Eritrea
East Africa • ERI
Last updated: September 13, 2026
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
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
Asmara: The capital city is a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its remarkably well-preserved modernist and Art Deco architecture.
Dahlak Archipelago: This stunning island chain is perfect for diving and snorkeling in pristine waters filled with vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life.
Massawa: A historic port city on the Red Sea coast that features beautiful Ottoman-era architecture and serves as a gateway to the islands.
Qohaito: This archaeological site contains ancient ruins dating back to the Aksumite Empire, including mysterious rock art and stone columns.
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.
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 aged 1 year or older arriving from countries with risk of YF transmission.
View sourceCore Vaccines
Routine 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
Protect against mosquito-borne and other insect-borne diseases.
Use EPA-registered insect repellent, wear long-sleeved clothing, and use permethrin-treated gear.
View sourceFood and water safety
Source: CDC
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.
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 or rural areas.
Contracted through contaminated food or water.
View sourceHepatitis A
Source: CDC
Recommended for most travelers due to risk of contaminated food or 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 a new partner, get a tattoo, or receive medical treatment.
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 for travelers involved in outdoor activities or working with animals.
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