Eritrea
East Africa • ERI
Last updated: October 13, 2026
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
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
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.
The Dahlak Archipelago is a pristine collection of islands offering exceptional opportunities for scuba diving and snorkeling in crystal clear, biodiverse waters.
Massawa is a historic port city on the Red Sea, renowned for its intricate Ottoman and Egyptian-style architecture and vibrant street life.
The ruins of Adulis offer a fascinating glimpse into the ancient Axumite Kingdom, serving as a major archaeological site along the ancient trade routes.
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.
Yellow Fever
Source: CDC
Yellow Fever
Source: CDC
Not required when traveling directly from non-risk countries.
View sourceYellow Fever
Source: CDC
Proof of vaccination is required for travelers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.
View sourceCore Vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, Tdap, Polio, Varicella, Influenza)
Source: CDC
Ensure all routine vaccinations are up to date before travel to prevent common preventable diseases.
View sourceRoutine Vaccines
Source: CDC
Ensure all routine vaccinations are up-to-date before travel.
Includes MMR, Tdap, chickenpox, polio, and annual flu shot.
View sourceRoutine vaccines (MMR, Tdap, Polio, etc.)
Source: CDC
Ensure all routine vaccinations are up to date before travel.
View sourceFood and water safety precautions
Source: CDC
Travelers should practice safe eating and drinking habits to avoid infections.
View sourceMalaria prevention measures
Source: CDC
Discuss malaria prevention with your healthcare provider based on your travel itinerary.
View sourceTyphoid
Source: CDC
Recommended for travelers who may eat or drink outside of major restaurants and hotels due to potential food/water safety concerns.
View sourceTdap
Source: CDC
Boosters recommended for adults and children to prevent tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis.
View sourceMMR vaccine
Source: CDC
Make sure you're protected against measles, mumps, and rubella before traveling.
View sourceTdap vaccine
Source: CDC
Ensure you have received your Tdap booster if you haven't within the last 10 years.
View sourceRoutine vaccines
Source: CDC
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.
View sourceHepatitis A
Source: CDC
Recommended for all travelers due to potential food and water safety concerns.
View sourceMMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
Source: CDC
Ensure that routine vaccinations are up to date before travel.
View sourceTdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)
Source: CDC
Ensure that routine vaccinations are up to date before travel.
View sourceRoutine vaccines (MMR, Tdap, etc.)
Source: CDC
Ensures protection against common diseases and is recommended for all travelers.
View sourceFor Most Travelers
Food and water safety
Source: CDC
To prevent diarrheal diseases and foodborne illnesses.
Drink only bottled or boiled water and avoid raw or undercooked foods.
View sourceInsect bite prevention
Source: CDC
To prevent mosquito-borne illnesses such as malaria.
Use repellent, wear long sleeves, and use bed nets.
View sourceTdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)
Source: CDC
Ensure your Tdap vaccine is up to date before traveling.
View sourceMMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
Source: CDC
Vaccination is recommended for those who have not been vaccinated previously or lack immunity.
View sourceRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, etc.)
Source: CDC
Ensure routine vaccinations are up to date before traveling.
View sourceCOVID-19 vaccination
Source: CDC
Ensure COVID-19 vaccinations are current in accordance with travel health recommendations.
View sourceHepatitis B
Source: CDC
Especially important for travelers who may have sexual contact with the local population or need medical care.
View sourceInsect bite precautions
Source: CDC
Important to prevent diseases transmitted by mosquitoes such as malaria.
View sourceMalaria prophylaxis
Source: CDC
Recommended for travelers going to malaria-risk areas in Eritrea.
Consult a healthcare provider for specific medications.
View sourceTravel insurance
Source: CDC
Highly recommended for health and safety coverage during travel.
Check coverage for emergency evacuation.
View sourceRabies
Source: CDC
Recommended for travelers who may have extensive contact with animals, especially in rural areas.
View sourceTyphoid
Source: CDC
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.
View sourceFood and water safety precautions
Source: CDC
Prevent foodborne and waterborne illnesses.
Eat only hot, cooked foods; drink bottled, sealed, or treated water; avoid tap water and ice.
View sourceHepatitis A
Source: CDC
Recommended for most travelers due to the risk of exposure through food and water.
View sourceItinerary-Specific
Meningococcal
Source: CDC
Recommended if traveling during the dry season or if visiting areas with documented outbreaks.
View sourceHepatitis B
Source: CDC
Consider if you might have sexual contact with new partners or undergo medical procedures.
View sourceRabies
Source: CDC
Consider vaccination if you will be involved in outdoor activities.
View sourceCholera
Source: CDC
Vaccination may be recommended for travelers to areas with active cholera outbreaks.
View sourceInsect bite prevention
Source: CDC
To reduce the risk of insect-borne diseases, such as malaria and dengue.
View sourceFood and water safety precautions
Source: CDC
To avoid gastrointestinal illnesses, travelers should be cautious with food and water consumption.
View sourceRabies
Source: CDC
Consider if your activities involve frequent contact with animals or outdoor activities in remote areas.
View sourceCOVID-19
Source: CDC
Stay updated with COVID-19 vaccination guidelines before travel.
View sourceMeningococcal
Source: CDC
Consider vaccination for travelers visiting areas with increased risk of meningococcal disease.
View sourceRisk Area: Rural areas below 2000 meters
Chemoprophylaxis: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine
Seasonality: Year-round
View sourceRisk 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
View sourceRisk Area: Entire country including urban areas and coastal regions
Chemoprophylaxis: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine
Seasonality: Year-round
View source