Eritrea is an East African country, sitting proudly on the Horn of Africa. The magical coast along the Red Sea is prominent due to its history and fun-yet-serene vibes. The presence of multi-ethnic groups since the early days make it a land of everyone. Eritrea's geographical excellence makes it even more intriguing to travel lovers. The mouth-watering food of Eritrea crowns the nation as one of the versatile tourist destinations in Africa as the multiplicity is truly praise-worthy. So, stroll the old lanes that guide to its magical corners and offer delightful memories and pleasurable experiences.
AVG. COST PER DAY: USD 20 to 50 approximately
NETWORK / CONNECTIVITYThe Internet is a major part of the telecommunication services in Eritrea. Although the country does not have very good setups throughout, it has good connectivity in a few of its urban areas. Statistically, only 48,692 people in Eritrea have internet access. Therefore, it is one of the least connected in the world.
The local ISPs like EriTel, CTS, TFanus, and Ewan dominate the data and broadband market in Eritrea that leaves less scope of competition and restricts the provider to offer better and advanced services.
Internet usage is not high in Eritrea and due to less consumer interest, the internet enhancement is still in the developing stage. This makes the availability possible only in the urban locations and other nearby spaces.
It is better to stick to your home connections and get a perfect plan that will support you during your whole travel period. In some parts, open Wi-Fi for the public is set up but due to connection issues, it is less reliable.
Recommendation: The best way to stay connected to your loved ones is via internet calling.
The coastal area of Eritrea plays a major part in the history of the nation. It was found and built by the Italians around the 19th century and was given its current name. It was brought under the control of Ethiopia but the Eritrean crown stood together and earned independence in the mid-90s.
Many invaders and traders entered the Eritrean land and brought their authenticity with them that made Eritrea the land of diversity. The Italian mark is quite prominent in the majority of its spaces.
The early humans were highly dependent on the coastal areas as fishing was the main occupation. Later, agriculture became one of the occupational interests of the nation and soon the diverse population indulged in handicrafts, thus that was Eritrea’s rising point.
Eritrea is located in the African continent, geographically, East Africa (Horn of Africa). The total area of the country is 117,600 km2 (45,400 sq mi) making it the 99h largest country in the world. The land area of Eritrea is 101,000 km² and the water area is 16,600 km².
Eritrea borders the Red Sea and its total coastline is 2,234 km. The East African nation has a land boundary length of 1,840 km and borders with other African countries like Sudan (682 km), Ethiopia (1,033 km), and Djibouti (125 km), plus offers an amazing getaway to explore the African charms.
The highest and lowest point of Eritrea is Soira at 3,018 m and Afar Depression at −75 m. The topography of the nation is highlands, coastal desert plain, hilly terrain, and flat-to-rolling plains. So, venture into the coastal strip or explore the hill spaces for extreme fun experiences.
Eritrea is a multi-ethnic and multi-lingual country and it has had a vast cultural diversity since the early ages. The cultural magnificence is quite prominent as its history is filled with numerous roles of Italian migrants and invaders. The coastal part is significantly the hub of the nation as diverse people reside here.
AttireThe fashion sense of Eritrea has always been on point. Colourful prints and impressive designs display a lot about the fashion sense of the locals. The patterns and contrasts are nature-inspired. Hence the clothes are colourful and vibrant.
Religious festivalsEritrea embraces distinct communities and the festivals of every ethnic group are its major points of interest. Catholics celebrate Christmas, Muslims celebrate Ramadan and other local people celebrate their interest in the festival. Therefore, the country always has liveliness in it.
MusicEritrea is a major fan of cultural music and its diversity in musical styles is much noticeable. Drums are mostly used in guaila, the traditional music genre of the nation. Drums set the whole theme of the music and people to dance along with the beats. Music was always considered an art that connects people and hence the diverse population brought their art and made the nation the land of everyone.
FOOD & DRINKThe food in Eritrea is an amalgamation of flavours, spices, nature-inspired and fresh ingredients. The coastal border offers access to a variety of tasteful seafood that is the staple of the nation. The plate is filled with colours when roasted fish is served with cherry tomatoes and greens on the side of it.
The speciality of Eritrean cuisine lies in Italian food considering the major role of Italians in the history of the nation. Pizza and pasta are served in almost every part of Eritrea and herbs and tasteful oil curate memories on plates for you.
Meat is a primary element in the local cuisines, especially the fried and roasted ones. Chicken and lamb are savoured all around the country that is cooked with the use of rich spices and string flavours. The food tastes heavenly and each bite is bliss.
The traditional dish of Eritrea is tsebhi, a stew served with bread wheat, and beans and made with the selection of finest and fresh ingredients grown in the country. The dish is a must in family gatherings and is known for its taste-enriching flavours.
Drinking is not allowed in public areas. You will rarely spot any liquor store open in the locales. So, it is recommended to go to a licensed bar to enjoy the drinks.
For other beverages, there are a variety of juices available made with fine fresh fruits and vegetables that keep the tummy happy and have medicinal properties. The famous refreshing drink in Eritrea is coconut water that is a pure heat-buster.
Must-Try Delicacies: Pizza, Pasta, Lobster, Prawns, Injera, Tsebhi, and much more.
Must-Try Drinks: Regional Drinks, Fresh Juice, Hard Drinks, and much more.
The best time to explore Eritrea is the cold or moderate season, considering the nation blooms with exciting and fun adventures during this time. Nature, weather, and the environment are so pleasant that you can roam almost anywhere anytime.
The winter months fall between October to March. It is considered the peak season. The moderate weather is experienced in April and September. And, the hot season falls from May to August.
During summers, the coastal area is the only option to escape the heat and experience a memorable tour. Therefore, limited spaces are available to explore. The cool breeze ascending from the Red Sea rejuvenates your senses, makes you feel fresh, and offers a sense of peace and calmness.
The average temperature of Eritrea throughout the year (November to April)
Winter Months (Peak Season)Medebar market is a popular place to explore in Eritrea that offers a variety of authentics served in its shops. Enjoy a day full of fun retail experiences and grab the best deals. You can also indulge in bargaining sessions and buy the best products at a reasonable price. So, get the amazing handmade ceramics, spices, organics, accessories, apparel, and much more.
Operating Timing: Mostly during the day time
Entry Price: Free
Gulf of Zula is one of the top attractions to discover in Eritrea and the beauty of this locale is truly otherworldly. Admire the exotic views of the coastline of the Red Sea and go for a fun water sport. You can also view the pleasant scenarios and of the magical surroundings and appreciate the beauty of nature.
Operating Timing: 24 hours
Entry Price: Free
Khulafa al-Rashidun Mosque is one of the most popular attractions to explore in Eritrea known for its history and religious importance. This landmark site is located in the heart of Asmara, the capital city of Eritrea. So, explore it and its amazing nearby spaces.
Operating Timing: 24 hours
Entry Price: Free
Fiat Tagliero is a famous architecture marvel in Eritrea known for its futuristic style and historical importance. The nearby fun spaces make it a perfect spot to explore to make your day eventful.
Operating Timing: 24 hours
Entry Price: Free
Asmara is the capital of Eritrea and the city houses amazing architecture that narrates the tales of history. Cathedral, mosques, and opera houses embellish various corners of the city, hence crowing it with the title of an impeccable locale.
Asmara Attractions: Medebar Market, Khulafa al-Rashidun Mosque, Fiat Tagliero, Cathedral Our Lady of the Rosary, and much more.
Mitsiwa, EritreaMitsiwa is a coastal city, popular for mouth-watering and health-enriching seafood. The beachside restaurants and cafes are the perfect place to satisfy your cravings. Make sure to taste the fresh catch and make your mealtime an experience.
Mitsiwa Attractions: Sheikh Hanafi Mosque, Beachside Restaurants, Local Markets, Italian and Egyptian Architecture, and much more.
Assab, EritreaAssab is another coastal city of Eritrea facing the Red Sea and is best known for the historic importance of this place. The happening nightlife and markets loaded with local arts attract many tourists for a fun and delightful experience.
Assab attractions: Markets, restaurants, bars, and much more.
Christmas is celebrated with utmost pleasure in Eritrea just like the other American countries. People decorate their homes with lights, cook meals, and enjoy family gatherings. People sing Christmas jingles, visit churches, and light up candles to offer their prayers.
Location: Eritrea
Date: 25 December and 7 January
New Year is one of the biggest celebrations in Eritrea as people commence the year in a festive spirit. Everyone gets along with their family and friends and enjoys a hearty meal. The celebration takes place on New Year's Eve when everyone sings, dances, and has fun because it is a holiday.
Location: Djibouti
Date: 1 Jan
Ramadan is celebrated by a majority of Eritreans. For straight 30-days, the Islam followers keep fast and celebrate the ending of their fast with a heavy feast. Families gather together, cook numerous dishes, wear new clothes and offer their prayers to Allah, after which they indulge in a variety of home-cooked meals that include meat and many sweet servings.
Location: Eritrea
Date: July
The visa requirements for Eritrea have become much less complicated over the years. To travel to Eritrea, your passport should be valid for at least six months from the date of arrival.
For Eritrea Citizens: Eritrean citizens have visa-free or visa on arrival access to 38 countries and territories.
Visa-Free TravelList of countries that can travel visa-free to Eritrea:
Uganda
Visa on ArrivalSudan and Ethiopia
Transit VisasVisitors can transit via Eritrea with a confirmed onward ticket for a flight to a third country within 72 hours.
Get more information on âHow to get a visa to Eritrea' through the Official website.
**Please note that the information is subject to change. For the latest information and updates, please contact your embassy.
Rent-a-car or take-a-taxi is the best way to move around Eritrea. The road quality is more suited for 4-wheeled vehicles. It can be a bit expensive but the comfort is impeccable. Finding a taxi on the roads can be a bit hectic, so it is recommended to contact any official car rental company. In fact, at night the car renting price and taxi fare increase due to low availability of customers. Price varies as per the car services, distance travelled and the number of people travelling.
Ride a Mini-BusMinibuses are cheaper than any other means of transportation in Eritrea. There is frequent availability of buses to almost every part of the nation from towns to cities to villages and they stop-on-demand at any place to get more riders. But it can be hard to spot in some of the rural spaces, so it is recommended to not solely depend on the bus rides.
Eritrea only allows entry via air route, though it has a coastal space and shares land borders, entering through Asmara International Airport is ideally the legal way to enter the Eritrean lands.
Djibouti is a neighbouring country of Eritrea known for its coastal space and diverse history. The nation displays a range of historical and architectural heritage. Its authentic and rich seafood is impeccably delicious and the water sports offer absolute fun.
Ethiopia (682.8 km)Ethiopia is an East African country bordering Djibouti, best known for its history, archaeological findings, and impressive architecture. The country has a dominant impression of its history and culture that makes its authenticity incomparable.
Sudan (1,064)Sudan is one of the prominent African countries famous for food, history, culture, and heritage. This African nation is the house of diverse wildlife and offers amazing insight into the local wildlife via fun and thrilling safari tours.
Distance Between Places of Importance in and around EritreaCALLING CODE: +291
Embassy of UAE in Eritrea: (+971) 2 633 1838 | Click for more info here.
Ambulance : 114
Fire : 116
Police : 113
The name of Eritrea’s official currency is Eritrean Nakfa. The name of the Central Bank of Eritrea is the Bank of Eritrea and the currency code is ERN. Cent is the subdivided unit of ERN and Nfk, ÙاÙÙا, ááá are the symbols of Nakfa.
Symbol: Nfk, ÙاÙÙا, ááá
Code: ERN
1 Nfk, ÙاÙÙا, ááá = 100 cent
ERITREA currency to AED: 1 Eritrean Nakfa (ERN)= 0.244833 United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED) (as of 20 March 2021)
ERN notes can be found in denominations of 100 nakfas, 5 nakfas, 10 nakfas, 1 nakfa, 20 nakfas, 50 nakfas.
DJF coins can be found in denominations of 10 cents, 1 nakfa, 1 cent, 5 cents, 50 cents, 25 cents.
ERITREA CURRENCY CONVERSIONS**Please note that Travellers Cheques are NOT accepted in most places. Please also note that the ROE is subject to change without notice.