COUNT DOWN TO ADDIS ABABA!

Practical information to maximize your preparation to 
The 98th District Conference & Assembly 2023

VISA TO ETHIOPIA

 

VISA PROCESS FOR ENTERING ETHIOPIA

All foreign travelers to Ethiopia must have a visa. You must first register and pay for the Forum. You are strongly encouraged to apply for your conference visa online rather than at the Embassy in your city of residence.  The online process takes 5-7 working days.
 
Please carefully read the following steps:
 
Once you have proof of your registration and payment, please email it to DistrictVisa@flawlessevents.net along with a copy of your passport bio data page.
The team will then send you the necessary documents to apply for your conference visa online which are:  an invitation letter and an application letter and other required licenses.
Conference visas are only valid for 30 days from date of issuance so only apply during the month of April 2023.
 
The following passports are exempt from visa application: Kenya, Djibouti and Diplomatic.
 

COVID 101 & HEALTH

 

  1. It is prohibited for anyone to enter Ethiopia knowing that he/she is infected with coronavirus, mix with the general public or meet with people in any situation that may allow the virus to spread. 
  2. Any person showing COVID-19 symptoms has the duty to appropriately wear face mask, get self-test or test at health facility and follow and implement General COVID-19 preventive measures if he/she tests positive.
  3. Any COVID-19 positive person shall isolate either at home or health facility according to the severity of the illness until cleared by a health professional.
  4. When departing from Addis Ababa, ensure to abide by the requirements of your destination country/city. If you need to take COVID PCR Test, you can ask for the nearest testing center to your hotel.
  5. Mask is recommended while in crowded areas
  6. There are currently no COVID related requirements to enter Ethiopia but we highly recommend you check for updates prior to your flight date.

AIRPORT SHUTTLE

Don’t forget to arrange for your airport transfer service directly with the hotel you have booked. There is no central airport shuttle service. 
 

BADGE PICKUP SCHEDULE

The Forum is hosted at Elilly Hotel.  The area is known as “Kasanchis.”
In order to pick up your Forum badge, please make sure to have your electronic attendance confirmation along with proof of payment and your government issued ID (passport or local ID for Ethiopians)
 
Specific badge pick up dates and times will be communicated closer to the event date.
 

COMMUNICATION - MOBILE PHONES AND CONNECTIVITY

Participants are encouraged to bring with them a dual-band mobile handset (900/1800 MHZ). The national telecommunications company, ethio Telecom sales sim cards and airtime inside the airport arrival terminal. 
 
In the city, you have the option of buying from ethio Telecom or from Safaricom. to various hotels as well as the UN Conference Center. 
 

WEATHER IN ADDIS

May weather ranges between 13 to 25 degrees Celsius with slight chance for light rain.  With a sunny and dry weather in the forecast, we still encourage you to pack a jacket as the mornings and evenings in Addis tend to be a bit chilly and windy.  
 
Remember that District 9212 has planned for festive evenings for you – so plan to be warm in the evenings please!
 
The altitude in Addis Ababa is high, expect to experience light headedness.  We recommend you constantly hydrate and rest when possible.
 

ELECTRICITY

 
Electric supply in Ethiopia is 220-240 volts, 50 cycles, AC-accessible via 13-amp, two-pin (European) socket.
 

CURRENCY (ETHIOPIAN BIRR)

 
Ethiopian currency is denominated in “birr”. The exchange rate fluctuates slightly daily. 
 
Please make sure to ONLY exchange your international currency at official banks and exchange centers.  Do not use the unofficial street market, please.
 
You are advised to carry less than $3,000 upon entry to Ethiopia and only exchange limited amounts at a time as it is very difficult to convert your Birr back into USD.
 
As a growing city, many restaurants and hotels accept mainly VISA and MasterCard as form of payments.  However, many of the cafes and smaller restaurants only accept cash.  Please do check with the establishment if they accept card payments before you consume.
 
There are many ATMs around the city that accept VISA and MasterCard – all withdrawals are ONLY in Birr.  Please be aware of your surrounding as you withdraw cash. 
 

SAFETY

Ethiopia is known for its hospitality and welcoming citizens.  Addis Ababa is fast becoming a metropolitan city, and with it, petty crimes are slowly growing.  Therefore, we ask all of our guests to be vigilant, keep your valuables in your front pockets and keep the cute street kids who sell gums at arm’s length.  Do not walk late at night – please use the taxis or call for your taxi using ride hailing apps.
 
While you are at the conference, please ensure that you:
  • Always wear your badge in a visible manner
  • Do not leave bags and parcels unattended, as they may be confiscated or destroyed
  • Do not bring unauthorized persons into the Forum
  • Look after your valuable property
  • Check that you have all your documents and personal items before you leave conference halls and meeting rooms
  • Inform the event staff if you lose anything valuable