Eritrea
East Africa • ERI
Last updated: October 13, 2026
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
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
Asmara: The capital city is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its remarkably preserved 1930s modernist and art deco architecture.
Massawa: This historic port city features a fascinating mix of Ottoman, Egyptian, and Italian colonial influences set against beautiful turquoise waters.
Dahlak Archipelago: This marine national park offers pristine diving and snorkeling spots filled with vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life.
Qohaito: An ancient archaeological site featuring the ruins of the Aksumite civilization, including rock art and historical columns.
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.
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 sourceTdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)
Source: CDC
Ensure that routine vaccinations are up to date before travel.
View sourceMMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
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
Insect bite prevention
Source: CDC
To prevent mosquito-borne illnesses such as malaria.
Use repellent, wear long sleeves, and use bed nets.
View sourceFood 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 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 sourceInsect bite precautions
Source: CDC
Important to prevent diseases transmitted by mosquitoes such as malaria.
View sourceHepatitis B
Source: CDC
Especially important for travelers who may have sexual contact with the local population or need medical care.
View sourceTravel insurance
Source: CDC
Highly recommended for health and safety coverage during travel.
Check coverage for emergency evacuation.
View sourceMalaria prophylaxis
Source: CDC
Recommended for travelers going to malaria-risk areas in Eritrea.
Consult a healthcare provider for specific medications.
View sourceRabies
Source: CDC
Recommended for travelers who may have extensive contact with animals, especially in rural areas.
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 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 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