The U.S. Embassy informs U.S. citizens of reports of anti-government protests scheduled to take place in Ethiopia, including Addis Ababa, this weekend. Protests are likely to disrupt ground transportation, and you may experience communication systems black-outs. Monitor local news for updates.
Additionally, the Embassy continues to restrict official and personal travel by Embassy personnel to the Amhara and Oromia regional states due to the potential for protests in those areas. Restrictions of future travel by Embassy personnel are being reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
While U.S. citizens have not been specifically targeted in past demonstrations, the unpredictability of protests presents significant risks for travelers to the affected regions. Everyone should increase their level of situational awareness, continuously assess their surroundings, and evaluate their personal level of safety and avoid demonstrations or large gatherings. Communications such as cellphone and internet could be disabled without notice.
Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence. Avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place and exercise caution when in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations.
For further information:
- See the State Department’s travel website for the Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information for Ethiopia.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Contact the U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa, located at Entoto Street, P.O. Box 1014, by email at consacs@state.gov, or at +251-11-130-6000 Monday-Thursday, 7:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. For after-hours emergencies, U.S. citizens should call +251-11-130-6911 or 011-130-6000 and ask to speak with the duty officer.
- Call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
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