General Information

 

Entry Requirement

All foreign nationals, except citizens of Kenya and Uganda, require an entry visa to Eritrea. This can be obtained before entering Asmara from an Eritrean diplomatic mission, or up on prior request to the head office of the Immigration Department ( P.O.BOX 854 Tel: 291-1-200033, Fax 291-1-126525) entry visa can be obtained upon arrival at the airport or at either of the two ports, Massawa and Assab. Upon arriving Asmara, visitors must complete an Immigration card. Visas can normally be extended, depending on circumstances

Banking

There are branches of local commercial banks at Asmara Airport and in major cities and many towns.

Banking Hours
Capital City
Monday-Friday
0800-1100 and 1400-1600
Saturday
0800-1100

Massawa and other lowlands
Monday-Friday
0700-12:30 and 1600-1800
Saturday
0700-11:30

Currency

The local currency is the Eritrean Nakfa, made up of 100 cents. The exchange rate is1 US Dollar equals 15 Nakfa. One Euro is 18 Nakfa. A declaration of foreign currency is required on arrival.

Weather

Eritrea can be divided into three major climatic zones. In the central highlands, the hottest month is May; winter is between December and February, when lows can be near freezing point at night. The coastal region is extremely hot from June to September, with daily temperatures ranging from 40-50 C°; winter temperatures range from 21-35°C and there is rain during the winter months. In the western lowlands, the high temperatures in the hottest months, April to June, are comparable to those at the coast; December is the coldest month.

Health

Malaria is endemic, so consult your doctor for an effective and non -resistant prophylactic which you should start taking at least four weeks before your visit and continue taking until two weeks after your return home. Medical care is limited. Travel insurance, including emergency evacuation; is advisable; immunizations are advisable against yellow fever, polio, typhoid and tetanus: Hepatitis A immunization with the Havrix vaccine is also advisable: although expensive; it offers 10 years 'protection against a debilitating disease.

Medical facility

Doctor and dentist are scarce in many area of the country, although hospitals are located in the main towns. Visitors should bring sufficient supplies of any drugs they need regularly. All visitors should be in possession of valid vaccination certificates against yellow fever, hepatitis and cholera. Malaria precautions should be taken before visiting the lowlands.

Services

The Asmara post office is located two blocks of the main street, adjacent to victory Avenue. It is open Monday Through Saturday, half day on Sundays. Fax message can be sent and received at the telecommunications office or Hotels.

When to go

Upland Eritrea is pleasant all year round, particularly in the highland, but the coastal region is oppressively hot from June to September, with peak temperatures of 40°C. The European winter is the coolest time to visit the read sea coastal region.

Time

Eritrea is three hours ahead of GMT. The traditional Julian calendar is still current.

Photography

Photographs should not be taken of any military or strategic building, including the airport. Before photographing any person, religious festival or rural home-stead, it is courteous to ask permission. While most film is available in many towns, visitor should bring their own slide film.

Religions

The population is equally divided between Christian and Muslim religions. The population of the high plateau is predominantly Christian whereas those populations of the lowlands and coast are predominantly Muslim.

Language

Tigrina and Arabic are the working languages. English and Italian are both widely spoken.

Communications

Telephone, telex, and/or fax and Email facilities are available in most main town. The international direct dialling code for Eritrea is 291.

What to wear

While appropriate clothing will depend both on the time of the year and on whether you are on the highlands or at the coast. It is best to remember that Eritreans like to look their best all the times, with suits being usual in offices. For tourist, light cotton clothing with sunglasses and a hat will be suitable in hot the lowlands, while in the highlands, light or medium weight clothing is appropriate. During the rainy season, a light raincoat and an umbrella are essential, and a sweater is good for chilly evening. The sun can be very strong at high altitudes, so a high factor sunscreen is important.

Dahlak Archipelago
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Dahlak Diving
At your arrival in Massawa we will go to choose the material for diving and take a coffee with our specialist of the islands,...(more)

Dahlak Fishing
After a good night stay in Asmara you will start to Massawa in bus...(more)

Adulis	Asmara	Barentu
Dahlak Arch. Cruiser	Danakil	Debre Sina
Danakil Depression	Gash Barka	Keren
Kohaito	Massawa	Metera
Semenawi Bahri	Nakfa