Global Affairs Canada has upgraded its travel advisory for Ethiopia, warning Canadians to avoid all non-essential travel to the country and to avoid all travel to several northern and border regions. The updated advisory, published on October 8, 2026, cites a sharp deterioration in security marked by renewed fighting between federal forces and armed groups in Tigray, Amhara and Afar, as well as escalating ethnic violence in Oromia and along multiple borders. Canadians already in Ethiopia are urged to shelter in place, enrol in the Registration of Canadians Abroad service and keep travel documents current and secure. The advisory stresses that civil unrest can erupt without warning, bringing curfews, checkpoints and telecommunications blackouts that can leave foreigners stranded. Addis Ababa remains under an “exercise a high degree of caution” notice, but the government warns that conflict in neighbouring regions could spill into the capital at any time. Fuel shortages linked to regional instability and conflict in the Middle East are compounding mobility challenges by disrupting air and ground transport links. For global mobility managers, the heightened risk level will complicate corporate travel, rotational assignments and supply-chain movements that involve Ethiopia. Companies should review duty-of-care protocols, confirm evacuation and medical-assistance coverage, and consider postponing site visits that require travel outside Addis Ababa. Relocation teams with personnel in Ethiopia should verify that all employees have secure accommodation, contingency supplies and reliable communication channels, and should map multiple exit strategies in case commercial flights are cancelled. The change underscores the importance for Canadian businesses to monitor not just domestic immigration rules but also outbound travel risks that can affect employee safety, project timelines and insurance exposure. Organisations operating across East Africa may need to reroute regional travel through Nairobi or Djibouti and engage professional security escorts for unavoidable ground moves within Ethiopia. Lastly, travellers transiting through Ethiopia’s Bole International Airport should expect stricter screening, possible flight delays and short-notice schedule changes. Those who must remain in country should maintain a low profile, avoid large gatherings and heed local authorities’ instructions. The government’s message is clear: conditions are volatile, and mobility to, from and within Ethiopia now carries significantly higher risk.
