To ensure a hassle-free trip to the Forum on Internet Freedom in Africa 2019 (FIFAfrica19), please take note of the recommendations below.
Event Venue
FIFAfrica19 will take place at the Ethiopian Skylight Hotel located at Airport Road, Addis Ababa 1755, Ethiopia
Contact Person: Israel Tewodrose
Address: Airport Road, Addis Ababa 1755, Ethiopia
Tel: +251 11 681 8181 ext-8008
E-mail: israeltw@ethiopianskylighthotel.com
Flights
If you are being sponsored by CIPESA, your travel itinerary will be shared with you. Please note that any requests for changes to issued bookings should be made directly with the airline. Any charges incurred for amendments or changes to booking shall be at individual’s personal cost.
Visa
- All travelers except nationals of Djibouti and Kenya require a visa to enter Ethiopia.
- A visa can be obtained electronically in advance, upon arrival at Bole International Airport (African Nationals Only) or through the Ethiopian Diplomatic Mission in your country.
- Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you intend to enter Ethiopia.
- Whether securing your visa on arrival or on line, please carry the necessary documents PRINTED in your hand luggage. Please note that e-Visa application fees are not refundable.
- If you are obtaining your conference visa on arrival, please follow the line “Visa on arrival” line and have 32 US Dollars cash on you to pay for your visa.
- Visa Letters: All visa applications will require an invitation letter. Letter requests for self-sponsored attendees can be emailed to programmes@cipesa.org with the subject: #FIFAfrica19 Visa Letter Request
Airport transfers
Local transport to/from airport (Home country): International participants are responsible for local transport to/from the airport in their home countries.
Transport to/from airport (Bole International Airport): Airport pickups and drop-offs will be arranged for speakers and sponsored participants. Upon arrival, please look for someone holding a sign with the FIFAfrica logo in the public arrival hall.
Participants who are not sponsored by CIPESA are advised to arrange their own transport from the airport to the Forum venue or pre-arranged accommodation.
- Cab hailing services such as ZayRide, Pick Pick and Ride are operational in Addis Ababa. They are an alternative to taxis.
- If you opt to use a cab, there are taxis stationed at the airport, your fee should not exceed USD $10. (Birr 280)
If you are uncertain about your ground transportation upon arrival at Bole International Airport please ask for guidance from the information desk at the arrivals hall or at the Ethiopian Skylight hotel lounge at the airport.
Accommodation
Sponsored participants will be accommodated at the same hotel as the event venue, Ethiopian Skylight Hotel
Additional rooms have been secured for self-sponsoring participants at a rate of USD 110 per night for bed and breakfast. Please contact Israel Tewodrose directly to make your reservation: israeltw@ethiopianskylighthotel.com.
Accommodation for CIPESA sponsored participants is booked on a bed and breakfast basis for the duration of your stay. Individual hotel expenses, including, international and local telephone calls, laundry, fax, use of the mini bar, and all other additional drinks and meals MUST be paid for on an individual basis prior to checking out of the hotel. Please clarify with hotel staff about your free and complimentary service entitlements before placing an order.
Participants can also look in to some nearby hotels such as, Best Western Plus – Addis Ababa, Diamond Hotel, Friendship international Hotel, Golden Tulip Addis Ababa, Kaleb hotel, Momona Hotel, Monarch Hotel, Ramada hotel, The Mosaic Hotel and Wassamar Hotel. AirBnB is also available in Ethiopia. Early booking is advised.
Departure: Please also be informed that for your departure, it is advisable to leave for the airport two hours before your departure time.
Expenses
Participants are responsible for all expenses related to their conference attendance. Sponsored participants will receive a modest Daily Subsistence allowance (DSA) for meals not provided and other incidental expenses. Other participants are advised to carry enough funds to cover the duration of their stay in Addis Ababa.
Local Currency
The official currency is the Ethiopian Birr. The current average exchange rate is about Birr 35 to 1 US dollar.
Foreign currencies can be converted at the airport or at the hotel or any major bank in the city. Please note that most ATMs accept major credit/debit cards including Visa, Master Card, Maestro and American Express.
Yellow Fever Certificate
A Yellow Fever certificate is mandatory for arriving passengers. All travelers are advised to take the vaccination.
Travel medical insurance
We recommend that all participants obtain travel insurance for their trip which covers the date of departure from home country until the date of return. For personal health needs, remember to carry your own medication.
It is also recommended to use bottled drinking water and not to consume tap water.
Weather and What to pack
Although Ethiopia is a tropical country, it has varying climates. During the time of the conference, average temperatures will be between 19° (67°F) to 21° (70°F). Light clothing is advisable. It is however, recommended that participants carry a few pieces of warm clothing. Due to the high altitude, it is encouraged to drink lots of water while in Addis Ababa.
Communication
Should you wish to get a local sim card, there is only one operator in the country, Ethio Telecom. Proof of Identity such as a passport will be required to register a local number.
Internet
All rooms at the recommended hotels have internet access. During the Forum, the venue will also have wireless Internet Access. You can also access Internet service on a locally acquired simcard which will incur additional charges.
Electricity and electrical outlets
The standard voltage in Ethiopia is 220 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. You can use your electric appliances in Ethiopia, if the standard voltage in your country is in between 220 – 240 V (as is in the UK, Europe, Australia and most of Asia and Africa). If you travel to Ethiopia with a device that does not accept 240 Volts at 50 Hertz, you will need a voltage converter. See more about plug types here
Dietary Needs
Ethiopia boasts of a variety of foods due to the diversity of cultures found in the country. Should you have any dietary restrictions, please notify us by September 25, 2019.
Contact Persons
Beatrice Kasemire: +256 705 991 456 (available on WhatsApp) or beatrice@cipesa.org
Ashnah Kalemera: +256 773325 435 (available on WhatsApp) or ashnah@cipesa.org
Tsedeniya Namrud: +251 913 675 745 (available on WhatsApp) or Tsedeniya.Namrud@gmail.com
Bekala Ibrahim: +251 936 634 456 (available on WhatsApp) or bekalaibrahim@yahoo.com
We look forward to seeing you at #FIFAfrica19 and wish you an enjoyable stay in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia