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Eritrea

Standard Coverage

East Africa • ERI

Last updated: October 13, 2026

Travel Information
AI-Generated

Eritrea is a hidden gem in the Horn of Africa, offering a unique blend of Italian colonial architecture, stunning Red Sea coastlines, and ancient history. Visitors can explore the well-preserved art deco buildings of Asmara or journey to the historical port city of Massawa, experiencing a culture that remains largely untouched by mass tourism.

Visa Requirements

Visa Required

All travelers require a pre-approved visa to enter Eritrea, which must be obtained through an Eritrean embassy or consulate before departure.

Typically Required Documents

  • Valid passport with at least six months validity
  • Completed visa application forms
  • Recent passport-sized photographs
  • Letter of invitation or proof of travel arrangements
  • Payment of visa fee

Popular Attractions

1

Asmara: The capital city is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its remarkably preserved 1930s modernist and art deco architecture.

2

Massawa: This historic port city features a fascinating mix of Ottoman, Egyptian, and Italian colonial influences set against beautiful turquoise waters.

3

Dahlak Archipelago: This marine national park offers pristine diving and snorkeling spots filled with vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life.

4

Qohaito: An ancient archaeological site featuring the ruins of the Aksumite civilization, including rock art and historical columns.

5

The Railway Line: The historic steam-train journey from Asmara down to the coast provides breathtaking views of the rugged mountainous landscape.

Local Customs & Etiquette

Always greet people with a respectful handshake and inquire about their health, as hospitality is highly valued.

Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites or rural areas, by covering shoulders and knees.

Always ask for permission before taking photographs of individuals, and avoid photographing government or military buildings.

The coffee ceremony is a central social ritual; accepting a cup if offered is a gesture of goodwill and respect.

Use your right hand for eating, shaking hands, and passing objects, as the left hand is traditionally considered unclean.

Remove your shoes before entering someone's home or a place of worship.

Safety Tips

Register your presence with local authorities upon arrival, as this is a standard requirement for all foreign visitors.

Obtain travel permits well in advance for any travel outside of Asmara, as movement is strictly controlled by the government.

Stay informed about current political conditions and avoid all demonstrations or large public gatherings.

Carry a copy of your passport and visa at all times, but keep original documents in a secure location.

Exercise caution when taking photos, as military presence is common and photography of strategic infrastructure is prohibited.

Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance and check for updated travel advisories from your home country's embassy.

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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Tdap

Source: CDC

All ages

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

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MMR

Source: CDC

All ages

Ensure routine vaccinations are up to date before travel.

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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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Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)

Source: CDC

All ages

Ensure that routine vaccinations are up to date before travel.

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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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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

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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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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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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Insect bite precautions

Source: CDC

All ages

Important to prevent diseases transmitted by mosquitoes such as malaria.

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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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Travel insurance

Source: CDC

All ages

Highly recommended for health and safety coverage during travel.

Check coverage for emergency evacuation.

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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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Rabies

Source: CDC

adult

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

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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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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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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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