African Membrane Society AMSIC
GENERAL TRAVEL INFORMATION TO VISIT ETHIOPIA (focus on Addis Ababa)
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Conference location and transportation from Addis’s airport to lodging areas?
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Food- are there options for Western/Asian/Halal/Vegan cuisine in Addis?
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Is it safe to travel through the city without being accompanied by a local resident?
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What ‘s the preferred public transportation system in Addis?
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Top places to visit in Addis (things to do in the capital city)
FAQ - Security
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Background AMSIC4- Addis Ababa
Capital city Addis Ababa (Addis) hosts the African Union’s (AU) headquarters. There are 118 embassies, 4 Permanent Missions (US, Japan, etc.), 2 Delegations (European Union); all 54 African countries have some diplomatic representation in Addis. Other information : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_diplomatic_missions_in_Ethiopia
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Visa requirements and invitation letters?
All nationalities need a visa. The easiest way is to apply here
for an e-Visa. AMSIC organizers will be eager to send you an invitation letter after hearing from you.
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Food- are there options for Western/Asian/Halal/Vegan cuisine in Addis?
Yes, Addis is a cosmopolite location, where many types of food and beverages can be found. Meat is mostly halal.
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What about the water quality?
Currently, Addis Ababa is considered a region with very safe drinking water (85 % of water is low risk) compared to other regions of Ethiopia (only 7% of water is low risk in particular places). However, due to water shortages, most hotels and restaurants rely on water tanks, or occasionally on ground water. It’s advised to used bottled water for travelers to Addis or to other Ethiopian places.
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Is it safe to travel through the city without being accompanied by a local resident?
It is safe to travel through the city without being accompanied by a local resident during the daytime between 7 am and 9:00 pm. However, it is better to move around with a group.
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Any vaccine requirements - traveling to Ethiopia?
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When was the last armed conflict in Ethiopia?
Tigrayan guerrilla warfare (November 2020 – June 2021)
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Are tensions still tangible in the country?
There is a tangible tension in some part of regions, especially in Amhara and Oromia region.
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Places that may be worth visiting outside of Addis Ababa [RV1] (please, discuss with your government)
Worth visiting
● Entoto Park
● Bishoftu City
● Hawassa City
● The Omo Valley.
● Arba Minch Tourist Locations.
● Bale Mountains National Park.
● Harar Tourist Locations.
● Jinka Tourist Locations.
● Turmi (Hammer Tribe)
● Konso Village (Konso New York City)
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Disclaimer
This document (prepared by the organizers) will be updated on a regular basis. Its content is not
endorsed by any government, state institution, national agency, or legal authority. AMSIC does not wish to influence your judgement and bears no responsibility in your participatory decision
regarding AMSIC-4. We are eager and available to help you make an informed decision in case youhave any questions.
Check with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and/or State Department of your country of citizenship. Please, also look for Ethiopian diplomatic entities in your country of residence (embassies, consulates, diplomatic missions, etc.), if you are faced with any unresolved matter.
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Conference location and transportation from Addis’s airport to lodging areas?
Inter Luxury Hotel in Addis Ababa https://interluxuryhotel.com/
The organizers will send a notification when hotel reservations can be made.
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Are there special excursions, travels and outings scheduled before/during/after AMSIC-4 such as Ethiopian coffee plantation tours or ceremonies?
AMSIC congress often includes at least one touristic event held near the congress location. These details are shared several 4-8 weeks before our congress and uploaded on the website.
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What ‘s the preferred public transportation system in Addis?
Transport in Addis Ababa includes cars, minibusses, buses, meter taxis, and light rail. But meter taxis are the preferred public transportation system in Addis because of they are regulated and safe. It is also possible to use a minibus after rush hours.
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The top places to visit in Addis (things to do in the capital
● National Museum of Ethiopia
● Unity Park
● Holy Trinity Cathedral (Kidist Selassie) and Museum
● Addis Ababa University Ethnological Museum
● Merkato
● St. George’s Cathedral and Museum
● Entoto Park
● Shiro-meda cultural clothes and local crafts market
● Entoto St. Maryam Church Museum
● Cultural Music house and traditional restaurants
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Who speaks English (Addis and other major cities)?
The presence of international organizations, NGOs, and foreign embassies in Addis Ababa has led to the widespread use of English in the city. English is commonly used in business and educational institutions, and signs and menus are often written in both Amharic and English. Although English is spoken in Addis Ababa, the level of proficiency may vary among its residents. Addis Ababa’s youth is more likely to fluently speak English compared to older generations.
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Which regions were affected?
Most Amhara and Oromia regions are affected. The security situation in Addis Ababa is stable.
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Are there any ongoing peace-building efforts?
In October 2023, European Union and Ethiopia signed an agreement aimed at promoting sustainbale
development, peace and green growth (value 650 million euros) :
https://africabriefing.com/ethiopia-and-eu-sign-e650m-support-agreement-for-multi-annual-
indicative-programme/
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Places to avoid
Avoid
● Tigray region
● Amhara Regional State, including Lalibela, the cities of Gondar and Bahir Dar, and the Simien
Mountains.
● Northern Afar region, within 10km of border with Eritrea.
● Benishangul-Gumuz region
● Gambella region
● Border areas with Sudan, South Sudan and Kenya (including all land border crossings)
● The border area with Somaliland, and within 100km of the border of Somalia (in Ethiopian
Somali region), excluding the area around Jijiga.
● East and West Guji zones (Oromia) and Gedeo zone (SNNPR)
● Western Oromian, West/East Wellega. Kellam Wellega and Horo Gurdru
