Eritrea is one of the world's least-visited countries, offering a remarkable time capsule of Italian colonial architecture in Asmara (UNESCO World Heritage Site), pristine Red Sea diving at the Dahlak Archipelago, and ancient ruins predating Axum. The capital's Art Deco buildings, futurist gas stations, and 1930s atmosphere make it feel like stepping back in time. Restricted travel permits add to the adventure.
Quick Facts
Recommended Stay8 days
Budget$40/day
Mid-range$80/day
Luxury$150/day
Known For
eritreaasmaraart_decoitalian_architecturemodernistmassawared_seadahlak_archipelagodivingkerenafricaeast_africahorn_of_africaunexploredoff_beaten_pathunescocolonial_architecturecoffee_culturetime_capsulerestricted_travelhistoricalancient_ruinsqohaitoadult_eritrea
🇪🇷 Country Information: Eritrea
CapitalAsmara
CurrencyEritrean nakfa (Nfk)
Language Tigrinya , Arabic, English
Phone Code+291
Electricity230V (Type C, L)
Tap WaterNot recommended
Tipping
\* Tipping is not customary in most places, but small gratuities for good service in hotels or restaurants are appreciated
Money & Payments
- ATMs are very limited and unreliable
- Credit cards are generally not accepted
- It is better to bring cash (USD or Euros) and exchange it
- There is a black market for cash, offering better exchange rates
Cultural Norms
- Dress conservatively, especially for women
- Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon
- It is considered rude to point with your finger; use an open hand instead
- When invited to someone's home, it is customary to bring a small gift
LGBTQ+ Information
Exercise caution. LGBTQ+ acts are illegal and punishable by law. There is no legal recognition for LGBTQ+ relationships or rights.
Alcohol & Drug Laws
- Alcohol consumption is generally allowed but should be done discreetly
- Drug laws are very strict, and penalties for possession or trafficking are severe
Special Laws
- Photography of government buildings or military installations is strictly prohibited
- Visitors require permits to travel outside Asmara
- Dress modestly, especially in religious areas
Common Phrases
HelloSalam (sah-lahm) ሰላም
Thank youYekenyeley (yeh-keh-nyeh-ley) የቐንየለይ
Climate
Highland climate in Asmara (2,300m elevation) with pleasant temperatures year-round (55-80°F/13-27°C). Massawa and the coast are hot and humid. Dry season November-April is most comfortable. Brief rainy season June-September brings green landscapes to highlands.
Best Time to Visit
- Dry Season: October
- May (best for travel)
- Rainy Season: June
- September (some travel disruptions)
- Best Time: October
- March (optimal weather)
- Coastal visits: November
- April (cooler at coast)
Getting There
- Asmara International Airport (ASM) has limited connections
- primarily EgyptAir via Cairo, Emirates via Dubai, and Turkish via Istanbul
- Some flights from Jeddah and Nairobi
- Visas required for all nationalities and must be obtained before arrival
- Overland entry from Ethiopia possible during periods of open borders
Getting Around
- Travel permits required to leave Asmara and visit other regions
- arrange through hotels or tour operators
- Taxis available in Asmara
- Inter
- city buses exist but tourists typically use organized tours or private vehicles
- Classic Fiat cars still operate as taxis
- Roads vary in quality outside main routes
Health & Vaccinations
- Yellow Fever certificate required if arriving from endemic areas
- Hepatitis A and Typhoid strongly recommended
- Malaria risk in lowlands
- prophylaxis recommended for Massawa/Dahlak
- Limited medical facilities
- comprehensive travel insurance essential
- Bring any prescription medications you need
Staying Connected
- Very limited mobile and internet connectivity
- State
- controlled telecommunications
- No eSIM services available
- Internet slow and restricted
- WiFi rare even at hotels
- Expect to be largely offline
Local Cuisine
Injera with Tsebhi
must_try
Spongy fermented flatbread (injera) served with tsebhi (spicy meat stew), zigni (beef in berbere sauce), or alicha (mild vegetable stew). Eat with you
Ful (Foul)
must_try
Slow-cooked fava beans mashed with olive oil, tomatoes, and spices. Popular breakfast dish with Yemeni/Arabian influence. Served with fresh bread.
Italian Cuisine
local_favorite
Legacy of Italian colonization means excellent pasta, pizza, and espresso. Asmara has surprisingly good Italian restaurants and the coffee culture rem
Kitcha Fit-Fit
must_try
Traditional breakfast of shredded flatbread mixed with berbere spice and butter or oil. Hearty and flavorful start to the day.
Fresh Fish (Massawa)
must_try
Red Sea fish grilled or fried simply with spices. Massawa's coastal location means fresh catches daily. Eaten with injera or bread.
Book in Advance
Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:
🔴 Must Book in Advance
Apply 1-3 months in advance
Eritrean visas must be obtained before arrival. Processing can take weeks and requires invitation letter.
Arrange 1-4 weeks in advance
Permits required to travel outside Asmara. Must be arranged through authorities or tour operators.
Book 1-3 months in advance
Very limited operators and boats. Complex logistics requiring permits and equipment.
🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead
Book 2-8 weeks in advance
Limited tourism infrastructure makes independent travel challenging. Good guides valuable.
Fun Facts
- 1. Asmara's Art Deco architecture is so well-preserved that the entire city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- 2. Eritrea has never had a Starbucks, McDonald's, or any major international franchise.
- 3. The country sits along the Red Sea coast where, according to some historians, the ancient Land of Punt was located.
- 4. The Eritrean Railway was built by the Italians using only hairpin turns to climb 2,400 meters in 120 kilometers.
