Eritrea: Travel Requirements, Health, and Medical Insurance
Eritrea requires a visa arranged in advance for all nationalities, with an approval process that can take several weeks and is sometimes restricted depending on the purpose of the trip. The currency is the nakfa (ERN), and the working languages are Tigrinya and Arabic, along with English.
In addition to the entry visa, anyone wishing to travel outside Asmara usually needs an additional internal travel permit, arranged within the country. The economy runs largely on cash, with limited access to ATMs and international cards, so it's worth carrying enough cash from the start of the trip.
Visa and health for travelers
Visa: All nationalities need a visa arranged in advance at a consulate, with an approval process that can take weeks.
Health & travel insurance: Medical care and medication availability are limited outside Asmara; insurance with medical evacuation coverage is recommended.
Visa and entry requirements
The visa is requested at the relevant consulate or embassy before the trip, and approval can take several weeks. Once in the country, travel outside Asmara usually requires an internal travel permit, arranged through a local agency or the hotel.
- Passport valid for several months after entry.
- Consular visa approved before the trip.
- Internal travel permit to move outside the capital.
Health, hospitals, and medical insurance
Asmara has the country's best healthcare facilities, but even there, medication and equipment availability can be limited. Outside the capital, medical services are considerably reduced.
Assist-365 covers hospitalization, COVID-19, and 24-hour medical assistance in Eritrea; the code MEDALLOADV2023 gives a discount when you quote the plan.
Transportation and currency
The currency is the nakfa (ERN); acceptance of international cards and access to ATMs are very limited, so it's recommended to carry enough cash for the entire trip.
When to travel
The months between October and March offer cooler, drier temperatures in Asmara, which sits at altitude, while the lowlands near the Red Sea are considerably hotter year-round.
Travel checklist for Eritrea
Quick list based on this guide's real data (not generic) before traveling to Eritrea.
- Check the visa requirement for Eritrea based on your passport: All nationalities need a visa arranged in advance at a consulate, with an approval process that can take weeks.
- Passport valid for at least 6 months from the entry date
- Travel medical insurance arranged, keeping this in mind: Medical care and medication availability are limited outside Asmara; insurance with medical evacuation coverage is recommended.
- Save Eritrea's emergency number: 113 (police) / 114 (ambulance) / 116 (fire department), along with your insurer's contact
- Cash or a no-fee card in Nakfa (ERN)
- Physical and digital copies of passport, insurance and bookings
- Required or recommended vaccines up to date for the region
- eSIM or international data plan active on arrival
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a visa on arrival in Eritrea?
No: all nationalities must arrange the visa in advance at a consulate, in a process that can take several weeks.
What is the emergency number in Eritrea?
113 for police, 114 for ambulance, and 116 for fire department.
Do I need a permit to travel outside Asmara?
Yes, in most cases an additional internal travel permit is required to move outside the capital.
What currency should I use in Eritrea?
The nakfa (ERN); it's worth carrying cash, since access to ATMs and international cards is very limited.
