Eritrea

Översikt

Eritrea is an isolated and repressive state located in the volatile Horn of Africa. The repressive and secretive nature of this de facto one-party state poses political and conflict risks to visitors and investors in the country. Political opposition is not tolerated and President Isaias Afwerki and the ruling People's Front for Democracy and Justice (PFDJ), who have dominated Eritrea since independence, suppress freedom of the press, civil rights, religion and democracy. In July 2018, both Eritrea and Ethiopia formally declared an end of the war over the 1999-2000 border conflict. Eritrea has also suffered prolonged droughts that affects its agricultural economy. There are currently drinking water supply problems being experienced across Eritrea due to the closure by the Eritrean Government of many of the water purification and bottling plants.

Hälsa, sjukdomar och vaccination

Travellers are advised to consult a travel health specialist or general practitioner (GP) to obtain the latest information with regards to what vaccines are recommended about 4-8 weeks prior to departing for Eritrea. Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before your trip to Eritrea. The following vaccinations are recommended: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis, polio and influenza. Travellers might also consider the vaccinations for Hepatitis B and rabies, according to the specifics of their travel.

Risk of malaria is present throughout Eritrea, including urban areas. The use of anti-malarial medications (Lariam, Malarone, or doxycycline) is recommended for all areas of the country. This prophylaxis should be supported by the use of insect repellent, mosquito nets and long-sleeved clothing around the hours of dusk.

A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is only required from travellers coming from a country with risk of Yellow Fever transmission.

There is risk of ongoing Dengue transmission in Eritrea. Insect protection measures are essential.

In addition to these health risks, travellers diarrhoea is the most common travel-related medical problem affecting travellers to Eritrea. It is advisable to bring anti-diarrhoea medication and oral rehydration salts to prevent dehydration. Travellers must take all necessary precautions when drinking water or eating food within the country and only drink water from sealed bottles obtained from a reputable source or water that has been boiled.

Tuberculosis is a major public health problem in Eritrea.

Bring your own prescription drugs and preventative medicines with you. Make sure your health insurance covers you for medical expenses abroad. If it doesn’t, supplemental, overseas coverage is encouraged. If illness happens abroad, your medical expenses and possible evacuation can cost tens of thousands of dollars.

Medical care is very limited outside of Eritrea’s major cities. Major illnesses, however, may require an evacuation to a more state-of-the-art medical facility. Be aware that most doctors expect payment in cash, regardless of your health insurance.

Pass

Passports must be valid for at least six months from date of arrival into Eritrea. Travellers y 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.

Visum

All nationalities must apply for a visa before travelling to Eritrea.

Business travellers require a letter of invitation. Single-entry visas are normally valid for three months and multiple-entry visas (only available for business travel) are valid for three, six or 12 months.