American tourists warned of arrest, jail time for taking photos, pocketing souvenirs in locale

The advisory remained a "Level 3: Reconsider Travel" - warning of unrest, crime, kidnapping, terrorism, landmines and exit bans.

Officials warned of restrictions for travelers when they enter and leave the country.

A 1,000 Ethiopian birr, or about $7 for an entry fee, is required, with officials noting that "excess currency may be confiscated." 

A $3,000 fee is required to exit the country for those who have overstayed.

"When departing Ethiopia, nonresidents carrying more than the equivalent of $3,000 USD in foreign currency and residents carrying any amount of foreign currency must produce a valid bank document or foreign currency customs declaration that is less than 30 days old," the advisory indicates.

The U.S. Embassy is located in Addis Ababa.

Tourists are also warned about certain items they may attempt to bring back to the U.S.

It also notes that "souvenirs that are copies of antiques or religious artifacts require a proper receipt and may still be confiscated.

Ethiopia has strict laws pertaining to photography.

Officials say that if tourists are caught taking pictures of prohibited sites, they may be subject to fines, have photographic equipment confiscated and even face possible arrest.

"As a general practice, you should avoid taking pictures of individuals without their clear consent," it also advises.

Popular sites include Rock-Hewn Churches in Lalibela, which feature 11 monolithic churches carved into rock, known as a "New Jerusalem," and ruins of the ancient Aksumite Empire.