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Plan Your Trip to Ethiopia: Best of Ethiopia Tourism

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Ethiopia travel advice

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These questions and answers were created by AI, using the most common questions travelers ask in the forums.

Application Process

Some travelers have experienced issues with the Ethiopian e-visa application process, noting delays and lack of communication from the authorities. The normal processing time is advertised as three days, but in practice, it can take much longer.

Payment Issues

Payment challenges have also been reported, with instances where payments are declined without clear reasons. Some users suggested using specific types of bank cards that comply with newer payment security requirements to overcome these issues.

Additional Support

For many users, resolving e-visa issues often requires additional support, such as contacting friends or connections in Addis Ababa to visit the immigration office on their behalf. This suggests that having local support can be crucial in expediting the application process.

General Advice

Overall, the unpredictability of the e-visa process for Ethiopia has led some travelers to suggest applying well in advance of travel dates or considering alternatives like obtaining a visa on arrival, if available.

This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.
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Layover Duration and Connection

According to forum posts, travelers with short layovers, such as 35 or 50 minutes, have successfully made their connections at Addis Ababa Airport when booked on a single ticket with Ethiopian Airlines. They did not need to go through customs, and the airline facilitates quick transfers, possibly with assistance from ground staff.

Luggage and Security

Travelers have mentioned that for short layovers, luggage is usually checked through to the final destination. During the transit, they only go through additional security checks, not customs or immigration. Efficient ground staff support ensures smooth transitions between flights.

Layover Facilities

For those with longer layovers, Ethiopian Airlines provides a complimentary hotel room for layovers exceeding 8 hours, as shared by some users. Options vary between business and economy class, with different hotels designated for each. Travelers also mentioned the availability of lounges and cafes, though reviews on their quality vary, with some lounges receiving poor ratings.

Exploring Addis Ababa

For travelers interested in leaving the airport during their layover, it’s recommended to book a city tour. These tours are safe and offer a structured way to explore Addis Ababa, including visits to local markets and historical sites.

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Flight Options

According to forum posts, flights to Lalibela are available from Addis Ababa, though direct flights from other cities such as Bahir Dar and Gondar have been suspended due to a lack of demand and conflicts. Some travelers mentioned that flights can cost around $250 with multiple stops.

Bus and Private Car Options

Travelers have discussed using buses and private cars to reach Lalibela. There is no direct bus from Gondar or Bahir Dar to Lalibela; changes are necessary at Gashena. Private car hires are expensive due to high fuel costs and import taxes, costing upwards of $200 one way. However, direct buses from Bahir Dar to Lalibela were mentioned, leaving early if still operational.

General Travel Advice

Several posts caution about the safety of road travel in certain regions due to ongoing conflicts. It is recommended to check the latest local updates when planning the journey.

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Booking Methods

According to forum posts, the most efficient way to book domestic flights with Ethiopian Airlines is through their mobile app. Travelers have highlighted that the app not only offers ease of booking but also provides access to discounted fares for those who qualify, such as Ethiopian citizens or international travelers flying with Ethiopian Airlines.

Discount Eligibility

Some travelers mentioned that when booking through the app, users are prompted to indicate whether they are eligible for discounts by confirming they hold an Ethiopian Airlines international ticket. This can lead to significant savings, as indicated by price comparisons shared, showing almost a 50% reduction in some cases.

Proof of Eligibility

It is noted in the posts that proof of eligibility for the discounted fares, such as an international boarding pass or ticket number, may be required at check-in. Users are advised to have this documentation ready to avoid any issues during their travel.

Alternative Booking

While the app is preferred, travelers can also use the Ethiopian Airlines website to book flights. However, some users have noted occasional discrepancies in pricing and available discounts between the website and the app.

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Payment Rejections

Many travelers have reported consistent issues with payment rejections when applying for an Ethiopian eVisa. Despite having sufficient funds, users experienced their payment orders being refused multiple times across different cards, including both debit and credit options.

Technical Glitches

There are indications of technical problems on the eVisa website, which may contribute to payment difficulties. Some users noted that the site doesn't seem to attempt processing payments at all, immediately signaling a rejection. This has led to frustrations and confusion among potential travelers.

Customer Service Challenges

In addition to payment issues, users have expressed concerns about the lack of effective customer support from the eVisa team. Emails and support tickets often go unanswered, leaving travelers without resolutions or guidance on how to successfully complete their eVisa applications.

Alternative Solutions

Some travelers have found success by using different cards or payment methods after numerous attempts. However, this inconsistency in the payment process adds an element of uncertainty and inconvenience to the visa application process.

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Hotel Recommendations

According to forum posts, Bole is a popular area for accommodation in Addis Ababa, especially for those interested in proximity to bars and nightlife. The Gion Hotel and Marcen Addis Hotel are specifically recommended for their locations near various bars and clubs.

Accommodation Options

Travelers have called out several new hotels, such as Hayes Hotel and Base Ethiopia International Hotel, offering modern amenities. Hayes Hotel has rooms starting from $40 USD, and Base Ethiopia International Hotel is noted for its proximity to Bole Atlas Road, although it's not within walking distance to the airport.

Accommodation Tips

For a comprehensive choice of accommodation, users suggest consulting the TripAdvisor listing, which features a wide range of options from budget to luxury. Prices vary from $15 to $400, catering to different budget needs. The city's major hotel zones are in Bole or Yeka, southeast or east of the center, and the central business district mainly hosts high-priced hotels.

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Research Recommendations

According to forum posts, it's essential to do some preliminary research by checking reviews on travel forums and guidebooks. Some travelers suggested using the Bradt guide for Ethiopia, which lists several reputable tour agencies. Others recommended checking online platforms like TripAdvisor for reviews under specific locations like Gondar or Addis Ababa.

Personal Recommendations

Many users emphasized the value of personal recommendations from previous travelers. For example, some travelers shared positive experiences with specific guides or tour operators, providing contact details and describing the quality of service received. This firsthand information can be invaluable in choosing a reputable service.

Quality of Service

Travelers have called out the importance of finding tour operators who are professional and responsive. Experiences shared by users highlighted operators who managed tours efficiently, provided good communication, and offered services at fair prices. Some posts recommended verifying the credentials and reputation of tour operators by direct communication before booking.

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Tour Starting Points

Some travelers mentioned that tours to Danakil Depression can start from various locations including Mekele, Semera, and Lalibela. There is flexibility in choosing starting points as tours are organized from these areas frequently.

Tour Operators and Experiences

According to forum posts, different tour operators offer varying experiences, with some travelers recommending specific companies such as ETT for their clear communication and organized trips. Other operators mentioned include Magmaflow Tours and Danakil Depression Tours, which start tours from Semera and offer group joining options.

Tour Duration and Group Size

Travelers have called out that tours to Danakil Depression typically range from 2 to 4 days. There is an option for travelers to join existing groups which could potentially lower the cost of the tour as shared by a user planning a trip in August. Most tour companies also seem to organize trips frequently, allowing for flexible planning.

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