Eritrea
Subregion: Eastern Africa
Eritrea is a country located in the east on the Horn of Africa and sits on the Red Sea. The Capital City is Asmara. The government is a Unitary one-party presidential republic under a totalitarian dictatorship. There is no official language however, there are several working and common languages used including Arabic, English and Tigrinya. The predominant religion is Christianity but Eritrean Orthodoxy is practiced by at least half of the population. The healthcare system in Eritrea has both public and private doctors. Most of the citizens have universal healthcare. While there are private doctors, all of the medical centers and emergency rooms are public. All of the ERs are referral only unless it is an emergency. All other patients need to have an appointment or physician referral. The government has done well at increasing the healthcare infrastructure in recent years.
Safety:
Eritrea has a relatively low crime rate compared to other African countries, but street crime and theft can still occur, especially in the capital city of Asmara. Visitors should take precautions such as avoiding carrying large amounts of cash or valuables and being aware of their surroundings. Women should avoid going out alone after dark or traveling alone. There is a risk of terrorism in Eritrea, particularly in border regions. The government has reported incidents of attacks by armed groups in recent years, and visitors should be cautious when traveling near the border with Ethiopia. Eritrea has had border disputes with Ethiopia in the past, and there is a risk of military conflict between the two countries. The situation has improved in recent years, but visitors should still be aware of the potential for conflict. Avoid the borders of Djibouti and Sudan, as there can be risk of robbery, violence and bomb attacks. There are landmine fields throughout the country in rural areas and at the border of Ethiopia. US Consular assistance is limited since the authorities will block the embassy access to you if you are arrested. Eritrea has a high prevalence of infectious diseases such as malaria and dengue fever, especially in rural areas. Visitors should take appropriate measures to protect themselves from mosquito bites and seek medical attention if they experience symptoms of these diseases. Eritrea has a one-party political system, and opposition to the government is not tolerated. There have been reports of arbitrary arrests and detentions of individuals who are perceived to be critical of the government. Visitors should avoid engaging in any political activities or discussions while in the country. Altitude sickness can be an issue as Eritrea’s elevation is about 7600 ft above sea level. There are no ATMs in the country and there are only a few hotels that accept credit cards. Check with your hotel prior to traveling. Himbol foreign currency exchange is the only location where you can exchange cash, it’s illegal to exchange currency anywhere else. You will need a permit to leave Asmara, apply for it before traveling as it takes time for processing. The road conditions in Eritrea can vary widely, from modern highways to unpaved and poorly maintained dirt roads. While some of the major roads are in good condition, many rural roads can be difficult to navigate, particularly during the rainy season when flooding and mudslides can occur. Driving in Eritrea can also be a challenge, as many drivers do not follow traffic laws or regulations. Additionally, road conditions can be unpredictable, with poorly maintained vehicles and unexpected obstacles on the road. Travelers should exercise caution when driving, especially at night or in rural areas. Pedestrians, bicyclists, carts and livestock are among the reasons for the dangerous road conditions.
Cultural Customs:
Eritrea is home to several ethnic groups, each with their unique customs and traditions. The Tigrinya people are the largest ethnic group in the country. Eritreans are known for their hospitality. It is customary for Eritreans to welcome visitors with coffee, and it is considered impolite to refuse a cup of coffee. In Eritrean culture, elders are highly respected. It is customary to greet elders with a bow or a curtsy, and to use respectful language when addressing them. Weddings in Eritrea are elaborate affairs that last for several days. The bride and groom's families gather together to celebrate, and traditional dances and songs are performed. Eritrean cuisine is diverse and flavorful. Traditional dishes include injera (a sourdough flatbread), tsebhi (a stew made with meat or vegetables), and zigni (a spicy meat stew). It is polite to decline food being offered when you are visiting people but you can agree after the host says bezay kelalem. Eating with the right hand is custom as the left hand is considered unclean. Utensils are not used. Wine and beer (Mies and Siwa, respectively) is available in Eritrea. Italian culture is prevalent in Asmara, including architecture and food. The Eritrean people have a daily coffee ceremony that is part of the culture. Eritrean traditional clothing varies depending on the region and the ethnic group. However, colorful fabrics and embroidery are common features. Traditional clothing for Eritrean women is called Habeshi Kemis. They are long dresses made of cotton with a light shawl that is worn at the waist or over the head or shoulders. Men wear long sleeve, knee length shirts with mandarin collars and matching pants. Eritrean music and dance are an essential part of the country's cultural heritage. Traditional instruments include the krar (a lyre-like instrument) and the begena (a large stringed instrument). Eritrea is home to several religions, including Orthodox Christianity, Islam, and various indigenous religions. Religious celebrations are an important part of Eritrean culture, and they often involve traditional songs, dances, and food.
Geography & Weather:
Eritrea has three climates. On the coast, it’s tropical desert. In the mountains, it’s mild semi-arid. In the West, it’s tropical semi-arid.
In Massawa, on the coast, the average temperature ranges from 76 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. The coldest month is January with a median temperature of 76 degrees F and July being the hottest month with a median temperature of 95 degrees F. The rainy season in this area is between October - April. It averages about an inch per month during this time. The sun shines all year round. The sea temperature averages 85 degrees year round.
In Asmara, in the mountainous middle of the country, the average temperature ranges from 57 to 64 degrees Fahrenheit. The coldest month is December with a median temperature of 57 degrees F and May & June are the hottest months with a median temperature of 64 degrees F. The rainy season in this area is April - August, but it is mild with only about 20 inches of rain per year. The sun shines all year round but the sunshine hours are much shorter from June - September.
In Agordat, in the west, the average temperature ranges from 72 to 89 degrees Fahrenheit. The coldest month is January with a median temperature of 72 degrees F and May being the hottest month with a median temperature of 89 degrees F. The rainy season is from June - September but like in Asmara it is mild. The sun shines all year round.
Economy:
The economy of Eritrea is largely based on agriculture, with approximately 80% of the population engaged in subsistence farming. The country also has some mineral resources, including gold, copper, and zinc. However, the Eritrean economy has faced significant challenges in recent years. The country has been under a UN arms embargo since 2009, which has limited its ability to import goods and access international markets. Additionally, the country has been subject to a range of economic sanctions due to its human rights record and alleged support for armed groups in the region. As a result of these challenges, the Eritrean economy has struggled to grow, and unemployment is a major issue. Official unemployment figures are not available, but it is estimated that unemployment is high, particularly among young people. Many Eritreans have left the country in search of better economic opportunities, with large numbers migrating to neighboring countries such as Ethiopia and Sudan. Overall, the Eritrean economy faces significant challenges, and addressing issues such as unemployment will require significant investment and reform efforts.
Currency/Foreign Exchange Rate:
Eritrean Nakfas (ERN)
ERN 1.00 = USD .066
Country Stats:
Population (2020):
3,546,421
Median Age:
19.2 yrs
Life Expectancy:
67.48 yrs
Visa Requirements:
Needed for Entry for US Citizens? Yes
Cost: Tourist Visa, single entry 30 days $55
Work Visa must be obtained prior to arrival through your employer $75
**An exit permit may be required to leave Eritrea**
*Additional Information*
Yellow fever vaccination required if you traveled thru: Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo, Côte d’lvoire, DRC, Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Niger, Togo.
Citizenship Requirements:
Dual citizenship - Yes
Naturalization - Eritrean citizenship may be acquired upon fulfillment of the following conditions: Person has resided in Eritrea for at least twenty years, is of good morality, no physical or mental disabilities, and have no criminal convictions. The person must also prove competency in one of the languages used in Eritrea.
Residency Requirements:
Information regarding residency is unable to be located online at this time.
Resources:
Eritrean Community Facebook Group
U.S. Embassy Asmara
179 Alaa Street
P.O. Box 211
Asmara, Eritrea
Telephone: (291) 1-120-004
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(291)1-120-004
Fax: +(291) 1-124-255 and +(291) 1-127-584
Email: ConsularAsmara@state.gov