mapa.gay
ES EN
Flag of Ethiopia

Ethiopia

Same-sex relations are criminalized under articles 629-630 of Ethiopia's Penal Code (2004), with penalties starting at 1 year and reaching up to 15 years' imprisonment (life in aggravated circumstances). A statutory ban on same-sex marriage has been in force since 2009. Several foreign affairs ministries maintain active travel advisories for Ethiopia. We recommend consulting official sources before planning any travel.

Population 135M Capital Adís Abeba Language Amharic, Oromo, Somali, Tigrinya, Afar Currency Ethiopian Birr (ETB)

Legal framework · Ethiopia

×
LGBT identity
Criminalized · up to 15 years prison
Penal Code (2004) articles 629-630 · minimum 1 year, up to 10 if 'making a profession' of it, life if causing victim's suicide
×
Partnership recognition
Not recognized · statutory ban since 2009
No same-sex marriage or civil union · statutory ban 2009

Official sources
check before traveling to Ethiopia

Foreign affairs ministries publish updated travel advisories. For destinations with restrictive legal frameworks we recommend consulting several official sources before planning.

U.S. State Department

Level 3 (Reconsider Travel) due to unrest, crime, kidnapping, terrorism, landmines, communications disruptions, and exit bans.

View source →
UK FCDO

Advises against all travel to parts of Ethiopia (Tigray, Amhara, border areas) and all but essential travel to others due to conflict and instability.

View source →