Eritrea, on the Red Sea coast of East Africa, covers an area of 117 600 km². It has a population of just over five million people and the capital Asmara is located in the centre of the country. Eritrea is the second youngest of the African countries, having gained independence from Ethiopia in 1993. Tigrinya, English and Arabic are spoken, and some people may still speak Italian because of its colonial history. Just over half of Eritreans are Christian and the rest Muslim. Eritrea is a very closed society with very poor internet access, for example. Agriculture provides a livelihood for the majority of Eritreans and tourism is almost non-existent.
Climate: Eritrea's climate is generally warm and dry, but altitude determines this more precisely. For example, the capital Asmara is located inland at 2300 metres above sea level, resulting in an average annual temperature of +17°C, while at sea level in Massawa the average temperature is +30°C. The country has two seasons: a dry season and a rainy season. The rainy season is in the summer months, but its length varies from region to region. In Asmara, the annual rainfall is between 400 and 500 mm, while in coastal Massawa it is much less and in the Danakil region practically none.
Security: The overall security situation in Eritrea is excellent. Traffic and heat are the main risk factors.
Visa: Westerners need a visa to enter Eritrea. If you live in a country where there is an Eritrean consulate, you must apply for a visa there in advance. We will send you an invitation letter to attach to your application. If you live in a country where there is no Eritrean consulate, we will arrange a visa on arrival for you. It is paid on arrival at Asmara airport, at a cost of $70. Please note that visa policies are subject to change without notice. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of arrival.
Currency: Eritrea uses the nakfa (ERN) as its currency. You should take euro notes or dollars with you and exchange them on arrival, either at the airport or at the hotel. The exchange rate is always the same, regardless of the place of exchange.
Vaccinations and malaria: Eritrea requires a certificate of yellow fever vaccination if you arrive from a country where the disease is present or have spent time in a country with yellow fever while travelling to Eritrea. In addition, hepatitis a and b vaccinations are recommended. Please ensure that your basic vaccinations are up to date. Malaria is present in Eritrea throughout the year, so anti-malaria medication is recommended. However, the risk in Asmara is low due to its high altitude.
Travel insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended.
