November 5, 2026 — The U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa has issued a new security alert on the fighting in northern Ethiopia. It says flights remain suspended at the airports in Axum and Shire in the Tigray region, and it repeats its advice to reconsider travel to Ethiopia.
What the embassy says
- Fighting: Clashes continue in the Central Tigray Zone and in remote areas near the border with Eritrea. The embassy says it “continues to monitor events in northern Ethiopia.”
- Airports: Flights remain suspended at Axum and Shire. The alert does not mention Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, and we found no report of disruption there.
- Do not travel: The embassy tells U.S. citizens not to travel to the Amhara region (including Lalibela), Tigray or Afar. Anyone already in those areas should leave if it is safe to do so.
- Advice: Avoid Ethiopian military installations, monitor local news, review personal security plans and enroll in STEP.
- Embassy contacts: +251 11 130 6000; after hours +251 111 307 900.
Advisory levels
| Government | Current level |
|---|---|
| United States | Level 3: Reconsider Travel (as shown on the embassy alert; no change announced) |
| Canada (updated Oct. 29, 2026) | Avoid non-essential travel; Addis Ababa: exercise a high degree of caution; Tigray, Afar, Amhara and Benishangul-Gumuz: avoid all travel |
Canada cites armed conflict, civil unrest, violence, potential fuel shortages and crime, and warns that air travel in Tigray and elsewhere in Ethiopia may be disrupted at short notice.
What it means for travelers
- Do not plan trips to Axum, Shire, Lalibela or anywhere in Tigray, Amhara or Afar. Flights to Axum and Shire are suspended, and both the U.S. and Canada advise against travel there.
- Connecting through Addis Ababa Bole has not been reported as affected, but domestic flights can be disrupted at short notice. Avoid tight onward connections.
- Check that you have the right entry documents, including any e-visa, before you fly. This cannot be sorted out at the gate.
- Enroll in STEP (U.S. citizens) or Registration of Canadians Abroad, and keep the embassy’s numbers with you.
- Many travel insurance policies exclude areas where your government advises against travel. Read the exclusions before you go.
Sources
- U.S. Embassy in Ethiopia: Security Alert: U.S. Embassy Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (November 4, 2026)
- Government of Canada: Travel advice and advisories: Ethiopia (updated Oct. 29, 2026)
- U.S. Department of State: Travel Advisories
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