Entry & Exit Requirements
U.S. citizens must have a valid passport to enter Ethiopia and Zimbabwe. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of departure from Ethiopia and Zimbabwe. Your passport must have at least 3 blank pages in addition to the 1 blank page required for the main program in Tanzania (1 for Ethiopia, and 2 for Zimbabwe). In other words, if traveling on both the main program and the extension, you must have a total of 4 or more blank passport pages.
Ethiopia requires a transit visa for all travelers whose flights are between 8 and 24 hours long and without immediate connecting flights to continue their journey. The interline desk at the airport will facilitate transit visas upon arrival for all eligible travelers, as well as hotel accommodations and bus transfers to and from the hotel upon approval of the transit visa. The visa fee is around USD $30.
Zimbabwe requires a tourist visa for entry, which may be obtained at the port of entry on arrival. The fee is USD $30 for a 30-day, single-entry visa.
If you are not traveling with a U.S. passport, please check with the embassies of Ethiopia and Zimbabwe for the requirements based on your nationality.
Health Information
IMMUNIZATIONS
The Centers for Disease Control recommends that all travelers be up to date on routine vaccinations such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus vaccine, varicella (chicken pox) vaccine, and your yearly flu shot before every trip.
Zimbabwe requires yellow fever vaccinations for travelers who have visited countries where yellow fever transmission is a risk (including spending 12 or more hours in an airport located in a country with yellow fever transmission). This yellow fever risk list includes the region of Ethiopia you will visit on the first day of this extension program, so proof of yellow fever vaccination is required. Ethiopia also requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for travelers who have visited other nations where there is risk of transmission.
Though not required for entry, the CDC recommends vaccination against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid for most unvaccinated travelers to Ethiopia and Zimbabwe. In addition, the CDC advises some travelers to consider a polio booster and rabies vaccine.
Additional vaccines may be recommended based on your individual circumstances. Please consult your physician for more information.
MALARIA
The CDC warns that travelers to Zimbabwe and certain regions of Ethiopia—not including Addis Ababa—may be at risk for exposure to malaria.
Malaria is caused by a parasite found in Anopheles mosquitos, which are active from dusk until dawn. Prevention is twofold: the use of anti-malarial drugs and the prevention of insect bites. To protect against insect bites, cover exposed skin with lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants, consider treating clothes with permethrin, and use an insect repellent containing an active ingredient like DEET or picaridin. Apply sunscreen first, followed by the repellent (preferably 20 minutes later). If you choose to use an anti-malarial drug, as recommended by the CDC, see your physician for a prescription.
OTHER Vector-BORNE ILLNESSES
In addition to malaria, the CDC advises that travelers may be at risk for other illnesses transmitted by insects and ticks, such as chikungunya, dengue fever, African tick-bite fever, and others. Travelers are advised to protect themselves against bites using the measures noted above.
After spending time outdoors in grassy or wooded areas, the CDC recommends showering and conducting a full-body check for ticks. If you find a tick attached to your skin, safely remove it as soon as possible.
Cholera
According to the CDC, cholera is widespread in Zimbabwe and presumed to be present in Ethiopia but is rare in travelers. To help avoid exposure to cholera, wash hands frequently. Drink bottled water, carbonated bottled/canned drinks, or steaming hot drinks like tea or coffee; avoid tap water, fountain drinks, and ice cubes. Avoid raw fruits and vegetables, and be cautious with street food.
Wildlife
Follow all instructions from your guides regarding wildlife. Animals may become aggressive to protect themselves, their young or their mates, or to guard a food supply. Do not make sudden movements either toward or away from them, as this may be interpreted as threatening or territorial.
Avoid stray dogs, as they may carry rabies. In the unlikely event of being bitten or scratched by a dog or other mammal, clean the wound and control bleeding. Seek medical attention immediately.
SUN EXPOSURE
The effects of the sun can be damaging to the eyes and skin. Spending time outdoors exposes you to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, even on cloudy days. To protect yourself from the sun, use a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 15, protect skin with clothing, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and drink plenty of fluids.
