Warnings & Dangers in Eritrea
OVERALL RISK : LOW
Eritrea is a fairly safe country. Travelers can move around without feeling much danger. However, proximity to other, more dangerous countries does its job. Therefore, you should always be on the alert and be vigilant to your surroundings. The rest of the country is safe to travel.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK : LOW
Public transport is not very reliable and may not be on schedule. It is preferable to travel in your car or taxi. Be sure to use only licensed taxi services.
PICKPOCKETS RISK : LOW
Pickpockets are not particularly common in Eritrea, but you should not be relaxed. It is safest to keep track of your belongings all the time and not to leave bags and wallets unattended. Otherwise, the locals are unlikely to brazenly go into your pocket.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK : MEDIUM
Eritrea is vulnerable to flooding, earthquakes, volcanic activity and infestations by desert locusts. Every three to five years, Eritrea also suffers a drought. These natural disasters destroy crops, kill livestock and will continue to drive food insecurity across the country.
MUGGING RISK : LOW
The risk of serious robberies and armed attacks is not very high and you can travel around the country quite freely. However, it is better to avoid night movements around the country and not to walk along the dark streets of cities late at night. Keep common sense.
TERRORISM RISK : LOW
Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Eritrea, attacks can’t be ruled out. The proximity of other countries that are more terrorist active can leave its mark on Eritrea. Examine the political environment before your visit here.
SCAMS RISK : MEDIUM
Fraud is not very common in this country. However, there are always exceptions. You should be very careful to buy tours and tickets only from licensed tour operators. And also, withdraw money only at ATM at banks to avoid the scam with your credit card.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK : LOW
Women traveling alone can be quite safe in this country. If you are a woman planning to visit Eritrea, just avoid all parts of the country that are dangerous for anyone else to visit, and you will be fine. Also, after dark, avoid dark and deserted places.
How Safe Is Eritrea for Tourists?
Eritrea is a very safe country.
The crime index here is small and ranges from very low to low.
Asmara is a relatively safe city, but even here, the number of crimes has increased over the past twelve months.
You must take reasonable precautions with your safety.
Do not go late at night alone. Keep valuables, especially cameras and passports, insight.
There are extensive minefields in Eritrea, especially in border areas.
Driving on main roads away from border areas is generally safe.
It’s not recommended all travel within 25km of Eritrea’s border with Ethiopia and Sudan, except for the town of Senafe.
Recent piracy attacks off the coast of Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden, highlight that the threat of piracy related activity and armed robbery in the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean remains significant.
Always stay alert and keep an eye on your surroundings and things. In most parts of the country, it will be safe for you, but this does not mean that you need to lose vigilance. Minor crimes, pickpockets, and theft can also happen here. Keep valuables in the hotel safe and carry only the required amount of cash.
Do I Need a Visa to Visit Eritrea?
Visitors to Eritrea must obtain a visa from one of the Eritrean diplomatic missions unless they come from one of the visa-exempt countries or countries eligible for visa on arrival. A valid passport is a must.
Which Currency Is Used in Eritrea?
The nakfa is the currency of Eritrea and was introduced on 8 November 1997 to replace the Ethiopian birr at par. The nakfa is divided into 100 cents. It has code: ERN.
How's the Weather like in Eritrea?
The best times to visit Eritrea for ideal weather are March to October. The average temperatures in Eritrea vary very little and the weather feels very enjoyable all year with a very low chance of rain or snow throughout the year.
What Do I Need to Know about Airports in Eritrea?
The busiest and most famous airport in Eritrea is called Asmara International Airport.
It located 10 km from the city center of Asmara.
It is the country’s largest airport and, as of 2017, the only one receiving regularly scheduled services.
Should I Get Travel Insurance for My Travels?
Just like anywhere else, the travel insurance policy is a must when visiting a foreign country. Make sure you got it before starting your journey, the customs officer may ask for it.
What Are Some Things to Do in Eritrea?
Eritrea has something for every taste.
Here are interesting sights of ancient times and cultures. For example, Akordat is a building from the time of the Turkish and Egyptian colonial periods.
If you want to completely relax, visit one of the many beautiful beaches.
There are also many hiking and cycling routes in the country.
Is the Water in Eritrea Safe to Drink?
The water quality in Eritrea remains a life-threatening issue for residents, as well as a humanitarian issue for the government and nonprofits.
The country’s climate, lack of freshwater sources and unsanitary waste facilities make access to clean drinking water a major problem for Eritrea.
You mustn’t drink tap water here.
Is Uber Safe in Eritrea?
You can use Uber services in Eritrea.
The cost of travel will depend on hours of day and destinations.
However, there are many taxi services and some even have apps.
Be sure to use only licensed taxi services.
