Passport A valid passport with at least six months validity from the date of entry is required for all visitors .

Visa A visa is required for almost all nationalities. Visas are not available at the airport . Visas must be obtained in advance from an Eritrean embassy or consulate.

• Visa Application: Applications typically require: a completed visa application form, two passport-sized photos, a passport valid for at least 6 months, and a cover letter stating the purpose of travel and intended stay .
• Tourist Visa: Requires a letter requesting entry clearance, stating the travel purpose and accommodation details .
• Business Visa: Requires a letter from the sponsoring company or organization detailing the business purpose .
• Processing Times: Applications typically take approximately one week for processing, but delays can occur. Allow at least 30 days for the entire process .
• Exit Permit (Dual Nationals): Dual Eritrean citizens are considered Eritrean citizens while in the country and require an exit visa to leave .
• Minors: For minors traveling without both parents, a notarized consent letter from the absent parent(s) is required .
• Additional Documents: Proof of return/onward travel, proof of sufficient funds (approx. USD 200 per day), and hotel reservations may be required .
• Digital copies: Keep scans of all travel documents in your email/cloud.

Official sources: Eritrean Embassy Visa Information · Check with the nearest Eritrean embassy for the latest procedures.

Mandatory Vaccinations Yellow Fever: A vaccination certificate may be required if arriving from or transiting through a country with yellow fever risk .

Recommended Vaccinations Consult a travel health specialist 4-6 weeks before travel. Ensure standard vaccinations (MMR, DTP, polio) are up to date due to recent outbreaks . Recommended vaccines include:

• Hepatitis A – risk of food and water contamination .
• Hepatitis B – recommended for longer stays or contact with locals .
• Typhoid – risk exists, especially if eating outside major hotels .
• Meningococcal Meningitis – risk is highest during the dry season (September-February) .
• Rabies – recommended for travellers who may have contact with animals .

• Travel Health Insurance is absolutely essential. Policies must cover hospitalisation and expensive medical evacuation (repatriation), as medical facilities do not meet European standards .
• Malaria: There is a high risk of malaria throughout the country below 2500 metres altitude, and moderate risk in Asmara . Take chemoprophylaxis (anti-malaria tablets) and use mosquito repellent containing DEET .
• Other Health Risks: Dengue, Chikungunya, Leishmaniasis, Schistosomiasis (avoid freshwater contact), and traveller's diarrhoea are common .
• Medical Care: Healthcare is extremely limited. The Orota and ENAEL Hospitals in Asmara have only 8-9 intensive care beds each. Routine operations should be performed in Europe .
• Vaccination Coverage: Eritrea has achieved over 98% vaccination coverage for children, with polio, tetanus, measles, and rotavirus diseases nearly eradicated .

Links: WHO · CDC Eritrea.

Current Situation The security situation in Eritrea is unpredictable and could deteriorate with little warning . The country has a Security Level 3 (high risk) .

• Travel Advice: Non-essential travel to Eritrea, especially outside Asmara, is advised against .
• Regional Risks:
  • Border areas with Ethiopia, Sudan, and Djibouti have acute landmine risks on unpaved roads .
  • Coastal area north of Massawa and some rural roads – risk of armed robbery and banditry .
• Kidnapping: Kidnapping is a risk in Eritrea and can happen anywhere, anytime .
• Crime: Street crime is rare but can occur in Asmara. Avoid walking alone late at night .
• Landmines: Extensive minefields, particularly in border areas, continue to cause occasional injury or death .
• Piracy: A significant threat exists in the Gulf of Aden and coastal waters .
• Internal Travel: A permit from the authorities is required for domestic travel .
• Emergency plan: Save local emergency numbers, embassy contacts, and your accommodation address.

Official travel advisories: U.S. State Department · UK FCDO · German Foreign Office.

• Police: +291 1 127799
• Ambulance: +291 1 125750 and +291 1 201917
• Fire brigade: +291 1 202260 and +291 1 202099
• Tourism Information: +291 1 154111 and +291 1 154100

No central emergency number (like 112) is available. Use the specific numbers above.

US Embassy in Asmara: 179 Ala Street, Zone 1, Administration 5 · er.usembassy.gov · +291 1 130 001

UK Embassy Asmara: 171 Harnet Avenue · gov.uk/.../british-embassy-asmera · +291 1 120 455

German Embassy Asmara: 10 Bereket Street · asmara.diplo.de · +291 1 120 612

Italian Embassy Asmara: Via Campo Sportivo · ambasmara.esteri.it · +291 1 120 000

Note: New Zealand has no diplomatic presence in Eritrea; consular assistance from foreign embassies may be limited .

🔍 Full list of embassies and consulates in Eritrea

Eritrea is a country in the Horn of Africa, bordered by Sudan, Ethiopia, and Djibouti. It gained independence from Ethiopia in 1993 after a 30-year armed struggle. The country is known for its rich cultural diversity and its Italian colonial heritage, particularly visible in the capital, Asmara.

• Political system: Unitary one-party state.
• Main income: Mining (gold, copper), agriculture, and services.
• Nature: The Red Sea coast, the Dahlak Archipelago, the Ethiopian Highlands, and the Danakil Depression.

Eritrea is home to nine distinct ethnic groups and two major religions, Islam and Christianity, which coexist peacefully . Society is built on values of equality, justice, and self-reliance, forged through the struggle for independence . Eritrean Embassy – People & Culture.

Climate Eritrea has a diverse climate: a temperate highland climate (Asmara) and a hot, arid climate in the lowlands and coastal areas.

• Highlands (Asmara): Pleasant year-round (15°C to 25°C). The rainy season is from June to September.
• Coastal Areas (Massawa): Very hot and humid (30°C to 45°C).
• Western Lowlands: Hot and dry; unsealed roads can become impassable during the rainy season .
• Clothing: Light, breathable fabrics for the lowlands; warm layers for the highlands. Modest clothing is recommended, especially in rural areas and religious sites.

Asmara weather forecast.

Official Tigrinya, Arabic, and English are the working languages. Italian is also understood by older generations.

• Useful phrases (Tigrinya): Selam (hello), Yegenyeley (thanks), Bebka/Be'la (please), Yiqirta (excuse me), Inglesi titi? (do you speak English?)
• Mentality: Traditional and respectful. Eritrean society values harmony, coexistence, and respect for the law .
• Religion: Christianity (Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Protestant) and Islam coexist peacefully .
• Internet/Wi-Fi: Limited and expensive. Local SIM cards are available but can be difficult to obtain.

Voltage 230 V · Frequency 50 Hz

Plug types C (Europlug) and L (Italian 3-pin).

• Adapter needed? For Type C (Europlug) – fits, but not grounded. For Type L (Italian) – an adapter is needed for non-Italian devices.
• Converter? Not needed for 230 V devices. For 110 V devices (US, Japan), a step-down converter is required.

Currency Nakfa (ERN). Current exchange rate.

• Cash: Eritrea is a cash economy. US Dollars are widely accepted and recommended .
• Cards: Credit cards are rarely accepted .
• ATMs: Very limited. Withdrawing cash is difficult.
• Currency Import/Export: Foreign currency amounts over USD 10,000 must be declared upon entry .
• Price level: Low compared to Western Europe.
• Tipping: Tipping is not expected.

Airports Asmara International Airport (ASM) – main hub. Travel by land is not recommended due to landmines and security risks .

• Getting around: Air travel is recommended. A permit from the authorities is required for domestic travel .
• Taxis: Taxis are available in Asmara. Use only official taxis.
• Car rental: Available but not recommended due to landmines, checkpoints, and poor road conditions.
• Rail: The Eritrean Railway is largely defunct.
• Ferries: There is a risk of piracy in the coastal waters; travel by boat is not recommended .

Eritrean Airlines.

Hotel types Hotels are limited. Most international hotels are in Asmara and Massawa.

• Safety: Keep doors and windows locked. Store valuables in the room safe.
• Opening hours: Shops 09:00–20:00.
• Local regulations: Photography of government buildings, military sites, and infrastructure is prohibited and can lead to arrest.

Must-try dishes Injera (sour flatbread) served with various stews (wats) such as Zighni (spicy meat stew) or Shiro (chickpea stew). Also try Kicha (unleavened bread) and fresh seafood on the coast.

• Drinks: Eritrean coffee (ceremony), tea, and local beer (Asmara Beer).
• Street food: Limited. Exercise caution with hygiene.
• Tap water: Do not drink tap water. Use only bottled water.

Time zone UTC+3 (East Africa Time – EAT).

• Public holidays: 1 Jan (New Year), 8 Mar (International Women's Day), 1 May (Labour Day), 24 May (Independence Day), 1 Sep (Revolution Day), 25 Dec (Christmas). Islamic holidays (Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha) are also observed.
• Closing days: Many shops closed on public holidays.

Event calendar.

Places Asmara, Massawa, the Dahlak Archipelago, and the ancient city of Adulis.

• Cultural/Historical: Asmara is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its Italian Art Deco architecture. The ancient port city of Adulis (ruins).
• Nature: The Dahlak Archipelago (islands in the Red Sea), the Semenawi Bahri National Park, and the Danakil Depression.
• Important: Many attractions require a permit and are in high-risk areas. Travel outside Asmara is advised against .

Eritrean Embassy – Discover Eritrea.

Nightlife Asmara has a few bars, clubs, and live music venues. However, due to the security situation, moving around at night is not advised .

• Events: Independence Day (May 24) is the most important national celebration.

Event calendar.

• Eritrean Embassy – Discover Eritrea
• Shabait (Eritrean Ministry of Information)
• Google Maps — Eritrea
• YouTube — Eritrea travel & documentaries
• Google News — Eritrea