Travel Guide Pre-Trip Checklist: Lalibela

Essential Preparations

Initiate your planning well in advance; certain items require processing time.

-4 Months Before

Passport & Visa

Check validity, apply e-visa through official portal.

International Flights

Research and book international flights to Addis Ababa.

Health Consultation

Consult a travel clinic for vaccinations and anti-malarials.

-2 Months Before

Domestic Flights

Book domestic flights to Lalibela, check for discounts.

Accommodation

Secure main accommodations in Lalibela, especially peak season.

Travel Insurance

Purchase comprehensive travel insurance coverage.

-4 Weeks Before

Confirm Bookings

Reconfirm all flight and hotel reservations.

Bank Notification

Inform bank/credit card companies of travel dates.

Local Arrangements

Arrange airport transfer, research local guides.

Important Reservations

Booking ahead for components brings peace of mind.

Bookings

International flights to Ethiopia.
Domestic flights to Lalibela.
Main accommodation in Lalibela.
Licensed local guides (optional, but valuable).

Preparing Your Home

Completing home tasks before departure is important.

Before You Depart

Secure your home (locks, windows).
Arrange for pet care if needed.
Suspend mail or newspaper delivery.
Inform a trusted friend/family of your itinerary.

Further Considerations

Additional steps for a smooth trip.

Financial Preparedness

Begin accumulating some USD or EUR.
Small denominations for exchange.
ATMs can be unreliable in Lalibela.
Carry sufficient Ethiopian Birr.

Digital Readiness

Download offline maps of Lalibela.
Install translation apps on your phone.
Other useful digital resources.
Ensure your phone is charged.

Document Copies

Prepare photocopies of documents.
Create digital scans of all important papers.
Keep copies separate from originals.
Accessible cloud storage for digital copies.

Arrival Document Tip

Have your Yellow Fever vaccination certificate and e-visa approval letter printed and ready to present immediately upon arrival.

Arrival Checklist

These steps aid a smooth entry and initial orientation.

Airport Procedures

Immigration Process

Proceed to immigration upon arrival.
Present passport and e-visa printout.
Collect luggage from baggage claim.

On-Site Setup

Exchange initial Ethiopian Birr at airport.
Purchase a local Ethio Telecom SIM card.
Arrange airport transfer from Lalibela Airport.

Getting to Accommodation

From Addis Airport

Take pre-arranged transfer or official airport taxi.
Negotiate fare or use metered service.
To your hotel in Addis Ababa.

To Lalibela

Transfer from Lalibela Airport (LLI) to hotel.
Ensure transfer is pre-arranged with hotel.
Reliable taxi services.

Departure Timing

Air Travel Departures

Lalibela Airport (LLI): Arrive at least 1 hour before domestic flight.
Addis Ababa Bole International (ADD): Arrive at least 3 hours before international flight.
This allows for check-in and security.
And immigration procedures.
Consider potential queues.

Pre-Departure Tasks

Confirm flight details the day before departure.
Ensure sufficient local currency (Birr) for final expenses.
Avoid arriving at airport with excess Birr.
Exchange options at airport might be limited.
Review customs regulations for souvenirs.

General Departure Tips

Souvenir Planning

Purchase souvenirs in Lalibela; plan how to transport them.

Monitor Your Flight

Double-check departure gate and flight status in advance.

Domestic Flexibility

Domestic flights sometimes experience schedule changes; stay informed.

Planning Ahead

Double-check your departure gate and flight status well in advance, especially for domestic flights which can sometimes experience schedule changes.

Lalibela Travel Guide Pre-Trip Checklist