Security travel advice for Eritrea

How safe is Eritrea?

Threat level: Medium - High
The current terror threat level in Eritrea is low, but be aware a number of terrorist incidents have been reported along the border with Ethiopia. The border crossings with Ethiopia is currently closed. Tensions between Eritrea and Ethiopia are high and it is advised not to travel within 25km of these border areas. Eritrea’s border with Sudan is also a high risk area and you should avoid travel if possible. There is also a high risk of land mines and other unexploded ordinance in both these areas.

Due the closure by the government of water purification and bottling plants, there is currently a shortage of water which must be taken into consideration when planning your travel.

Recent Security Risk Events
Since 2008 there has been an ongoing armed conflict between Djibouti and Eritrea after an incursion of Eritrean forces into the disputed Djibouti border region. The situation remains tense and civilians have been caught up in the fighting in the past. Travel within 30 km of Eritrea’s border with Djibouti is highly advised against.

There are extensive mine fields spread throughout the whole of Eritrea, many people die each year in the country from landmines. You should only ever drive on the main roads that are marked on maps. Avoid driving on non-metalled roads and walking or hiking in the countryside.

Security Risks
Petty and serious crime occurs in many areas of the country. The city of Asmara has experienced an increase in pick pocketing and other petty crimes such as bag snatching. You shouldn’t carry large sums of cash as foreign nationals are often targeted by thieves due to their perceived wealth. Avoid walking alone at night and have photocopies of any sensitive travel documents.

The government of Eritrea’s civilian militia programme means that most citizens of the country own fire arms. There have been some cases of armed robbery and armed car hijackings in recent years. Exercise particular caution at all times, avoid driving at night and drive in a convoy if possible. Your hotel should have sufficient security measures in places included a night time security guard.

Eritrea's International Relations

Eritrea's relationship with the EU and the United States are currently very strained. Eritrea also has very tense relations with neighbouring countries Ethiopia and Djibouti, and it maintains a military force on its border with Ethiopia roughly equal in size to Ethiopia's force. Despite these tense relations Eritrea is still a member of the United Nations and the African Union.

Travelling around Eritrea

Be aware that all foreign nationals need a travel permit to leave Asmara. The driving license policy isn’t enforced heavily and you can drive in Eritrea with most UK, EU and US driving licences, although hiring a car can be difficult sometimes. You should never give your passport as a deposit for motor vehicle hire.

Avoid travelling after dark in rural areas, keep the risk of landmines in mind whilst driving anywhere outside of Asmara.

Commercial Travel Risk Services

Emergency services in Equatorial Guinea

Police emergency:113
Fire emergency:116
Medical emergency:114

Eritrea Overview

Capital: Asmara
Official languages: Tigrinya
Religion: Christianity and Islam
Currency: Nakfa (ERN)

Consular information for Eritrea

U.S. Embassy Asmara
179 Ala Street,
179 171-9 St,
Asmara,
Eritrea
Telephone: +291 1 120 004
Email: ConsularAsmara@state.gov

British Embassy Asmara
66-68 Mariam Ghimbi Street,
Zip Code 174,
PO Box 5584,
Asmara,
Eritrea
Telephone: +291 1 202 839
Email: Asmara.Enquiries@fco.gov.uk

Visa requirements for Eritrea

Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of six months from the date of entry to Eritrea. Most nationalities will have to purchase a visa for Eritrea advance to travel. A tourist visa costs 50 US Dollars. You may also have to provide proof of sufficient funds to cover the duration of your stay upon entry to the country.

Health Care and Immunisations

It is advised that visitors to Eritrea are up-to-date with primary boosters such as MMR. It is recommended for most travellers to also get a Tetanus, Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccinations. You should check with your local practitioner prior to departure if you are unsure.

Other health risks
There is a high risk of Malaria in Eritrea, it is therefore recommended to take antimalarial drugs such as doxycycline.

Dengue is also present in the country, so you should take further precautions to avoid mosquito bites

It is recommended against swimming in fresh water as Schistosomiasis can be contracted via a parasite that penetrate human skin when the water is contaminated.

There are three public hospitals in Asmara and all of them are of poor quality. You should ensure you have adequate travel insurance in case you require evacuation to another country.

Many areas outside of Asmara are of high risk of malaria. You should consider taking anti-malarial medication if you intend on traveling outside of Asmara.