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Eritrea

Standard Coverage

East Africa • ERI

Last updated: October 13, 2026

Travel Information
AI-Generated

Eritrea is a captivating destination on the Horn of Africa, known for its well-preserved colonial Italian architecture in Asmara and the stunning Red Sea coastline. It offers a unique blend of ancient history, diverse cultures, and rugged landscapes for adventurous travelers.

Visa Requirements

Visa Required

All foreign nationals are required to obtain a visa from an Eritrean embassy or consulate before arrival, as visa-on-arrival or e-visa services are generally not available.

Typically Required Documents

  • Valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity
  • Completed visa application form
  • Two recent passport-sized photographs
  • Proof of invitation or hotel reservation
  • Visa processing fee

Popular Attractions

1

Asmara, the capital city, is a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its extensive collection of Modernist and Futurist architecture from the Italian colonial era.

2

The Dahlak Archipelago is a pristine collection of islands offering exceptional opportunities for scuba diving and snorkeling in crystal clear, biodiverse waters.

3

Massawa is a historic port city on the Red Sea, renowned for its intricate Ottoman and Egyptian-style architecture and vibrant street life.

4

The ruins of Adulis offer a fascinating glimpse into the ancient Axumite Kingdom, serving as a major archaeological site along the ancient trade routes.

5

The Dejenne railway journey between Asmara and Nefasit showcases dramatic mountain engineering and breathtaking views of the eastern escarpment.

Local Customs & Etiquette

The traditional coffee ceremony is a vital social ritual; it is polite to accept and enjoy the coffee when offered by locals.

Dress modestly in rural areas and when visiting religious sites to show respect for local traditional values.

Always ask for permission before taking photographs of people, particularly in market areas or near official buildings.

Eritreans highly value hospitality, and it is common to be invited into homes for meals or tea, which should be accepted graciously.

Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon and should be avoided to maintain local decorum.

Safety Tips

Travelers are strictly required to obtain travel permits for any movement outside of the capital city of Asmara.

Always carry your passport and travel permits at all times, as security checkpoints are common throughout the country.

Avoid taking photographs of military installations, government buildings, or infrastructure, as this is strictly prohibited and can lead to detention.

Stick to main roads when traveling by vehicle and avoid remote border areas due to the risk of landmines and ongoing regional instability.

It is advisable to register with your embassy upon arrival and stay informed about current travel advisories from your home country.

AI-generated content. Visa requirements vary by nationality — verify with the official embassy before travel.

Entry Requirements

Yellow Fever

Source: CDC

Not Required
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Yellow Fever

Source: CDC

Not Required

Not required when traveling directly from non-risk countries.

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Yellow Fever

Source: CDC

Required

Proof of vaccination is required for travelers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.

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Recommended Vaccines & Precautions

Core Vaccines

Routine vaccines (MMR, Tdap, Polio, Varicella, Influenza)

Source: CDC

All ages

Ensure all routine vaccinations are up to date before travel to prevent common preventable diseases.

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Routine Vaccines

Source: CDC

All ages

Ensure all routine vaccinations are up-to-date before travel.

Includes MMR, Tdap, chickenpox, polio, and annual flu shot.

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Routine vaccines (MMR, Tdap, Polio, etc.)

Source: CDC

All ages

Ensure all routine vaccinations are up to date before travel.

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Food and water safety precautions

Source: CDC

All ages

Travelers should practice safe eating and drinking habits to avoid infections.

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Malaria prevention measures

Source: CDC

All ages

Discuss malaria prevention with your healthcare provider based on your travel itinerary.

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Typhoid

Source: CDC

All ages

Recommended for travelers who may eat or drink outside of major restaurants and hotels due to potential food/water safety concerns.

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MMR

Source: CDC

All ages

Ensure routine vaccinations are up to date before travel.

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Tdap

Source: CDC

All ages

Boosters recommended for adults and children to prevent tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis.

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MMR vaccine

Source: CDC

All ages

Make sure you're protected against measles, mumps, and rubella before traveling.

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Tdap vaccine

Source: CDC

All ages

Ensure you have received your Tdap booster if you haven't within the last 10 years.

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Routine vaccines

Source: CDC

All ages

Ensure you are up to date on routine vaccines before travel, including measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella, polio, and your yearly flu shot.

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Hepatitis A

Source: CDC

All ages

Recommended for all travelers due to potential food and water safety concerns.

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MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)

Source: CDC

All ages

Ensure that routine vaccinations are up to date before travel.

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Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)

Source: CDC

All ages

Ensure that routine vaccinations are up to date before travel.

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Routine vaccines (MMR, Tdap, etc.)

Source: CDC

All ages

Ensures protection against common diseases and is recommended for all travelers.

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For Most Travelers

Food and water safety

Source: CDC

All ages

To prevent diarrheal diseases and foodborne illnesses.

Drink only bottled or boiled water and avoid raw or undercooked foods.

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Insect bite prevention

Source: CDC

All ages

To prevent mosquito-borne illnesses such as malaria.

Use repellent, wear long sleeves, and use bed nets.

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Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)

Source: CDC

adult

Ensure your Tdap vaccine is up to date before traveling.

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MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)

Source: CDC

adult

Vaccination is recommended for those who have not been vaccinated previously or lack immunity.

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Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, etc.)

Source: CDC

All ages

Ensure routine vaccinations are up to date before traveling.

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COVID-19 vaccination

Source: CDC

All ages

Ensure COVID-19 vaccinations are current in accordance with travel health recommendations.

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Hepatitis B

Source: CDC

All ages

Especially important for travelers who may have sexual contact with the local population or need medical care.

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Insect bite precautions

Source: CDC

All ages

Important to prevent diseases transmitted by mosquitoes such as malaria.

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Malaria prophylaxis

Source: CDC

All ages

Recommended for travelers going to malaria-risk areas in Eritrea.

Consult a healthcare provider for specific medications.

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COVID-19 vaccine

Source: CDC

All ages

Recommended for protection against COVID-19.

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Travel insurance

Source: CDC

All ages

Highly recommended for health and safety coverage during travel.

Check coverage for emergency evacuation.

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Rabies

Source: CDC

adult

Recommended for travelers who may have extensive contact with animals, especially in rural areas.

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Typhoid

Source: CDC

All ages

Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities and rural areas.

Risk is higher in areas with poor sanitation.

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Food and water safety precautions

Source: CDC

All ages

Prevent foodborne and waterborne illnesses.

Eat only hot, cooked foods; drink bottled, sealed, or treated water; avoid tap water and ice.

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Hepatitis A

Source: CDC

All ages

Recommended for most travelers due to the risk of exposure through food and water.

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Itinerary-Specific

Meningococcal

Source: CDC

All ages

Recommended if traveling during the dry season or if visiting areas with documented outbreaks.

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Hepatitis B

Source: CDC

All ages

Consider if you might have sexual contact with new partners or undergo medical procedures.

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Rabies

Source: CDC

adult

Consider vaccination if you will be involved in outdoor activities.

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Cholera

Source: CDC

All ages

Vaccination may be recommended for travelers to areas with active cholera outbreaks.

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Insect bite prevention

Source: CDC

All ages

To reduce the risk of insect-borne diseases, such as malaria and dengue.

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Food and water safety precautions

Source: CDC

All ages

To avoid gastrointestinal illnesses, travelers should be cautious with food and water consumption.

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Rabies

Source: CDC

All ages

Consider if your activities involve frequent contact with animals or outdoor activities in remote areas.

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COVID-19

Source: CDC

All ages

Stay updated with COVID-19 vaccination guidelines before travel.

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Meningococcal

Source: CDC

adult

Consider vaccination for travelers visiting areas with increased risk of meningococcal disease.

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Malaria Information

Risk Area: Asmara and highlands above 2000 meters

Chemoprophylaxis: None

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Risk Area: Rural areas below 2000 meters

Chemoprophylaxis: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine

Seasonality: Year-round

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Risk Area: Entire country (excluding areas above 2000 meters)

Chemoprophylaxis: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine

Seasonality: Year-round, with increased risk during and after the rainy season

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Risk Area: Entire country including urban areas and coastal regions

Chemoprophylaxis: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine

Seasonality: Year-round

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Risk Area: No malaria risk

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