Eritrea: main airports
Eritrea has two airports with active connections: Asmara Airport, the capital, a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its Italian rationalist architecture, and Massawa Airport, a historic port on the Red Sea.
Eritrea: recommended activities
Eritrea: visa and entry requirements
The visa must be applied for in advance at an Eritrean embassy: there is no widespread visa-on-arrival system, and showing up at the airport without the correct visa carries a concrete risk of being turned away. The application requires form B62.3, bank statements and a detailed itinerary; processing times range from 2 to 25 days, but it is advisable to apply at least six weeks in advance. The passport must have at least 6 months of remaining validity beyond the travel dates.
Eritrea: safety
The most important thing to understand before departure: all foreign visitors must obtain a specific permit for any travel beyond 25 km from Asmara, a different permit for each locality visited, including Massawa. The country has numerous military checkpoints and travel rules are strictly enforced: this is not mere formal bureaucracy, it is a concrete requirement without which it is not possible to travel. The United States classifies Eritrea as Level 2 ('exercise increased caution') due to travel restrictions, very limited consular assistance, the presence of residual landmines and the risk of arbitrary detention; in Asmara, minor crime incidents are nonetheless reported, so avoid crowded places and walking at night.
Eritrea: health situation
A yellow fever certificate is required for visitors coming from certain countries: check your specific situation before departure. Some sources also recommend an up-to-date COVID vaccination depending on origin. Health facilities are very limited outside Asmara: insurance with medical evacuation is essential.
Eritrea: currency, payments and connectivity
The currency is the Eritrean nakfa (ERN); cash is essential in almost every situation, international credit cards are generally unusable in the country. There are no ride-hailing apps: travel takes place by local taxi or, for those leaving Asmara, with a permit and an organised transfer. For connectivity, the state operator EriTel offers limited and often slow coverage; don't expect an internet connection comparable to Western standards. For driving, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is generally also required alongside the national one, in addition to specific permits for travel outside Asmara.
