Eritrea
Is Eritrea safe to visit? Advice, scams and health
Most tourists can travel safely in Eritrea if they stay in the capital and main coastal towns, keep cash in USD/EUR, avoid night travel on remote roads, and follow local security briefings; a change in the political climate or a new travel advisory would alter this recommendation.
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GuideEritrea
Key facts
- Capital safety levelcheck
- Asmara is generally safe for day visits, police presence is visible (check)
- Road travel riskcheck
- Checkpoints on all main roads; night travel outside major towns is discouraged (check)
- Health facilitiescheck
- Limited outside Asmara; carry basic medical kit and travel insurance (check)
Government advisories
The US State Department, UK Foreign Office, Canadian Travel Advice and Australian Smartraveller all advise a high level of caution. Check each advisory for specific recommendations.
- US: "Exercise a high degree of caution" (travel.state.gov)
- UK: Check current advisory wording (gov.uk)
- Canada: "Exercise a high level of caution" (travel.gc.ca)
- Australia: "Exercise a high level of caution" (smartraveller.gov.au)
Health and emergency
Medical care is basic outside the capital; bring any prescription medicines and a small first-aid kit.
Emergency numbers: verify locally before travel.
Quick answer
Travel to Eritrea is possible for tourists, but stay mainly in Asmara, Massawa and Keren, avoid night travel on remote roads, and monitor government travel advisories for any changes. Travel beyond Asmara may require permits.
Questions people ask
What are the most common scams in Eritrea?
Currency exchange at unofficial rates, taxi drivers demanding higher fares, and offers of fake travel permits from unregistered agents.
What do government travel advisories say about Eritrea?
US, UK, Canada and Australia all advise a high level of caution, recommending registration with your embassy and limiting travel to known tourist areas.
What emergency numbers should I know?
Police 113, ambulance 114, fire 116; confirm locally as numbers may change.
Verify with the official source
Draft, not field-verified
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
Ask about Eritrea
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