Message to U.S. Citizens: Foreign Currency Restrictions

The Government of Ethiopia restricts the amount of foreign currency that travelers may bring into and out of Ethiopia.  The following regulations are strictly enforced at ports of entry, including Bole International Airport:

  • Visitors to Ethiopia may hold up to a maximum of 1,000 Ethiopian birr per trip to and from Ethiopia and must declare all foreign currency exceeding the equivalent of $3,000 when entering the country.
  • Residents of Ethiopia may not hold foreign currency for more than 30 days after declaring it. Nonresidents may hold foreign currency for the duration of their visa.
  • When departing Ethiopia, nonresidents carrying more than the equivalent of $3,000 in foreign currency and residents carrying any amount of foreign currency must produce a valid bank document or foreign currency customs declaration that is less than 30 days old.

For more information about these restrictions contact the National Bank of Ethiopia, the Ethiopian Revenues and Customs Authority, or the nearest Ethiopian Embassy or Consulate.

For further information: