UK Foreign Office updates travel warnings for Ethiopia due to rising tensions
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office updated its travel advice for Ethiopia on 26 October 2026, highlighting heightened tensions and risks from armed groups. The office advises against all travel to entire regions, including Tigray, Amhara, and Gambela, as well as specific border zones such as areas within 20 kilometres of the Sudanese border and 20 kilometres of the Eritrean border. It also advises against all but essential travel to several other areas, including parts of the Afar, Oromia, and Somali regions. Ongoing clashes between Ethiopian federal forces and opposing groups continue in northern Ethiopia, while high tensions persist between Ethiopia and Eritrea. Flights across northern Ethiopia face potential suspension or cancellation on short notice, and threats have targeted Alula Aba Nega Airport in Mekele. For British citizens, embassy staff in Addis Ababa cannot provide in-person assistance in areas covered by the travel warnings.
What was announced
On 26 October 2026, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) updated its guidance for travel to Ethiopia. The update cites increased tensions and threats from armed groups across several regions.
The advisory maintains warnings against all travel to the Tigray, Amhara, and Gambela regions. It also advises against all travel to border areas within 20km of Sudan, 10km of South Sudan, and 20km of Eritrea, as well as specified zones in Oromia and Benishangul-Gumuz. In addition, the FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the rest of the Afar region, parts of Oromia, the Somali region, and remainder areas of Benishangul-Gumuz.
Ongoing fighting continues between Ethiopian federal government forces and opposing forces in northern Ethiopia. High tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea could cause the security situation to change rapidly. Armed groups have made threats against Alula Aba Nega Airport in Mekele, and flights across northern Ethiopia may be suspended at short notice.
What it means
UK citizens should avoid traveling to areas covered by the warnings. Anyone currently in the Tigray region should shelter in place, remain indoors where possible, observe local curfews, monitor local news, and leave using commercial transport once it is safe to do so.
Travelers should check their travel insurance carefully, as standard policies usually do not cover trips to areas where government advice warns against travel. British Embassy staff in Addis Ababa cannot offer in-person assistance in areas where the FCDO advises against travel. However, British nationals can still contact the embassy or the FCDO by phone for urgent consular help, including issues such as arrests or forced marriage.
What the announcement does not tell us
The advisory does not state how long these heightened risks, travel warnings, or flight disruptions are expected to last. It does not name the specific armed groups threatening Alula Aba Nega Airport in Mekele, nor does it clarify the specific nature of those threats.
Additionally, the document does not mention whether any commercial flights are currently operational in Tigray or northern Ethiopia. It also leaves out details on what conditions would allow the FCDO to lower the risk level or resume in-person embassy support in the restricted regions.
How this was written
This analysis was written with AI from the official announcement below, using only facts that announcement states. The quoted wording is UK FCDO Foreign Travel Advice’s own. Always check the original before acting on anything here.
Updated information about increased tensions and armed groups ('Regional risks' page).
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