Eritrea Travel Information

Eritrea, located in the Horn of Africa, is a country rich in culture, history and natural beauty. From its ancient ruins, to its stunning beaches and mountains, there's something for everyone in this unique destination. Here are the top 10 things to do in Eritrea.

1. Visit the Capital City of Asmara

Asmara, the capital and largest city of Eritrea, is known for its well-preserved Italian colonial architecture, which earned it the nickname "Africa's Rome". The city's central market, Cinema Impero, and the Orthodox Cathedral are must-see sights.

2. Explore the ancient ruins of Qohaito

Qohaito is an ancient city located in the highlands of Eritrea, dating back to the 3rd century BC. The ruins include a palace, tombs, and a temple, and offer a glimpse into the country's rich history.

3. Take a dip in the Red Sea

Eritrea is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Africa, with crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches. Visitors can swim, snorkel, or scuba dive in the Red Sea, where they can spot a wide variety of marine life, including colorful fish, coral reefs and even dolphins.

4. Visit the Semenawi Bahri National Park

Semenawi Bahri National Park is located in the highlands of Eritrea, and it is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including baboons, hyenas, and over 200 species of birds. Visitors can also hike through the park to see the beautiful landscapes and waterfalls.

5. Explore the historic town of Massawa

Massawa, located on the Red Sea coast, is Eritrea's second largest city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town is known for its well-preserved Ottoman and colonial architecture, including the old town and the port.

6. Visit the Debre Bizen Monastery

Debre Bizen Monastery is one of the oldest and most important monasteries in Eritrea, dating back to the 14th century. Visitors can explore the monastery, which is home to beautiful frescoes, and learn about the country's religious history.

7. Visit the Sahel Beaches

Sahel beaches, located on the Gulf of Zula, offer a great place to relax and enjoy the beautiful Eritrean coastline. Visitors can take a dip in the crystal clear water and enjoy the stunning views.

8. Hike in the Gash-Barka Region

The Gash-Barka region, located in western Eritrea, offers a great place for hiking and exploring the local culture. Visitors can see traditional villages, beautiful landscapes, and even hot springs.

9. Visit the National Museum of Eritrea

The National Museum of Eritrea, located in Asmara, offers a great opportunity to learn about the country's rich history, culture, and art. The museum has a wide variety of artifacts, including ancient pottery, jewelry, and textiles.

10. Visit the Biet Giorgis Church

Biet Giorgis Church, located in the highlands of Eritrea, is one of the most unique and recognizable churches in the country. The church is famous for its circular design and its beautiful frescoes, and it offers a great opportunity to learn about the country's religious history.

Climate

Eritrea has a diverse climate, with different regions experiencing different weather patterns. The coastal regions have a hot and dry desert climate, with temperatures averaging around 30°C (86°F) year-round. The highlands have a more moderate climate, with temperatures averaging around 20°C (68°F) and with more rainfall.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Eritrea depends on what you want to see and do. If you want to enjoy the beach and the Red Sea, the best time to visit is from October to May, when the weather is cooler and more comfortable for swimming and other activities. If you want to explore the highlands and the mountains, the best time to visit is from June to September, when the weather is milder and there is more rainfall. Avoid the rainy season from June to September if you plan to visit the coastal region, as it can be very hot and humid.

Here are some general travel tips regarding entry requirements that apply across all countries:

Passport

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the country you are visiting. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is set to expire within a certain period of time.

Visa

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if you need a visa. Some countries require a visa for entry, while others do not. Make sure to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip as the process can take several weeks. Check the latest Visa requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Health Requirements and COVID-19 Rules

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if there are any health requirements for entry. Some countries require vaccinations or proof of medical insurance. Check the latest health requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially if you are traveling internationally. Travel insurance can cover you in the event of trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events. Our travel insurance partner is SafetyWing. For dangerous activities and/or countries consider a rescue service like those offered by our partner, Global Rescue.

Customs

Be familiar with the customs and laws of the country you are visiting. Some countries have strict laws regarding drug possession, alcohol consumption, and dress codes.

Currency

Check the currency exchange rate and make sure you have enough local currency for your trip. Some countries may not accept credit cards or travelers cheques, so it is always good to have some cash on hand. At WhereNext we recommend use a Wise debit card, which provides low cost currency conversions and ATM withdrawals.

Research the country

Research about the culture, customs and laws of the country you are visiting. It will help you to understand the place more and also prepare you better for the trip.

Contact Information

Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate place from your passport. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with a friend or family member at home.

Eritrea offers a variety of accommodation options for visitors, ranging from budget-friendly options to luxury resorts.

Hotels

Eritrea has a number of hotels in the major cities and tourist destinations, such as Asmara, Massawa, and Keren. These range from budget-friendly options to luxury resorts. Many of the hotels in Asmara offer well-preserved colonial architecture and a taste of the Italian colonial era.

Guesthouses

Guesthouses are another popular option for budget-conscious travelers. These are often family-run and offer a more authentic experience of Eritrean culture and hospitality. Guesthouses are widely available in the major cities and tourist destinations.

Camping

Camping is also an option for visitors looking to explore Eritrea's natural beauty. Visitors can bring their own camping gear or rent it locally. There are also camping sites with basic amenities like toilets and showers available.

Resorts

Eritrea also offers a number of luxury resorts, which are ideal for visitors looking for a more upscale experience. These resorts offer amenities such as swimming pools, spa services, and fine dining. Some of the resorts are located on the beach and offer activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and diving.

Homestays

Experience the real Eritrean culture by staying with a local family, Homestays are a great way to get to know the local culture and people. They can give you a unique insight and an authentic experience of the local lifestyle, customs, and food.

Eritrea offers a variety of transportation options for visitors, including public transportation, private taxis, and car rentals.

Public Transportation

Public transportation in Eritrea is limited, but it is still possible to get around using minibuses and shared taxis. These are cheap and convenient, but can be crowded and uncomfortable.

Private Taxis

Private taxis are widely available in the major cities and tourist destinations, and are a more comfortable option than public transportation. They are also more expensive, but offer more flexibility and convenience.

Car Rentals

Car rentals are also available in Eritrea, but they are more expensive than private taxis. They offer more freedom and flexibility, and are ideal for visitors who want to explore the country on their own.

Buses

Buses are available in Eritrea and connect most of the major cities and towns, they are often old, uncomfortable, and crowded.

Air transportation

Eritrea has only one international airport, Asmara International Airport, which connects the country to several destinations in the Middle East, Africa and Europe. There are also domestic flights that connect Asmara to other major cities like Massawa, and Assab.

Money Tips for Travel

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid any potential issues with international transactions.
• Bring a mix of cash, credit, and debit cards--and possibly a travel money card.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.
• Make sure to have a backup option for accessing money in case your primary method doesn't work.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• NEVER accept currency conversion at ATMs! Always get your home bank to convert at much better rates.
• Think about getting a Wise or other travel debit card; these can provide much better rates and some free ATM withdrawals.

ATM and Credit Cards

• Research the availability of ATMs and credit card acceptance at your destination before you depart.
• Keep your ATM card in a safe place and be mindful of your surroundings when using it.
• Try to stick to using ATMs that are affiliated with major banks.
• Keep your credit card information safe and secure, and be aware of potential scams.
• Make sure your cards have the necessary security features, such as chip and pin.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.

Exchange Rates

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• Be careful of places that may offer to exchange money at rates that seem too good to be true.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It covers a wide range of needs--even some you might not expect!

Medical Coverage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses if you become ill or injured while traveling. This can include coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical transportation. It's also a good idea to ensure that your travel insurance covers COVID-19 related illness and delays!

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

Travel insurance can provide coverage if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unexpected events such as illness, weather, or travel bans. It can also provide coverage if your trip is delayed or if your travel provider goes out of business.

Lost or Stolen Luggage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or stolen luggage, as well as personal items such as passports and electronic devices.

Emergency Assistance and Evacuation

Many travel insurance plans offer emergency assistance services, such as providing information on local hospitals and doctors, assistance with replacing lost or stolen documents, and help with arranging transportation in the event of an emergency. At WhereNext we have partnered with Global Rescue for evacuation services, which are highly recommended if you are undertaking dangerous activities or are travelling to dangerous parts of the world.

Liability coverage

Travel insurance can also provide liability coverage in case you cause an accident or harm someone while you are traveling.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It can help cover the costs of medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. It's always a good idea to review the coverage and compare the different options available before making a decision. At WhereNext we both use and have partnered with Safety Wing for general travel insurance.

When traveling, getting mobile access is very important these days. If you are working remotely, wanting to update social media, or need to access your banks SMS authentication messages having a reliable service is a must. At WhereNext we recommend:

eSIM

Services such as those offered by our partner, Airalo, allow you to easily order and install an eSIM for different countries or regions that you are traveling in.

Dual SIM phone

If you have a phone that supports dual SIM's then you can get a SIM on arrival for each country, this is probably better done at a telco store rather than at the airport.

Extend your home plan

Depending on where you live and your mobile service provider you may be able to extend your plan to cover mobile roaming at reasonable rates.

Keep your primary SIM

With the amount of accounts we all have that require two factor authentication via SMS, keeping a constant number for these accounts is a must.

There are several online communities and platforms that you can use to meet people while traveling, both for making new friends or for networking professionally. Some popular options include:

Facebook groups

There are many Facebook groups dedicated to connecting people while traveling, from expat groups and travel communities to groups specific to certain cities or regions of the country. You can search for groups based on your interests or location and connect with others who share similar interests.

Meetup

Meetup is a platform that allows you to find groups of people that share your interests in your local area. There are Meetup groups all around the world, and they cover a wide range of topics, such as language exchange, sports, and cultural activities.

Internations

Internations is a social network for people who live or work abroad. It has a large community of expats and organizes regular events, activities and gatherings that allow members to connect and socialize.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with local hosts, who offer free accommodation and a chance to experience the local culture. It's a great way to meet locals and make friends!

Reddit

Reddit has a large community, and there are several subreddits dedicated to connecting expats and travelers. You can use it to ask questions, get advice, and connect with others who are also living or traveling in the country.

Linkedin

LinkedIn is primarily a professional network, but you can also use it to connect with people who work in the same industry or have similar backgrounds. It can be useful to connect with people before you arrive and establish a few professional contacts to help you get started.

At WhereNext, we use Nomad List as a global community and then research more local ones for our destination. These are just a few examples of online communities you can use to meet people; please suggest any others that you think are appropriate for this destination.