Terrorism

Eritrea shares with the rest of the Horn of Africa a threat from terrorism.

During 2004 there were a number of attacks in border areas.  These included several bomb attacks in Barentu, 50 km from the Ethiopian border.  One such attack during Independence Day celebrations in May 2004 is understood to have killed some thirty people and closely followed an earlier attack on the UN compound.  There were also further bomb attacks in Tesseney, near the Sudan border in 2004.  The attack in March 2004 was the fourth such attack.  We advise against all travel to Tesseney and the nearby border areas with Sudan.  A British national was killed in an area west of Agordat in April 2003.

In August 2003, an attack on a Mercy Corps vehicle north of Nafka killed two aid workers.  You should avoid travelling north of Afabet in the Sahel region.

You should also be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.  Please read: Security & General Tips and Risk of Terrorism when Travelling Overseas pages for further information and guidance.

Crime

Street crime such as theft and robbery is rare in Asmara and other cities and towns.  However, you should take normal and sensible precautions with regard to their personal safety.  We advise against walking around any town, late at night alone. Valuables, particularly cameras and passports should be kept out of sight.

There have been attacks of piracy and armed robbery against ships in the area.  Mariners are advised to be vigilant and take appropriate precautions.

Local Travel

As from 1 June 2006, all foreign nationals (including resident diplomats) are required to have a travel permit to visit other areas  outside Asmara. Foreign nationals residing or working in areas outside Asmara will also require a travel permit to travel outside the area of their residence or work.  Applications for travel permits will be processed by the Department of Protocol in Asmara and by Zonal Administration Offices in other areas.

You should note that permits are required from the Ministry of Tourism (on Hartnet Avenue) to travel to all areas in Eritrea,. Permits will generally be issued on the day applications are submitted.

Similar restrictions apply to Diplomatic Missions in Eritrea and visitors should be aware that these restrictions may limit the ability of missions to offer immediate consular assistance outside Asmara.

We advise against all travel to the border area between Ethiopia and Eritrea, which remains a predominantly military zone, despite the December 2000 peace agreement between the two countries. In recent weeks, restrictions placed on the UN Monitoring force by the Government of Eritrea have further heightened tensions. In particular, we advise against travel south of the Barentu-Dekemahare line due to the UN controlled Temporary Security Zone. There is also a strict no fly zone in force in the border area between Ethiopia and Eritrea for all other than UN aircraft. The Eritrea/Ethiopia border remains closed. We also advise against all travel to border areas with Sudan where there continues to be military activity. The Eritrea/Sudan border is presently closed.

On 6 December 2005, the Government of Eritrea told the UN Mission staff of USA, Canada, Europe and the Russian Federation to leave the Mission within 10 days. The relocation of these personnel to Ethiopia is now complete. You should also be aware that over the weekend of 18-20 November 2005, the UN agencies in Eritrea decided to withdraw families of their personnel in response to the increased tension between Ethiopia and Eritrea over their disputed border. The families are due to leave Eritrea by 4 December 2005. This is due to a number of incidents that occurred in October 2005. Near Shambuko a bus struck a newly laid mine, killing one person. There have also been reports of two ambushes on vehicles south of Tesseney and an attack on two vehicles in the west of Eritrea in which two people were killed.

There are extensive mine fields in Eritrea, especially near the border with Ethiopia. In addition to avoiding the border areas detailed above, you should avoid all travel in the west of the country along the Agordat to Hawashayt road where we have had reports of landmine incidents. Travelling on main roads outside of the border areas is generally safe but we advise against off-road driving. Walking/hiking in the countryside is inadvisable for the same reason.

You should avoid travelling north of Afabet in the Sahel region, following the attack on a Mercy Corps vehicle on 9 August 2003.

Do not travel after dark in rural areas. In many parts of the country roads are difficult or impassable during rain.

Travel options to and from Asmara are more limited following the cancellation of scheduled flights between Asmara and Nairobi in May 2005.

Photography of government buildings and military installations is not allowed. You should dress modestly. Shorts and T-shirts are likely to draw attention. Homosexual behaviour is illegal, although the penalty for such behaviour is unclear.

British nationals need a visa to enter Eritrea. These should be obtained from: Eritrean representation in the UK. You should ensure that any necessary travel documentation (including exit visas) remain valid. Dual British/Eritrean nationals who enter Eritrea will be classed as Eritrean by the authorities. The British Embassy is unlikely to be granted consular access to or obtain information on dual nationals who have been detained. Dual nationals who have entered Eritrea on their Eritrean identity card should be aware that are required to obtain an exit visa from the Immigration Office in Asmara before they can leave Eritrea. Dual nationals should read the page on dual nationals on this website which sets out what a Consul can and cannot do for them in the country of their other nationality. Yellow Fever Vaccination certificates are also an entry requirement for all visitors over the age of one year if travelling from an infected country.

You should be aware that you are required to declare all foreign currency being brought into the country. There is no limit on the amount you can bring in, however you may be asked to demonstrate the sum you declare. On departure you will have to show that money unaccounted for was changed at an official bureau or bank. Eritrean Nakfa may only be changed back to hard currency at the airport on presentation of the original currency transaction receipt. You may face prosecution if you fail to comply with these regulations.

Please consult your GP for up to date information about vaccinations and prophylactics before travelling. There are hospitals in Asmara and other large towns. Elsewhere medical facilities are limited. Ensure that you take out adequate medical insurance before arrival and carry a comprehensive medical pack. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake. Please see: Travel Insurance. Medical insurance should cover the cost of air ambulance evacuation out of Eritrea in the event of serious accident or illness.

For further information on health, check the Department of Health’s website at: www.dh.gov.uk

If things go wrong when overseas, please see: What We Can Do To Help.

The British Embassy in Asmara does not issue passports. Applications for passports and renewal of passports are forwarded to the British Embassy in Addis Ababa. However, the British Embassy can normally issue emergency travel documents within two working days upon production of satisfactory proof of nationality. We therefore advise all travellers to keep a copy of the bio data (photograph and personal details) page of their passport in a safe place or with friends/family in the UK.

British nationals should register with the Embassy on arrival. Credit cards are accepted at few outlets in Asmara. The economy is essentially cash based. Note that it is illegal to exchange currency other than at registered bureaux de change.