All destinations

Ethiopia

Africa · Updated April 2026

See a travel doctor 4–6 weeks before you leave.

Current alert — Global Polio

CDC has a Level 2 notice for global polio. Adults previously vaccinated should consider a one-time polio booster before travel.

Current alert — Global Measles

CDC has a Level 1 notice for global measles. Make sure you are fully vaccinated against measles before international travel.

Current alert — Malaria outbreak in Ethiopia

CDC reports a malaria outbreak across all 14 regions of Ethiopia. Take prescription antimalarial medication and use bite precautions.

Planning a trip to Ethiopia? CDC recommends Hepatitis A, typhoid, yellow fever, and meningococcal vaccines for most travellers, plus prescription antimalarial medication for areas below 2,500 m. Your doctor may also discuss Hepatitis B, cholera, rabies, or mpox depending on your route. Book a travel health appointment 4–6 weeks before departure.

Malaria risk is below 2,500 m and an outbreak is currently active across all 14 regions. Yellow fever is recommended for most areas, except trips limited to Afar or Somali.

Required for entry

No vaccines are currently required for entry to Ethiopia from most countries.

Exception: Proof of Yellow Fever vaccination — Required for travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Recommended for most travellers

CDC advises these for all visitors to Ethiopia.

Food & Water

Hepatitis A

A contagious liver infection spread through contaminated food and water. Most travellers to regions with less reliable sanitation should get this vaccine.

Two doses at 0 and 6–12 months. Over 90% of people develop protective antibodies within a month of the first dose, so one dose is usually enough for the trip itself. No booster needed after the full series.

Food & Water

Typhoid

A bacterial infection spread through food and water contaminated with the faeces of an infected person. Risk is higher in rural areas and when eating with locals.

The injected vaccine is a single dose at least 2 weeks before travel and lasts 2 years. The oral version is four capsules taken every other day, completed at least a week before travel, and lasts 5 years. Neither is 100% effective — safe food and water habits still matter.

Mosquito

Yellow Fever

A serious mosquito-borne virus found in parts of Africa and South America. Proof of vaccination is required for entry to many countries if arriving from a risk area.

One dose at least 10 days before travel. A single dose provides lifelong protection and the International Certificate of Vaccination is valid for life.

Airborne

Meningococcal

A bacterial infection spread through close contact that can cause meningitis. Required for pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj or Umrah, and advised for parts of the African meningitis belt during the dry season.

A single dose 7–10 days before travel. A booster is advised every 3–5 years for those who remain at risk.

Recommended for some travellers

Depends on your itinerary, activities, duration, or health.

Blood & Body Fluids

Hepatitis B

A liver infection spread through blood, sexual contact, and contaminated medical or cosmetic equipment. Recommended for most travellers, especially those with longer stays or possible medical exposure.

Food & Water

Cholera

A bacterial infection spread through contaminated water, causing severe diarrhoea. Rare in travellers but worth considering for aid workers or travel to areas with active outbreaks.

Animal Contact

Rabies

A fatal viral disease spread through the bite or scratch of an infected animal — most often dogs, bats, or monkeys. Pre-travel vaccination simplifies treatment after exposure.

Blood & Body Fluids

Mpox

A viral illness spread through close skin-to-skin contact, often during sex. CDC advises vaccination for travellers anticipating new sexual partners or exposure at large public events in at-risk regions.

Malaria

Not a vaccine

Risk in all areas below 2,500 m. Chloroquine resistance documented; CDC recommends prescription antimalarial medication for all areas with risk.

Discuss prescription chemoprophylaxis with a travel doctor if your itinerary includes risk areas.

Routine vaccines to be up to date on

CDC advises every international traveller to have these current.

Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
Two doses at least 28 days apart, ideally completed at least 2 weeks before travel. Adults born before 1957 or with documented immunity are already considered protected.
Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
A single Tdap or Td booster, effective within days. Adults should have a booster every 10 years — or after 5 years if you've had a dirty wound or burn. Pregnant travellers should receive Tdap during every pregnancy.
Polio
A single lifetime adult IPV booster for travellers to at-risk countries. For some destinations, the booster must be received 4 weeks to 12 months before departure and documented on an International Certificate of Vaccination.
Flu (Influenza)
An annual dose at least 2 weeks before travel to areas with active flu circulation. A single current-season vaccine covers travel to either hemisphere.
Chickenpox (Varicella)
Two doses at least 28 days apart for adolescents and adults without immunity. Children get doses at 12–15 months and 4–6 years. Two documented doses protect most people for life.
Shingles
Two doses of Shingrix 2–6 months apart. Protection stays high for at least 7 years. Adults 19+ with weakened immune systems can use a faster schedule (2nd dose 1–2 months after).
COVID-19
Follow the current CDC schedule for your age and risk group. If you had COVID-19 recently, you may delay vaccination for up to 3 months from the onset of infection.

Entry requirements

For US citizens. Non-US travellers should check their government's guidance.

Yellow fever certificateOnly if arriving from a YF-risk country

Yellow fever is recommended for most travellers aged 9 months and older, except for travel limited to Afar or Somali regions. Schistosomiasis is a risk in fresh water. Rabies is present in dogs and bats.

Source: CDC Travelers' Health — Ethiopia.

Disclaimer:This information is for general guidance only, based on CDC Travelers' Health. It does not replace advice from a qualified travel health professional. Consult a doctor 4–6 weeks before your trip.