Overview
Malaria affects Ethiopia below 2,500 m, including the city of Lalibela, while higher-altitude areas and Addis Ababa itself drop to low risk. Yellow fever is recommended but near-absent in Addis Ababa and the eastern Afar and Somali provinces; altitude is the country's most notable feature, sitting largely on the Ethiopian highlands.
Recommended vaccines
Malaria by region
In the high-risk areas, bite protection and preventive tablets are advised; in the low-risk zone, bite protection is enough. If fever develops, get tested for malaria promptly.
Malaria risk is regional, concentrated in the areas detailed below.
The whole country below 2,500 m, including the city of Lalibela.
Areas above 2,500 m, as well as Addis Ababa.
Other health risks
Prepare your trip
Leaving in under 2 weeks? Still book a clinic: a first hepatitis A dose already protects, and yellow fever needs at least 10 days. A travel clinic will prioritise what fits your timeline.
Frequently asked questions
Is any vaccine required for Ethiopia?
No vaccine is required for entry from Belgium, but yellow fever is strongly recommended for risk regions.
Is there a malaria risk?
Malaria: high risk depending on the region. In the high-risk areas, bite protection and preventive tablets are advised; in the low-risk zone, bite protection is enough. If fever develops, get tested for malaria promptly.
How far ahead of departure should I start?
Ideally 6 to 8 weeks before departure, to complete multi-dose schedules. Yellow fever, where it applies, must be given at least 10 days before arrival.
Our sources
Indicative information for a typical traveller, not medical advice. What you need depends on your itinerary, region, season and duration. See an approved travel clinic 6–8 weeks before departure: only they can give yellow fever and issue the certificate.