All flights to/from Eritrea are temporarily suspended. For more information about coronavirus, see the section Health.
Safety
In terms of experience, the security situation for visitors is relatively good in Asmara and central parts of the country.
There is little crime. Police and security forces have consistently good control. Over time, there has been a low terror threat in Eritrea. However, the security situation in Eritrea varies between different areas. The border areas against Ethiopia, Sudan and Djibouti are unsafe, but in other parts of the country few security threats have been reported.
The whole country, except the capital Asmara, is subject to travel restrictions. It is important that the individual stays up to date on the security situation in the country. Norwegian citizens considering traveling to Eritrea are encouraged to keep up-to-date by keeping up with news and other sources of information.
Norwegian citizens who stay for a shorter or longer time in Eritrea are encouraged to register their travels at http://www.reiseregistrering.no/.
Norwegian citizens are encouraged to have valid travel insurance.
Responsible Norwegian Embassy for Eritrea is the Norwegian Embassy in Khartoum, Sudan. Norway does not currently have a consulate in Eritrea.
In case of emergency, please contact the Khartoum Embassy on tel. +249 187 188 100/+47 23 95 21 00
Outside the opening hours of the embassy, the public can contact the UD’s 24-hour operating center on tel. +47 23 95 00 00 or by e-mail UDops@mfa.no
Entry
Please note that entry regulations may change. The Foreign Service is not responsible if the following information on entry regulations or visa requirements is changed at short notice. It is the responsibility of the traveler to ensure that travel documents are valid for entry and to familiarize themselves with the current entry rules for each country.
Entry requires a valid visa. Visa is not granted at the airport. When leaving Norway, you can get a visa by contacting the Eritrean embassy in Stockholm. The passport must be valid for at least six months after entry.
For further information, please see the Eritrean Embassy in Stockholm’s websites http://www.eritrean-embassy.se/
Exchange can only be done at official exchange sites, with a receipt that can be documented on departure. Airport fee on departure is USD 20. It is the responsibility of the traveler to ensure that travel documents and visas are valid.
Health
Coronavirus (covid-19): The Norwegian embassy in Khartoum (later accredited to Eritrea) has very limited ability to provide consular assistance to Norwegian nationals traveling to Eritrea. We therefore recommend Norwegian citizens to return to Norway if possible and ask those who are in Eritrea to follow the recommendations below from the Eritrean health authorities regarding the covid 19 pandemic.
As announced through local media, an Eritrean resident of Norway who flew to Asmara last Saturday, March 21, was confirmed as positive for covid-19. The patient receives all the necessary treatment while passengers traveling with the same airline were later quarantined.
The Ministry of Health encourages all residents and foreigners living in the country to take preventive measures to prevent the spread of the pandemic and to strictly implement the government’s guidelines for their and the country’s security.
The following guidelines were issued:
- One should avoid non-essential movement in cities and villages and to avoid traveling to other places in the country. Travel by bus, minibus and taxis should be avoided unless there is an emergency.
- All public gatherings, sports and cultural events that gather an audience of more than ten people are prohibited. Cinemas and nightclubs will remain closed until further notice. Social distance must be observed.
- The gathering of more than ten people at social events (funerals, weddings, griefs, baptisms and other gatherings) is prohibited.
- Every citizen must follow, and the same instructions will be given by religious leaders to the believers, prayers, and associated religious sermons in their homes.
- All Eritrean nationals living abroad are encouraged to take all necessary precautions for their own, their families and the country’s security. They should also refrain from traveling to Eritrea in this situation.
- Strict legal measures will be implemented for all individuals and commercial enterprises engaged in hoarding and speculative price increases. The measures have been adopted in order to safeguard the Eritrean countries and the security of the people.
- The Ministry of Health will continue to monitor developments regarding covid-19 and issue further information and guidelines if necessary.
You can find more information and guidance from the Norwegian health authorities on the website of the Norwegian Institute of Public Health. See also UD’s answers to frequently asked questions about travel and coronavirus.
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Travelers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with official health professional travel advice, guidance and overview of recommended vaccines at the Institute of Public Health.
No special vaccines are required when traveling to Eritrea. There is no great risk of outbreaks of infectious diseases. Malaria occurs to some extent in the lowlands especially during rainy season. The rate of HIV/AIDS among the population is moderate compared to other parts of Africa.
Medical coverage and the general standard of medical services/hospital services in Eritrea are relatively low. Many types of treatment are not available in Eritrea. There is also little or no access to anesthesia and/or pain medication during periods. Medical evacuation can be difficult and time-consuming.
All travelers to Eritrea are advised to have travel insurance with comprehensive coverage in the event of injury/accident.
practical information
The mains is 220 volts. Frequent power outages occur.
According to allcitycodes, area code for the country is +291. Foreign sim cards cannot be used in Eritrea. It takes a long time and you have to have a fixed address in Eritrea to get a local sim card. You cannot send SMS abroad or connect a mobile phone to the Internet with a local sim card.
Internet cafes are found in the larger cities, but the internet is extremely slow.
Credit cards cannot be used, except in major banks and the largest hotel.
Stores are normally open from 10am. 8am to 6pm 22:00 on weekdays.
National holidays: The country officially follows the western calendar. Both Muslim, Orthodox and other Christian holidays are marked. Other national markings are the release day of May 24, Martyr’s Day on June 20 and ‘the beginning of the armed struggle’ on September 1.
Time difference from Norway is one hour before Norwegian summer time, and two hours before Norwegian winter time.
Public administration working languages are English, and Asmara public employees often speak reasonably good English.