Eritrea Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Eritrea.
Healthcare System
Eritrea's healthcare system is severely limited with minimal facilities outside the capital Asmara. The country faces shortages of medical supplies, equipment, and trained personnel. Most medical facilities lack basic resources and modern equipment.
Hospitals
Orotta National Medical Surgical Hospital in Asmara is the main referral hospital but has very limited capabilities. Private clinics exist in Asmara but also face severe resource constraints. Medical evacuation to Kenya, Ethiopia, or Europe is necessary for serious conditions.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies in Asmara have limited stock of medications. Many common Western medications are unavailable. Bring a complete supply of any prescription medications in original packaging with doctor's letters. Generic names should be known as brand names may differ.
Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is absolutely essential and strongly recommended by all diplomatic missions. Verify that your policy covers Eritrea specifically as some exclude it.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring a comprehensive medical kit including all medications you might need for your entire stay plus extra
- Carry copies of prescriptions and medical documentation in English
- Ensure your travel insurance includes medical evacuation coverage to Kenya or Europe (costing $50,000-100,000)
- Avoid any medical procedures in Eritrea if possible; even minor issues should be treated with evacuation if serious
- Bring water purification tablets and stick to bottled water exclusively
- Ensure all routine vaccinations are up to date before arrival as catch-up vaccinations are not available
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Traveling outside Asmara without proper permits can result in detention, questioning, and deportation. All movement beyond 25km from Asmara requires advance permission.
Photographing government buildings, military installations, airports, bridges, and even some street scenes can result in arrest, camera confiscation, and detention.
Unexploded ordnance and landmines remain in border areas and former conflict zones from the war with Ethiopia.
Petty crime including pickpocketing and bag snatching is relatively rare compared to other countries in the region, but can occur in crowded areas.
Poor road conditions outside Asmara, lack of road lighting, unmarked hazards, and livestock on roads create accident risks. Driving standards vary considerably.
Foreign nationals can face questioning or detention for unclear reasons, often related to perceived violations of regulations or suspicion of espionage.
Temperatures in lowland areas can exceed 40°C (104°F), particularly in coastal regions and the Danakil Depression.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Individuals approach tourists offering guide services or assistance obtaining permits but lack proper authorization, potentially leading to permit violations or overcharging.
Black market money changers offer better rates than official channels but may use counterfeit bills, shortchange, or report foreigners to authorities.
Individuals claim they can expedite travel permits for a fee but take money without delivering permits or provide invalid documentation.
Due to limited tourism, some services quote inflated prices to foreigners, particularly for transportation and accommodation.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Documentation
- Make multiple copies of your passport, visa, travel permits, and insurance documents - keep separately from originals
- Carry passport and permits at all times as checkpoints are common
- Register with your embassy immediately upon arrival in Asmara
- Keep detailed records of all permits and their validity dates
- Photograph all important documents and store in cloud storage accessible offline
Money and Banking
- Bring all money you'll need in USD or EUR cash - ATMs do not work with foreign cards
- Bring smaller denomination bills (under $50) as change is often unavailable
- Declare all currency over $10,000 upon entry
- Keep money in multiple secure locations on your person and in luggage
- Budget extra as costs can be higher than expected due to limited services
- Credit cards are not accepted anywhere - this is a cash-only destination
Communication
- Purchase a local SIM card upon arrival if needed, though coverage is limited outside Asmara
- Internet access is extremely limited, slow, and monitored - do not rely on it
- Download offline maps and essential information before arrival
- Inform family of communication limitations before departure
- Avoid discussing politics, government, or sensitive topics on any communication channels
- Learn basic Tigrinya or Arabic phrases as English is not widely spoken
Photography
- Assume everything is off-limits unless you have explicit permission
- Never photograph military, police, government buildings, airports, ports, or bridges
- Ask permission before photographing people
- Keep cameras stored when near sensitive areas
- Be prepared to delete photos if requested by authorities
- Consider using a phone camera rather than professional equipment to appear less conspicuous
Transportation
- Use only registered taxis and arrange through your hotel
- Avoid all travel at night outside Asmara
- Ensure vehicles are in good condition before long journeys
- Carry extra water, food, and emergency supplies on road trips
- Travel in groups when possible, especially outside urban areas
- Allow extra time for checkpoints and permit inspections on all journeys
Cultural Sensitivity
- Dress modestly - cover shoulders and knees, particularly outside Asmara
- Remove shoes when entering homes and some religious sites
- Ask permission before entering religious buildings
- Avoid public displays of affection
- Respect photography restrictions at religious sites
- Do not discuss politics, the government, military service, or human rights issues
- Be patient with bureaucracy and service delays - frustration will not help
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Eritrea is generally considered safe for women travelers in terms of violent crime and harassment, with lower levels of street harassment compared to many countries in the region. However, women should still take standard precautions and be aware of cultural expectations. Solo women travelers are uncommon but not unheard of, and local women are often friendly and helpful.
- Dress conservatively covering shoulders, chest, and knees - long skirts or loose pants are appropriate
- Avoid walking alone after dark, even in Asmara
- Use hotel-arranged transportation rather than flagging taxis on the street
- Be aware that solo women in bars or restaurants may attract unwanted attention
- Consider wearing a wedding ring regardless of marital status to avoid unwanted advances
- Sit in women's sections on public transport when available
- Be firm but polite if declining unwanted attention - causing public scenes should be avoided
- Connect with other travelers or join group tours for activities outside Asmara
- Be cautious about accepting invitations from strangers, even if they seem friendly
- Trust your instincts and remove yourself from uncomfortable situations
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is illegal in Eritrea with potential penalties including imprisonment. Same-sex sexual activity is criminalized under Eritrean law and can result in prosecution.
- Do not disclose sexual orientation or gender identity to authorities, locals, or even hotel staff
- Avoid any public displays of affection with same-sex partners
- Be extremely discreet in all interactions and maintain conservative appearance and behavior
- Do not attempt to access LGBTQ+ content online as internet is monitored
- Consider whether travel to Eritrea is necessary given the legal and social risks
- Ensure travel insurance and embassy contacts are readily available
- Be prepared to present as heterosexual throughout your stay
- Avoid discussing LGBTQ+ topics or rights issues
- Consider traveling as 'friends' or 'colleagues' rather than partners
- Research your embassy's ability to provide consular assistance for LGBTQ+ issues before travel
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance with comprehensive medical evacuation coverage is absolutely critical for Eritrea travel. The healthcare system cannot handle serious medical emergencies, and evacuation to Kenya, Ethiopia, or Europe may cost $50,000-$100,000 or more. Many insurance policies exclude Eritrea or require special riders, so verification is essential. Without proper insurance, a medical emergency could be financially catastrophic or result in inadequate treatment.
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