Yl_mission_application09.pdf

North American Conference on Ethiopian Jewry (NACOEJ)
Young Leadership Mission to Ethiopia and Israel
August 15th – 21st, 2009
Please see the end of this document for a checklist provided for your convenience.
Please note that this checklist is intended as a guide, and is not comprehensive.
August is usually the rainy season, prone to heavy downpours interspersed with clear skies. This year,
there is a drought which might (or might not) affect the rains in August. You should be prepared with full
rain gear. And, as most roadways (especially in Gondar) are dirt, bring footwear equipped for mud.
According to Ethiopian Airlines and other online sources, the temperature ranges from 50°F – 70°F in August, although it might be colder at night. For some, light jackets will suffice while others will need heavier coats.
Addis Ababa is 8,000 feet high. You may find yourself a bit breathless or light-headed at times. In Gondar, we will be in lowlands by day, in a small mountain-top hotel at night. If you are vulnerable to altitude sickness, consult your physician. HEALTH:For definitive medical advice, please consult one or more of the following: x Your own physician x Your local Board of Health x A local travel health service x Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta: See the CDC Webpage on travel to Ethiopia: wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinationEthiopia.aspx Some health authorities have suggested the following immunizations, even if they are not required for
your Visa. You may have received some of these immunizations already. The process should begin at
least three weeks before your trip, so you should begin immediately.
x Yellow Fever
x Hepatitis A
x Tetanus
x Typhoid
x Diphtheria
x Meningitis
x Polio Booster
x Malaria prophylaxis is very important
Some immunizations may not be available through your own physician. We have been told that the Travel Health facility at 50 E. 69th Street in Manhattan, or the Mount Sinai Travel Medicine Department can be very helpful in providing immunizations and advice, although these might be more pricey. Get a full, written record of your immunizations and bring a copy with you. MEDICATIONS AND OTHER HEALTH-RELATED INFORMATION:Bring a full supply of all prescription and non-prescription medicines you take regularly, or may need, as they may not be available in Ethiopia. Include your preferred remedy for tourista (stomach ailment), just in case. Many physicians have suggested that Cipro works for many people. Bring wet wipes for quick clean-ups. Washing (inconspicuously) after touching people, objects and money is a good health precaution. If you can’t wipe, try not to touch your face till you can. If you need prescription glasses, bring an extra pair. A good insect repellent (with DEET) is essential. The sun can be hotter than it feels, especially at high altitudes. Sunglasses, sunscreen, sunburn lotion and sun hat are advisable. For personal first-aid, bring an antibiotic ointment, bandaids and, if you are susceptible to airsickness, Dramamine. Also, consult with your physician about bringing antihistamine and Cipro and/or other antidiarrheal. Medical Facilities and Doctors:Hospitals do not always meet Western standards, and many medications are not available. The State Department suggests that tourists get travelers’ medical insurance to cover such emergencies as medical evacuation transfers, etc. FOOD AND DRINK:
Do not drink or even brush your teeth with tap water anywhere in Ethiopia. You may use tap water to
wash, bathe or shower.
Bottled water is safe and readily available. So are soft drinks (no diet soft drinks are available), liquor, beer and wine. Do not eat raw fruits, salad or vegetables. The only exceptions are oranges, grapefruit and bananas (cut
off both ends of bananas).
Do not eat or drink dairy products such as butter, cheese or milk.
A light meal will be provided on the flight from Israel to Ethiopia, but bring snacks. NACOEJ will provide strictly kosher prepackaged meals. It is highly advised to bring your own snacks. Snacks will not be available for purchase in Ethiopia. However, safe soft drinks, such as Coca Cola, will available for purchase. RELIGIOUS NEEDS:You can bring anything you require: tallis, tefillin, prayer book, kipah (a cap is preferable in public), etc. When you complete your visa application (enclosed): x Estimated length of stay in Ethiopia: 4 daysx Expected date of arrival: August 16thx Purpose of visit: Tourism x Include your passport and a passport size photograph when you send in your visa application.
x Your $70 payment for an entry visa must be in a money order, payable to
‘Ethiopian Consulate’. No check, cash or credit card will be accepted.
x The New York Ethiopian Consulate accepts only $70 tourist visa applications.
x Follow all directions exactly. If you have questions, contact Gary Metzger.
x Mail the packet by certified mail, registered mail or express mail, to the NACOEJ office:
NACOEJ ATTN: Gary Metzger 132 Nassau St. Ste #412 New York, NY 10038 If you have immediate access to an Ethiopian Consulate or the Ethiopian Embassy, you may submit your application directly to one of the following. For return of passport / documents by certified mail, registered mail or express mail, the consulates require a self-addressed, stamped envelope. It can take several days to get a visa, so it is necessary to do this as soon as possible.
The Ethiopian Consulate of New York 866 2nd Ave., 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10017 (212) 421-1830 Consulate General of Ethiopia 3460 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 308 Los Angeles, CA 90010 Tel: 213 365 6651 Fax: 213 365 6670 Email: [email protected] Embassy of Ethiopia3506 International Dr. NW Washington, DC 20008(202)364-1200 Email: [email protected] Washington Embassy accepts $40 single transit visa applications. Note:
As of March 2006, it is possible to obtain a Visa in the Addis airport. However, our schedule does not
allow time to obtain a visa at the Addis airport.
Baggage and Packing:You will be limited to only 20 kilos (44 lbs.) on the flight from Addis Ababa to Gondar and back. Please pack a bag for Israel and a separate bag for Ethiopia. Food will be provided for you to bring to Ethiopia. You will be advised in advance as to how much it will weigh and how much space you will need. You will need to allow for this when considering packing. NACOEJ staff will take your Israel luggage from you at the airport on Saturday night, and it will be there for you at the hotel in Israel on your return. Please also consider bringing collapsible bag in your luggage for purchases you might make in Addis Ababa on your last day in Ethiopia. You will have a greater baggage allowance for that leg of the trip. We recommend bringing toilet paper from Israel to Ethiopia, as this item is not as prevalent in Ethiopia. Phone and email contact while within Ethiopia will be severely limited. Timeline and Checklist: Please note that this is only a guide, and is not comprehensive:
Consult your physician
Obtain travel medical insurance including medical evacuation Recommended Packing Checklist:
Please note that this is only a guide, and is not comprehensive:
Please do not bring any valuables.
Clothing for cold weather and rain
Medical prescriptions in case medicines are lost An extra pair of prescription glasses (if glasses are needed) Money belt, neck wallet, waist wallet, or hidden travel wallet

Source: http://www.nacoej.org/pdf/YL_Mission_09Info.pdf