Living in Ethiopia
Advice for British people living in Ethiopia, including information on health, education, finance, moving to the UK and more.
Introduction
This guide sets out essential information for British citizens moving to or living in Ethiopia. Read about how our embassy in Addis Ababa can help. British Embassy Addis Ababa.
This information is provided as a guide only. You should get definitive information from the Ethiopian authorities. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is not liable for any inaccuracies in this information.
Support for British Nationals abroad: a guide sets out how British nationals can stay safe abroad and how the FCDO can help if you do get into difficulty.
Read general guidance on moving or retiring abroad.
To stay up to date: follow the British Embassy Addis Ababa on Facebook and Twitter.
Before you go
See our travel advice for Ethiopia (https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/ethiopia) for up-to-date information on entry requirements, local laws and customs, safety and emergencies. See the Overseas Business Risk guide for information on risks of doing business in Ethiopia.
Visas and residency
Check the entry requirements for Ethiopia in our travel advice.
You will require a visa to enter Ethiopia. You can find information on visas at the Ethiopian E-Visa website. Further information can be found on their Facebook page (in Amharic).
Passports and travel
You can apply for or renew your British passport from Ethiopia.
Check the Ethiopia travel advice for passport validity requirements.
Healthcare in Ethiopia
Ethiopia does not have a reciprocal health agreement with the United Kingdom. You are strongly advised to take out comprehensive travel/medical insurance before travelling to Ethiopia. Medical standards differ from the United Kingdom and you will be required to pay for any medical treatment that you receive. There are private medical facilities but these may be expensive. Local government general hospitals may be crowded and shortages in medical material may hinder medical practice. For further information visit the Ethiopia Ministry of Health website.
UK Travel insurance providers will not generally cover your healthcare costs if you live overseas.
Medicine
If you are on a prescription for any medication you should ensure you have a supply of it, or are able to obtain it when in Ethiopia. Certain medicines may not be available in Ethiopia (including major brands readily available in the UK), and you may be prohibited from taking them into the country. You should consult your GP before travelling to Ethiopia to find out about any alternative medication.
Read this guidance if you need to travel with medicines.
Health insurance
If you are resident in Ethiopia ensure you have taken out an appropriate health insurance policy. If you are a visitor, arrange comprehensive travel insurance before you travel. Make sure your policy covers the following:
- an air ambulance, in case you need to be flown home by this means
- full medical cover (medical bills can be expensive)
- repatriation of your remains in the event of death
- repatriation of your family in the event it is necessary for you to return home due to illness or injury
Medical emergencies
If you need emergency medical assistance whilst in Ethiopia, dial 120 and ask for an ambulance. Ambulances can be very slow to arrive and may not have trained responders. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company as soon as possible to inform them of what has happened. Hospitals may seek immediate payment by cash or card before treatment is given.
Working in Ethiopia
If you are planning to move to Ethiopia and work, you will need a visa. Read the Ethiopian government’s advice on how to get a business visa. If you are intending to work longer term in Ethiopian, you will need to be sponsored by your employer and apply for a work permit from the Ministry of Labour and a temporary residence permit from the Ministry of Immigration.
To apply for a job you may need to provide certified copies of your education and professional qualifications. Educational and professional qualifications need to be legalised by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the Ethiopian Embassy in London before you leave the UK. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Addis Ababa will then clear them as being acceptable.
To apply for a work permit the following documents maybe required to be submitted:
For government organisations
- 4 copies of an application form from the employing organization
- support letter from the immediate project supervising government organisations
- photocopy of passport of the employee and valid business visa
- 5 passport size recent photos of the employee
- support letter from the Ministry of Health or Education, if the employee is going to work in Health or Education sector
- educational certificate and work experience
- work permit service fee
For private organisations
- 4 copies of an application form from the employing organisation
- investment permit issued by the Investment Commission, or Business License issued by the Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration or relevant regional organs, or Trade License of the organization if the Head Office is located outside of Ethiopia
- photocopy of passport of the employee and valid Business visa
- support letter from the Ministry of Health or Education, if the employee is going to work in Health or Education Sector
- support letter from appropriate organisation (seeking to engage the services of the employing organisation or relevant to the organisation’s sector)
- 5 passport size recent photos of the employee
- educational certificate and work experience
- work permit service fee
For non-government organisations
- 4 copies of an application form from the employing organisation
- registration certificate from Charities and Societies Agency
Support letters and documentation
- from the Ministry of Agriculture, National Disaster Prevention and Preparedness Commission if the applicant is going to work in those specific sectors
- support letter from the Ministry of Health or Ministry of Education, if the employee is going to work in Health or Education sector respectively
- support letter from appropriate organisation (seeking to engage the services of the employing organisation or relevant to the organisation’s sector)
- educational certificate and work experience
- photocopy of passport of the employee and valid Business visa
- 5 passport size recent photos of the employee
- work permit service fee
Studying in Ethiopia
If you plan to study in Ethiopia, you must meet all visa requirements before you travel. See more information on the Ethiopian e-visa website.
Contact the relevant higher education provider in Ethiopia to check what fees you have to pay.
Tax
The UK has a double taxation agreement with Ethiopia so that you do not pay tax on the same income in both countries. Ask the relevant tax authority your questions about double taxation relief.
You should get professional advice on paying tax in Ethiopia. Find an English-speaking lawyer in Ethiopia.
Read guidance on:
- tax if you leave the UK to live abroad
- tax on your UK income if you live abroad
- tax if you get a pension and live abroad
- paying National Insurance while abroad to protect your State Pension and entitlement to other benefits and allowances
Benefits
Check which UK benefits you can claim while abroad and how to claim them.
Many income-related benefits such as Pension Credit and Housing Benefit cannot be paid if you’re abroad for more than 4 weeks.
Pensions
Read State Pension guidance if you have lived in Australia, Canada or New Zealand and you are claiming or waiting to claim your UK State Pension.
If you retire in Ethiopia, you can claim your UK State Pension or new UK State Pension. Contact the International Pension Centre for further information.
Life certificates for UK State Pensions
If you get a ‘life certificate’ from the UK Pension Service, you must respond as soon as possible. Your payments may be suspended if you do not.
Money and banking
For information on banking, insurance and other financial information, see the National Bank of Ethiopia.
Information on taxation can be found through the Ethiopian Ministry of Revenues.
There are many banks in Ethiopia – government and private owned. The requirements for opening an account do vary. Credit cards are accepted in major hotels and restaurants in Ethiopia.
Money transfer
Transferring money into Ethiopia is possible through all banks and money transferring companies such as Western Union. Transferring money out of Ethiopia is not possible via money transfer agents; refer to the National bank of Ethiopia for further advice.
Accommodation and buying property
Driving in Ethiopia
Foreign nationals are allowed in Ethiopia using their foreign licences for two weeks. During this time they are expected to apply for an Ethiopian driver’s licence. You should contact the Ethiopian Ministry of transport and Logistics. You will need to present legalised documents with your application. Follow the procedure for legalisation of UK documents in our notarial and documentary services guide for Ethiopia.
See more information on Driving abroad.
See guidance for travelling by road in Ethiopia.
If you wish to take your vehicle with you, see https://www.gov.uk/taking-vehicles-out-of-uk.
The importation of vehicles to Ethiopia is subject to heavy importation tax, even if the vehicle is only temporarily imported. You should contact the Ethiopian Ministry of Revenues for further information.
Disabled drivers
If you have a UK Blue Badge and live in Ethiopia, you must return it to the original UK issuing authority.
Voting
You may be able to vote in some UK elections. You can:
Births, deaths, marriage and civil partnership
Births
If your child is born in Ethiopia you should register the birth with the local authorities. You can then register with the UK authorities and apply for a UK birth certificate.
If your child has British nationality, you do not need to register the birth with the UK authorities to apply for a British passport. See https://www.gov.uk/get-a-child-passport/first-child-passport.
Deaths
If someone dies in Ethiopia read our guidance on:
- what to do if someone dies abroad
- bereavement guidance for Ethiopia
- English-speaking funeral directors in Ethiopia
Marriage and civil partnership
Find out how you can get married or get a civil partnership abroad.
Pets
The importation of pets into Ethiopia must be approved by the Ministry of Agriculture.
Emergencies
Dial:
- 911 for the police
- 907 for an ambulance
- 939 for the fire brigade
- 945 for the traffic police
If you have been a victim of rape or sexual assault in Ethiopia, read read the guidance on what to do and where to get support in Ethiopia.
If you’re a victim of crime, have been arrested, or are affected by a crisis, contact the British Embassy in Addis Ababa.
Read guidance on international parental child abduction if your child may be at risk of this.
Returning to the UK
Read guidance on returning to the UK permanently including information on bringing family members, tax and access to services.
Last updated 29 January 2024 + show all updates
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Annual review - no changes were made.
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Coronavirus section added with a link to guidance on vaccines.
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First published.