Addis Ababa Airport: Is It Safe For Travelers?

Addis Ababa Bole International Airport is generally considered safe for travellers. However, there have been reports of petty theft and pickpocketing around the airport, so travellers are advised to be vigilant and keep their belongings secure. Violent crimes are rare, and criminals are easily frightened off. The airport has also seen increased security checks, with reports of ethnic Tigrayans being prevented from boarding flights. Overall, while the airport is safe, travellers should remain cautious and follow the instructions of security officials.

Safety for women travellers

Compared to many other African countries, Ethiopia is relatively safe for women travellers. The risk of rape or other serious offences is likely lower than in many Western countries. However, as a woman travelling alone, it is important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety.

Firstly, it is recommended that you avoid walking around the city at night and try not to attract attention to yourself through your clothing. While violent crimes are rare, criminals who attempt robbery are often minor children who can be easily scared away if they sense that they have been noticed. Therefore, it is important to stay vigilant and be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas such as markets, where pickpocketing is common. Keep your valuables secure and be cautious of people trying to distract you.

If you are staying overnight at the airport, it is advised to stay near other travellers or close to security to deter potential thieves. Seating is scarce at the airport, but you can find recliners in the airside area. For uninterrupted sleep, there are hotels near the airport or inside Terminal 2.

When travelling to and from the airport, only use buses or taxis that have been organised by your hotel or travel company. If you are booking your own taxi, choose yellow or app-based taxis over blue and white ones.

Overall, while Addis Ababa may be safer than other cities in Ethiopia for women travellers, it is important to remain cautious and take the necessary precautions to ensure your safety.

Transport safety

Addis Ababa Bole International Airport is considered a safe airport for layovers. However, there are some important safety precautions to be aware of when it comes to transport in and around the city.

Public Transport

Public transport is a cheap way to get around Addis Ababa, but it may not always be on schedule, and there is a risk of pickpocketing. It is advised to be vigilant of your belongings when using public transport and to avoid travelling alone at night.

Taxis

Taxis are considered a safe mode of transport in Addis Ababa, but it is recommended to only use licensed taxi services and to ensure the taximeter is turned on. Avoid taking taxis from the street.

Air Travel

Addis Ababa Bole International Airport is the central hub of Ethiopian Airlines and serves destinations within Africa and internationally. However, there have been reports of increased security checks at the airport, and ethnic Tigrayans have reportedly been prevented from boarding flights. It is important to comply with the instructions of the authorities and avoid any confrontation.

Driving

Driving standards, vehicle maintenance, and road conditions can be poor in Ethiopia, and traffic accidents are common, especially in Addis Ababa. It is advised to avoid driving after dark, always keep your gas tank full, and carry a comprehensive medical kit. In the event of an accident, it is illegal to move your vehicle before a police officer arrives at the scene.

Other Considerations

• Only use buses or taxis from the airport that have been organised by your hotel or a reputable travel company.
• When travelling by taxi, choose yellow taxis over white or blue ones, and ensure you are the only passenger in the vehicle.
• Avoid travelling alone, especially at night, and always carry a copy of your passport and other important documents.

Pickpocketing

Pickpockets are known to operate around and inside Bole Airport, so it is essential to be vigilant when travelling through the airport. Keep your belongings close by and be aware of your surroundings at all times.

In addition to pickpocketing, bag-snatching and mugging are also common in Addis Ababa. To protect yourself from bag-snatchers, avoid displaying signs of affluence in public, and do not walk alone after sundown. When travelling in vehicles, keep your belongings with you at all times, and keep windows closed and doors locked. Park your car in a well-lit and guarded area, such as a hotel or government building, which will have security at the entrance.

If you are threatened by thieves or muggers, it is recommended to hand over your valuables without resistance. Violent crimes in Addis Ababa are usually committed by minor children who are easily scared off. However, it is still important to take precautions to avoid becoming a victim of crime. Avoid remote areas of the city and do not walk alone at night.

Violent crime

Mugging (violent theft or theft with the threat of violence) is on the rise in Ethiopia. Criminals who try to rob you are usually minor children, and they are easily frightened off if they see that their intentions have been noticed. To prevent attacks, it is recommended to avoid remote areas of the city and not walk late at night.

There is a high threat of terrorist attacks globally, and terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Ethiopia. Terrorist group Al-Shabaab, based in Somalia, poses a threat across East Africa and has said it intends to commit further attacks in the area.

There is a risk of kidnapping in parts of Ethiopia, with incidents in the Oromia, Amhara, and Somali regions and on the southern border with Kenya. Possible targets for criminal kidnap include people engaged in humanitarian aid work, journalism, or business sectors. The motivation for kidnappings is extortion, with criminals demanding high sums for ransom.

Demonstrations and civil unrest take place regularly, especially across the Oromia region and Addis Ababa, and can occur without warning. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time and lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

Terrorist attacks

Terror attacks are possible in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The US State Department has previously warned US citizens of the potential for terrorist attacks in open public spaces, including transport hubs, tourist locations, markets, western businesses, restaurants, resorts, and local government facilities.

In 2022, terrorist group Al-Shabaab attacked three towns near the border with Ethiopia and has threatened further attacks. The group poses a threat to all countries with military forces in Somalia, including Ethiopia.

In November 2020, the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) launched missile attacks on the airports of Bahir Dar and Gondar, indicating an intent and capacity to target areas outside of the Tigray Region.

In September 2002, an explosion at Hotel Tigray in Addis Ababa killed one woman and injured 37 others. While authorities suspect the explosion was caused by a bomb, they have not ruled out the possibility of exploding gas cylinders. No group claimed responsibility for the incident, and it is unclear whether it was an act of terrorism.

To reduce the risk of being affected by a terrorist attack, travellers should be vigilant at all times, especially in crowded areas and public places. Avoid large crowds and demonstrations, and comply with the law and the instructions of local authorities.

Frequently asked questions