Although malaria is less common at higher elevations such as Axum and Lalibela, it is nevertheless recommended that visitors take anti-malarial prophylaxis in case their travels take them through or into lower-lying parts of the country where incidence of malaria is more frequent. Insect repellent creams or sprays are also useful. For lowland travel impregnated bed nets have also been found to be particularly effective.
Prior to entry into Ethiopia, visitors should be in possession of a valid health certificate for yellow fever. Vaccination against cholera is also required for any person who has visited or transited a cholera-infected area within six days prior to arrival to Ethiopia.