Travel House International - Eritrea

General Information

All foreign nationals, except citizens of Kenya, Uganda require entry visa to Eritrea. This can be obtained before entering Asmara from the Eritrean diplomatic mission, or upon arrival at the airport or at either of the two ports, Massawa and Assab. Upon arriving in Asmara, visitors must complete an immigration card.
Visas can normally be extended, depending on circumstances.

Getting There
By Air
Eritrean, Lufthansa, Yemenia, Egypt Air, Sudan Airways, Regional Air, Saudi fly scheduled services to Asmara.
By Land
It is possible to enter Eritrea from Djibouti.
By sea
Eritrea has two main ports, Massawa and Assab, both on the Red Sea, but there are no scheduled passenger services.
Getting Around
Most people travel by Spartan and utilitarian bus. Service extend to all regions of Eritrea, with journey times varying from one to five, scheduled travel can be maintained through Travel House International on rental.
Airport
The main Airport is Asmara Airport, just six kilometers from the center of the capital. An additional airport is being constructed in Massawa. Domestic services fly to Assab.
Airport Tax
When leaving Eritrea, every passenger is charged a departure tax of USD$ 20.00, or EU 20.00
Banking
There are branches of local commercial banks at Asmara Airport in and in major cities and many towns.
Commercial Hours
Monday – Friday
0800 - 1200
1400 - 1700
Government Office Hours
Monday- Friday
0700-1200
1400-1800
Capital
The capital city is Asmara, which is made up of four sub-regions.
Climate
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 40-50oC, winter
temperatures range from 21-35oC 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.
Communications
Telephone, telex and/or fax facilities are available in most main towns. The International Direct Dialing
(IDD) code for Eritrea is 291.
Currency
The local currency is the Eritrean Nakfa, made up of 100 cents. The exchange rate is reviewed daily and
therefore varies. A declaration of foreign currency is not required on arrival. The Commercial Bank of
Eritrea, with its main office located near the High Court (Asmara), provides exchange services for both in
cash and traveler’s checks. There are also private foreign exchange offices through out the city. Although
all currencies will be exchanged for nakfa, the US dollar is for convenience preferable.
Customs
Personal computers, videos and other electronic items that could be sold in Eritrea at a profit are required to
be registered to Customs on arrival and signed out on departure. Personal affects are admitted free, and a
duty free allowance of one-liter alcohol, 200 cigarettes and a half-liter of perfume are permitted. Cameras,
computers and major electrical items should be declared on arrival. Sporting firearms will require an import
permit. Cars may be imported free of duty for up to four months.
Driving
Eritreans drive to the right. Visitors require a valid international driving license. Car hire (with or without
driver) is available in the main city centers.
Economy
Most of the population lives a subsistence lifestyle. Eritrea has enjoyed periods of great economic
development in the past hundred years but constraints of resources and expertise are two key problems to
sort out. Eritreans are industrious and determined to rebuild the country.
Electricity
Most homes in Eritrea have lines for both 110 and 220 volts with 50 hertz or cycles. These lines have
different outlets and should be marked accordingly.
Geography
The three main geographical zones are the eastern slopes and coastal plains, the highlands and the western
lowlands. Most of the eastern slopes and coastal plains are desert and semi-desert, with fertile agricultural
area north and west of Ghindae. This area is mostly inhabited by pastoralists. The central highlands are
densely populated and intensively cultivated by settled farming communities. The western lowlands begin
in Keren and extend westwards to the border with Sudan. They are watered by seasonal Barka and Gash
river system.
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 you 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 Harvey vaccine is also advisable; although extensive, it offers 10 years’ protection against debilitating disease.
Hotels
The many hotels and pensions in Asmara cater to every price range and level of comfort. In Asmara 5 star hotel, the Inter-Continental Hotel is available. Others Hamasien, Amba-Soira and the Sunshine hotels also give good accommodation services. In Massawa, Red Sea Hotel, Dahlak Hotel and Gurgussum Beach Hotel provide good accommodation services. It is advisable to make your hotel reservations in advance,
especially during the summer months and during week around Christmas.
Land
Eritrea is as large as England, with an area of more than 46,000 square miles. This includes more than 350 islands off the coast, of which some 210 comprise the area of Dahlak Archipelago. The coastline extends for about 1,200 kilometers (670 Miles). It is bordered by the Sudan to the north and west, and by Ethiopia and Djibouti to the south.
Language
Tigrigna and Arabic are the working languages. English and Italian are widely spoken and Amharic is widely understood.
Location
Eritrea is located in the Horn of Africa, between latitudes 12o and 18o north. It is a mixture of rugged mountainous uplands and arid desert, covering about 125,000Km2. It is surrounded by Ethiopia, Sudan and Djibouti, and has a Red Sea coastline.
Medical Facilities
Doctors and dentists are scarce in many areas 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.
People
The population is estimated to at 4 million. Eighty five percent live rural areas; 30 percent lead a pastoral way of life.
Photography
Photographs should not be taken of any military or strategic buildings, including the airport. Before photographing any person, religious festival or rural homestead, it is courteous to ask permission. While film is available in many towns’ visitors 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 the coast are predominantly Muslim.
Services
The Asmara post office is located two blocks of the main street, adjacent to Harnet Avenue. It is open Monday to Saturday, half day on Sundays. Fax messages can be sent and received at the telecommunications office, which is located on Harnet Avenue, in Asmara.
Time
Eritrea is + 3 GMT. The Eritrean traditional Julian calendar is still current.
Traditional Courtesies
While Eritreans are well aware of the form in other countries, they tend to be conservative at home. A handshake greeting is normal, with a pleasant discussion on personal matters before getting down to business. The offer of tea or coffee is normal. Smoking is not popular amongst traditional or elderly people. Shoes are often taken off before entering churches, and always before entering mosques.

Some useful DO's and DON'TS for visitors within ERITREA
DO ENJOY your stay in Eritrea starting with Asmara. Enjoy the climate, the honesty, the security, the cleanliness, the city attractions, the cafes, the national sense of purpose and the excellent value for money. Always remember, however, that history here has been a hard one and while some situations may seem strange to you, your presence here can also be unsettling. Below are some courtesies for a happy visit.
DO NOT photograph military installations, vehicles or soldiers ever, ever.
DO take other photos with the usual discretion, but no " in-your-face" photos please! To welcome visitors, Eritreans are learning that " A smile for the camera is a smile for Eritrea”. Best photo times are large gatherings, weddings, and festivals.
Photos of the President's Office are permitted at a distance but entry is by authorization only. The same applies to other government buildings.
DO show your generosity if you wish by making DONATIONS, to concerned offices. They are all secure and used as designated.
DO NOT give money to children or beggars, ever. Their numbers increase proportionally to what is given and can change the "hassle free" situation in Asmara to one of tedious pestering. Agencies are in place to take care of destitution and it is they, which use donations best.
Do keep your possessions secure and out of sight, making sure that your money is not visible to avoid temptations.
DO take care of your food and drinks as ASMARINOS do themselves. Potable water in the plans but no on tap at this time.
DO enjoy your encounters with a very friendly people, many of whom speak excellent English recognize the economic hardship, anxiety about sovereignty and viable political development is inherent in daily life. As a visitor you may get anxious about some of these issues but it is wise to
remember that your visit is a visit and that Eritreans have a track record of dealing with their own challenges.

KEEP SMILING……………


General Information All foreign nationals, except citizens of Kenya, Uganda require entry visa to Eritrea. This can be obtained before entering Asmara from the Eritrean diplomatic mission, or upon arrival at the airport or at either of the two ports, Massawa and Assab. Upon arriving in Asmara, visitors must complete an immigration card. Visas can normally be extended, depending on circumstances. Getting There By Air Eritrean, Lufthansa, Yemenia, Egypt Air, Sudan Airways, Regional Air, Saudi fly scheduled services to Asmara. By Land It is possible to enter Eritrea from Djibouti. By sea Eritrea has two main ports, Massawa and Assab, both on the Red Sea, but there are no scheduled passenger services. Getting Around Most people travel by Spartan and utilitarian bus. Service extend to all regions of Eritrea, with journey times varying from one to five, scheduled travel can be maintained through Travel House International on rental. Airport The main Airport is Asmara Airport, just six kilometers from the center of the capital. An additional airport is being constructed in Massawa. Domestic services fly to Assab. Airport Tax When leaving Eritrea, every passenger is charged a departure tax of USD$ 20.00, or EU 20.00 Banking There are branches of local commercial banks at Asmara Airport in and in major cities and many towns. Commercial Hours Monday – Friday 0800 - 1200 1400 - 1700 Government Office Hours Monday- Friday 0700-1200 1400-1800 Capital The capital city is Asmara, which is made up of four sub-regions. Climate 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 40-50oC, winter temperatures range from 21-35oC 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. Communications Telephone, telex and/or fax facilities are available in most main towns. The International Direct Dialing (IDD) code for Eritrea is 291. Currency The local currency is the Eritrean Nakfa, made up of 100 cents. The exchange rate is reviewed daily and therefore varies. A declaration of foreign currency is not required on arrival. The Commercial Bank of Eritrea, with its main office located near the High Court (Asmara), provides exchange services for both in cash and traveler’s checks. There are also private foreign exchange offices through out the city. Although all currencies will be exchanged for nakfa, the US dollar is for convenience preferable. Customs Personal computers, videos and other electronic items that could be sold in Eritrea at a profit are required to be registered to Customs on arrival and signed out on departure. Personal affects are admitted free, and a duty free allowance of one-liter alcohol, 200 cigarettes and a half-liter of perfume are permitted. Cameras, computers and major electrical items should be declared on arrival. Sporting firearms will require an import permit. Cars may be imported free of duty for up to four months. Driving Eritreans drive to the right. Visitors require a valid international driving license. Car hire (with or without driver) is available in the main city centers. Economy Most of the population lives a subsistence lifestyle. Eritrea has enjoyed periods of great economic development in the past hundred years but constraints of resources and expertise are two key problems to sort out. Eritreans are industrious and determined to rebuild the country. Electricity Most homes in Eritrea have lines for both 110 and 220 volts with 50 hertz or cycles. These lines have different outlets and should be marked accordingly. Geography The three main geographical zones are the eastern slopes and coastal plains, the highlands and the western lowlands. Most of the eastern slopes and coastal plains are desert and semi-desert, with fertile agricultural area north and west of Ghindae. This area is mostly inhabited by pastoralists. The central highlands are densely populated and intensively cultivated by settled farming communities. The western lowlands begin in Keren and extend westwards to the border with Sudan. They are watered by seasonal Barka and Gash river system. 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 you 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 Harvey vaccine is also advisable; although extensive, it offers 10 years’ protection against debilitating disease. Hotels The many hotels and pensions in Asmara cater to every price range and level of comfort. In Asmara 5 star hotel, the Inter-Continental Hotel is available. Others Hamasien, Amba-Soira and the Sunshine hotels also give good accommodation services. In Massawa, Red Sea Hotel, Dahlak Hotel and Gurgussum Beach Hotel provide good accommodation services. It is advisable to make your hotel reservations in advance, especially during the summer months and during week around Christmas. Land Eritrea is as large as England, with an area of more than 46,000 square miles. This includes more than 350 islands off the coast, of which some 210 comprise the area of Dahlak Archipelago. The coastline extends for about 1,200 kilometers (670 Miles). It is bordered by the Sudan to the north and west, and by Ethiopia and Djibouti to the south. Language Tigrigna and Arabic are the working languages. English and Italian are widely spoken and Amharic is widely understood. Location Eritrea is located in the Horn of Africa, between latitudes 12o and 18o north. It is a mixture of rugged mountainous uplands and arid desert, covering about 125,000Km2. It is surrounded by Ethiopia, Sudan and Djibouti, and has a Red Sea coastline. Medical Facilities Doctors and dentists are scarce in many areas 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. People The population is estimated to at 4 million. Eighty five percent live rural areas; 30 percent lead a pastoral way of life. Photography Photographs should not be taken of any military or strategic buildings, including the airport. Before photographing any person, religious festival or rural homestead, it is courteous to ask permission. While film is available in many towns’ visitors 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 the coast are predominantly Muslim. Services The Asmara post office is located two blocks of the main street, adjacent to Harnet Avenue. It is open Monday to Saturday, half day on Sundays. Fax messages can be sent and received at the telecommunications office, which is located on Harnet Avenue, in Asmara. Time Eritrea is + 3 GMT. The Eritrean traditional Julian calendar is still current. Traditional Courtesies While Eritreans are well aware of the form in other countries, they tend to be conservative at home. A handshake greeting is normal, with a pleasant discussion on personal matters before getting down to business. The offer of tea or coffee is normal. Smoking is not popular amongst traditional or elderly people. Shoes are often taken off before entering churches, and always before entering mosques. Some useful DO's and DON'TS for visitors within ERITREA DO ENJOY your stay in Eritrea starting with Asmara. Enjoy the climate, the honesty, the security, the cleanliness, the city attractions, the cafes, the national sense of purpose and the excellent value for money. Always remember, however, that history here has been a hard one and while some situations may seem strange to you, your presence here can also be unsettling. Below are some courtesies for a happy visit. DO NOT photograph military installations, vehicles or soldiers ever, ever. DO take other photos with the usual discretion, but no " in-your-face" photos please! To welcome visitors, Eritreans are learning that " A smile for the camera is a smile for Eritrea”. Best photo times are large gatherings, weddings, and festivals. Photos of the President's Office are permitted at a distance but entry is by authorization only. The same applies to other government buildings. DO show your generosity if you wish by making DONATIONS, to concerned offices. They are all secure and used as designated. DO NOT give money to children or beggars, ever. Their numbers increase proportionally to what is given and can change the "hassle free" situation in Asmara to one of tedious pestering. Agencies are in place to take care of destitution and it is they, which use donations best. Do keep your possessions secure and out of sight, making sure that your money is not visible to avoid temptations. DO take care of your food and drinks as ASMARINOS do themselves. Potable water in the plans but no on tap at this time. DO enjoy your encounters with a very friendly people, many of whom speak excellent English recognize the economic hardship, anxiety about sovereignty and viable political development is inherent in daily life. As a visitor you may get anxious about some of these issues but it is wise to remember that your visit is a visit and that Eritreans have a track record of dealing with their own challenges. KEEP SMILING……………
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