Getting your bags to Ethiopia doesn’t have to be complicated. We ship bags, send suitcases and move boxes of personal effects to Ethiopia on a door-to-door basis where available. However you say it — ship bags, send luggage, or send baggage to Ethiopia — we take care of the whole journey, including customs, so your belongings arrive safely.
If it is a bag, a case, a box or a barrel and it does not contain anything on the prohibited list, we can ship it to Ethiopia. Here is the full breakdown.
✓Suitcases — hard-shell or soft-shell. We recommend hard-shell for long-haul routes. Any size — items over 30kg carry a heavy-weight surcharge.
✓Holdalls and duffel bags — all accepted. Larger soft bags benefit from stretch wrap or an outer cardboard box for protection in freight handling.
✓Double-walled cardboard boxes — the standard for international air freight. Often more cost-effective than bags for larger shipments. Must be double-wall — single-wall compresses under pallet weight.
✓Sports bags — golf bags, ski bags, cricket bags, tennis bags. Dimensions at quote stage please so we can calculate volumetric weight accurately.
⚠Barrels — subject to handling surcharge due to size and weight. Common on Caribbean and West African routes. Advise at enquiry stage and we confirm the correct charge before you book.
✗Not accepted: bin liners, refuse sacks, plastic bags — not structurally suitable for international freight and refused at collection. Single-wall cardboard boxes.
✗No lithium batteries inside any bag on any service — remove from laptops, phones, tablets, cameras and power banks before packing. No aerosols, perfumes or flammable liquids.
Packing tip • Excess Luggage Co. • MetEx House, Hounslow • Since 1998
“For African destinations, double-walled cardboard boxes are often more cost-effective than suitcases for larger shipments. Clearly label every box with your name, address and destination. The most common mistake is packing too loosely — items shift in transit and arrive damaged. Pack tightly, fill gaps with clothing or bubble wrap, and label every bag or box clearly with your name, UK address and full Ethiopia destination address. Call us on 0800 096 38 39 before you pack if you have any questions about specific items.”