When the time comes to go to Ethiopia to bring your adopted child/children home, there are many helpful suggestions we can offer! The Ethiopian government now requires that parents travel twice to Ethiopia - first for the court date and then again for the Embassy date when you bring your child/children home. Both parents are required to be present for the court date. For the second trip, one parent may travel.
One or both parents may travel for the Embassy date and we highly recommend that the whole family - depending on the ages of the children - make the final trip if at all possible. While we completely understand that this may not be financially feasible, it would be a priceless opportunity. You will have first-hand experience in your child's culture and way of life - something that will be invaluable as you seek to instill in him or her a sense of their cultural identity. You will meet the people that have cared for him or her and see the environment that was 'home' to your child. Photos and video that you take will also be an important part of their history and a wonderful resource when they ask "Where did I come from?"
Please refer to the US Dept of Health & Human Services website on health recommendations for travelors to Ethiopia: Centers for Disease Control. Here you will find suggestions for necessary vaccinations, any travel notices in effect and helpful tips for staying healthy while traveling.
Amharic is the national language but many Ethiopians speak English. The hotels are beautiful and the food is great! There are many restaurants that serve American food but you'll want to experience the traditional food of Ethiopia as well. While in Ethiopia, we recommend that you drink only bottled water, even to brush your teeth. Dress in Ethiopia is modest (women should cover their shoulders and knees) and you'll want a jacket for the evening temperatures. We have a policy of no cameras in the orphanages - for the protection of the children there.
After doing some reading about the conditions in the city of Addis Ababa, you'll be better prepared to witness the extreme poverty, the large number of people in the city, the congested traffic and the beggars that approach most all 'ferengi' or foreigners.
Ethiopia is ten hours ahead of Pacific Standard time in the US. Here is a link to the current time and weather conditions in Ethiopia: World Time Server.
Electricity is very sporatic throughout Ethiopia. We highly recommend that you carry a flashlight with rechargable batteries and don't depend on daily electricity. E-mail and internet connections are very slow and unreliable in Ethiopia. There are internet cafes in the capital of Addis Ababa and internet service is available in the business centers of the hotels.
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL TO ETHIOPIA
Families will be notified when it is time to make international flight reservations and you'll be given suggestions regarding those flights.
• There are many options for your international flight to Addis Ababa. A travel agent can
sometimes find the best price. One travel agent experienced in Ethiopian travel is Susan
Parr Travel, Inc. located in Port Angeles, WA. Ethiopian Airlines has the only direct flight
from Washington D.C. to Addis Ababa, with a one hour layover in Rome.
• Do not book a flight returning to the U.S. with any layover in Canada. Your child will not be
able to board that airplane even if you won't be getting off the plane in Canada.
• When arranging your U.S. flights, please allow enough time (a minimum of 2-3 hours) to
catch your international flight in case of flight delays.
• A ticket for your child in his/her Ethiopian name is required even if your
child is under the age of two. (You do not have to purchase a seat ticket for a baby but a
lap ticket is required and the cost is a percentage of your adult ticket.) The ticket must be in
your child's Ethiopian name because that is the name that will appear on his/her Ethiopian
passport. All names on tickets must match the names of the passports.
• Request bulkhead seats on all segments of the flight home. These seats cannot be
reserved but are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis for handicapped passengers
and families with children, so you may want to get to the airport early! Traveling with
children on long flights means a lot of advance preparation and a good supply of snacks
and activities to keep them busy.
• Be sure to call the airline directly two days before departing for Ethiopia to reconfirm your
flight. Check with the airline before departure to find out how much luggage and carry-on
baggage is allowed. You can also go to the Hilton Hotel to reconfirm your flight - this may
be your best option.
• Pack necessities in your carry-on bag in case your checked luggage does not arrive with
you. The carry-on bag should include all of your important documents and a change of
clothes. Cameras, adoption paperwork, medications and valuables will be safer in your
carry-on bags. Keep your travel documents (passports and airline tickets) organized and
easy to access. Make copies of your passport and visa and keep in a safe place in your
carry-on luggage.
• Electricity in Ethiopia is 220 volts AC, 50 HZ. If you take an appliance, take a two-prong
European adapter.
• Travel insurance is recommended but not required.
• Cash is the only way to pay for most everything in Ethiopia. Bring new bills (order these
early from your bank). You must pay for your Ethiopian tourist visa upon your arrival at the
airport in Addis Ababa in cash ($20 U.S.) and they must be new bills. Money should be
exchanged at the airport - it's the easiest place and a fairly good exchange rate. Please do
not count on using an ATM machine in Ethiopia - they are unreliable.
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