Best advice for all tours in Ethiopia:
1. Say Hello, to all other travelers. You never know when you need help.
2. Theft. Out of site, out of mind; do not show people what you have. People steal what they can see. EXAMPLE: Walking arounexperience.mera. Put it in a backpack.
3. Store your passport, travel check information in your e-mail box or Scan it.
4. Carry a Padlock, Place it on a door. Put eyelet screw on door if possible or when needed, use your own lock.
5. Take lots of pictures, it’s all that will remain.
6. Any traveler entering or exiting Ethiopia may carry a maximum of 200 Ethiopian Birr on their person or in their luggage.
7. Business travelers or employees of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) who intend to stay for 90 days or more must apply for a residence card/work permit in order to continue working and living in Ethiopia. Travelers must apply for this permit within the first 30 days of their stay in Ethiopia and must not work until this permit is approved.
8. Travelers whose entry visa expires before they depart Ethiopia must obtain a visa extension through the Main Immigration Office in Addis Ababa
9. Non-residents traveling to Ethiopia must declare any/all foreign currency in excess of 3000 USD (or its equivalent)
10. Permits are required before exporting either antiques or animal skins from Ethiopia. Antique religious artifacts, including “Ethiopian” crosses, require documentation from the National Museum in Addis Ababa for export.
