🇪🇹 Ethiopia— Cash & Currency
Ethiopian Customs Commission
2026-07-01
Declaration Threshold
US$3,000
USD
You must declare to customs if you are carrying cash, traveler's cheques, money orders, or negotiable bearer instruments totaling above this amount when entering or leaving Ethiopia.
What Must Be Declared
| Instrument | Declaration Required |
|---|---|
| Physical currency (any currency) | Yes, if above threshold |
| Traveler's cheques | Yes, if above threshold |
| Bank drafts / money orders | Yes, if above threshold |
| Bearer bonds / negotiable instruments | Yes, if above threshold |
| Credit cards / debit cards | Generally no |
| Electronic payment apps | Generally no |
Failure to declare
Carrying undeclared cash above the threshold can result in seizure of funds, fines, and in some jurisdictions criminal prosecution. When in doubt, declare.
Additional Country Notes
- 01Khat (qat / chat) is legal in Ethiopia; remains illegal in many destinations.
- 02Ethiopian Birr (ETB) is non-convertible outside Ethiopia.
- 03Bole International (ADD) is a major African hub — Ethiopian Airlines transit traffic dominates.