Travel Smart

Honest, sourced guidance so you travel confident. Most of any country is calmer than the headlines suggest.

Safety

Countrywide advisory (Government of Canada)

Reconsider travel

Avoid non-essential travel (with regional advisories) Regional advisories apply; see the source for zone-level detail.

Source: Government of Canada · Verified 2026-07-26

Asmara and immediate surroundings

Exercise increased caution

The capital is secure and walkable by day. Nightlife and late evening travel are less common. The city is orderly but under close government surveillance.

Avoid: Avoid photographing government buildings, military installations, and security forces. Curfews may be in effect. Large gatherings and demonstrations are prohibited.

Source: UK FCDO · Verified 2026-07-06

Red Sea coast and Massawa

Exercise increased caution

Coastal areas, including the historic port of Massawa, are accessible but require travel permits. Tourism is low-key; infrastructure is basic.

Avoid: Western coastal areas near Sudan border; certain port facilities are off-limits.

Source: UK FCDO · Verified 2026-07-06

Interior highlands and border regions

Reconsider travel

Remote highlands and all border areas (Sudan, Ethiopia, Djibouti) are off-limits to tourists. Military presence is heavy; travel permits are not issued.

Avoid: All border regions. Remote interior highlands without established tourism routes.

Source: UK FCDO · Verified 2026-07-06

4 zones rated separately against Government of Canada, UK FCDO. Oldest check on this page: 6 July 2026.

How we source this

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