State Department maintains Ethiopia Level 3 travel advisory, warning tourists of risks
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
The US State Department has updated its travel warning for Americans traveling to Ethiopia.
The alert remains at “Level 3: Reconsider Travel,” warning of unrest, crime, kidnapping, terrorism, landmines and exit bans.
Authorities warned passengers about restrictions on entering and exiting the country.
AMERICANS WERE WARNED AGAINST POSSIBLE ATTACKS AT HOLIDAY DESTINATIONS BECAUSE THE EXIT FEE HAS DOUBLED AT THE BORDER CROSSING.
The entrance fee requires 1,000 Ethiopian Birr, or about $7, and authorities state that “excess money may be confiscated.”
A fee of $3,000 is required to leave the country.
The travel advisory remains at “Level 3: Reconsider Travel,” warning Americans of risks related to unrest, crime, kidnappings, terrorism, land mines and exit bans. (iStock)
“When leaving Ethiopia, non-residents carrying more than the equivalent of US$3,000 in foreign currency and residents carrying any amount of foreign currency must present a valid bank document or foreign exchange customs declaration not older than 30 days,” the declaration stated.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER
The US Embassy is located in Addis Ababa.
Tourists are also warned about some items they may try to bring back to the US
“It is illegal to take photographs of government buildings, military installations, police/military personnel and important infrastructure such as roads, bridges, dams and airports,” the advisory states. (iStock)
“Travelers carrying ivory may be detained, imprisoned or fined, and their ivory may be confiscated,” the declaration states.
It also states that “souvenirs that are replicas of antiques or religious artifacts require appropriate receipt and may still be confiscated.”
“Export permits, processed by the Export Section of the airport customs authority, are required for antiques, including religious artifacts, Ethiopian crosses, animal skins and other wildlife items,” he adds.
CLICK FOR MORE LIFE STORIES
Ethiopia has strict laws regarding photography.
“It is illegal to take photographs of government buildings, military installations, police/military personnel and important infrastructure such as roads, bridges, dams and airports,” the advisory states.
Ethiopia is home to 12 UNESCO World Heritage sites, including churches, parks and ancient ruins. (iStock)
Authorities say tourists can be fined, have their photographic equipment confiscated and even face arrest if they are caught taking photos of restricted areas.
CLICK TO DOWNLOAD FOX NEWS APPLICATION
He also advises, “As a general practice, you should avoid photographing individuals without their express consent.”
Ethiopia is home to 12 UNESCO World Heritage sites, including churches, parks and ancient ruins.
TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ
Popular sites include the Rock-Hewn Churches at Lalibela, where 11 monolithic rock-cut churches known as the “New Jerusalem” and ruins of the ancient Aksumite Empire are located.
Simien National Park is full of mountain peaks, valleys and rare wildlife.
