Eritrea

Översikt

Capital: Asmara (pop. 1.073 million)
Population: 3,607,003 (2025 est.)
Religions: Sunni Muslim, Coptic Christian, Roman Catholic, Protestant
Languages: Trigrinya, Arabic, English, Tigre, Kunama, Afar, other Cushitic languages
Time Zone: UTC+3
Driving side: Right
Calling code: +291
Electrical plug(s): Type C and Type L

Pengar

The local currency in Eritrea is Nakfa (ERN). As of 6 October 2026 100 ERN is equal to 6.67 USD. In addition to the local currency, USD may be accepted for payment in some places.

Currency exchange can be done at banks. Street moneychangers are illegal.

Travellers should be prepared to use cash to make payments. The economy generally operates on a cash-only basis. Credit cards are accepted in upscale and/or tourist areas only. ATMs are only available in urban and/or tourist areas.

Travellers are required to declare if carrying money more than $10,000 USD upon entry and exit.

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.

El

The power supply in Eritrea is less than reliable. Electricity operates on 230V at 50Hz using plug type(s) C and L. Constant electrical supply is not generally a problem in the big cities. It will, however, fail spontaneously and it might be a good idea to bring surge protection equipment if you will be travelling with electronic devices. Be aware that the further away from major centres that you travel, the likelihood of good electrical supply being handy diminishes.

Pass

Most travellers will need a passport to enter Eritrea. The passport must be valid for at least six months after the date of arrival and have two blank pages.

Visum

Visa-free entry is available for certain travellers who qualify based on nationality and purpose of travel. All other travellers will need to obtain a visa from the nearest embassy or consulate or apply online (e-visa) prior to travel.

Entry visa requirements vary based on nationality, purpose of travel and other factors. Individual travellers are responsible for ensuring that they comply with all visa requirements, which should be confirmed with authorities at their destination prior to travel.

Visa Free Travel

Visa-free travel to Eritrea (Kenyan nationals): Kenyan nationals are allowed entry into Eritrea visa-free for stays up to 90 days. Check viability of entry prior to departure.

Visas

Entry visa: Foreign nationals who wish to enter Eritrea can apply for an entry visa valid typically for up to 30 days from the time of entry.

Lokal resor

Overview

The main airport is Asmara International Airport (ASM/HHAS) in Asmara. Road conditions are poor across the country, excluding Asmara. Public transport remains severely underdeveloped, and the presence of land mines continues to make any overland travel dangerous. Officials restrict the movement of foreign nationals outside of Asmara.

Travel Safety

Air Travel

Eritrean Civil Aviation Authority issued a notice suspending all Ethiopian Airlines flights to the country, effective 30 September 2024.

Eritrea's major international airport, Asmara International Airport (ASM/HHAS) is located 6.5 km (four miles) southwest of Asmara. It boasts several international direct flights to Cairo, Dubai and Istanbul and a well-serviced domestic network. Travellers are recommended to use taxis rather than public bus services to and from the airport.

All Eritrean carriers, including Eritrean Airlines and Nasair Eritrea, are banned from operating flights to Europe due to a lack of conformity with the necessary technical elements and requirements prescribed by the applicable international safety standards.

Other international airports are Massawa International Airport (MSW/HHMS) and Assab International Airport (ASA/HHSB).

Borders and Entry

Border closures: Eritrea's borders with Djibouti are closed, while some land crossings with Ethiopia and Sudan are open. Foreign travellers are advised to consult consular authorities for entry information.

Health-related surveillance measures: Authorities implemented Ebola surveillance measures at the country’s entry points, effective until further notice, to prevent the entry of the disease.

Identification

Most travellers will need a passport to enter Eritrea. The passport must be valid for at least six months after the date of arrival and have two blank pages.
Travellers with passports where gender is indicated as "neutral" are not allowed entry. The country's laws on LGBTQ people are conservative, and overall social acceptance is low. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer travellers in Eritrea might face legal and social difficulties.

Road Travel

Traffic in Eritrea moves on the right. The speed limit is 60-80 kph (37-49 mph) in urban areas and 100 kph (62 mph) in rural areas. The legal threshold for driving under the influence of alcohol is 0.8 milligrams of alcohol per millilitre of blood. Road conditions vary outside of Asmara, including on the highways connecting the city to other urban centres. Streets are rarely lit and often unpaved, thus making travel by night exceedingly dangerous. Fog in the winter severely reduces visibility, particularly in mountainous areas. The presence of unmarked landmines makes any travel in rural areas dangerous. It is advisable to first check with local government and village officials for clearance and news of marked minefields.

Foreigners are not allowed to travel outside Asmara. A travel permit is required. Military police roadblocks outside the city check identity documents and travel permits. Travellers are advised to avoid travelling within 25km (15 miles) of Eritrea’s borders with Ethiopia, Djibouti and Sudan.

Rail Travel

The single rail line in Eritrea runs between Asmara and Massawa and has no regular schedules. The train caters exclusively to chartered tour groups.

Public Transport

Public transport in Eritrea is very poor and limited, especially outside of Asmara.

Ferries and Boats: Incidents of piracy and armed robbery have been reported in coastal waters. Ensure access to updated HF emergency frequencies to broadcast mayday calls in the event of pirate sightings. Consider travelling without navigation lights while in the danger zone within 100km (62 miles) of the Red Sea coast.

Buses: Buses and minibuses in Asmara are well-organised, but they are often overcrowded and poorly maintained, and incidents of pickpocketing are not uncommon. Frequent services run between Asmara and other major cities in Eritrea. Travellers should be aware of the fact that buses do not adhere to fixed timetables.

Taxis: Eritrean taxis are coloured yellow but tend to have questionable safety standards. They are both plentiful and inexpensive and can be hailed anywhere along the main city streets. For an additional fee, travellers can obtain a private taxi rather than a communal one. Taxis are an efficient means of transport to the various Eritrean towns and villages.

Vehicle Hire: Some local car rental companies are available in Asmara. An International Driver's Licence is necessary to hire a vehicle.