1. Microchip for pets

Ethiopia does not require your pet to be identified with a microchip, but it is recommended that you microchip it and register contact information prior to travel as a means of identification should your pet get lost or separated from you.

If your pet does not have a registered microchip, make sure your pet has a tag with their identification and owner's contact information.

2. Vaccination

Your pet must be vaccinated against rabies between 30 days and 12 months before entering the country.

3. Rabies test

When entering Ethiopia from countries with a high rate of rabies, it is recommended to take a rabies test. Pet owners from all countries should consider getting a rabies test to avoid problems during customs clearance.

4. Veterinary certificate

Within 10 days before transporting the animal, a veterinary certificate for Ethiopia must be obtained and filled out.

5. Import permit

You must obtain permission from the Ethiopian Ministry of Agriculture in advance of your pet's arrival.

6. Treatment for ticks and tapeworms

Treatment for ticks and tapeworms is not required before entering Ethiopia, but it is recommended.

7. Entering Ethiopia by air

Pets must enter Ethiopia through Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. Your pet can be brought in as checked baggage or as air cargo.

All domestic dogs and cats must be free of signs of human-transmissible disease when inspected at the airport. If your dog or cat is clearly unwell, further examination by a licensed veterinarian may be required at your expense.

8. Prohibited breeds

Ethiopia does not publish a list of banned breeds.

9. Other animals

Birds, invertebrates, tropical fish, reptiles, amphibians, mammals such as rodents and rabbits are not required to be vaccinated against rabies, but may meet other requirements and must have a health certificate to enter Ethiopia. Pet owners are strongly advised to contact the relevant authorities in their country and/or country of destination for further information.

Conveniently, tourists in Ethiopia are allowed to use their own car with a national license for 3 months, this applies to both cars and motorcycles. After this period, they must obtain an Ethiopian license.

Foreign drivers should always carry a copy of their passport, driver's license, and Ethiopian visa, as the authorities may require them to be produced.

Car rental companies will require a local license to rent an Ethiopian car, international driving licenses are not recognized in Ethiopia.

How to get an Ethiopian driver's license

Foreigners wishing to drive a local vehicle such as a rental car must obtain a temporary Ethiopian permit. To do this, drivers in Ethiopia can follow these steps:

• Get your national license certified by the embassy of the driver's country in Ethiopia
• Fill out the form at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and provide 2 photos
• Get a temporary Ethiopian permit

Here are some of the basic rules of the road in Ethiopia:

• Driving age: 18 years
• Speed ​​limit: 30 mph in towns and villages, 60 mph elsewhere
• Using a mobile phone while driving is prohibited
• Seat belts are mandatory for the driver of the vehicle
• Traffic on the right side of the road
• Motorcyclists must wear a helmet

Free import

• 200 cigarettes
• 50 cigars
• 1/2 pound of tobacco
• 1 liter of alcoholic beverages
• Two bottles of perfume

Forbidden

• Illegal drugs
• Pornographic materials
• Explosives, weapons and ammunition

Limited

• All electronic items, including DVD players, tape recorders, computers and cell phones, must be declared when entering and leaving the country.
• Dogs and other animals will need a certificate of good health from a veterinarian before entering the country.
• Visitors to Ethiopia must complete a customs declaration if bringing in large amounts of cash. Travelers leaving Ethiopia with more than US$3,000 or equivalent in foreign currency must provide customs officials with a bank statement if the currency was purchased from a local bank.

Ethiopian embassies in different countries can be found here: https://www.embassypages.com/ethiopia