Is Khat legal in Ethiopia?

Legal status

Khat (chat) is lawful in Ethiopia and is not a prohibited substance under the Criminal Code (Proclamation No. 414/2004) — legal, culturally significant, and widely cultivated and consumed; no criminal penalty attaches to personal use or possession

Consequences if caught

Khat (chat) is lawful and culturally significant in Ethiopia and is not a prohibited substance under the Criminal Code of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (Proclamation No. 414/2004). In Ethiopia, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (Proclamation No. 414/2004). Trafficking in narcotic or psychotropic substances (Art. 525) carries rigorous imprisonment of 5–15 years plus a fine, while lesser dealing sub-articles carry rigorous imprisonment in the 5–7 year range. The maximum penalty for drug offences is imprisonment; the separate provisions for the gravest non-drug crimes do not extend to drug offences.

If prescribed or medical

Not applicable — khat is lawful in Ethiopia and is not a controlled medicine.

Documentation

In Ethiopia, drugs fall under the Criminal Code of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (Proclamation No. 414/2004). Trafficking in narcotic or psychotropic substances (Art. 525) carries rigorous imprisonment of 5–15 years plus a fine, while lesser dealing sub-articles carry rigorous imprisonment in the 5–7 year range. The maximum penalty for drug offences is imprisonment; the separate provisions for the gravest non-drug crimes do not extend to drug offences. Khat (chat) is lawful and culturally significant in Ethiopia and is not a prohibited substance under the Criminal Code. Cannabis, by contrast, is controlled under the same Criminal Code, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.

Drug laws and enforcement change and vary within a country. This is not legal advice. Always confirm with Ethiopia’s embassy or official drug authority before traveling; penalties can be severe, including imprisonment.