Canada has sharply tightened its travel advice for Ethiopia, warning its citizens to avoid non-essential trips to the country because of civil unrest, armed conflict, crime and a worsening fuel shortage. The advisory stresses that the overall security situation can deteriorate without warning, with conditions varying widely from one region to another. While Addis Ababa is described as more stable than other parts of the country, authorities caution that ongoing tensions and conflict elsewhere could spill into major cities without notice.
Addis Ababa is explicitly excluded from the nationwide call to avoid non-essential travel, but travellers are told to exercise a high degree of caution in the capital. Officials cite a high crime rate and the risk that spontaneous demonstrations could turn violent, as well as the possibility that unrest from other regions could spread. A heightened security presence is to be expected, and visitors are advised to keep their travel documents up to date, have passports stamped on arrival and carry identification at all times.
Beyond the capital, Canada has issued some of its strongest warnings for key northern regions, urging travellers to avoid all travel to Amhara, Benishangul-Gumuz and Tigray. The advisory points to armed conflict, civil unrest and an unpredictable security environment in these areas, where violence can flare quickly. In the Amhara region in particular, officials report widespread violence, underscoring how volatile the situation has become.
Central Ethiopia is also heavily affected, with a blanket warning to avoid all travel to Gambella and several zones within the Oromia region. The zones of North Shewa, West Shewa, West Wollega, East Wollega, Kellem Wollega and Horo Gudru Wollega are singled out because of civil unrest, violent crime, kidnapping, armed conflict and reports of airstrikes. An exception is noted for the A4 highway from Addis Ababa to and including Ambo, where the recommendation is downgraded to avoiding non-essential travel rather than all travel, reflecting slightly different risk levels along that corridor.
Border areas are another focal point of concern, as the advisory warns of persistent instability, military activity, banditry and a high risk of terrorist attacks, kidnapping, violence and landmines. Canada urges travellers to avoid all travel within set distances of several frontiers, including parts of the borders with Eritrea, Somalia, Kenya, South Sudan and Sudan, and specific zones such as Fafan and Sitti. Even in locations where the advice is marginally less strict, such as the town of Wajale and its border crossing or the C104 road, the government still recommends avoiding non-essential travel.
The worsening fuel shortage is described as a nationwide problem, causing long waits at gas stations and disrupting both ground and air transportation. Authorities warn that these shortages may also affect electricity and telecommunications, including internet access, making journeys harder to plan and execute. Public transportation services, including taxis, are already seeing interruptions, which may leave travellers with few reliable options for local movement and require extra time to get between locations.
Because of the unpredictable security situation, the advisory outlines a series of practical steps for anyone who decides to travel to Ethiopia despite the warnings. Travellers are urged to expect roadblocks, curfews and possible disruptions to telecommunications, to stop at checkpoints even if they appear unattended, and to remain calm and follow instructions if confronted by security forces. In regions affected by armed conflict, the guidance is to avoid military, police and security installations, shelter in place until the situation stabilizes, and be prepared for flights and land transport to be disrupted.
Canada also flags the ongoing danger posed by landmines and unexploded ordnance in areas affected by current or past conflicts and near several regional and international borders. Travellers are warned to be especially vigilant in remote areas, to stick to main paved roads, to cross borders only at official points, and to avoid walking in fields and rural areas where hidden explosives may still be present. The advisory calls on Canadians in Ethiopia to pay attention to posted signs indicating possible landmine presence and, if they need assistance, to contact the Embassy of Canada in Addis Ababa by email.