Ethiopian airlines has debunked stories making the rounds on some social media handles and news channel in Nigeria that the Ethiopian Customs and Revenue Authority (ECRA), has stepped up seizure Of undeclared foreign currency from passengers’ entering the Ethiopia.
The airlines in a statement said the news being circulated is incorrect and a misrepresentation of the country stance on foreign currency.
According to a news channel report cited by Ethiopian airlines, it claimed that passengers 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.
The airlines said: “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.” It said.