Cross-border route

Eritrea Ethiopia

Driving across the border

Yes — you can drive from Eritrea into Ethiopia: carry a certified IDP translation of your licence alongside the original so border officials and rental desks can read your credentials. Ethiopia expects foreign drivers to hold an IDP, prepared in the internationally recognised format. Both countries drive on the right, so there is no change of driving side at the border. Plan your border crossing in advance and keep your passport, national licence and IDP together.

Get my permit for Ethiopia Ethiopia requirements

Last reviewed July 2026

Route at a glance

FromEritrea

ToEthiopia

IDP in EthiopiaStrongly recommended

Accepted formatLocal rules

Driving sideright (no change)

Currency in EthiopiaETB

Emergency number991 (police), 907 (ambulance)

Top speed limit100 km/h on the Addis–Adama expressway

Eritrea → Ethiopia

Crossing the border

Eritrea and Ethiopia share a land border you can cross by car. Keep your passport, national driving licence and International Driving Permit together, and check opening hours and any toll or vignette requirements before you travel.

Driving rules in Ethiopia

Drive on the right.
Watch for pedestrians and livestock.
Zero alcohol tolerance.
Carry passport, IDP and home licence.

What to see when you arrive in Ethiopia

the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela
the castles of Gondar
the Simien Mountains
the Danakil Depression
the obelisks of Axum

Once you're driving in Ethiopia

Destination-specific detail sourced from national road authorities, motoring clubs and rental policies — the things that catch cross-border drivers out.

Driving on a foreign licence

Tourists need an International Driving Permit alongside their home licence to drive legally; the IDP is accepted for up to 12 months, and driving without it risks fines or vehicle impoundment.

Tolls & road charges

The Addis Ababa-Adama expressway is Ethiopia's main toll road, paid in cash or by prepaid card at toll plazas; most other roads are toll-free.

Parking in the cities

Addis Ababa runs digital, app/meter-based paid parking zones with marshals; parking in no-parking zones, blocking entrances or using disabled bays draws fines.

Fines & camera enforcement

Speeding 6-10 km/h over brings a 1,500 birr fine plus demerit points and 11-20 km/h over a 1,700 birr fine; running lights, phone use and lane violations carry 1,500 birr fines, and rental firms recover camera fines from renters.

If you have an accident

Stop immediately, never leave the scene, and call police; a police report is mandatory, and because Ethiopia has one of the world's highest road-death rates, crowds can gather quickly, so prioritise safety.

Driving in the capital

Addis Ababa suffers heavy congestion (worst 8:15-8:30 AM and 4:15-4:30 PM) amid ongoing corridor roadworks; lane discipline is loose and pedestrians and minibuses dart unpredictably.

Sources: internationaldriversassociation.com · birrmetrics.com · addisfortune.news · shega.co

Common questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive from Eritrea to Ethiopia?

Yes — Ethiopia commonly asks foreign drivers to carry an IDP with their national licence. Ethiopia recognises the internationally recognised format, which is the format your certified IDP translation is prepared in.

Does the driving side change between Eritrea and Ethiopia?

No. Both Eritrea and Ethiopia drive on the right.

What is the emergency number and speed limit in Ethiopia?

In Ethiopia, dial 991 (police), 907 (ambulance) for emergencies; 112 also works from most GSM phones. The maximum for cars on the fastest road class is 100 km/h on the Addis–Adama expressway, but posted limits in towns and on secondary roads are lower and always take precedence.

How do tolls and road charges work in Ethiopia?

The Addis Ababa-Adama expressway is Ethiopia's main toll road, paid in cash or by prepaid card at toll plazas; most other roads are toll-free.

How quickly can I get an IDP for this trip?

International Driver Licence issues your digital IDP in as fast as 8 minutes, so you can have it ready before you set off.

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