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Before you go to Eritrea: what to know

Must know

  • Obtain a visa from an Eritrean embassy. Declare laptops, phones, cameras and other electronic items on arrival to avoid problems when leaving.
  • Use cash: cards are not accepted for everyday transactions. Exchange foreign currency through official Himbol facilities.

Entry and visas

British citizen passport: Obtain a visa from an Eritrean embassy. Declare laptops, phones, cameras and other electronic items on arrival to avoid problems when leaving. Check the linked immigration guidance for other nationalities and purposes.

Passport validity: At least 6 months after arrival; 2 consecutive blank pages.

Customs

  • Declare electronic items on arrival.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗

Money

Mostly cash is used. Cards are rarely accepted.

Apple Pay — no data · Google Pay — no data

  • Use cash: cards are not accepted for everyday transactions. Exchange foreign currency through official Himbol facilities.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: travel.gc.ca ↗

Rules and bans

Laws visitors break unknowingly

  • Declare electronic items at customs and retain the paperwork.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗

Culture and clothing

Religion: Respect local religious traditions; ask before entering places of worship.

Clothing: Ask your hosts about appropriate clothing for community visits and religious sites.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: travel.gc.ca ↗

Climate

The Red Sea coast is hot desert; central highlands are cooler and wetter, with heaviest rain June–September.

Month by month
  • January: Jan: Outside the stated main rains; check local forecasts.
  • February: Feb: Outside the stated main rains; check local forecasts.
  • March: Mar: Outside the stated main rains; check local forecasts.
  • April: Apr: Outside the stated main rains; check local forecasts.
  • May: May: Outside the stated main rains; check local forecasts.
  • June: Jun: Main rainy-season window; check local forecasts.
  • July: Jul: Main rainy-season window; check local forecasts.
  • August: Aug: Main rainy-season window; check local forecasts.
  • September: Sep: Main rainy-season window; check local forecasts.
  • October: Oct: Outside the stated main rains; check local forecasts.
  • November: Nov: Outside the stated main rains; check local forecasts.
  • December: Dec: Outside the stated main rains; check local forecasts.

Best season: Choose dates for your route using local forecasts and road-condition advice.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: travel.gc.ca ↗

What to pack

  • Copies of travel documents
  • An adapter compatible with your accommodation
  • Medicines with their prescription documents

Practical

Plugs: Confirm socket type and supply voltage with your accommodation before packing.

Water: Use a safe drinking-water supply; ask locally before drinking tap water.

Traffic: drives on the right

Insurance: Arrange insurance for your itinerary and planned activities, including medical evacuation where needed.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: tcs.ch ↗, travel.gc.ca ↗

Entry rules change. Before your trip, check the website of the embassy or immigration service of the country.