Your rights and the law

Ethiopia's Constitution protects people who are arrested, including foreign visitors. Local laws can be strict, so learn the main rules before you travel.

• Know why you are arrestedYou must be told promptly, in a language you understand, why you are arrested and what you are charged with (Constitution, Article 19).
• Stay silentYou have the right to remain silent. You cannot be forced to confess, and evidence taken under force cannot be used (Constitution, Article 19).
• See a judge within 48 hoursYou must be brought before a court within 48 hours of arrest, plus travel time to the court (Constitution, Article 19). The court can then allow police to hold you for further investigation, usually in 14 day periods.
• Have a lawyerYou can be represented by a lawyer of your choice. If you cannot pay and there would be a miscarriage of justice, the state should provide one (Constitution, Article 20). In practice this is mostly for very serious cases.
• Contact your embassyYou can ask the police to tell your embassy about your arrest (Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, Article 36). The authorities do not always notify embassies, so ask family or friends to contact your embassy too.
• Ask for bailYou have the right to be released on bail. A court can refuse bail or ask for a guarantee in exceptional cases set by law (Constitution, Article 19).
• Get an interpreterIf the court uses a language you do not understand, you can ask for an interpreter at state expense (Constitution, Article 20). You can also ask for police statements to be translated before you sign.
• Dignity and visitsPeople in custody must be treated with dignity and can be visited by family, friends, doctors, religious advisers and their lawyer (Constitution, Article 21).

• Carry ID and show it when askedAlways carry your passport or a copy of the photo page, visa and entry stamp, and show it when police or officials ask. Checks at hotels and checkpoints are normal, so stay calm and follow their instructions.
• Don't film the police or soldiersDon't photograph or record police officers, soldiers or checkpoints, even during an argument; it can get your phone taken or you detained. It is illegal near military zones, the Presidential Palace in Addis Ababa, and anywhere with a no photography sign.
• Drones need permissionFlying a drone needs permission from the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority and the Information Network Security Agency (INSA). You also need approval to bring drones, satellite phones or binoculars into the country.
• No illegal drugsDrug offences are treated seriously. Possession can lead to 5 to 10 years in prison and large fines.
• Khat stays in EthiopiaKhat is legal in Ethiopia, but it is illegal to take it out of the country. Do not pack it in your luggage.
• Antiques need an export certificateYou need an export certificate to take antiques out of Ethiopia. Without one they can be confiscated and you could be prosecuted. Buying or owning ivory is illegal.
• Cash limits and receiptsYou can carry up to 3,000 birr in or out of Ethiopia. Keep the customs declaration form you get on arrival and your exchange receipts. You may need them to leave with cash or to change birr back.
• Do not overstayOverstaying your visa costs 30 US dollars a day, and you cannot leave until you pay.
• No work on a tourist visaYou cannot work on a tourist visa, even as a volunteer. Breaking this rule can mean heavy fines or prison.
• Respect religious sitesDress modestly, especially at Orthodox churches and during Ramadan. Many people are devout, so follow local customs.
• After a road accidentDrivers in accidents can face prison and fines. Stay in your vehicle, call the police and wait for them to arrive.

• UK FCDO list of lawyers in EthiopiaA searchable list of English-speaking lawyers in Ethiopia. Anyone can use it. The lawyers are not recommended or checked by the UK government. Website
• Your embassyEmbassies can give you a list of local lawyers and explain the legal process. They cannot give legal advice, pay for a lawyer or get you out of detention. The link is the UK guide for people arrested in Ethiopia. Website
• Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC)The national human rights body. You can report a human rights violation by calling 7307 (toll free) or emailing report@ehrc.org. +251 11 550 4031 Website

In an emergency call the police on 991, or find your embassy. This page is general information, not legal advice.

Sources:Constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (1994), Articles 19 to 21Vienna Convention on Consular Relations (1963)UK FCDO travel advice: EthiopiaUK FCDO: Ethiopia prisoner information packEthiopian Human Rights Commission