Ethiopia is a favourite stopover for backpackers heading to East Africa, and Addis Ababa is a major hub for connections across the continent. Before you book, it's worth checking the UK government's entry page for Ethiopia. And yes, people do get asked about onward travel. Let's go through the questions I'd want answered before flying.

First, the jargon. A dummy ticket, also called an onward ticket, is a real PNR booked for visa or border-check purposes without paying for the flight.

Do I need proof of onward travel for Ethiopia?

Honestly, it depends on your passport, your route and your airline. There isn't one answer for everyone.

Start with the UK foreign travel advice for Ethiopia. It covers visas and passport conditions for UK passport holders. If you hold another passport, look up your own government's advice.

Who's most likely to ask?

Usually the airline, at check-in. Airlines check entry conditions on a system called Timatic, which IATA explains on its site. If the screen says you might need a way out, the agent will ask.

That's why people who've never been asked at a border still get stopped at the desk. Different person, different rules.

And at the border itself?

Officers can ask about your plans. They might want to know where you're staying and how you'll leave. A clear, honest answer helps. A booking you can show helps more.

Is a dummy ticket allowed, or is it sketchy?

I get this one all the time. A dummy ticket isn't a fake. It's a real reservation with a real booking reference that you can verify with the airline. You just haven't paid for the flight itself.

What would be sketchy is a made-up PDF with a code that doesn't exist. Agents can look codes up. If it isn't there, you're in trouble.

So when you use My Dummy Ticket, you're getting a reservation that exists in an airline system, with your name on it. That's the difference. If you want the longer version, our dummy ticket versus real ticket Q&A goes through it.

Can I just buy a cheap real flight instead?

You can. Lots of people do. But a real flight is paid for, and it may be hard to cancel or change. If your plans are flexible, a dummy ticket costs less and keeps your money free for the trip.

Some travellers buy a real onward flight because they plan to use it. That's a fine choice. It's just not the only one.

What if I'm flying through Addis and not staying?

Good question, and the answer is different. If you're only changing planes, you may not be entering the country at all. Your onward flight is already in your itinerary, because you've booked it.

But if you're leaving the airport, even for a day, you're entering. Then the entry rules apply. Check the official page, and don't assume a connection means you're exempt.

What about a long layover?

A long layover is tempting to spend in the city. Just remember that going through immigration means you're entering. Make sure your exit proof covers the whole journey, not only the next flight.

Can I change my plans after I book?

Yes, and plenty of people do. A dummy ticket isn't a promise to fly. It's a document for a specific moment, so changing your route later doesn't undo anything.

What you shouldn't do is show one itinerary at the desk and describe a completely different one at the border. Keep the story consistent while you're travelling. If your plans change a lot, you can always arrange a fresh booking.

What about my accommodation?

Officers sometimes ask where you're sleeping on the first night. Have a booking or an address ready, and make sure the dates sit comfortably inside your exit date.

How do I make sure my booking looks right?

Here's my checklist:

  1. Name. Match your passport exactly.
  2. Dates. Make the exit fit the trip you've described.
  3. Route. Leave Ethiopia, in a direction that makes sense.
  4. Copy. PDF on your phone, printout in your bag.
  5. Status. Check it the day before you fly.

Don't skip the last one. Reservations expire, and an expired booking is useless at the desk.

Do I show it to anyone before I fly?

Possibly. Some airlines ask for it online during check-in. Others only ask at the desk. Have it ready either way.

Anything else I should know?

Rules change. What was true for a friend last year may not be true for you now. Check the official page close to your travel date, and ask your airline if you're unsure.

Also, this is general guidance, not legal or immigration advice. For your own situation, ask the airline or the relevant embassy.

If you want a feel for how this plays out in a better-documented destination, our guide on whether Thailand requires an onward ticket is a good place to start.

When you're ready, you can book a verifiable dummy ticket for your Ethiopia trip in a few minutes.