Transiting passengers cannot forfeit currency in excess of $3000 to ECRA- Ethiopian Airlines

NIGERIANS transiting through Addis Ababa International Airport can heave a sigh of relief as Ethiopian Airlines has denied information circling round regarding alleged seizure of foreign currency by the Ethiopian Customs and Revenue Authority (ECRA) personnel at the airport explaining that the information circulating is far from the truth.

A report claims that any passenger transiting Ethiopia with foreign currencies in excess of $3 000 (three thousand US Dollars) will have their money seized and face further legal action if they do not inform ECRA in advance.

According to a statement attributed to General Manager Ethiopian Airlines in Nigeria, Firihiewot Mekonnen,  some media outlets in Nigeria are circulating said incorrect information as a report posted on the website of a major television network in based in Lagos and other Nigerian cities, under the headline ‘Ethiopia Steps Up Seizure of Foreign Currency from Passengers’. 

Faulting the report, the airline explains that the information is incorrect as passengers in transit who do not leave the airport can take their money in excess of the above amount where they are going

“This is an incorrect and misleading statement that needs correction. Any passenger transiting Addis Ababa without leaving the airport is free to board his/her next flight carrying whatever amount of foreign currencies from the previous flight.

“However, if passengers enter Ethiopia carrying money in excess of $3000 (three thousand US Dollars), they are required to declare the money they carry to ECRA personnel as they exit the airport and take declaration form for smooth check-in for their next flight. While this procedure is not unique to Ethiopia and is practiced by many countries, we inform our passengers by making repeated announcements on all of our flights and the Customs authority also displays the procedures on notice boards at Addis Ababa International Airport.

“In fact, travelling to Ethiopia has been made easier, more convenient and simple with Visa on arrival and electronic visa.

“While we are pleased to inform our dear customers on the correct procedures and practices to transit through Ethiopia or visit the country, we would like to take this opportunity to request some media houses to refrain from misinforming the travelling public,” the statement read