Genvisec advises that business travel can continue to non restricted areas after a security brief, certain categories of traveller may require enhanced security.

 

Genvisec advises against all travel to the following parts of Eritrea : 

 

All travel within 25km of Eritrea’s border with Ethiopia. In most places the border is neither marked nor obvious. There were serious border clashes between Eritrea and Ethiopia in March and May 2012. Tensions remain high and there is a risk of further violence.

 

The border remains closed and is reported to be mined. In September 2011 a landmine exploded on the road between Senafe and Afoma killing five people.

 

All travel within 25 km of Eritrea’s border with Djibouti. In 2008 there was fighting between Djibouti and Eritrea after an incursion of Eritrean forces into the disputed Djibouti border region. The situation remains unresolved.

 

All travel to Eritrea’s border with Sudan, including the town of Tesseney and areas north and west of Nakh’fa, Ak’ordat and Barentu. In 2009, an attack on an international mining company vehicle on a road 35km north of Keren caused the deaths of one employee and two contractors.

 

There are extensive mine fields in Eritrea. Driving on main roads away from border areas is generally safe. Avoid driving on non-metalled roads and walking or hiking in the countryside.

 

Crime

 

Crime levels are low, but appear to be rising. Take sensible precautions with your personal safety. Don’t walk around late at night alone. Keep valuables, particularly cameras and passports, out of sight. Keep a photocopy of the personal details page of your passport in a safe place, or with friends or family in the UK.

 

A large proportion of the population has access to arms under the government of Eritrea’s civilian militia programme. We have no evidence that these weapons have increased the threat of violent crime. 

 

Mobile telephones

 

Telephone networks are often unreliable and may only work for limited periods each day outside Asmera and larger towns. There are no agreements between Eritrean mobile telephone providers and international providers. You will not be able to receive or send calls or SMS text messages from any overseas mobile phone network on arrival in Eritrea. Local SIM cards can’t be purchased without a resident’s permit.

 

Electronic items

 

All electronic items (laptops, mobile phones, cameras etc) should be declared upon arrival. Failure to do so may result in their confiscation by Eritrean customs officials when you depart.

 

Travel permits

 

All foreign nationals need a travel permit to leave Asmera. Those working outside Asmera also need a travel permit to leave their area of residence or work. Applications in Asmera are handled by the relevant Ministry. For business travellers, applications are dealt with by the Ministry of Trade and Industry. Applications outside Asmera are handled by the local Zoba (Region) Administration Offices. Permission may take several days to be granted and is sometimes refused or delayed. Tourists wishing to travel outside Asmera should apply for a travel permit at the Ministry of Tourism located on Harnet Avenue in Asmera. Processing usually takes around 24 hours.

 

Restrictions on travel by foreign nationals apply equally to foreign diplomats. Staff from the Embassies may therefore find it difficult or impossible to provide consular assistance to their nationals outside Asmera.

 

Air travel

 

International flight options are limited. There are flights from Asmera to Cairo (Egyptair) and Sana’a (Yemenia).

 

On Monday 26 October all Lufthansa flights from Frankfurt to Asmera were discontinued.

 

Sea travel

 

There have been attacks of piracy and armed robbery against ships in the Horn of Africa area. Be vigilant and take appropriate precautions.

 

Mariners must seek permissions and entry visas before attempting to land in Eritrea.

 

Consular assistance

 

There are obstacles to the provision of consular assistance even in Asmera. The Eritrean authorities may not inform the relevant Embassy if a foreign national is in need of help and there have been recent instances where the Eritrean authorities have refused consular access to detained foreign nationals.

 

Local laws and customs

 

Photographing government buildings and military installations is not allowed. If in doubt, ask first.

 

Dress modestly, especially in lowland and predominantly Muslim areas. Shorts and T-shirts are likely to draw attention.

 

Homosexual behaviour is illegal, although the penalties are unclear.

 

Money

The economy is completely cash-based. There are no ATMs in Eritrea. Credit cards are not accepted except in a few hotels such as the Asmera Palace, Sunshine and Crystal hotels. It is illegal to exchange currency other than at a branch of ’Himbol’. It is illegal to use foreign currency to make purchases except at a limited number of officially-recognised hotels. You should get a receipt for any such purchases.

 

The currency in Eritrea is the Nakfa. Nakfa are not convertible outside Eritrea. You should convert any excess Nakfa back to hard currency at one of the ’Himbol’ exchanges in town, as there are limits to what can be converted at the ’Himbol’ branch at the airport. You will need the original currency transaction receipt. The Nakfa is currently pegged at the rate of 15 Nakfa to one US dollar. 

 

Terrorism

There is a low threat from terrorism, but you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

 

Be vigilant at all times, especially in crowded areas and public places like transport hubs, hotels, restaurants and bars and during major gatherings like sporting or religious events. Previous terrorist attacks in the region have targeted places where football matches are being viewed.

 

A number of terrorist incidents have been reported along the border with Ethiopia.

 

Health

 

There are three public hospitals in Asmera. Public hospitals in other towns are often poorly equipped.  Elsewhere medical facilities are even more limited. If you are travelling away from the large towns, carry a comprehensive medical pack with you.

 

If you are taking prescription medicines, you should make sure that you have a sufficient supply for the length of your stay in Eritrea.

 

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 122244 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.  

 

Entry requirements

 

Visas

 

Foreign nationals need a visa to enter Eritrea. Make sure any necessary travel documents including exit visas remain valid for the duration of your stay. The Eritrean authorities take breaches of immigration laws seriously and travellers who have overstayed can face lengthy delays regularising their position before departure, or even detention.

 

Passport validity

 

Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of six months from the date of entry to Eritrea.

 

Departure tax

 

There is an airport departure tax of US$20 per passenger which can’t be paid in local currency (Nakfa), unless you hold a resident’s permit.

 

Dual nationals

 

Dual Foreign/Eritrean nationals entering Eritrea will be classed as Eritrean nationals by the Eritrean authorities. Your Embassy is unable to gain consular access to, or obtain information on dual nationals if detained by the authorities or otherwise in need of assistance. Dual nationals entering Eritrea on an Eritrean identity card rather than an Eritrean passport will need an exit visa from the Immigration Office in Asmera to leave the country.  

 

Foreign currency

 

Foreign visitors must declare all foreign currency over 10,000 US dollars or equivalent on entering the country. There is no limit on the amount that can be brought in. Make sure you have had your completed foreign currency declaration form approved and stamped before you leave the airport.

 

If you declared currency on arrival, when you leave you will have to show that any foreign currency missing was exchanged at a branch of ’Himbol’, the State foreign currency exchange. If you spend any US dollars at an official hotel you must get a receipt to present along with the currency declaration form when you leave the country.

 

If you fail to comply with these regulations you may face prosecution leading to a heavy fine, as well as a delay to your departure.

 

Yellow fever vaccination certificate

 

Yellow Fever vaccination is required for travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.