Ethiopia

Singaporeans are required to apply for a visa before travelling to Ethiopia. There should be at least six months' validity on your passport on the expected date of departure from Ethiopia. Travellers are advised to contact their travel agent or the Consulate-General of Ethiopia in Singapore for the latest information. 

Civil unrest can escalate quickly and turn violent. Be aware that security forces may not be able to respond to incidents adequately. Exercise caution, avoid protest areas, monitor developments through the local news, and heed the instructions of the local authorities.

Street crime, including pickpocketing and snatch thefts, does occur. These crimes may be carried out by small children. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash and wearing jewellery. Do not travel alone at night. Due to the prevalence of HIV/AIDS, victims of sexual assault should seek medical attention immediately.

Ethiopia is a conservative society. Dress and behave modestly and be sensitive to the local customs. Fasting is a common occurrence and food may not always be available in smaller restaurants and hotels. 

It is illegal to possess ivory products and this can result in heavy fines. It is illegal to export items of historical or cultural significance. The export of precious stones is restricted. Check with local authorities if in doubt.

Prior to your travel, consult your doctor for travel health advice regarding vaccinations required or recommended and purchase comprehensive travel insurance.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there is a risk of yellow fever transmission in Ethiopia. To fully protect yourself against yellow fever during your travels, you are advised to receive the yellow fever vaccination 10 days before your travels. All travellers, including Singapore residents, who arrive in Singapore from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission (i.e. regardless of area, city or region) are required to have a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate and present it to the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officer at the immigration counter upon arrival to Singapore.

The International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is only considered valid 10 days after vaccination and the validity lasts for the life of the person vaccinated.

Travellers without a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (e.g. unvaccinated individuals, including those who are ineligible to receive the vaccination, such as children aged 1 year old and below and individuals with contraindications, and travellers whose certificate has yet to become valid),are liable to be quarantined under Section 31 of the Infectious Disease Act, for six days from date of departure from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission. Quarantine must be served at designated vector-free government quarantine facility. Non-residents who refuse quarantine will be denied entry into Singapore.

Please refer to MOH website https://www.moh.gov.sg/diseases-updates/yellow-fever for more information on yellow fever.  

Overseas Travel – Be Informed & Be Safe [Updated on 5 February 2024]

Singaporeans planning overseas travel are reminded to take the necessary precautions, including being prepared to deal with accidents, natural disasters or terrorist attacks. Singaporeans are also reminded to be familiar with your destination’s local laws, customs, and COVID-19 regulations.

Demonstrations do occur in major cities across the world. Such demonstrations can sometimes escalate into violence. It is important for Singaporeans to keep abreast of local news, avoid any protests or demonstrations and heed the advice of the local authorities.

When participating in outdoor leisure activities overseas, Singaporeans should be mindful that certain sporting activities, especially in open seas, may carry risks. Besides ensuring that one has the physical competencies and appropriate condition to undertake the activity, every effort should be made to ascertain if the trip organiser or guide is reliable and competent, and that appropriate safety and contingency plans are in place. When in doubt, Singaporeans should consult the relevant professional bodies or sporting associations for specific advice.

For those planning to travel, here are some tips:

Before travelling

• Familiarise yourself with our network of overseas missions.
• Purchase comprehensive travel insurance and be familiar with the terms and coverage.
• Equip yourself with research about your destination’s entry requirements, current situation, local laws and customs.
• eRegister with us on our website (www.mfa.gov.sg) so that we may reach out to you during an emergency.

While travelling

• Always take care of your personal safety, remain vigilant and monitor local weather news, advisories, and security developments.
• Exercise caution around large gatherings and avoid locations known for demonstrations or disturbances.
• Be prepared for possible delays and last-minute changes in travel plans especially during unforeseen events such as natural disasters, social unrest or terror attacks.
• Stay connected with your friends and family. Inform them of your whereabouts and provide them with your overseas contact details.
• In the event that you require consular assistance, please contact the nearest Singapore Overseas Mission or call the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Duty Office at +65 6379 8800/+65 6379 8855.

Advisory: Email Scams

There have been reports of individuals receiving scam emails/messages purportedly sent from friends in distress overseas. These emails/messages typically originate from an email address/social media known to the receiver bearing claims of the sender getting into trouble overseas and urgently requesting financial assistance. The sender would also claim to have approached a Singapore Embassy/Consulate and the local Police for help to no avail.

MFA takes the safety of all Singaporeans very seriously.  Singaporeans in distress approaching our Overseas Missions for assistance will be rendered with all necessary consular assistance.  If you receive such emails/messages from purported friends seeking funds transfers, we strongly advise you to call them first to verify the authenticity of the emails/messages before responding to their request.  It is also not advisable to give out any personal information such as NRIC/passport numbers, address, telephone number, etc.  Any form of reply, even one of non-interest, could result in more unsolicited emails.  Members of the public who suspect that they have fallen prey to such scams should report the matter to the Police immediately.  Should Singaporeans abroad require consular assistance, they can contact the nearest Singapore Overseas Mission or call the Ministry of Foreign Affairs 24-hr Duty Office at +65 6379 8800/+65 6379 8855.