Know Before You Go

Eritrea has highly restrictive visa policies. Tourist visas are difficult to obtain and must be applied for through an Eritrean embassy well in advance. Visas typically take weeks. Tour operators specializing in Eritrea can facilitate applications. No visa on arrival. Passport valid for 6 months minimum required. Yellow fever vaccination required if arriving from endemic areas.

The Eritrean nakfa (ERN) is the local currency. ATMs are virtually non-existent; bring cash USD or EUR. Foreign exchange controls are strict; use banks or authorized dealers. Credit cards are not accepted outside Asmara. Exchanging money on the black market is illegal; avoid it despite better rates.

The sole provider is EriTel, a state monopoly. SIM cards are available but expensive; data is very limited and heavily monitored. Internet is restricted and heavily censored; speeds are slow. International calls are monitored. Internet cafes exist in Asmara but are under surveillance. Expect limited connectivity; plan accordingly.

Shared minibuses connect towns but are infrequent and slow. Taxis in Asmara negotiate fares in advance. Car rental with driver is available through hotels; necessary for regional travel. Movement outside Asmara requires travel permits issued by the government; permits are not always granted to foreigners. Road conditions vary; driving is on the left.

Malaria is present in lowland areas; use prophylaxis if visiting coastal regions. Water safety varies; drink bottled water in Asmara. Medical facilities are basic; serious cases require evacuation. Vaccinations for hepatitis A and B, typhoid, yellow fever recommended. Bring personal medications; supply chains are limited.

Tigrinya is the primary language; Arabic and Italian are also spoken. English is limited outside tourist contexts. Greetings are formal; use titles and respectful language. Photography is heavily restricted: avoid military installations, government buildings, and security personnel. Avoid discussing politics or recent history unless locals initiate. Dress conservatively.

Eritrea has a hot, dry climate in lowlands and cool, temperate climate in highlands. The best visiting period is November to February: cooler temperatures, lower rainfall. March to May sees hot, dusty harmattan winds. June to October is rainy in highlands; coastal areas remain dry. Pack layers for the temperature variation between coast and highlands.

Asmara International Airport is the primary entry; Ethiopian Airlines, Nile Air, and Egypt Air provide regional connections, though service is limited. Few international airlines fly directly; many travelers route through Addis Ababa or Cairo. Land borders with Ethiopia and Sudan have variable openness depending on political climate. Sea access via Red Sea ports exists but is rarely used by tourists.