Travel Vaccines and Advice for Eritrea
Eritrea is a melting pot of different cultures, giving travellers a glimpse into an incredibly peculiar life. The country is an beautiful, with clear seasides, towering mountains and vast deserts.
There is also a great amount of biodiversity; elephants, monkeys, leopards, lions, turtles, and birds are found there.
When entering the cities, tourists can admire a diverse mix of modern and colonial architecture. Even the people of Eritrea are known for their friendliness and hospitality. Despite the current political and economic troubles Eritrea is facing, it remains an amazing place for visitors.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Eritrea?
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Eritrea?
What is the Climate Like in Eritrea?
How Safe is Eritrea?
Visiting Matara
What Should I Pack To Eritrea?
Embassy of the United Kingdom in Eritrea
Do I Need Vaccines for Eritrea?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Eritrea. The National Travel Health Network and Centre and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Eritrea: COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, polio, rabies, meningitis, and tetanus.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunisations:
- COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for all travellers - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers to the region, especially if unvaccinated. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travellers to most regions. - Tetanus –
Wounds or Breaks in Skin –
Recommended for travelers to most regions, especially if not previously vaccinated. - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Jab lasts 3 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Cholera –
Food & Water –
Recommended for travel to most regions. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if travelling from a region with yellow fever. May be recommended for Anseba, Debub, Gash Barka, Mae Kel and Semen Keih Bahri - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-stay travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Located in the meningitis belt, vaccination is recommended during the dry season (Dec. – June) - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Eritrea |
||
VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
---|---|---|
COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for all travellers |
Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers to the region, especially if unvaccinated. |
Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
Tetanus | Wounds or Breaks in Skin | Recommended for travelers to most regions, especially if not previously vaccinated. |
Typhoid | Food & Water | Jab lasts 3 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
Cholera | Food & Water | Recommended for travel to most regions. |
Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if travelling from a region with yellow fever. May be recommended for Anseba, Debub, Gash Barka, Mae Kel and Semen Keih Bahri |
Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-stay travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Located in the meningitis belt, vaccination is recommended during the dry season (Dec. – June) |
Polio | Food & Water | Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
Proof of Yellow fever vaccination may be required if you enter Eritrea from a country with the virus.
Dengue, malaria and chikungunya are present in Eritrea. Mosquito repellents and netting should be brought with you. Antimalarials are recommended for travellers to the country as well.
Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now.
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Eritrea?
A visa is required for travel to Eritrea. Please note, visa processing with the Eritrean government can take a significant amount of time. Be sure to apply well in advance of your trip. Passports must be valid for at least six months at the time of entry. To avoid any undue problems, we recommend having at least a year of validity when applying for your visa. Proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required if you are travelling from a region where yellow fever is present.
Eritrea Entry Requirements |
||
Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Eritrea? | |
---|---|---|
Passport | ||
Tourist Visa | ||
Business Visa | ||
Vaccinations |
Sources: Embassy of Eritrea and GOV.UK
What is the Climate Like in Eritrea?
The climate in Eritrea depends greatly on where in the country you visit.
- Eastern Coast – It is very hot from June to September, with temperatures frequently in the hundreds. From December to February there is a great deal of rain, with temperatures ranging from the mid-teens to low-30’s.
- Highlands – The hottest month is May, with temperatures around 30. The winter can be incredibly cold with temperatures close to freezing at night.
- Western lowlands – Temperatures and precipitation is like that on the coast.
How Safe is Eritrea?
Exercise caution in the country and avoid the Eritrean-Ethiopian border, Southern Red Sea Region, and Eritrea-Djibouti border. There is a large military presence in these areas due to tensions between Eritrean and neighbouring countries.
Crime in the country is also increasing, such as burglary and other crimes of opportunity. Travellers should always maintain situational alertness, have evacuation plans ready and travel in groups.
Visiting Matara
Matara is a small village and archaeological site located in Eritrea. At one point evidence suggests that Matara was a city along a trade route that ran from Aksum to Adulis. Archaeological investigation has revealed evidence from over 1,000 years of habituation. In the village is the Hawulti, an 18-foot-tall obelisk that has the oldest example of Ge’ez script. Those interested in history will love exploring this historic area.
What Should I Pack for Eritrea?
Eritrea is a still developing nation, meaning it is best to bring some items with you on your trip.
- Money Belt – Due to the crime levels in the country, a money belt will allow you to keep your money and passport safe.
- Plug Adapters – Eritrea power sockets are type C and L, meaning an adapter is needed when travelling.
- Portable Chargers – Electrical power can be unreliable in Eritrea. Bring a backup battery to keep your phone at full charge.
- Jacket – If you’re visiting in the winter, particularly in the highlands, temperatures can get incredibly cold. Pack warm clothes to layer on top of your kit.
Embassy of the United Kingdom in Eritrea
If you are in Eritrea and have an emergency (for example, been attacked, arrested or someone has died) contact the nearest consular services. Contact the embassy before arrival if you have additional questions on entry requirements, safety concerns or are in need of assistance.
British Embassy Asmara
66-68 Mariam Ghimbi Street
Zip Code 174
PO Box 5584
Asmara
Eritrea
Telephone: +44 1908 516666
Emergency Phone: +44 1908 516666
Fax: + 291 1 12 01 04
Contact Form: Click Here
Ready to start your next journey? Ring us up at or book online now!