Owen abroad

Before you leave

• Start getting vaccinations at least 8 weeks before you leave (as you may need two or three shots for some vaccinations). See FCO travel advice and National Travel Network and Centre.
• You don’t need a visa if you are a British citizen and flying to Addis Ababa - it is generally quick and easy to get one at the airport.
• Please make a donation to a an Ethiopian charity before you leave. You could do worse than giving money to the Fistula Hospital, Marie Stopes International, or to Save the Children. This is a much more effective way of helping people in Ethiopia than giving money to beggars and children in the street. If you have made a donation in advance, you will feel much less uncomfortable that you cannot give money to every beggar you encounter here. Please don’t bring pens or sweets to give out to children.
• Plan your excursions and make bookings (eg flights, hotels). We can help if you tell us what you want to do.
• Get travel insurance. Make sure it includes medical evacuation.
• Make a photocopy of your key documents (passport, insurance, tickets, travellers’ cheques) and put the copy somewhere safe.
• Your mobile phone will work in Ethiopia if you have a contract with one of the big UK networks (but not if you have a pay-as-you-go phone).  We can lend you a SIM card for use in Ethiopia.