Advice levels
What does this mean?Reconsider your need to travel to Eritrea overall due to the risk of violent crime and potential conflict with neighbouring countries.
Do not travel If you're already in this location, you should consider leaving if it’s safe to do so. If you do travel, get professional security advice. Your travel insurance policy might be void. The Australian Government may not be able to help you.Do not travel
Do not travel to the region bordering Ethiopia due to landmines.
See Safety
Do not travel If you're already in this location, you should consider leaving if it’s safe to do so. If you do travel, get professional security advice. Your travel insurance policy might be void. The Australian Government may not be able to help you.Do not travel
Do not travel to:
- regions bordering Sudan and Djibouti,
- Teseney,
- Barentu, and
- Assab
due to the high risk of robbery, violence and bomb attacks.
See Safety
Overview
Safety
- Conflicts in the region are ongoing and tensions remain high along all border fronts between Eritrea and neighbouring countries of Ethiopia and Sudan.
- Tensions remain high between Eritrea and Ethiopia, with an increased risk of missile/rocket attacks in Eritrea. Additional security measures may be introduced at short notice.
- Don't travel within 25km of the border. Landmines are found within 25km of Eritrea’s border with Ethiopia. Walking or hiking in rural areas is dangerous due to the security situation and unmarked minefields.
- Since the outbreak of war in Sudan in 2023 there has been an influx of Sudanese refugees into Eritrea, putting a further strain on limited Eritrean infrastructure and resources.
- Military tensions exist between Eritrea and Djibouti. Robbery and violence are common within 25km of the border.
- There's a risk of kidnapping in Eritrea. If you choose to travel to high-risk regions, get professional security advice. You should remain vigilant when in Eritrea.
- Robbery and violence are common along the coast north of Massawa and on some rural roads. Take care when travelling in these areas.
Full travel advice: Safety
Health
- Parts of Eritrea, including Asmara, are at high altitudes. This can lead to altitude sickness. If you have a heart condition or high blood pressure, get medical advice before you travel.
- Malaria occurs throughout the year. Yellow fever is also a risk. Consider taking anti-malarial medication. Get vaccinated for yellow fever before you travel. Other insect-borne diseases include dengue fever and filariasis. Use insect repellent. Ensure your accommodation is insect-proof.
- HIV/AIDS is a risk. Take precautions if you're doing anything that might expose you to infection.
- Polio outbreaks have occurred across the Horn of Africa. Check your vaccination status with a doctor before you travel. Other infectious diseases include cholera and hepatitis. Boil drinking water or drink bottled water. Avoid raw or undercooked foods.
- There are currently drinking water supply problems being experienced across Eritrea due to the closure by the Eritrean Government of many of the water purification and bottling plants. You should be aware of this shortage when planning your visit.
- Medications are often unavailable and can be expensive. Carry a comprehensive medical pack if you travel away from large towns.
Full travel advice: Health
Local laws
- Serious crimes may attract the death penalty or physical punishment.
- Understand local laws. Same-sex relationships and taking photos of government buildings or military sites are illegal.
- Eritrea doesn't recognise dual nationality. Male dual nationals may need to enter military service when they return to Eritrea. Get advice from the nearest embassy or consulate of Eritrea before you travel.
- Eritrea has strict standards of dress and behaviour. Dress appropriately.
Full travel advice: Local laws
Travel
- You'll need a visa to enter Eritrea. Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. You should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Eritrea for the latest details.
- Carry your yellow fever vaccination certificate. You may need to show it when you arrive in and leave Eritrea.
- You need an exit permit to leave Eritrea. It can take a long time to get one. Apply well before your departure date.
- You need a permit to travel beyond 25km of Asmara and the surrounding province of Zoba Maekel. Apply before you travel. Permits usually take around 24 hours to process.
- There are no ATMs in Eritrea. You can't use credit cards, except in some hotels. Check with your hotel before travelling to find out the best way to pay. Change foreign currency at a branch of the state foreign currency exchange in Himbol. It's illegal to use foreign currencies or to change foreign currency anywhere else.
- Tourists may not be able to use public transport to travel outside of Asmara. You may need to rent a car or use a private taxi.
Full travel advice: Travel
Local contacts
- The Consular Services Charter tells you what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.
- The Australian Government may not be able to provide consular help if you're detained in Eritrea. Eritrean authorities don't always tell the relevant embassy when foreign nationals need consular help.
- Australia doesn't have an embassy or consulate in Eritrea. If you need consular help, contact the Australian Embassy in Cairo.
- Australian consular officials often face long delays in getting visas to enter Eritrea or to travel outside of Asmara. These delays severely limit consular help to Australians in Eritrea, especially outside of Asmara.
- If you choose to travel, be aware consular services may be limited due to local measures.
Full travel advice: Local contacts
Full advice
Safety
Civil unrest and political tension
Demonstrations and protests
There's a risk of political instability in Eritrea. However, Asmara is relatively stable.
Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.
Avoid demonstrations and protests. Monitor the media for news that may affect your security and safety. Follow the advice of local authorities.
More information:
Ethiopian border
In response to the conflict in northern Ethiopia, the Eritrean Government called for a mobilisation of its armed forces in September 2022. While the mobilisation has ceased, tensions remain high and additional security measures may be introduced at short notice. You should remain vigilant.
In 2020, there were reports of explosions in Asmara as a result of rockets launched due to military conflict in northern Ethiopia. Recently heightened tensions in northern Ethiopia and between Ethiopia and Eritrea means further attacks are possible. Exercise extreme caution and follow the advice of local authorities.
Eritrea has extensive unmarked minefields, mainly near the border with Ethiopia. Don't travel within 25km of the border.
All border crossings between Ethiopia and Eritrea are currently closed. Travellers should check local advice before proceeding to the border.
It's not clear where or to what extent de-mining has taken place. Walking and hiking in rural areas may be dangerous.
In most places, the border is neither marked nor obvious.
More information:
Sudanese border
There have been reports of Eritrean involvement in the conflict in Sudan since its outbreak in 2023, especially in eastern Sudan near the border with Eritrea.
There's a high threat of robbery and violence from bandits and insurgents, including bomb attacks. There are ongoing reports of armed groups operating in and around the border area.
More information:
Djibouti border
Conflict and instability between Eritrea and Djibouti since 2008 create a high risk within 25km of the border.
More information:
Kidnapping
Kidnapping is a risk in Eritrea. Kidnapping can happen anywhere, anytime, including in destinations that are typically at lower risk.
The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.
If, despite our advice, you decide to travel to an area where there's a risk of kidnapping:
- seek professional security advice
- arrange effective personal security
More information:
Crime
Street crime is rare but happens in cities and towns, including Asmara. Don't walk around alone late at night.
Robbery and violence may occur:
- near the Djibouti border where law and order has broken down
- along the coast north of Massawa
- on some rural roads
Many local people access weapons under the government's civilian militia program. There's no evidence that these weapons have increased the threat of violent crime.
Drink spiking can happen anywhere. Be alert to the potential risks, and don't leave food or drinks unattended. Pay attention when your drinks are being mixed. Stick to reputable venues and avoid homemade alcoholic drinks due to the risk of methanol poisoning. Get urgent medical help if you suspect you’ve been a victim.
More information:
Piracy and insecurity in the Red Sea
There's a significant threat of piracy, ongoing insecurity and attacks on international shipping vessels and armed robbery in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean.
Pirates have attacked vessels and held foreigner's hostage for ransom in the Gulf of Aden.
Somali pirates have attacked vessels more than a thousand nautical miles (1850km) from the coast of Somalia.
Attractive targets for Somali pirates include:
- commercial vessels
- pleasure craft
- luxury cruise liners
You should remain out of the designated High-Risk Area or face the risk of being hijacked and held hostage for ransom.
If you need to travel by boat to Eritrea's waters and surrounds:
- stay more than a thousand nautical miles (1850km) from the coast of the Horn of Africa, but even this distance may not be safe
- travel in a convoy and maintain good communication
- take appropriate security measures
More information
- Piracy reports issued by the International Maritime Bureau (IMB).
Cyber security
You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth.
Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media.
More information:
Terrorism
No recent terrorist attacks have occurred in Eritrea, but they can happen.
Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places. Terrorists may target tourist areas or other places frequented by foreigners and where large crowds may gather.
Possible targets include:
- places of worship or religious holidays
- hotels, clubs, restaurants and cafes
- markets and shopping malls
- outdoor recreation events, including festivals, concerts, and sporting venues
- public transport, airports and railway hubs
To stay safe:
- report suspicious activities or items to the police
- check the media for new threats
- take official warnings seriously
- follow the instructions of local authorities
If there’s an attack, leave the area as soon as it's safe to do so.
Terrorism is a threat worldwide.
More information:
Climate and natural disasters
Eritrea is in an active volcano and earthquake zone.
Get information on natural disasters from the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System. If a natural disaster occurs, follow the advice of local authorities.
In the rainy season from June to September, you may not be able to use unsealed roads in the western lowlands.
Health
Travel insurance
Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won’t pay for these costs.
If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.
If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.
Confirm:
- what activities and care your policy covers
- that your insurance covers you for the whole time you’ll be away
Physical and mental health
If you have immediate concerns for your welfare, or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.
Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.
See your doctor or travel clinic to:
- have a basic health check-up
- ask if your travel plans may affect your health
- plan any vaccinations you need
Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.
More information:
- General health advice
- Healthy holiday tips (Healthdirect Australia)
Medications
Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.
If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Eritrea. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.
Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:
- what the medication is
- your required dosage
- that it's for personal use
More information:
Health risks
Altitude
It may take some time to adjust to the high altitude and low oxygen levels of Asmara and surrounds.
If you suffer from a heart condition or high blood pressure, get medical advice before you travel.
Insect-borne illnesses
Malaria occurs throughout the year in Eritrea.
Other insect-borne disease risks include:
There are no current reports of Zika virus outbreaks in Eritrea. However, there have been past outbreaks in Africa.
To protect yourself against diseases spread by insects:
- make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
- use insect repellent
- get vaccinated against yellow fever before you travel
Consider taking medicine to prevent malaria.
HIV/AIDS
HIV/AIDS is a risk for travellers. Take precautions if taking part in activities that put you at risk of infection.
Polio
Outbreaks of polio have occurred in countries across the Horn of Africa.
Check your polio vaccination status with your doctor or travel clinic at least 8 weeks before you travel. You may need a booster dose.
If you aren't vaccinated, complete the full course of vaccinations before you leave.
Other health risks
Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases are widespread. These diseases include:
Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.
To protect yourself from illness:
- drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
- avoid ice cubes
- avoid uncooked and undercooked food
Get urgent medical help if you suspect food poisoning or have a fever or diarrhoea.
Medical care
Asmara has 3 public hospitals. Public hospitals in other towns have fewer facilities. Elsewhere, medical facilities are even more limited.
Medicines are often unavailable and can be expensive. Carry a full medical pack if you travel away from large towns.
If you become seriously ill or injured, you may need to be evacuated to a place with better facilities. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.
Local laws
Local law
You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling, especially for an extended stay.
If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
In the past, Eritrean authorities have refused consular access to detained foreigners.
The Australian Government may not be able to provide fast or full consular help to Australians held in Eritrea.
Drugs
Penalties for drug-related crimes are severe and include long prison sentences.
More information:
Other laws
Serious crimes may attract the death penalty or physical punishment.
In Eritrea it's illegal to:
- have same-sex relations
- take photos of government buildings or military sites
- change money anywhere other than at a branch of the state foreign currency exchange in Himbol
- use foreign currency, except in some hotels
More information:
Australian laws
Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you’re overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.
More information:
Dual citizenship
Eritrea doesn't recognise dual nationality.
If you're a dual national, this limits the consular services we can give if you're arrested or detained.
Always travel on your Australian passport.
Australian males who hold Eritrean citizenship may need to enter military service when they return to Eritrea.
Dual nationals who enter on an Eritrean identity card rather than an Eritrean passport will need an exit visa from the Immigration Office in Asmara.
If you're an Eritrean-Australian dual national, get advice from the nearest embassy or consulate of Eritrea before you travel.
More information:
Local customs
Standards of dress and behaviour are strict in Eritrea. Take care not to offend. If in doubt, ask for local advice.
Travel
Visa and border measures
Visa conditions
You'll need a visa to enter Eritrea.
Entry and exit requirements can change at short notice. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Eritrea for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.
Border measures
International flights into and from Asmara are limited. Check with your airline.
Exit permit
You need an exit permit to leave Eritrea. It can take a long time to get one. The Immigration Department may deny you a permit.
The Australian Government cannot influence the Eritrean Immigration Department to issue exit permits.
You must pay a departure tax in US dollars. You're exempt if you hold a valid Eritrean resident permit. Ask local authorities about the cost of the departure tax because the amount may change.
Other formalities
Yellow fever vaccination
You may need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Eritrea, especially if you're arriving from a country where yellow fever is common. You'll also need to have one when you leave.
Most countries ask for proof of yellow fever vaccination if you arrive from Eritrea and other yellow fever risk countries. This includes Egypt and South Africa.
Find out about returning to Australia after exposure to yellow fever.
More information:
Electronic devices
Declare all electronic items when you arrive. These include:
- laptops
- mobile phones
- cameras
- other electronic equipment
If you don't declare them, Eritrean customs officials could confiscate the items when you leave.
Passport
Validity
Some countries won’t let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you’re just transiting or stopping over.
Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.
You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.
The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport’s expiry date before you travel. If you’re not sure it’ll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.
Lost or stolen passport
Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.
Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.
If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:
- In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
- If you’re overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.
Passport with 'X' gender identifier
Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers.
More information
Money
Local currency
The local currency is the Eritrean Nafka (ERN). Currency controls are in place.
There's no limit to the amount of foreign currency you can bring into the country. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash. Make sure you have had your complete foreign currency declaration form approved and stamped before you leave the airport.
Any foreign currency used in Eritrea must be exchanged or used legally. You must have proof of this when you leave.
Access to money
Eritrea's economy is completely cash-based. There are no credit card or ATM facilities in Eritrea. You'll need to pay for everything in cash.
It's illegal to change money anywhere other than at a branch of the state foreign currency exchange in one of the 'Himbol' exchanges in town. Some officially recognised hotels can accept foreign currency. Otherwise, it's illegal to use foreign currencies in Eritrea.
You can't take more than 500 Nafka out of Eritrea. Authorities could prosecute you if you do. Nakfa aren’t convertible outside Eritrea. You should convert any excess Nakfa back to hard currency at one of the 'Himbol' exchanges in town, as there are limits to what can be converted at the 'Himbol' branch at the airport. You will need the original currency transaction receipt.
Local travel
Phone coverage
Landline, mobile telephone and internet services are unreliable. Internet is available at some international hotels and internet cafes in Asmara.
Local SIM cards aren't available to non-residents.
Eritrean mobile phone providers don't have agreements with international providers. International roaming may not be available.
Contact your telecommunication provider before travelling.
Travel permits
You must apply ahead for a travel permit to travel 25km outside of Asmara and the surrounding province of Zoba Maekel. Ministries in Asmara process applications.
The Ministry of Trade and Industry handles business travel applications.
The Ministry of Tourism on Harnet Avenue in Asmara handles tourist travel applications.
Apply in advance as processing applications may take several days.
When applying for permission to travel outside of Asmara, give details of your car.
If you're living or working outside of Asmara and want to travel outside your normal area of work or home, you need a travel permit. Apply at your local Zonal Administration Office. Travel applications can take several days to process. Sometimes they're refused or delayed.
Our consular services are severely limited outside Asmara. This includes emergency assistance. Australian consular officials often face long delays to get visas to enter Eritrea. Once in Eritrea, Australian officials must then apply for a permit to travel outside Asmara.
Driving permit
To drive in Eritrea, you must get an International Driving Permit (IDP) before you arrive. Otherwise, contact local authorities to get a local licence.
Road travel
There are extensive mine fields in Eritrea, especially in border areas. Driving on main roads outside of border areas is generally safe. Driving on rural roads and off-road driving can be dangerous. Avoid travel after dark in rural areas. Road signage and barriers are scarce, and steep drops are common. In many parts of the country roads are difficult or impassable during the rainy season.
Roads are sealed between the cities of Asmara, Massawa, Mendefera, Dekemhare, Baretun and Keren. Roads leading to smaller villages are unsealed.
Road maintenance isn't consistent in mountainous regions and steep sloping areas. Narrow winding roads with crumbling edges often don't have safety barriers.
More information:
Motorcycles
Avoid using motorcycles, particularly in rural areas where standards of driving and road maintenance are lower.
Check with your travel insurer to see if your policy covers riding a motorcycle.
Always wear a helmet.
Taxis
Use only licensed taxis or reputable limousine services. You can arrange this through your hotel.
Public transport
Maintenance standards on buses may be lower than in Australia.
Travellers are sometimes not allowed to use public transport to travel outside of Asmara. You may need to rent a car or use a private taxi.
More information:
Sea travel
Before you arrive, you must get permission and an entry visa to arrive in Eritrea by sea.
Commercial vessels that don't have agreements with Eritrean authorities should avoid Eritrean territorial waters. The Eritrean government has taken control of ships that didn't have an agreement. This has led to lengthy detention for international crew members.
Piracy is a high threat in the coastal areas of Eritrea. Pirate attacks happen against all forms of vessels in and around Eritrea's waters and the Gulf of Aden.
All forms of shipping are attractive targets for Somali pirates, including commercial vessels, yachts and luxury cruise liners. Stay alert and take extra precautions when anywhere near these waters.
More information:
Air travel
We can't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.
Check Eritrea's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.
More information:
Local contacts
Emergencies
Depending on what you need, contact your:
- family and friends
- travel agent
- insurance provider
- employer
- airline
Emergency services and the telephone network in Eritrea are unreliable but they exist.
Fire and rescue services
Call 116
Medical emergencies
Call 114
Police
Call 113
Always get a police report when you report a crime.
Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.
Consular contacts
Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.
The Australian Government may not be able to provide consular help if you're detained in Eritrea. Eritrean authorities don't always tell the relevant embassy when foreign nationals need consular help.
Australia doesn't have an embassy or consulate in Eritrea. The Australian Embassy in Cairo provides consular services to Australians in Eritrea.
Australian consular officials often face long delays in getting visas to enter Eritrea or to travel outside of Asmara. These delays severely limit consular help to Australians in Eritrea, especially outside of Asmara.
The Eritrean authorities may not inform the relevant Embassy if a foreign national is in need of help and there have been recent instances where the Eritrean authorities have refused consular access to foreign nationals.
If you need consular help, contact the Australian Embassy in Cairo.
Australian Embassy, Cairo
11th floor, World Trade Centre
1191 Corniche el Nil
Boulag, Cairo, Egypt
Telephone: +20 2 2770 6600
Website: egypt.embassy.gov.au
X: @AusAmbEGY
Facebook: Australian Embassy in Egypt
Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.
24-hour Consular Emergency Centre
In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:
- +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
- 1300 555 135 in Australia