines and previous reactions. Take medication exactly as prescribed and ask when to start and stop it for your route.

Mosquito-bite prevention

• Use an effective insect repellent as directed on the product label.
• Wear long sleeves, long trousers and covered footwear when practical.
• Sleep under a properly fitted mosquito net where screened or air-conditioned accommodation is unavailable.
• Follow your clinician’s advice about antimalarial medication even when using repellents and nets.
• Seek medical advice promptly for fever during or after travel and explain that you have visited a malaria-risk area.

Malaria is not the only insect-related concern. The CDC and UK government sources also identify diseases including dengue and Zika among Ethiopia travel-health considerations.

Health documents and travel insurance

Carry your passport, vaccination record, any required yellow fever certificate, prescriptions and a written summary of important medical conditions. Keep digital backups in secure storage, but do not rely on a phone copy where officials require the original certificate.

Arrange comprehensive travel insurance that covers local treatment and unexpected medical evacuation. The UK government specifically advises checking that insurance covers appropriate treatment and evacuation, and recommends contacting the insurer quickly if you are referred to a medical facility.

Healthcare standards vary sharply within Ethiopia. The UK government reports that only private hospitals in Addis Ababa offer a reasonable standard of basic care for minor problems, while medical facilities outside the capital are extremely poor. This is particularly relevant when comparing remote safari packages. SafariFind travellers can compare safari packages, but should check what emergency transport, medical support and evacuation costs are included before booking.

For planning context, a 2026 Ethiopia safari budget guide can help you compare package costs; health insurance and evacuation cover should be checked separately rather than assumed to be included.

Medication rules and what to pack

Check the legal status of every prescription and over-the-counter medicine before departure. The UK government warns that medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be regulated differently in Ethiopia. Swedish travellers should ask their doctor, pharmacist, airline and Ethiopian diplomatic authorities about documentation for controlled medicines.

• Pack medicines in their original labelled packaging.
• Carry enough for the trip and a contingency period, subject to the medicine’s legal and transport requirements.
• Bring the prescription or a doctor’s letter stating the generic name, dose and medical need.
• Keep essential medicines in hand luggage rather than checked baggage.
• Pack a basic medical kit, oral rehydration supplies, personal hygiene items, insect repellent and sun protection.
• Carry bottled or otherwise safe drinking water when travelling where supplies are uncertain.

Do not buy unfamiliar medicines locally without qualified medical advice. Outside Addis Ababa, access to suitable facilities and medicines can be limited.

Health facilities and emergencies in Ethiopia

For an ambulance in Ethiopia, dial 907, according to the UK government’s Ethiopia health advice. Emergency response and medical facilities can be limited outside Addis Ababa, so save the number, your insurer’s emergency assistance line and your accommodation or tour operator’s contact details before travelling.

Medical evacuation cover is especially important for remote trekking and safari areas because the nearest suitable facility may be far from your camp or lodge. Ask your operator what happens after a serious injury, where evacuation would go and whether you must pay upfront before treatment.

Other health precautions may affect your itinerary. The UK government warns that bilharzia is present in most Ethiopian lakes and advises travellers to check before swimming; it also reports common water-borne diseases and an ongoing cholera outbreak in southern Ethiopia with new cases in the north-west. Follow current local health advice and avoid untreated freshwater unless a qualified authority confirms it is safe.

Altitude sickness is another consideration in parts of Ethiopia, including Addis Ababa. Build acclimatisation into highland plans and seek medical advice if you develop severe headache, breathlessness, confusion, difficulty walking or worsening symptoms. Travellers considering Lake Tana activities can review Lake Tana safari boat trips, but should check current water-safety and health advice before swimming or boarding vessels.

Finally, check official updates immediately before departure. Ethiopia’s health conditions, border procedures, outbreaks and airline transit rules can change. For non-health entry planning, consult the guide to an Ethiopia visa for Swedish citizens in 2026 and verify the current visa information through the relevant official portal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Swedish citizens need a yellow fever certificate for Ethiopia?

Only if they arrive from a country with yellow fever transmission risk or have transited for more than 12 hours through an airport in such a country. Check the complete flight itinerary rather than relying only on Swedish nationality or the final departure airport.

Is yellow fever vaccination recommended for Ethiopia?

Yes, it is recommended for travellers aged 9 months and older visiting most of Ethiopia. It is generally not recommended when the itinerary is limited to Afar and Somali regions.

How long is an Ethiopia yellow fever certificate valid?

A completed International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis for yellow fever is considered valid for the life of the vaccinated person. Confirm current border procedures before travelling.

Does a long airport transit affect Ethiopia’s yellow fever rules?

Yes, a transit or layover of more than 12 hours through a country with yellow fever transmission risk can trigger Ethiopia’s certificate requirement for travellers aged 9 months or older. Review connections, airport changes and any overnight stops.

Do I need malaria tablets for an Ethiopia safari?

Possibly, depending on the safari location and altitude. Malaria risk exists year-round below 2,000 metres, while the Ethiopian Public Health Institute reports no risk in Addis Ababa; ask a travel-health clinician to assess your exact route.

What malaria medicines are used in Ethiopia?

The Ethiopian Public Health Institute lists atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline or mefloquine as options for areas with falciparum malaria risk, selected according to resistance, side effects and contraindications. A clinician must choose the appropriate medicine for you.

Is polio vaccination needed for Swedish travellers to Ethiopia?

Travellers who completed a childhood polio series may receive a single lifetime booster, while unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated travellers should complete a series before travel. Children may need an accelerated schedule, so review records with a travel-health professional.

Should I get a rabies vaccine before travelling to Ethiopia?

It may be appropriate if you will be remote, around dogs or wildlife, trekking, cycling or travelling with children. Rabies vaccines are typically not readily available in Ethiopia after an exposure, and any bite or scratch needs urgent medical attention.

How far in advance should I arrange Ethiopia travel vaccinations?

Arrange a travel-health appointment at least eight weeks before departure where possible. This allows time to review routine vaccinations, malaria prevention, yellow fever decisions and any multi-dose courses.

What emergency number should I use in Ethiopia?

Dial 907 and ask for an ambulance. Emergency services and medical facilities may be limited outside Addis Ababa, so carry travel insurance with medical evacuation cover.