East Africa
🇪🇹 Vaccines for Ethiopia
Entry requirements & recommendations for travel to Ethiopia
Ethiopia requires Yellow Fever vaccination if arriving from an endemic country and recommends it more broadly. Malaria risk exists in most areas below roughly 2000m, while Addis Ababa, at around 2400m, and other highland areas carry lower risk — this altitude-based distinction is important since Ethiopia's tourist circuit includes both highland sites (Lalibela, the Simien Mountains) and lower-altitude areas. Hepatitis A and Typhoid are recommended generally, and Meningococcal is relevant for the northwest, which sits in the meningitis belt. Rabies is a genuine consideration given animal exposure in rural areas. Healthcare in Addis Ababa is reasonable; elsewhere facilities are very limited.
Medical disclaimer: This is general information only — not personal medical advice. Requirements and risks change. Always consult a qualified travel health clinic before departure.
Required for entry
Yellow Fever
Certificate required if arriving from endemic country.
💉 1 dose (lifetime)
📅 Book at least 3 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: 10 days after vaccination. Certificate valid for life.
🛡 Protects for: Lifetime (single dose).
Required for entry
Recommended by WHO & CDC
Hepatitis A
Food and water contamination risk.
💉 2 doses
📅 Book at least 4 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: 2 weeks after 1st dose. Full protection after 2nd dose (6–12 months later).
🛡 Protects for: 1st dose ~1 yr. 2nd dose: lifetime.
Recommended
Typhoid
Contaminated food and water.
💉 1 dose
📅 Book at least 3 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: 2 weeks after vaccination.
🛡 Protects for: 3–5 years. Booster recommended if re-exposure.
Recommended
Rabies
Animal bites risk.
💉 3 doses
📅 Book at least 5 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: After 3rd dose. 2nd dose 7 days after 1st, 3rd dose 21 days after 1st.
🛡 Protects for: Pre-exposure reduces post-bite treatment needed. Boosters based on blood tests.
Recommended
Disease risks
- ⚠Malaria (most areas below 2000m — Addis Ababa lower risk)
- ⚠Yellow Fever
- ⚠Meningococcal disease (northwest)
- ⚠Rabies
Notes: Yellow Fever required from endemic countries. Malaria prophylaxis for areas below 2000m. Addis Ababa (2400m) — lower malaria risk but prophylaxis still advised for rural areas.
Approximate cost per person
Required vaccines
~€74
(~$81)
per person · full courses
Yellow Fever (1 dose)€74 ($81)
Recommended vaccines
~€522
(~$568)
per person · full courses
Hepatitis A (2 doses)€140 ($152)
Typhoid (1 dose)€45 ($49)
Rabies (3 doses)€273 ($297)
Malaria tablets (4 weeks) (1 dose)€64 ($70)
💡 Approximate figures based on private European travel clinic rates (April 2026). Actual costs vary by clinic and country. Not all recommended vaccines will apply to every trip — discuss your specific itinerary with a travel health clinic.