Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD)

International passengers arriving at Terminal 2 disembark and follow designated walkways to immigration, baggage reclaim, and customs before entering the public arrivals hall.

• Follow signage towards Passport Control upon disembarking the aircraft.
• Present a valid passport alongside an e-Visa confirmation, visa on arrival documentation, or eligible entry permit at immigration counters.
• Proceed down to the baggage reclaim hall to collect checked luggage from the designated carousel.
• Pass through customs inspection, where all hand and checked baggage is subjected to mandatory X-ray screening.
• Exit through the final security doors into the public arrival hall where ground transport, currency exchange, and telecom kiosks are situated.

• Bus

  Hotel Shuttle Bus

  Pre-arranged transfer services provided by major Addis Ababa hotels.

  Time:

  Roughly 20–35 minutes

  Typical cost:

  Often complimentary or 10–20 USD

• Taxi

  Airport Taxi / Metered Taxi

  Official taxis available directly outside the main arrival hall exit.

  Time:

  Roughly 20–40 minutes depending on traffic

  Typical cost:

  Typically 300–600 ETB

• Ride-hailing

  Ride-hailing Mobile Apps

  Local e-hailing services operating via Smartphone apps.

  Time:

  Roughly 20–40 minutes

  Typical cost:

  Typically 250–500 ETB

Bole International Airport is a high-volume transit hub designed for streamlined transfers within Terminal 2.

• Follow the marked 'Flight Connections' channels without passing through Ethiopian border control if luggage is checked to the final destination.
• Passengers undergoing long layovers on Ethiopian Airlines may be eligible for complimentary transit hotel vouchers at dedicated transfer desks.
• Security rescreening is mandatory for all connecting passengers before entering the departure gate lounge.

Public wireless internet access is available throughout the main passenger terminal buildings.

• Select the official airport Wi-Fi SSID upon arrival.
• A captive portal page will launch requiring basic terms acceptance or simple sign-in.
• Local mobile SIM cards with mobile data packages can be purchased from official vendor kiosks located in the arrival hall.

Full banking, currency conversion, and automated teller services are accessible in the arrivals environment.

• Official bank exchange counters operate in the baggage and arrival areas for converting foreign currency into Ethiopian Birr (ETB).
• ATMs supporting major international card networks are located past customs in the public arrival area.
• Keep all official currency exchange receipts, as they may be required if re-exchanging local currency upon departure.

Dining choices encompass traditional Ethiopian coffee vendors, light refreshment kiosks, and casual cafes.

• Traditional Ethiopian coffee counters are situated in both departure and arrival areas.
• Outlets offer light snacks, pastries, sandwiches, and bottled beverages.
• Major credit cards and foreign currency cash are accepted at most established international terminal vendors.

Dedicated airline lounges serve premium class passengers and frequent flyer scheme members in Terminal 2.

• Ethiopian Airlines operates primary lounges including the Cloud Nine Lounge and ShebaMiles Lounge.
• Lounge amenities typically feature complimentary refreshments, business workstations, Wi-Fi, and quiet seating.
• Access is governed by class of travel, elite frequent flyer status, or specific airline alliance rules.

Numerous hotels operating across various budget tiers are positioned within close proximity to the airport perimeter.

• The Ethiopian Skylight Hotel is situated within 1 km of the airport grounds.
• Multiple international standard hotels line Bole Road and offer regular airport transfer shuttle services.
• Passengers provided with airline transit accommodation will be guided to specific hotel shuttle loading points outside the arrivals gate.

Baggage collection carousels and handling inquiry desks are located in the secure arrival zone.

• Carousels in Terminal 2 are assigned by flight number, displayed on overhead digital screens.
• A lost and delayed baggage desk is situated inside the reclaim area for lodging property irregularity reports.
• Licensed airport porters wearing official uniforms are available to assist with luggage for small cash tips.

Essential amenities for passengers travelling with children are provided across the terminal facilities.

• Baby changing facilities are situated inside selected main restroom blocks.
• First aid and medical stations can provide basic assistance for nursing or unwell children.
• Family priority queues may be granted at passport control during busy operational periods.

• Currency Exchange Desks
• Automated Teller Machines (ATMs)
• Mobile SIM Card Kiosks
• Traditional Ethiopian Coffee Stands
• Duty Free Outlets
• Airline Customer Service Desks
• Medical First Aid Post

Local emergency number: 991 for Police; 907 for Medical Emergency.

• Report immediately to uniformed airport security staff or terminal supervisors in the event of an emergency.
• A medical first aid station is located within the main terminal building for immediate physical care.
• If a passport is misplaced within the terminal, contact the duty immigration officer before attempting to clear border control.

• Check your passport validity and any visa, ETA or entry declaration required.
• Confirm your departure terminal on your boarding pass the day before.
• Activate a travel eSIM so you are online the moment you land.
• Download offline maps and screenshot your hotel address and booking reference.
• Tell your bank you are travelling and carry a backup payment card.
• Save the local emergency number and your embassy contact in your phone.
• Photograph your passport and store the copy somewhere you can reach offline.
• Check baggage allowance and any restricted items for your destination.

Airport operations change. Always confirm terminals, fares and timetables with the official sources below before you travel.

• Ethiopian Airports EnterpriseOfficial airport source
• Ethiopia e-Visa Official Portal - Main Department for Immigration and Nationality AffairsGovernment source
• Ethiopian Customs CommissionGovernment source
• Addis Ababa City Traffic Management AgencyOfficial transit source
• Ethiopian Public Health InstituteGovernment source