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Travel.State.Gov > International Parental Child Abduction > Country Information > Ethiopia International Parental Child Abduction Information

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Travel.State.Gov > International Parental Child Abduction > Country Information > Ethiopia International Parental Child Abduction Information

Ethiopia

Ethiopia
Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
Reconsider travel to Ethiopia due to unrest, crime, kidnapping, terrorism, landmines, communications disruptions, and exit bans. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

There was no change to the advisory level.  The “other” risk indicator was updated to include exit bans and communication disruptions. The advisory summary was updated.

Reconsider travel to Ethiopia due to unrest, crime, kidnapping, terrorism, landmines, communications disruptions, and exit bans. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do Not Travel To:

  • Tigray region and border with Eritrea due to armed conflict, unrest, and crime.
  • Afar region due to armed conflict, unrest, and crime.
  • Amhara region due to armed conflict, unrest, and crime.
  • Gambella region due to crime, kidnapping, armed conflict, and unrest.
  • Benishangul Gumuz region due to crime, kidnapping, armed conflict, and unrest.
  • Specific areas within the Oromia region due to armed conflict, ethnically motivated violence, and unrest.
  • Sidama Region due to armed conflict and unrest.
  • Central Ethiopia Region due to armed conflict and unrest.
  • South Ethiopia Region due to armed conflict and unrest.
  • Southwest Ethiopia Region due to armed conflict and unrest.
  • Border with Somalia due to terrorism, kidnapping, and landmines.
  • Border with Sudan and South Sudan due to crime, kidnapping, unrest, and armed conflict.
  • Border with Kenya due to terrorism, armed conflict, and unrest.

Advisory summary

Unrest

The security situation in Addis Ababa is stable. However, there is sporadic violent armed conflict and civil unrest in other areas of Ethiopia.

  • The security situation may worsen without warning.

Communications Disruptions

  • Internet, cellular data, and phone services are often restricted or shut down before, during, and after unrest.
  • These disruptions affect the U.S. embassy’s ability to communicate with Americans in Ethiopia and delay consular services.

Limited consular services for Americans

  • U.S. government employees working in Ethiopia need special authorization to travel outside of Addis Ababa due to safety risks.
  • Due to travel restrictions, the U.S. embassy has limited access to Americans arrested or detained in Ethiopia and routine consular services are only available at the embassy.
  • Ethiopian law does not recognize dual citizenship. There are often delays in notifying the U.S. embassy of an arrest for dual U.S.-Ethiopia nationals.

Exit bans that prevent departure

  • Americans are subject to local laws. If you break immigration laws in Ethiopia – even by mistake – you could be deported, fined, imprisoned, or subjected to an exit ban. Exit bans prevent travelers from leaving.
  • The Government of Ethiopia imposes exit bans on Americans who have unpaid immigration fines and strictly enforces them.
  • There have been cases where Americans have been fined more than $100,000 in immigration fines.
  • Ethiopian law does not recognize dual citizenship.  Americans should not enter Ethiopia with an Ethiopian passport. Research Ethiopian entry and exit requirements and immigration law before you travel.

Crime

  • Petty crime is common, especially in popular tourist locations. Stay aware of your surroundings.
  • Most crimes against foreigners are crimes of opportunity, like purse snatching and pickpocketing.
  • Violent crime can occur and is more common after dark. Do not walk or drive at night.

Terrorism

There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Ethiopia. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more.

Kidnapping

Terrorist groups are active in Ethiopia and have targeted foreigners for kidnapping. Risk of kidnapping for ransom is highest in the Gambella region, Benishangul Gumuz region, Somalia border region, Sudan border region, and South Sudan border region.

Landmines

Landmines and unexploded ordnance exist in the region near the border with Somalia. The locations of landmines and unexploded ordnance are often not marked or easy to recognize.

Risks in specific areas

Level 4 – Do not travel

Tigray Region

  • Do not travel to the Tigray Region including the border with Eritrea due to armed conflict, unrest, and crime.
  • U.S. government employees working in Ethiopia need special authorization to travel to the Tigray Region due to safety risks.
  • There is ongoing armed conflict and violence in these areas.
  • Border roads with Eritrea are closed and conditions at the border may change without warning.
  • Do not travel to the Tigray Region for any reason.

Visit our website for advice if you decide to Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Afar Region

  • Do not travel to the Afar Region due to armed conflict, unrest, and crime.
  • U.S. government employees working in Ethiopia need special authorization to travel to the Afar Region due to safety risks.
  • There is a high risk of political and ethnic conflicts and related armed conflict and violence.
  • Do not travel to the Afar Region for any reason.

Visit our website for advice if you decide to Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Amhara Region 

  • Do not travel to the Amhara Region due to armed conflict and unrest.
  • U.S. government employees working in Ethiopia need special authorization to travel to the Amhara Region due to safety risks.
  • There is a high risk of political and ethnic conflicts and related armed conflict and violence.
  • Do not travel to the Amhara Region for any reason.

Visit our website for advice if you decide to Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Gambella Region

  • Do not travel to the Gambella Region due to crime, kidnapping, armed conflict, and unrest.
  • U.S. government employees working in Ethiopia need special authorization to travel to the Gambella Region due to safety risks.
  • There is a high risk of political and ethnic conflicts and related armed conflict and violence.
  • Do not travel to the Gambella Region for any reason.

Visit our website for advice if you decide to Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Benishangul Gumuz Region

  • Do not travel to the Benishangul Gumuz Region due to crime, kidnapping, armed conflict, and unrest.
  • U.S. government employees working in Ethiopia need special authorization to travel to the Benishangul Gumuz Region due to safety risks.
  • There is a high risk of political and ethnic conflicts and related armed conflict and violence.
  • Do not travel to the Benishangul Gumuz Region for any reason.

Visit our website for advice if you decide to Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Oromia Region – Specific Areas

  • Do not travel to Horro-Guduru Wollega, East Wollega, West Wollega, Kelem Wollega, and Illubabor due to risk of armed conflict and unrest.
  • U.S. government employees working in Ethiopia need special authorization to travel to Horro-Guduru Wollega, East Wollega, West Wollega, Kelem Wollega, and Illubabor due to safety risks.
  • There is a high risk of political and ethnic conflicts and related armed conflict and violence.

There is very high risk of unexpected armed conflict in:

  • North, West, and Southwest Shewa. This is the area to the immediate north and west of Addis Ababa.
  • The Boset and Fentale woredas of East Shewa zone between Welenchiti and Awash The Borena zone surrounding Bule Horaa
  • The Guji zone to the east of Bule Hora

Do not travel to these areas for any reason.

Visit our website for advice if you decide to Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Sidama Region

  • Do not travel to the Sidama Region due to armed conflict and unrest.
  • U.S. government employees working in Ethiopia need special authorization to travel to the Sidama Region due to safety risks.
  • There is a high risk of political and ethnic conflicts and related armed conflict and violence.
  • The risks are very high in Gedeo, Konso zones, and the Amaro and Derashe special woredas.
  • Do not travel to the Sidama Region for any reason.

Visit our website for advice if you decide to Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Central Ethiopia Region

  • Do not travel to the Central Ethiopia Region due to armed conflict and unrest.
  • U.S. government employees working in Ethiopia need special authorization to travel to the Central Ethiopia Region due to safety risks.
  • There is a high risk of political and ethnic conflicts and related armed conflict and violence.
  • Do not travel to the Central Ethiopia Region for any reason.

Visit our website for advice if you decide to Travel to High-Risk Areas.

South Ethiopia Region

  • Do not travel to the South Ethiopia Region due to armed conflict and unrest.
  • U.S. government employees working in Ethiopia need special authorization to travel to the South Ethiopia Region due to safety risks.
  • There is a high risk of political and ethnic conflicts and related armed conflict and violence.
  • Do not travel to the South Ethiopia Region for any reason.

Visit our website for advice if you decide to Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Southwest Ethiopia Region

  • Do not travel to the Southwest Ethiopia Region due to armed conflict and unrest.
  • U.S. government employees working in Ethiopia need special authorization to travel to the Southwest Ethiopia Region due to safety risks.
  • There is a high risk of political and ethnic conflicts and related armed conflict and violence.
  • Do not travel to the Southwest Ethiopia Region for any reason.

Visit our website for advice if you decide to Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Border with Somalia

  • Do not travel within 50 kilometers of the border area with Somalia due to risk of terrorism, kidnapping, and landmines.
  • U.S. government employees working in Ethiopia need special authorization to travel to the border area with Somalia due to safety risks.
  • Terrorists are active in Somali towns near the border with Ethiopia. There is a high risk of cross-border attacks and kidnappings.
  • Landmines are present in this region. The locations of landmines and unexploded ordnance are often not marked or easy to recognize.
  • Do not travel to the border area with Somalia for any reason.

Visit our website for advice if you decide to Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Border with Sudan and South Sudan

  • Do not travel within 50 kilometers of the border areas with Sudan and South Sudan due to crime, kidnapping, armed conflict, and unrest.
  • U.S. government employees working in Ethiopia need special authorization to travel to the border area with Sudan and South Sunda due to safety risks.
  • Sporadic violent conflict is common.

The highest risk areas include but are not limited to:

  • The Nuer Zone and the Jore Woreda of the Agnuak Zone in the Gambela region
  • The Pawe, Guba, Dangur, Dibati, and Bulen woredas
  • The Metekel zone in the Benishangul Gumuz Region

Do not travel to the border areas with Sudan and South Sudan for any reason.

Visit our website for advice if you decide to Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Border with Kenya

  • Do not travel within 50 kilometers of the border areas with Kenya due to terrorism, armed conflict, and unrest.
  • This includes but is not limited to the Borena zone and surrounding areas.
  • U.S. government employees working in Ethiopia need special authorization to travel to the border area with Kenya due to safety risks.
  • Al-Shabaab and other terrorists are active in this area.
  • There is a high risk of political and ethnic conflicts and related armed conflict and violence.
  • Do not travel to the border areas with Kenya for any reason.

Visit our website for advice if you decide to Travel to High-Risk Areas.

If you decide to travel to Ethiopia:

  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy or consulate contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency.
  • Monitor local media for breaking events. Be prepared to adjust your plans.
  • Stay aware of your surroundings.
  • Review our information on Crime Abroad and for Victims of Crime.
  • Stay alert in locations frequented by foreign travelers.
  • Carry a copy of your passport and visa and leave originals in your hotel safe.
  • Have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance.  Review our information on Crisis and Evacuations.
  • Medical services for routine and emergency procedures are limited. Read the Health section of the Travel Guidance on this page for more information.
  • Review the Country Security Report for Ethiopia.
  • Whether you’re a first time or frequent traveler, use the Traveler’s Checklist.
  • Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) page for the latest Travel Health Information for Ethiopia.
  • We highly recommend that you buy travel insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancelation coverage.
  • Review our information on Travel to High-Risk Areas.
... [READ MORE]

Hague Convention Participation

Party to the Hague Abduction Convention?
No
U.S. Treaty Partner under the Hague Abduction Convention?
No
Learn why the Hague Abduction Convention Matters.

What You Can Do

Learn how to respond to abductions FROM the US
Learn how to respond to abductions TO the US
ALL / ALL /

U.S. Embassy Addis Ababa

Entoto Street
PO Box 1014
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Telephone: +251-11-130-6000
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: 011-130-6000
Fax: +251-11-124-2435 and +251-11-124-2419
Email: AddisACS@state.gov

For information concerning travel to Ethiopia, including information about the location of the U.S. Embassy, the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, entry/exit requirements, safety and security, crime, medical facilities and health information, traffic safety, road conditions and aviation safety, please see country-specific information for Ethiopia.

The U.S. Department of State reports statistics and compliance information for individual countries in the Annual Report on International Child Abduction. The report is located here. 

Ethiopia is not a signatory to the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction (Hague Abduction Convention), nor are there any bilateral agreements in force between Ethiopia and the United States concerning international parental child abduction.

Legal systems and laws pertaining to custody, divorce, and parental abduction vary widely from country to country.  Parents are encouraged to consult with an attorney who specializes in family law in Ethiopia and who can provide accurate legal guidance that is specific to their circumstances. 

The Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs, Directorate for Overseas Citizens Services, Office of Children's Issues provides assistance in cases of international parental child abduction.  For U.S. citizen parents whose children have been wrongfully removed to or retained in countries that are not U.S. partners under the Hague Abduction Convention, the Office of Children's Issues can provide information and resources about country-specific options for pursuing the return of or access to an abducted child.  The Office of Children's Issues may also coordinate with appropriate foreign and U.S. government authorities about the welfare of abducted U.S. citizen children.  Parents are strongly encouraged to contact the Department of State for assistance.

Contact information:

U.S. Department of State 
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Office of Children's Issues
CA/OCS/CI 
SA-17, 9th Floor 
Washington, DC 20522-1709
Telephone:  1-888-407-4747
Outside the United States or Canada: 1-202-501-4444
Website:  childabduction.state.gov
Email: AfricaIPCA@state.gov

Parental child abduction is a criminal offense in Ethiopia under Article 589 (3) of the Criminal Code of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

Parents may wish to consult with an attorney in the United States and in the country to which the child has been removed or retained to learn more about how filing criminal charges may impact a custody case in the foreign court.  Please see Possible Solutions - Pressing Criminal Charges for more information. 

Legal systems and laws pertaining to custody, divorce, and parental abduction vary widely from country to country.  Parents are encouraged to consult with an attorney who specializes in family law in Ethiopia and who can provide accurate legal guidance that is specific to their circumstances.

The Office of Children's Issues may be able to assist parents seeking access to children who have been wrongfully removed from or retained outside the United States.  Parents who are seeking access to children who were not wrongfully removed from or retained outside the United States should contact the appropriate U.S. Embassy in Ethiopia for information and possible assistance.

Neither the Office of Children's Issues nor consular officials at the U.S. Embassy in Ethiopia are authorized to provide legal advice.

The U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, posts a list of attorneys, including those who specialize in family law

This list is provided as a courtesy service only and does not constitute an endorsement of any individual attorney. The Department of State assumes no responsibility or liability for the professional ability or reputation of, or the quality of services provided by, the following persons or firms. Professional credentials and areas of expertise are provided directly by the lawyers.

Under the Ethiopian Family Code, courts may direct parties to a divorce action to attempt to mediate their dispute.

Exercising Custody Rights

While travelling in a foreign country, you are subject to the laws of that country. It is important for parents to understand that, although a left-behind parent in the United States may have custody or visitation rights pursuant to a U.S. custody order, that order may not be valid and enforceable in the country in which the child is located.  For this reason, we strongly encourage you to speak to a local attorney if planning to remove a child from a foreign country without the consent of the other parent.  Attempts to remove your child to the United States may:

  • Endanger your child and others;
  • Prejudice any future judicial efforts; and
  • Could result in your arrest and imprisonment.

The U.S. government cannot interfere with another country’s court or law enforcement system.

To understand the legal effect of a U.S. order in a foreign country, a parent should consult with a local attorney in the country in which the child is located.  

For information about hiring an attorney abroad, see our section on Retaining a Foreign Attorney. 

Although we cannot recommend an attorney to you, most U.S. Embassies have lists of attorneys available online. Please visit the local U.S. Embassy or Consulate website for a full listing.

For more information on consular assistance for U.S. citizens arrested abroad, please see our website.

Country officers are available to speak with you Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.  For assistance with an abduction in progress or any emergency situation that occurs after normal business hours, on weekends, or federal holidays, please call toll free at 1-888-407-4747. See all contact information.

DISCLAIMER: The information in this flyer is provided for general information only, is not intended to be legal advice, and may change without notice. Questions involving interpretation of law should be addressed to an attorney licensed in the relevant jurisdiction. 

 

Last Updated: February 3, 2021

Assistance for U.S. Citizens

U.S. Embassy Addis Ababa
Entoto Street
PO Box 1014
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Telephone
+251-11-130-6000
Emergency
011-130-6000
Fax
+251-11-124-2435 and +251-11-124-2419
Email
AddisACS@state.gov
Website
https://et.usembassy.gov/

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