FG issues high-altitude travel advisory after 16 Nigerians die in Addis Ababa

The Federal Government has issued a travel advisory for Nigerians regarding potential health risks associated with transiting through Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, following 16 deaths linked to high-altitude conditions in the city this year. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned in a statement that Nigerians, especially those with underlying medical conditions, should take precautions when planning journeys through the Ethiopian capital.

While healthy individuals can generally adapt to reduced oxygen levels, those with cardiovascular and respiratory ailments may face increased risks. The government urged Nigerians with such conditions to consult medical guidance before traveling. The advisory, however, does not discourage travel to or through Addis Ababa but aims to inform vulnerable travelers.

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority recently noted that Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, which serves as a major transit point for Nigerian travellers, ranked third among Africa’s busiest airports by departing seats in December 2025. Despite its importance as an aviation hub, Ethiopia introduced stricter immigration requirements affecting Nigerian travellers in recent years, including the cessation of visa on arrival and the requirement for visas through the Ethiopian Embassy in Abuja or its electronic portal.