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TRAVEL INFORMATION

Visa information

"For visa, kindly refer to the information provided on the official website: https://www.evisa.gov.et/."

If you encounter any issues while completing the online visa or immigration process, please contact us: afrec@africanunion.org.

Travel Tips for Participants

  • Book Early – Conference dates may increase demand, so secure flights in advance.
  • Visa & Passport – Carry your printed e-Visa approval and conference invitation letter for smooth entry.
  • Arrival – Allow extra time for immigration and customs upon arrival.
  • Currency Exchange – ATMs and banks are available at the airport; the official currency is the Ethiopian Birr (ETB).
  • Local SIM & Internet – SIM cards are available at the airport. Only Ethio Telecom provides mobile services nationwide.
  • Airport Transfers
    • Taxis and ride services are available at arrivals.
    • Conference organizers provide shuttle services for sponsored participants 
    • For self-sponsored participants, hotels can arrange airport pick-up services upon request if booked in advance

Moving Around in Ethiopia & Currency Information

Getting around Addis

The best way to get around Addis Ababa is by taxi. You will see various yellow taxis, especially around hotels. You should always negotiate and be prepared to pay in cash in the local currency. Not all taxis are metered.

Alternatively, you can download the app for the following taxi-hailing services and order your ride:

Currency 

Ethiopian currency is denominated in “birr” .

You can exchange major currencies at official banks as well as exchange bureaus at competitive rates. You will find banks inside the arrival terminal around the luggage carousels, in hotels, and around the city. As a growing city, many restaurants and hotels accept Visa and MasterCard as forms of payment.

However, many cafes and smaller restaurants only accept cash. Please check with the establishment if they accept card payments before you consume. Many ATMs around the city accept VISA and MasterCard – all withdrawals are ONLY in Birr. You will find ATMs in the airport arrival terminal, all hotels, and in the conference venue. 

Hotels & Accommodations

Tolip Olympia Hotel

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Addis Ababa’s business district, Tolip Olympia Addis Ababa Hotel stands as a beacon of contemporary comfort and style. Just 3.5 kilometers from Bole International Airport, this prestigious hotel boasts 109 trendy guest rooms, each designed with the modern traveler in mind. Beyond its luxurious accommodations, the hotel offers a diverse range of services, including

Blue bird hotel

Since opening our doors in February 2013, Blue Birds Hotel has been proudly serving guests with warmth and excellence for over eight years. Perfectly located in the heart of Addis Ababa, we are just a 10-minute drive from Bole International Airport, making us an ideal choice for both business and leisure travelers.

Our hotel offers 44 spacious and stylishly designed

King’s hotel

King’s Hotel is a hotel fit for  “Kings” because we literally treat our customers as kings. 
Located centrally in the heart of the city. The King’s hotel features carefully appointed king size rooms only for the comfort of our guests. This beautiful hotel is a heritage building & we aimed to preserve the front façade which adds to the majestic

Dreamliner Hotel

Location

Good choice if you’re looking forward to taking some rest at the hotel as much as to walking around the city. Hotel «Dreamliner Hotel» is located in Addis Ababa. This hotel is located in 4 km from the city center.

At the hotel

Spend an evening in a nice atmosphere of the bar. Taste the local cuisine and have

Radisson Blu Hotel

Radisson Blu offers upscale comfort and professional service near UNECA and major government offices. Perfect for high-profile delegates.

Sheraton Addis

Located in the heart of the Ethiopian capital, Sheraton Addis, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Addis Ababa sits on a hilltop overlooking the city, safely nestled between the National Palace and the prime minister’s residence. Our 5-star hotel in Ethiopia offers stunning views, acres of open space and a location just 20 minutes from Bole International Airport. Mixing African refinement with

Hyatt Regency Addis Ababa

Hyatt Regency is a premium hotel located in Meskel Square, offering modern rooms, luxury amenities, and excellent conference facilities for international events.

Skylight Hotel

Operated by Ethiopian Airlines, Skylight Hotel is one of the largest and most modern hotels in East Africa, located just minutes from Bole International Airport.