U.S continues to warn against travel to Ethiopia

ESAT News (December 7, 2016)

The U.S. Department of State renewed its warning against traveling to Ethiopia citing the potential for civil unrest.

“The State Department continues to warn U.S. citizens of the risks of travel to Ethiopia due to the potential for civil unrest related to sporadic and unpredictable anti-government protests that began in November 2015,” the Department said on Tuesday.

The Department also said the provision of consular services could be limited due to security and restrictions on Internet and telephone.

“The U.S. Embassy’s ability to provide consular services in many parts of the country may be limited without warning due to the government’s restrictions on mobile and internet communications and the unpredictable nature of the current security situation,” it further said.

Several countries including the United Kingdom issued travel warning in the last one year after anti-regime protests turned deadly in the Oromo and Amhara regions.

Tourist operators in Europe and U.S. were forced to cancel bookings to Ethiopia resulting in the loss of millions of dollars. The country is expected to lose about 400 million dollars from tourism in the current budget year due to the unrest.