Practical information Eritrea

48000  sq.mi

To fly to Eritrea from the United Kingdom, it isnecessry to go via Germany. London-Frankfurt: 2 hrs 30 mins, Frankfurt-Asmara: 8 hrs 15 mins (with a connection), i.e a total time of 11 to 14 hrs depending on the connection time in Germany.

4906585 hab.

Asmara International airport is located 3.4 miles away from the city centre. A taxi will cost at least 20 ERN for a 15 mn ride. Buses (line 1) leave every half an hour and do the trip in 30 mn (1 ERN). A 12 US Dollar tax is required, on all international departures.

Up until now, due to the conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea, it was strongly recommended not to travel to the country. Since June 18th 2000, Ethiopia and Eritrea have signed a peace agreement, and the United Nations are now present on the border to be clearly delimited.. However it is recommended to get more information from the British Embassy in Asmara if you intend to travel to Eritrea. Avoid rural zones due to land-mines (in particular in the North West of Keren). Bandit attacks have been reported in the North and West of the country. Avoid travelling at night and call your embassy as soon as you arrive. The regions of Asmara, Massawa, Keren, Mendefera, Dekemhare, Assab and the central and eastern coasts can be considered as safe. On the other hand it is strongly recommended not to travel to :
- the Sudan border regions, in particular North of Naqfa and in the zone between Sebederat and the Ethiopian border.
- In the border zone with Ethiopia, particularly the TSZ (Temporary Security Zone) controlled by the UN (Minuee). Land-mine fields, in particular West of Assab, and South of Mendefera and Barentu and around Massawa are not properly marked out, so it is imperative that you are informed before leaving the main roads or paths.

Arabic and Tigrinya (largest ethnic group) are both official languages. The other ethnic groups have kept their own language : Tigre, Kunama, Afar, Amharic, Blin, Nara, Saho, amongst others.

A passport valid for 6 months after the return date, with a visa, and a return ticket or a ticket leaving for another destination is required. A visa (tourist or business) is issued at the consulate. For a tourist visa (valid for a month), bring a travel certificate and two identity photos. An extension of two months is possible once in the country (contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in Asmara).

50 % of the Eritrean population is Muslim, the rest follow the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. There is also a Catholic and Protestant minority.

The Nakfa (ERN) has replaced the Birr as the national currency. £1 Sterling = 22.82 Nakfas. Travellers cheques are generally accepted, and US Dollars are best as these are easier to exchange.
Credit cards (MasterCard and Diners Club) are only accepted in a limited number of places. There are no ATM machines here. Banks are open from Monday to Friday, from 8:00am to 12:00pm and from 2:00pm to 5:00pm, and on Saturdays from 8:00am to 12:00pm.

The railway network was destroyed during the war with Ethiopia, so the only way to get round Eritrea is by car. A bus network exists in all the major towns of the country. The timetable varies, as the bus will only leave when full !
You can rent a car from Eritrean Tour Service (a 4x4 is recommended if you have to drive on secondary roads or paths), bring an International Driving Licence. They drive on the right.
You can visit Asmara on foot, but can also use buses (0,5 ERN) or minibuses (0,75 ERN). Taxis have no meters, so negociate the price of the ride before departure (Around 1 ERN for a ride inside of town, and 5 to 15 ERN for a ride outside of town). In the evening, taxis are more expensive. A supplement is required for luggage.

Vaccinationagainst yellow feveris mandatory, even though cases of the disease in the country are becomming rarer and rarer.

Vaccineshotsagainst tetanus, poliomyelitis, hepatitises A and B, typhoid fever and meningitises A and C arerecommended. In case of longer or adventurous stays, it is preferable to be vaccinated against rabies.

Protect yourself against mosquito bites, carrier ofmalariaandhaemorrhagic denguefever, present in the whole country, and particularly dangerous between November and May, in areas below 4,900 feet and on the Red Sea coast. Eritrea is listed in zone 3 in terms of paludism. Allow a chimioprophylaxy (recommended medicine: mefloquin).

Only drink bottled waterwith a cap on, or treated by chemical disinfection. Peal fruits and vegetables.

Although there are pharmacies, hospitals and clinics, it is preferable to bring with you medicines that you could need, and subscribe to insurance covering medical expenses and sanitary repatriation.

Voltage is 110 and 220 V (European electrical outlets). Some power swings and cuts can occur. Think to bring an adaptor, and if not, a converter.

To call Eritrea from the UK: 00 + 291 (country's code) + city code (1 pour Asmara) + correspondent's number.
To call the UK from Eritrea : 00 + 44 for the UK+ correspondent's number without the initial 0.