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East Africa

🇪🇹 Vaccines for Ethiopia

Entry requirements & recommendations for travel to Ethiopia

Yellow Fever required if arriving from endemic countries. Malaria risk in lowland areas below 2000m — Addis Ababa is at altitude and lower risk. Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Meningococcal vaccines recommended. Rabies worth considering for rural or longer stays.

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.

Often combined with
KenyaTanzaniaUgandaRwanda
When to book

Book 6–8 weeks before travel. Malaria tablets need to start before entering risk areas. Meningococcal, Hepatitis A and Typhoid can be done 2–4 weeks before departure.

Common questions
Do I need Yellow Fever vaccine for Ethiopia?
Yellow Fever proof is required if arriving from an endemic country. If flying directly from Europe, North America, or Asia, it is not required. Yellow Fever is not recommended for Addis Ababa or highland destinations like Lalibela and Gondar.
Is there malaria in Ethiopia?
Malaria risk in Ethiopia exists in lowland areas below 2000m. Addis Ababa sits at 2300m and is considered low risk. Lalibela, Gondar, and the northern highlands are also at altitude and lower risk. The lower Rift Valley, western lowlands, and Omo Valley carry real malaria risk.
What vaccines are recommended for Ethiopia?
Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Meningococcal are recommended. Rabies is worth considering for rural travel. Malaria prevention is needed for lowland areas. Routine vaccines should be up to date.
Is tap water safe in Ethiopia?
No. Do not drink tap water in Ethiopia. Use bottled water throughout. This is why Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccination is particularly important.

Data based on WHO International Travel and Health and CDC Yellow Book 2026. Last verified: April 2026. Always verify current requirements with a travel health clinic before departure.