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TRAVEL REPORT
Eritrea

1. RECENT UPDATES

The level of Travel Warning in this report has not changed.

Section 8 has been updated (Ramadan).

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2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Eritrea

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against non-essential travel to Eritrea. The political situation is highly instable, due to ongoing tension between Eritrea and neighbouring countries, and could become violent at any time.

Canadians residing in Eritrea should remain in close contact with the Consulate of Canada in Asmara (see section 5 below). They should remain vigilant at all times, monitor local news, and avoid rallies and manifestations.

Since 2006, foreign nationals must obtain a travel permit from the Government of Eritrea for any travel outside Asmara (see section 9 below). Travel regulations are strictly enforced throughout Eritrea, and there are numerous military checkpoints.

Regional Warning: Border areas of Ethiopia, Sudan and Djibouti

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against all travel to the following regions:

Border between Eritrea and Ethiopia

Canadians should avoid all travel to the border area between Eritrea and Ethiopia, which extends 25 kilometres north into Eritrea. Political tension remains high between these two countries, due to a longstanding territorial conflict. The border is not clearly defined, and border checkpoints remain closed. Military operations may resume in adjoining areas, which constitute a special security zone under a cessation of hostilities agreement. Violent incidents could still occur. We also note the existence of unmarked landmines in these areas. We strongly advise against driving off main and paved roads.

Border between Eritrea and Sudan

Canadians should avoid all travel to the border area between Eritrea and Sudan, due to continuing instability in eastern Sudan (see our Travel Reports for Sudan) and the risks that active Islamic extremist groups represent. Crime and bomb attacks are often reported. The Sudanese border remains closed, and we strongly advise against seeking to cross it.

Border between Eritrea and Djibouti

Canadians should avoid all travel to the border areas of Eritrea and Djibouti, where political tension and territorial conflicts continue to cause instability. Border raids could still be carried out, resulting in armed confrontation and other violent incidents. Crime is also reported in this area.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency abroad, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. Travellers are responsible for their own personal safety. The Government of Canada takes the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provides credible and timely advice in its Travel Reports. In the event of a crisis situation that requires evacuation, the Government of Canada’s policy is to provide safe transportation to the closest safe location. Canada will assist Canadians in leaving a country or a region as a last resort, when all means of commercial or personal transportation have been exhausted. This service is provided on a cost-recovery basis. Onward travel is at the individual’s personal expense. Situations vary from one location to another, and there may be constraints on government resources, which can limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide assistance, particularly in countries or regions where the potential for violent conflict or political instability are high.

Crime

Street crimes, especially petty theft and robbery, are infrequent in Asmara and in other towns and villages. However, an increase is being seen in small crime against foreigners, which includes pick-pocketing and harassment. Travellers should take the usual security precautions and avoid showing signs of affluence.

Banditry occurs along the coast north of Massawa.

Terrorism

There is an ongoing risk of terrorist attacks targeting Western interests in several regions of the Horn of Africa, including Eritrea. Great caution is advised in locations frequented by foreigners, including restaurants, schools, places of worship and tourist destinations.

Landmines

Many areas are land-mined. Landmines continue to cause occasional injury and death. Caution must be exercised when travelling in remote areas or off main roads. Avoid walking and hiking in the countryside.

Canadians are advised to contact the Consulate of Canada in Asmara or local authorities to obtain the latest news on the safety and travel situation.

Telecommunications

Landline telephone and cell phone networks are unreliable and often limited to a few hours a day in major cities.

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4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries or regions have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Eritrean authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is the traveller’s responsibility to check with the Embassy of the State of Eritrea for up-to-date information.

Passports

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Eritrea. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of expected departure from the country.

Visas

Tourists must have a regular visa allowing them to travel anywhere in Eritrea. However, employees of NGOs and of the UN, and representatives of foreign governments, must have a special permit to travel to certain areas. It is recommended that you consult the Embassy of Eritrea in Ottawa before you leave.

Tourist visa: Required
Business visa: Required
Official visa: Required
In-transit visa: Required

Dual Citizenship

Canadians who are also citizens of Eritrea, and enter Eritrea with a Canadian passport, may be regarded as citizens of Eritrea. They must have an Eritrean national ID card, or at least have applied for one, before they can obtain an Eritrean visa in their Canadian passport.

Eritrean Canadians who enter Eritrea must obtain an exit visa before leaving. Exit visa applications may be denied or cause delays in planning a trip, even for people who have entered Eritrea legally.

If they return to Eritrea, Eritrean Canadians may have to do compulsory military service.

Departure tax

A departure tax must be paid at the airport in nakfas or in US dollars.

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A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is not a travel document. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel. Canadian citizens returning to Canada who present other documents, such as a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, birth certificate, provincial driver’s licence, or foreign passport, instead of a Canadian passport, may face delays or be denied boarding by transport companies.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify all visa requirements for this and other destinations, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries or regions may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country or region without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries or regions do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

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5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS

You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address:

Eritrea - ASMARA, Consulate of Canada
Address: Abeneh Street 745, House No. 152/154, Tiravolo, Eritrea
Postal Address: P.O. Box 3962, Asmara, Eritrea,
Tel.: 291 (1) 18 64 90; 18 19 41 and 18 18 55
Fax: 291 (1) 18 64 88
E-Mail: mkcca@tse.com.er

The High Commission of Canada in Nairobi, Kenya, has consular responsibility for Eritrea. The address is as follows:

Kenya - NAIROBI, High Commission of Canada
Address: Limuru Road, Gigiri, Nairobi, Kenya
Postal Address: P.O. Box 1013, Nairobi, 00621, Kenya
Tel.: 254 (20) 366-3000
Fax: 254 (20) 366-3900
E-Mail: nrobi@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.kenya.gc.ca

For emergency assistance after hours call the High Commission of Canada in Nairobi and follow the instructions. You may also contact the Department in Ottawa at (613) 996-8885.

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6. TRAVEL HEALTH

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Health Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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7. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Medical Resources

Medical facilities are very limited. There is a shortage of medications. Travellers should take with them a sufficient quantity of the medications they need.

Waterborne Diseases and Perishable Food

Waterborne diseases and perishable food are common throughout Eritrea. You are advised to drink only bottled or sterilized water, and to eat only peeled or cooked food.

Vaccination

You are no longer required to show proof of vaccination against yellow fever to enter Eritrea. However, you are advised to obtain this vaccine as a preventive measure.

Altitude

It takes some time to get used to high altitude and low levels of oxygen. Travellers who have heart conditions or high blood pressure should consult a physician before travelling to Eritrea.

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8. LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail or death sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries or regions, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare.

During the lunar month of Ramadan (the ninth month of the Muslim calendar), visitors should use discretion when drinking, eating, and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset. Ramadan is expected to begin on or about August 11, 2010.

Dual nationality is not legally recognized, which may limit the ability of Canadian officials to provide consular services. Canadians should travel using their Canadian passport and present themselves as Canadian to foreign authorities at all times.

Penalties for possession or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict.

It is forbidden to photograph government buildings and military facilities.

You are advised to dress and behave sensibly and discreetly. Tourists are advised to dress soberly, and to respect religious and social traditions, to avoid offending local residents.

Homosexual activity is illegal.

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9. TRAVEL AND CURRENCY

Travel permit outside Asmara

Since 2006, all foreign nationals must obtain a travel permit from the Government of Eritrea for all travel outside Asmara. Foreign nationals living or working outside Asmara must also obtain a travel permit to travel outside the area where they live or work. The Department of Protocol of Eritrea, in Asmara, processes applications for travel permits. If you obtain permission to travel outside Asmara and you experience problems, Canadian officials could be limited in their capacity to provide consular assistance.

Road Conditions

Avoid travelling in rural areas after nightfall. Paved roads connect the major cities of Asmara, Massawa, Mendefera, Dekemhare, Barentou and Keren, but roads to small villages are unpaved. Road signs and safety guard rails are often non‑existent. There are risks involved in driving, owing to the presence of animals, and numerous pedestrians and cyclists, on the road.

To drive in Eritrea, you must have a local driver’s licence. To obtain it, you must present a valid Canadian driver’s licence or an International Driving Permit (IDP).

Public Transportation

Public conveyances, especially buses, are often overcrowded. Many taxis are available, but they often take several passengers and follow predetermined itineraries. If you pay a higher fare, you may ask a driver in advance not to take other passengers.

See our FAQ on transportation in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.

Piracy

Pirates are reported to commit attacks, kidnappings and armed robbery in coastal waters. Navigators are advised to take the necessary precautions. For more information, consult the Live Piracy Report, provided by the International Maritime Bureau.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended. A local driver's licence is also required to drive in Eritrea. You must present your valid Canadian driver's licence or your International Driving Permit (IDP) to obtain one.

See our FAQ on transportation in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.

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The currency is the nakfa (ERN).

All transactions in Eritrea must be made in the national currency. Foreign currency must be exchanged at the national bank (a Himbol branch) at the official exchange rate. All travellers arriving in Eritrea must declare, in writing, how much foreign currency they are importing.

Most hotels, restaurants, shops and other establishments do not accept credit cards. The Government of Eritrea expects foreign tourists to pay for accommodations in US dollars or Euros.

Canadian currency and traveller's cheques are not widely accepted worldwide. Check with your bank for information on automated banking machine (ABM) services outside Canada. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ABMs around the world. Verify with your financial institution whether your bank card can be used with ABMs abroad. Some countries use chip and/or personal identification number (PIN) technology for credit cards. Check with your bank to find out if your credit card will be accepted abroad. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ABMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

Rainy season

The rainy season extends from June to September. During this period, most regions of Eritrea are accessible, except for the western lowlands, where roads are unpaved. Travellers should keep informed of weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

Earthquakes and volcanoes

Eritrea is situated in an earthquake and volcanic zone. Canadians travelling to Eritrea are advised to carry contact information for the Consulate of Canada in Asmara, in case of emergency (see section 5 above).

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11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Returning to Canada

Traveller's Checklist

Health and Travel Insurance: Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

Adoption: Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child abroad, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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12. ANNEX

N/A

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