The State Department alerts U.S. citizens
residing in or traveling to Ethiopia of the upcoming elections scheduled
for May 24, 2015. U.S. citizens are urged to exercise caution and
remain abreast of the security situation throughout the electoral
period. This Travel Alert expires on June 30, 2015.
The State Department recommends U.S. citizens maintain a high level
of security awareness during the electoral period and avoid political
rallies, polling centers, demonstrations, and crowds of any kind as
instances of unrest can occur. Review your personal security plans;
remain aware of your surroundings, including local events; and monitor
local news stations for updates. Although there have been no specific
incidents of violence targeting U.S. citizens, U.S. citizens are urged
to exercise caution and stay current with media coverage of local
events. Election results are scheduled to be announced June 22, 2015.
During previous elections, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA)
required all diplomats and international organization staff living in
Addis Ababa to receive an official pass from the MFA if they planned to
travel outside of Addis Ababa during the election season. While not in
effect this election, the U.S. Embassy continues to urge U.S. citizens
to be aware of election sensitivities. We especially recommend avoiding
public polling stations on the day of the election, including schools
and other public buildings. In Addis Ababa alone there will be nearly
1,600 polling stations – roughly one polling station for every
kilometer.
We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in
Ethiopia enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment
Program (STEP) at travel.state.gov.
STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates, and makes it
easier for the U.S. Embassy or nearest U.S. Consulate to contact you in
an emergency. If you do not have Internet access, contact the nearest
U.S. Embassy or Consulate to enroll directly.
Regularly monitor the State Department’s website,
where you can find current Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and
the Worldwide Caution. Read the Country Specific Information
for Ethiopia. For additional information, refer to the “Traveler’s
Checklist” on the State Department’s website.
The U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa is located at Entoto Street, P.O. Box
1014. The Consular Section of the Embassy may be reached by telephone:
+251-111-306000 or e-mail at consacs@state.gov,
and is open Monday-Thursday, 7:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. For after-hours
emergencies, U.S. citizens should call +251-111-306911 or 011-130-6000
and ask to speak with the duty officer.
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