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Entering Ethiopia Overland with Your Own Vehicle

Planning to explore Ethiopia by car, motorcycle, or overland vehicle? Whether you’re on a trans-African journey or a regional adventure, entering Ethiopia overland with your own vehicle is entirely possible — and an unforgettable experience. Here’s everything you need to know to cross the border smoothly.

Entering Ethiopia Overland with Your Own Vehicle

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    Major Overland Entry Points into Ethiopia

    You can enter Ethiopia from several neighboring countries:

    • Moyale (Kenya-Ethiopia) – Most popular for East Africa overlanders.
    • Metema (Sudan-Ethiopia) – Common route from North Africa.
    • Galafi (Djibouti-Ethiopia) – For travelers from Djibouti or Somaliland.
    • Dewele (Djibouti-Ethiopia) – Used occasionally; security conditions vary.
    • Wajale (Somali Land-Ethiopia) – May be open depending on regional stability.

    Tip: Border status can change due to regional situations. Always check ahead.

    Required Documents for Overland Vehicle Entry

    To bring your own vehicle into Ethiopia, you will need the following:

      • Passport and Visa
        Travelers must obtain a visa in advance before arriving at any Ethiopian land border.
        Visa on arrival is not available at land borders — only at airports.
      • Carnet de Passage (CDP) or (logbook)
        Ethiopia requires a Carnet de Passage, an international customs document that allows the temporary importation of vehicles.
        It serves as a passport for your vehicle and guarantees it won’t be sold in Ethiopia.
        Obtain your CDP from your national automobile association before your trip.
        since some countris are not members of the CDP (Carnet De Passage), your Logbook can serve as CDP.
      • Vehicle Registration and Ownership
        Bring the original vehicle registration document (logbook).
        If you are not the vehicle owner, carry a notarized letter of authorization or a valid rental agreement.
      • International Driving Permit (IDP)
        Required in addition to your national driver’s license.
      • Insurance
        A COMESA Yellow Card is valid in Ethiopia.

      Guide: How to Enter Ethiopia with a Foreign Vehicle

      While Carnet de Passage is very important document it is not enough. Ethiopia now requires foreign vehicle owners to partner with a licensed Ethiopian tour operator Like”our self ” who will act as your local sponsor and handle the customs process.

      1. Partner with a Licensed Ethiopian Tour Operator
      You must first sign a contractwith a recognized tour companyin Ethiopia. The tour company serves as your official sponsor and will manage all documentation required for customs clearance.

      2. Great Ethiopian Tours Gets Approval from the Ministry of Tourism
      The operator submits your information (passport, vehicle details, entry date) to the Ethiopian Ministry of Tourism. They issue a permission letterallowing you to enter Ethiopia with your vehicle

      3. Visit the Ethiopian Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya, Or Djibouti
      Bring the permission letter to the Ethiopian Embassy in Nairobi. The embassy issues an official entry letter, addressed to Ethiopian customs authorities.

      NOTE: If you are already at the border, we can communicate with the Ethiopian Embassy in Nirobi on behalf of you.

      4. Send the Embassy Letter to Your Tour Company
      You must email or hand over a copy of the Nairobi embassy letter to your tour operator in Ethiopia

       5. Tour Operator Applies for a Temporary Import Permit (TIP)
      Your sponsor submits all documents to Addis Ababa Customs. Customs then processes your Temporary Import Permit (TIP)

      6. Customs Sends Approval to Moyale Border
      Once the TIP is granted: You receive a copy of the approval letter. and the customs office in Addis Ababa also sends a notification to Moyale border customs.

      7. Crossing at Moyale
      When you arrive at the Moyale border, bring printed copiesof: All letters (Tourism Ministry, Embassy, Customs), Your passport, visa, and vehicle documents. Customs officials will inspect your vehicle and issue the official TIP, allowing you legal temporary entry.

       

      Exiting Ethiopia Without the Vehicle (e.g., flying out)

      If you plan to leave Ethiopia by air while your vehicle remains, you must notify your Tour Company and customs in advance.

      You may be required to declare the vehicle’s storage location or hand over the TIP temporarily to avoid penalties.

      Failure to comply may lead to fines or seizure of your bond (if applicable).