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Eritrea

Standard Coverage

East Africa • ERI

Last updated: September 13, 2026

Travel Information
AI-Generated

Eritrea is a hidden gem in the Horn of Africa, offering a blend of ancient history, stunning colonial architecture, and untouched natural beauty along the Red Sea. Visitors will find a country with a unique cultural heritage and a rugged, dramatic landscape that remains largely off the beaten path for most international travelers.

Visa Requirements

Visa Required

Eritrea requires almost all foreign nationals to obtain a visa from an Eritrean embassy or consulate prior to travel.

Typically Required Documents

  • Valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity
  • Completed visa application forms
  • Passport-sized photographs
  • Proof of accommodation
  • Travel itinerary or letter of invitation from a host in Eritrea
  • Proof of yellow fever vaccination

Popular Attractions

1

Asmara: The capital city is a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its remarkably well-preserved modernist and Art Deco architecture.

2

Dahlak Archipelago: This stunning island chain is perfect for diving and snorkeling in pristine waters filled with vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life.

3

Massawa: A historic port city on the Red Sea coast that features beautiful Ottoman-era architecture and serves as a gateway to the islands.

4

Qohaito: This archaeological site contains ancient ruins dating back to the Aksumite Empire, including mysterious rock art and stone columns.

5

Keren: Known for its vibrant markets and scenic mountain setting, this city offers a glimpse into local trade and highland traditions.

Local Customs & Etiquette

Always ask for permission before taking photographs of people or government buildings, as photography can be sensitive.

Modest dress is highly recommended in public areas, particularly for women, covering shoulders and knees out of respect for local traditions.

Coffee ceremonies are an integral part of Eritrean social life and should be accepted with gratitude if offered by locals.

Use your right hand for eating, greeting, and exchanging money, as the left hand is generally considered unclean.

Public displays of affection are discouraged and should be avoided to show respect for conservative social values.

Safety Tips

Always carry your travel documents and required permits with you, as military checkpoints are frequent when traveling between cities.

Stick to main roads and established tourist areas, as landmines and unexploded ordnance can be a risk in remote or border regions.

Register with your embassy upon arrival to ensure you receive updates on local conditions and safety information.

Avoid traveling at night on intercity roads due to poor road conditions and limited visibility.

Monitor local news sources closely, as the political situation can change and there are restrictions on movement in certain areas.

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 aged 1 year or older arriving from countries with risk of YF transmission.

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Recommended Vaccines & Precautions

Core Vaccines

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

Protect against mosquito-borne and other insect-borne diseases.

Use EPA-registered insect repellent, wear long-sleeved clothing, and use permethrin-treated gear.

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Food and water safety

Source: CDC

All ages

Prevent foodborne and waterborne illnesses by consuming only safe food and beverages.

Eat food that is cooked and served hot; avoid raw fruits and vegetables unless you can peel them yourself.

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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 or rural areas.

Contracted through contaminated food or water.

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Hepatitis A

Source: CDC

All ages

Recommended for most travelers due to risk of contaminated food or 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 a new partner, get a tattoo, or receive medical treatment.

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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 for travelers involved in outdoor activities or working with animals.

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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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