Eritrea Safety Guide 2025
Stay safe during your Eritrea trip with essential safety information.
Safety Overview
Eritrea is one of Africa's safer countries for petty crime and violent crime against tourists — street robbery and physical assault are extremely rare in Asmara. However, the country presents significant safety concerns related to government restrictions, travel permit requirements, border proximity hazards, and very limited emergency services outside the capital.
Eritrea, located on the Red Sea coast of the Horn of Africa, offers a unique blend of Italian Art Deco architecture in Asmara, pristine beaches along the Dahlak Archipelago, and rich cultural heritage. This hidden gem features Africa's cleanest capital city and untouched coastal landscapes.
Current Advisory
Exercise increased caution throughout Eritrea. Avoid all areas within 25 km of the Ethiopian, Sudanese, and Djibouti borders due to ongoing military presence and landmine risk. Photography of military and government facilities is prohibited and can result in detention. Travel permits required for all movement beyond Asmara.
Last updated: 2025-01
Travel Advisories
Official warnings and recommendations from government sources.
US State Department
Reconsider travel to Eritrea due to travel restrictions, human rights concerns, and limited US government ability to assist citizens. Exercise increased caution near all borders.
UK Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office
Advise against all travel within 25km of the borders with Ethiopia, Sudan, and Djibouti. Advise against all but essential travel to the rest of Eritrea for some nationalities.
Official Advisory Sources
- 🇺🇸 US: travel.state.gov
- 🇬🇧 UK: gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
- 🇨🇦 Canada: travel.gc.ca
- 🇦🇺 Australia: smartraveller.gov.au
Safety Checklist & Emergency Card
Download our printable safety checklist and emergency contact card.
Common Scams to Avoid
Be aware of these common tourist scams.
Currency Exchange Fraud
Unofficial currency changers on the street offer above-official rates but use counterfeit notes, short-count bills, or the 'distraction fold' to short-change visitors exchanging large amounts.
Unofficial Guide Overcharging
Individuals near tourist sites offer guiding services and later demand much higher fees than initially agreed, sometimes becoming insistent or following tourists when payment is disputed.
Taxi Price Inflation
Taxi drivers — especially those waiting outside airports and luxury hotels — name significantly inflated prices to tourists unfamiliar with local rates, particularly for airport journeys.
Essential Safety Tips
Practical advice for staying safe during your trip.
Obtain travel permits before leaving Asmara - required for travel more than 25 km from the capital; apply at the Ministry of Tourism at least 2 days in advance
Avoid all border areas within 25 km of the Ethiopian, Sudanese, and Djibouti borders due to ongoing military presence and landmine risk
Carry cash in USD or EUR and exchange only at official rates via hotels or licensed exchange desks - unofficial changers risk counterfeit notes
Register with your embassy upon arrival; the nearest US Embassy is in Djibouti, so contact your country's representation before departure
Photography of government buildings, military installations, ports, airports, and uniformed officials is strictly prohibited and can lead to detention
Dress conservatively, especially outside Asmara - women should cover shoulders and knees, particularly in Muslim coastal communities around Massawa
Avoid political discussions in public or with strangers; dissent is not tolerated and foreign nationals have been detained for criticism of the government
Malaria risk exists in coastal areas below 2,200 m including Massawa; start prophylaxis before arrival and use DEET mosquito repellent at dusk
Medical facilities are severely limited outside Asmara; carry a comprehensive first-aid kit and arrange emergency medical evacuation insurance before travel
Internet and mobile connectivity is heavily restricted; inform family of your itinerary before arrival as contact may be difficult once in-country
Safety by Traveler Type
Solo Travelers
Solo travel in Asmara is generally safe and straightforward — the city is compact, crime levels are low, and Eritreans are hospitable to lone visitors. Always carry your passport and travel permits. Inform your hotel of any planned excursions. The main risks are bureaucratic (checkpoints, permit requirements) rather than criminal.
Female Travelers
Female solo travellers report Asmara as relatively comfortable with low levels of street harassment compared to neighbouring countries. Dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees) especially in Massawa's Muslim communities. Avoid walking alone after 10 PM in unlit residential streets. Travel in groups for excursions outside Asmara. Avoid Massawa's Old Town after dark without a local companion.
Families
Eritrea is suitable for families with older children (10+) who can handle the limited infrastructure and travel permit complexity. Asmara is very safe with low crime. Health preparation is essential — bring all medications, filtered water bottles, and child-appropriate insect repellent for coastal areas. Avoid bringing very young children to Massawa during hot months.
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Same-sex relationships are illegal in Eritrea under Article 600 of the Penal Code with penalties including imprisonment. There is no public LGBTQ+ community or visible acceptance. LGBTQ+ travellers should exercise extreme discretion, avoid any public displays of affection, and be aware that hotel staff may report concerns to authorities. Not recommended as a destination for LGBTQ+ travel.
Health & Medical
Stay healthy during your trip.
Vaccinations
Required: Yellow fever certificate if arriving from endemic countries. Recommended: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Meningococcal meningitis, Rabies (if animal contact possible), Routine vaccinations (MMR, tetanus, diphtheria). Malaria prophylaxis strongly recommended for coastal areas including Massawa.
Water Safety
Tap water is not safe to drink in Eritrea. Drink bottled water only throughout the country. Avoid ice in drinks. Use bottled water for brushing teeth. Bottled water is widely available and inexpensive.
Food Safety
Cooked food from established restaurants and street vendors who cook to order is generally safe. Avoid pre-prepared salads, raw vegetables washed in tap water, and food left standing uncovered in heat. Seafood in Massawa should be eaten fresh on the day.
Medical Facilities
Asmara has one main government hospital (Halibet Hospital) and the better-equipped Sembel Hospital. Medical facilities are very limited outside the capital. There is no medical evacuation system — arrange comprehensive travel insurance with international medical evacuation cover before visiting.
Medication Tips
- Bring enough prescription medication for your entire trip plus extra
- Keep medications in original containers with pharmacy labels
- Carry a letter from your doctor explaining your medications
- Some medications may be restricted - research before traveling
- Pack basic medications: pain relievers, anti-diarrheal, antihistamines
Emergency Contacts
Important numbers to have on hand.
Emergency Services
Police, Fire, Ambulance
Medical Emergency
Hospitals and clinics
Your Embassy
Consular assistance
Tourist Police
Tourist assistance
Before You Go
- Register with your embassy's travel notification program
- Save emergency numbers in your phone
- Note your hotel's address in local language
- Share your itinerary with family/friends
- Know your travel insurance emergency hotline
Travel Confidently in Eritrea
Get our complete safety guide with emergency card, insurance recommendations, and area-by-area safety ratings.
Download Safety Guide