Eritrea, located on the Red Sea coast of the Horn of Africa, offers a unique blend of Italian Art Deco architecture in Asmara, pristine beaches along the Dahlak Archipelago, and rich cultural heritage. This hidden gem features Africa's cleanest capital city and untouched coastal landscapes.
Eritrea is one of Africa's safer countries for petty crime and violent crime against tourists — street robbery and physical assault are extremely rare in Asmara. However, the country presents significant safety concerns related to government restrictions, travel permit requirements, border proximity hazards, and very limited emergency services outside the capital.
Current safety advisory
Moderate
Exercise increased caution throughout Eritrea. Avoid all areas within 25 km of the Ethiopian, Sudanese, and Djibouti borders due to ongoing military presence and landmine risk. Photography of military and government facilities is prohibited and can result in detention. Travel permits required for all movement beyond Asmara.
Last updated: 2025-01
Official advisories
Guidance from national travel-advisory services.
Level 3 - Reconsider Travel
Reconsider travel to Eritrea due to travel restrictions, human rights concerns, and limited US government ability to assist citizens. Exercise increased caution near all borders.
Advise against non-essential travel to border areas
Advise against all travel within 25km of the borders with Ethiopia, Sudan, and Djibouti. Advise against all but essential travel to the rest of Eritrea for some nationalities.
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Obtain travel permits before leaving Asmara - required for travel more than 25 km from the capital; apply at the Ministry of Tourism at least 2 days in advance
Avoid all border areas within 25 km of the Ethiopian, Sudanese, and Djibouti borders due to ongoing military presence and landmine risk
Carry cash in USD or EUR and exchange only at official rates via hotels or licensed exchange desks - unofficial changers risk counterfeit notes
Register with your embassy upon arrival; the nearest US Embassy is in Djibouti, so contact your country's representation before departure
Photography of government buildings, military installations, ports, airports, and uniformed officials is strictly prohibited and can lead to detention
Dress conservatively, especially outside Asmara - women should cover shoulders and knees, particularly in Muslim coastal communities around Massawa
Avoid political discussions in public or with strangers; dissent is not tolerated and foreign nationals have been detained for criticism of the government
Malaria risk exists in coastal areas below 2,200 m including Massawa; start prophylaxis before arrival and use DEET mosquito repellent at dusk
Medical facilities are severely limited outside Asmara; carry a comprehensive first-aid kit and arrange emergency medical evacuation insurance before travel
Internet and mobile connectivity is heavily restricted; inform family of your itinerary before arrival as contact may be difficult once in-country
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Currency Exchange Fraud
Unofficial currency changers on the street offer above-official rates but use counterfeit notes, short-count bills, or the 'distraction fold' to short-change visitors exchanging large amounts.
How to avoid: Exchange currency only at hotel exchange desks, licensed banks, or official exchange offices. Never exchange with individuals on the street regardless of the rate offered.
Unofficial Guide Overcharging
Individuals near tourist sites offer guiding services and later demand much higher fees than initially agreed, sometimes becoming insistent or following tourists when payment is disputed.
How to avoid: Use only licensed guides arranged through the Ministry of Tourism or your hotel. Agree all fees in writing or in front of a witness before starting any tour.
Taxi Price Inflation
Taxi drivers — especially those waiting outside airports and luxury hotels — name significantly inflated prices to tourists unfamiliar with local rates, particularly for airport journeys.
How to avoid: Ask your hotel for current standard fares before travelling and agree the price firmly before entering any taxi. The standard Asmara airport to city centre fare is $5-10.
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Vaccinations
- Required: Yellow fever certificate if arriving from endemic countries. Recommended: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Meningococcal meningitis, Rabies (if animal contact possible), Routine vaccinations (MMR, tetanus, diphtheria). Malaria prophylaxis strongly recommended for coastal areas including Massawa.
- Water
- Tap water is not safe to drink in Eritrea. Drink bottled water only throughout the country. Avoid ice in drinks. Use bottled water for brushing teeth. Bottled water is widely available and inexpensive.
- Food
- Cooked food from established restaurants and street vendors who cook to order is generally safe. Avoid pre-prepared salads, raw vegetables washed in tap water, and food left standing uncovered in heat. Seafood in Massawa should be eaten fresh on the day.
- Facilities
- Asmara has one main government hospital (Halibet Hospital) and the better-equipped Sembel Hospital. Medical facilities are very limited outside the capital. There is no medical evacuation system — arrange comprehensive travel insurance with international medical evacuation cover before visiting.
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Solo travellers
Solo travel in Asmara is generally safe and straightforward — the city is compact, crime levels are low, and Eritreans are hospitable to lone visitors. Always carry your passport and travel permits. Inform your hotel of any planned excursions. The main risks are bureaucratic (checkpoints, permit requirements) rather than criminal.
Female travellers
Female solo travellers report Asmara as relatively comfortable with low levels of street harassment compared to neighbouring countries. Dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees) especially in Massawa's Muslim communities. Avoid walking alone after 10 PM in unlit residential streets. Travel in groups for excursions outside Asmara. Avoid Massawa's Old Town after dark without a local companion.
Families
Eritrea is suitable for families with older children (10+) who can handle the limited infrastructure and travel permit complexity. Asmara is very safe with low crime. Health preparation is essential — bring all medications, filtered water bottles, and child-appropriate insect repellent for coastal areas. Avoid bringing very young children to Massawa during hot months.
LGBTQ+ travellers
Same-sex relationships are illegal in Eritrea under Article 600 of the Penal Code with penalties including imprisonment. There is no public LGBTQ+ community or visible acceptance. LGBTQ+ travellers should exercise extreme discretion, avoid any public displays of affection, and be aware that hotel staff may report concerns to authorities. Not recommended as a destination for LGBTQ+ travel.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 113
- Medical
- 114
- Embassy
- The nearest US Embassy is in Djibouti (+253 21 453 000). UK Embassy: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (+251 11 617 0100). Register with your embassy before arrival.
- Tourist Police
- Ask at your hotel — tourist police exist informally in Asmara but there is no dedicated tourist police station