Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US State Department currently recommends US citizens exercise increased caution in Eritrea due to travel restrictions, limited consular assistance, landmines, and wrongful detentions.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
For the latest passport and visa requirements for this country, please consult the U.S. State Department’s “Learn About Your Destination” search tool, available through the link below.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages.html
US Embassy/Consulate
[291] (1) 120004; US Embassy Asmara, 179 Alaa Street, Asmara, Eritrea; https://er.usembassy.gov/; consularasmara@state.gov
LGBTQIA+ Travelers
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, influenza, COVID-19.
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: Tuesday, June 04, 2024
