What vaccines do I need for Ethiopia?

Required: Yellow Fever (required if arriving from a yellow fever endemic country; strongly recommended for travel to low-altitude areas including Gambella). Recommended by the CDC: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Malaria prophylaxis (for lowland destinations), Rabies (pre-exposure recommended for rural or extended travel), Meningococcal, Cholera.

Is tap water safe to drink in Ethiopia?

Tap water is not safe to drink in Ethiopia. Drink bottled or treated water throughout your trip, including in resort areas.

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East Africa

Ethiopia Travel Health

Reviewed by Alexander Webber, Chief Epidemiologist · Updated 2026-08

Ethiopia's health risk profile varies dramatically by altitude and region. Addis Ababa sits above 2,300 meters and carries minimal malaria risk, but lowland areas including the Omo Valley, Gambella region, and Afar carry high transmission. Travelers frequently visit both highland historic sites and lowland wildlife areas, requiring careful prophylaxis planning. Food and water safety is a major concern nationwide.

Food Safety: High Risk Tap Water: Unsafe Malaria Risk Present

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Vaccines for Ethiopia

Required for Entry

Yellow Fever (required if arriving from a yellow fever endemic country; strongly recommended for travel to low-altitude areas including Gambella)

CDC Recommended

Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
Typhoid
Malaria prophylaxis (for lowland destinations)
Rabies (pre-exposure recommended for rural or extended travel)
Meningococcal
Cholera

Source: CDC Travelers' Health — Ethiopia

Malaria Risk

Malaria risk is altitude-dependent. No risk in Addis Ababa and highlands above 2,500 meters. High risk in lowlands below 2,000 meters including the Rift Valley, Gambella region, and Omo Valley. If your itinerary includes lowland destinations, prophylaxis is strongly recommended.

Food and Water Safety

High Risk Tap water: not safe to drink

Tap water is unsafe throughout Ethiopia. Drink only bottled or boiled water. Avoid raw produce, fresh juices, ice, and raw meat dishes including kitfo (raw minced beef), which carries significant risk for travelers without established immunity.

Key Health Tips for Ethiopia

Plan your prophylaxis based on your full itinerary; highland-only trips may not require malaria medication.
Allow time to acclimatize to altitude in Addis Ababa before ascending to Simien Mountains or Lalibela.
Avoid raw or undercooked meat; the local raw beef dish carries risk of tapeworm and bacterial infection.
Emergency medical evacuation insurance is essential for travel outside the capital.

Disease Risks in Ethiopia

Official Resources

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