Welcome to Eritrea

One of Eastern Africa’s best-kept secrets, Eritrea is a compelling country, whether you’re visiting for the culture, the history or the natural scenery.

On the horn of Africa and the banks of the Red Sea, this melting-pot country offers archaeological sites, plateaus and peaks, deserted beaches and more. Explore historic Asmara. Walk on white sand and black sands in Massawa. Visit the notable pilgrimage sites of Emberemi. With its astonishing variety of attractions and landscapes, Eritrea is a gem.

Unique Facts

• One of the oldest port cities in Africa is in Eritrea: Adulis, established during the Aksumite Kingdom era (100 AD to 940 AD).
• There is no official language of Eritrea, although most speak Tigrinya.
• The highest point in Eritrea is the Emba Soira mountain at 9,902 feet high.
• The capital city of Asmara is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and known for its well-preserved art deco and colonial modernist architecture.
• There are more than 350 Eritrean islands scattered throughout the Red Sea, with more than 200 of them belonging to the Dahlak Archipelago.

Language

Eritrea does not have an official language. The most widely spoken language is Tigrinya.

When To Go

The best times to go to Eritrea are February, April, October, November and December.

Airports

Asmara International Airport

Passport Validity

Passport must be valid for six months beyond arrival date.

Visa Required By US Citizen?

Yes

Vaccinations

The CDC recommends the following vaccines for most travelers when visiting Eritrea: Hepatitis A and Typhoid. Depending on where you are traveling, you may also need Hepatitis B, Malaria, Meningitis, Yellow Fever and Rabies vaccines.

Electrical Outlets

Power plugs and sockets: types C and L. Standard voltage: 230V. Frequency: 50Hz.

Currency

Official local currency: Eritrean nakfa

Getting Around

Drive only on the main roads. Rural roads and off-road driving can be dangerous. Be on the lookout for slow motorized carts, pedestrians, bicycles, livestock, fog and poor lighting. Mountain roads are narrow and winding and generally do not have guardrails or signs.

Public transportation options include bus and taxi service, both of which run on pre-established routes.

Driver’s License

An international driving permit is required.

US Embassy Info

U.S. Embassy Asmara
179 Alaa Street
P.O. Box 211
Asmara, Eritrea
Telephone: (291) 1-120-004
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(291)1-120-004
Fax: +(291) 1-124-255 and +(291) 1-127-584
ConsularAsmara@state.gov

Local Visitor Info

Ministry of Tourism
Tourism Service Center
Harnet Avenue
Asmara
Eritrea

Local Emergency Phone Numbers

Police: 01 127799
Ambulance: 01 202914

Safety and Security

The crime rate is increasing in Eritrea. Most criminal incidents are crimes of opportunity, car and home burglaries and sexual assaults. Avoid walking alone, especially at night. Dress conservatively.