We also crossed the border a couple of days ago (2nd of Jan 2011) but going into sudan. Those guys seemed pretty friendly and helpful, but there are definitly issues there!

Everyone we met that arrived there with letter in hand had no issues, and everyone we met who manufactured their own letter had no issues. The issues came in when people arrived at the border without knowing about the letter. However, some guys were made to camp there for a night and then let through without the letter and without a bribe...

Honestly, I still firmly believe its a scam, but for now you just have to play the game.

Hi guys,

Can anyone email me a copy of the letter to ness.green at gmail.com?

We are kiwis, so don't have an embassy in Ethiopia - I'm going to ask the NZ embassy in Cairo if they can help, but it would be useful having a copy of the letter as well. I'll let you know what the outcome is.

If any other kiwis have been through can you let me know what you did for the letter?

Cheers :-)

The BRITISH Embassy will represent you in Ethipia..

I have mailed you the letter anyway although I suggest you just use the contact details on the email..

Cheers, Ted

Hi Ted,

Many thanks for this. I will contact the British Embassy in Addis a bit closer to the time.

I did contact the NZ embassy in Cairo about this, as they are supposed to represent the whole area, and they said they would charge us about £32 for a letter of introduction for the Ethiopian Visa. I responded to point out that we didn't need a letter of introduction for the visa, we needed a letter of guarantee for our vehicle to get it across the border, and I've recieved no response from them. So we'll be contacting the British embassy who seem to know what they are talking about! THanks for your help on this!

Cheers
Ness

Hi Ted.

Very interesting info. Were on our way down the west coast at the mo and will hopfully cross the border in 5 or 6 months. Would definatly like to have your pdf. PLS send to dazzmood@yahoo.com . Also, any idea where you can get the Ethiopia visa from. Be coming from the south but dont intend to go to Zim
Cheres Darren

In Khartoum at the moment, and meeting a lot of people coming from the south who have flown here/ couriered from Kenya to get the Ethiopian visas - looks like Zim is the only place down south which issues it.

The FCO website now advises Brits how to get the letter from the Embassy re car. Wonder how long it will stay free.

Touring Ted

I just sent you an email - but could you also send me (another kiwi) a copy of the letter and details?

vickey-p@hotmail.com

Many many thanks - your posts are most helpful and will be saving many people a whole load of grief!

Hey there vickey, the email is: gelilawit.damena@fco.gov.uk they reply pretty fast (assuming it's not lunchtime or a weekend/national holiday) ours were under an hour. Send you vehicle details with the general courtesy you would with any embassy. Good luck! :)

Is there a time limit on the letter?

I won't be there for 6 months at least, but worried that the situation might change etc, so better to get it now????

MMm I am a S. African and I will be traveling from SOuth as well. I leave SA in July. Can anyone tell me where I can apply for visa or if I even need one to get through to Ethiopia? My route will be- Mozam, Malawi, Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, DRC, Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia and then off to Sudan.

Thanks for any info to help :) Finally got all financial backing etc and now need to work on finer details like visa's and documentation required.

We crossed from Sudan at Metema in March 2011, with a letter dated 1 month prior with no issues. The letter was mailed to us as a pdf, so it was easy to get it printed out just prior to arrival. Our letter was specifically addresses to the Metama Customs office, without us telling the British Embassy where we planned to cross, so I am led to think that this is the only border crossing that requires the letter. Seems consistent with other posts here. We m$et one couple in Nairobi who had to have a more recent letter printer because theirs was over 2 months old.

Anyone with a copy of the letter, please email me at rockyvachon at gmail dot com.

Thanks. :D

I would also like a copy of this letter please!

pleease send to tamin at everythingexceptthehorn dot com

This letter is only need going from North to South not from South to North at the Mojale border going up they do not asked for it.

Hi guys

im going to be crossing from Sudan to Ethiopia next week by car do you know if this rule is for all vehicles or just bikes?

Could someone also send me a copy of the letter simon at saracen risk dot com

Oh also i ve got a greek guy travelling with us does anyone know if the greek embassy in Addis will provide him a letter and if so does anyone have a contact number for them

Many Thanks