US Govt Warns Its Nationals to Avoid Travelling to Ethiopia Over Unrest

This comes at a time Ethiopia had declared a nationwide state of emergency after Tigrayan fighters said they had captured two strategic towns and were marching Ethiopia.

On Tuesday 2^nd November, Airlines departing from Addis Ababa were reported to be fully booked as diplomats, government officials, and Ethiopian citizens escaping from Addis with the imminent takeover by Tigray/Oromo forces.

However, in a letter dated 2^nd November, the US government stated that due to the state of security that had deteriorated it had to bar its citizens from moving into the country.

                              Ethiopian Soldiers on the streets. PHOTO TWITTER

“The security environment in Ethiopia has deteriorated significantly in the last several days with a continued escalation of armed conflict and civil unrest in Amhara, Afar, and Tigray. A significant portion of the A2 highway connecting Addis Ababa with cities to the north has been restricted by Federal authorities which have led to disruptions, stranded travelers, and a generally non-permissive travel environment”.

The statement also further continued that embassy personnel had been restricted from traveling in the country. 

“U.S. Embassy personnel are currently restricted from traveling outside of Addis Ababa city limits. We strongly suggest that U.S. citizens seriously reconsider travel to Ethiopia and those who are currently in Ethiopia consider making preparations to leave the country”

“If you are a U.S. citizen, or if you have a U.S. citizen family member, in Ethiopia please register your presence in Ethiopia with us immediately at AddisACS@state.gov with the following information:

• U.S. citizen’s full name and date of birth; 
• The U.S. citizen’s U.S. passport number, if known; 
• The U.S. citizen’s last known location and contact information 

Please also refer to our Travel Advisory issued on September 16, 2021, which recommends that U.S. citizens reconsider travel to Ethiopia”.