Tourism facilities in Ethiopia are minimal. The capital is Addis Ababa. A passport and a valid Ethiopian visa are required to enter or transit Ethiopia. Due to animosity stemming from the recent border conflict with Eritrea, U.S. citizens of Eritrean origin who travel to Ethiopia may experience delays in the processing of their visa applications, because all such applications must be cleared through the main Ethiopian immigration office in Addis Ababa. Laptop computers must be declared upon arrival and departure.
Tape recorders require special customs permits.
Inquiries overseas may be made at the nearest Ethiopian embassy or consulate. As a result of the tensions, the Government of Ethiopia deported some people of Eritrean origin, including U.S. citizens. U.S. citizens of all backgrounds should stay clear of security operations and should not try to intercede with police on behalf of Eritreans or anyone else. Armed attacks apparently targeting foreigners have occurred in Ethiopia. In 1996, bombs at the government-owned Ghion Hotel and Wabe Shabelle Hotel in Addis Ababa killed five Ethiopians and wounded numerous Ethiopians and foreigners.