Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise increased caution in Eritrea due to travel restrictions, limited consular assistance, landmines, and wrongful detentions. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 2 blank pages in their passport for any entry stamp and or visa that will be required. A visa is required. US citizens will need to get in touch with the country’s embassy or nearest consulate to obtain a visa prior to visiting the country.
US Embassy/Consulate
[291] (1) 120004; US Embassy Asmara, 179 Alaa Street, Asmara, Eritrea; https://er.usembassy.gov/; consularasmara@state.gov
LGBTQIA+ Travelers
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html
Telephone Code
291
Local Emergency Phone
Police 113; Medical Emergencies 114; Fire & Rescue 116
Vaccinations
The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Eritrea: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
http://www.who.int/
Climate
Hot, dry desert strip along Red Sea coast; cooler and wetter in the central highlands (up to 61 cm of rainfall annually, heaviest June to September); semiarid in western hills and lowlands
Currency (Code)
Nakfa (ERN)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, L
Major Languages
Trigrinya, Arabic, English, Tigre, Kunama, Afar, other Cushitic languages
Major Religions
Sunni Muslim, Coptic Christian, Roman Catholic, Protestant
Time Difference
UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water
Opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Right
Tourist Destinations
Asmara (includes St. Mariam Cathedral, Our Lady of the Rosary Church, Kulafah Al Rashidin Mosque); Dahlak Marine National Park
Major Sports
Soccer, cycling, volleyball
Cultural Practices
Unlike in western countries where raised eyebrows indicate puzzlement, in Eretria they signal affirmation or approval.
Tipping Guidelines
Tipping up to 10% of the bill in restaurants is appreciated, but not always expected; this amount may sometimes be included as a service charge. Tipping taxi drivers is uncommon.
Souvenirs
Tigrinya netsela cotton shawls/scarves, gold and silver jewelry, religious artifacts, pottery, baskets
Traditional Cuisine
Zigini — a spicy meat stew made with Berbere spices and eaten with a type of flatbread called injera
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Monday, September 18, 2023
