Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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Eritrea Summary
These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.
‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.
‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.
‘Suited for’ badges:
These give you a quick overview of how well a destination suits specific types of travellers, to help you find the places that match your lifestyle, preferences or travel situation.
Suited for
Eritrea – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
220 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type C , Type E
Type C:
  Read about power adapters |
|---|---|
| Currency: |
Eritrean Nakfa (ERN) £1 ≈ ERN 19.97 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 1/5
Cashless payments are not widely used in Eritrea. Cash is the preferred method of payment, and credit cards are rarely accepted outside of major hotels and establishments.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: | We cannot recommend an eSIM provider for this country. We advise getting a local SIM card. |
| Tipping: | Tipping is not expected in Eritrea, but small tips are appreciated for good service in restaurants and for hotel staff. Taxi drivers may also expect a small tip. |
|---|---|
| Public drinking: | Public drinking is not commonly practised in Eritrea, and alcohol is generally consumed in private spaces or designated venues. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is generally permitted in outdoor public spaces, but it is prohibited in indoor public spaces and public transport. |
| Independence Day (24 May) |
National holiday celebrating independence from Ethiopia |
|---|---|
| Meskel (27 September) |
Religious holiday celebrating the discovery of the True Cross |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Numbers: 113 (Police), 114 (Ambulance), 116 (Fire) |
|---|---|
| Taxi apps: | Uber |
| Other: | Eritrea offers a unique experience with its rich cultural history, including ancient architecture and heritage. However, tourism infrastructure is limited, and travellers should be aware of safety concerns. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for Eritrea, Eritrea
Climate varies by region: Asmara and the highlands are mild year-round with rain June to September, while the Red Sea coast around Massawa is extremely hot May to September and best November to March
Travel permits are required for trips outside Asmara and must be arranged in advance, allow several days
Diving and boat trips to the Dahlak Islands are best October to April, when sea and air are cooler
Don't miss
- ⛪ Visit the stunning Eritrea Catholic Cathedral in Asmara
- 🏢 Explore the historic Fiat Tagliero building’s unique design
- 🤿 Snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of Dahlak Archipelago
- ⛰️ Hike to the summit of Emba Soira, Eritrea's highest peak
- 🏛️ Discover ancient ruins at the Qohaito archaeological site
- 🏖️ Relax on Massawa’s coral beaches by the Red Sea
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! Why travel to Eritrea?
What makes Eritrea truly special is its unique combination of cultural and natural wonders that few travelers ever experience. Asmara, the capital, is a living museum of Italian modernist architecture, earning it UNESCO World Heritage status as 'Africa's Modernist City.' Meanwhile, archaeological sites like Qohaito and Adulis offer glimpses into ancient civilizations that once thrived in this region, with ruins and artifacts dating back thousands of years. Beyond the cultural attractions, Eritrea's natural beauty is equally compelling. The Dahlak Archipelago in the Red Sea features over 200 islands with pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life, making it a paradise for diving enthusiasts. The country's varied landscape includes everything from coastal plains to highland mountains, offering opportunities for hiking and exploring diverse ecosystems. What's perhaps most remarkable about Eritrea is the authentic experience it provides – free from overtourism, allowing visitors to connect with local culture and history in ways that are increasingly rare in today's world.
🏯Places worth seeing
-
1
Old Town
🎡Places for activities
🏞️Natural landmarks
🛍️Shopping
🎈Events
-
Independence Day Celebrations
-
Martyrs Day
-
Festival Eritrea
-
Fenkil Celebration
-
Orthodox Christmas
-
Eid al-Fitr
-
Eid al-Adha
-
Meskel Festival
-
Timkat
-
New Year (Geez Calendar)
Knowledge before you go
- Visa required; apply well in advance.
- Cash only; no ATMs work reliably and cards rarely accepted anywhere.
- Carry registration papers always; police checks frequent, detention possible without.
- Visit Asmara's modernist architecture; UNESCO hopeful, best preserved example from Italian era.
How to travel to Eritrea
Most international visitors arrive in Eritrea through Asmara International Airport, which has limited connections to cities like Cairo, Dubai, Istanbul and Addis Ababa. Flights can be infrequent and relatively expensive, so booking well in advance is advisable. The land border with Sudan is currently operational due to the conflict in Sudan, but borders with Ethiopia and Djibouti remain closed as of March 2025. All visitors require a visa to enter Eritrea, which should be arranged well in advance through Eritrean diplomatic missions abroad. The visa process can be lengthy and may require a letter of invitation. Upon arrival, visitors must register with immigration authorities within three days, which is typically handled by hotels in Asmara.
Access summary
- Asmara: Fly into Asmara (ASM) from Cairo, Istanbul, Dubai, Jeddah.
- From neighboring region: usually connect via Addis Ababa, Cairo, Jeddah, Dubai.
- Eritrean Airlines exists but limited operations; not part of major alliances.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay in Eritrea
Accommodation options in Eritrea are limited primarily to Asmara, Massawa and Keren, with the widest selection and best quality found in the capital. Asmara offers several mid-range hotels housed in charming colonial-era buildings, while options outside the capital tend to be more basic. Facilities like reliable hot water, internet and air conditioning cannot always be guaranteed, especially in smaller towns. Advance booking is recommended as options are limited and having a local contact or tour operator assist with reservations can be helpful.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
We couldn't find any nearby hotels for now.
How to get around Eritrea
Getting around Eritrea requires patience and flexibility. Public transportation is limited primarily to buses and shared taxis that connect major towns, though schedules can be unpredictable. In cities like Asmara, taxis are readily available and affordable. For exploring remote archaeological sites or natural attractions, hiring a driver with a 4WD vehicle is recommended, as road conditions can be challenging, especially during rainy seasons. It's important to note that travel outside major cities may require permits and some areas near borders are restricted. Always check current regulations before planning trips outside Asmara and be prepared for military checkpoints along major routes.
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.
To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in Eritrea are around 72% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend a lot less on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to ERN) is 4% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.
Travel costs
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
Daily cost summary
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
| Backpacker | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation | |||
| 🏨 Accommodation per night, per person | |||
| 🍝 Food per day | |||
| 🚕 Transportation per day |
Food & Drink
| 🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person | |
|---|---|
| 🍛 Lunch Set, per person | |
| 🍟 Fast food combo | |
| 🍝 Preparing your own food, per day | |
| ☕ Cappuccino | |
| 🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l |
Transportation
| 🚌 Public transport ticket | |
|---|---|
| 🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi | |
| ⛽ Petrol, 1 l |
Other
| 🎞️ Cinema ticket | |
|---|---|
| 👩⚕️ Doctor's consult | |
| 🤧 Cold medication | |
| 💇 Basic haircut |
Safety information overview
General safety
Eritrea is generally safe for tourists with low crime rates in major cities. Exercise caution near border areas, which are restricted and potentially dangerous. Always carry copies of your passport and visa and be prepared for military checkpoints when traveling between cities.
Health & Medical
Medical facilities are limited, with better options in Asmara but still below Western standards. Rural areas have poorly equipped facilities. Bring essential medications, as availability is limited. Vaccinations for yellow fever, typhoid and hepatitis A are recommended and malaria prevention is essential in lower elevations.
Accessibility
Accessibility infrastructure is extremely limited throughout Eritrea. Historical sites, public buildings and transportation lack accommodations for those with mobility challenges. Rough terrain and uneven surfaces are common even in cities, making travel difficult for those with physical limitations.
Tap water
Tap water is unsafe to drink throughout Eritrea. Bottled water is available in major cities but may be harder to find in remote areas. Carry water purification tablets or filters when traveling outside urban centers to avoid waterborne illnesses.
Packing recommendations for Eritrea
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
📷
Camera
👟
Comfortable walking shoes
🌞
Sun cream
👕
Light, breathable clothing
🪰
Insect repellent
🧕
Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees
covering shoulders and knees
🔋
Power bank
🩹
Basic first aid kit
📃
Travel insurance
🚰
Water bottle with filter
🪪
Copies of passport and important documents
👛
Cash in multiple currencies
limited access to cash machines
🧥
Fleece mid-layer
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
Type C/L
🩺
Prescription medicines
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
🛂
Passport
Related articles & guides for Eritrea
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