Maximum Alerts / Eritrea
Level published by the State Department on 30.07.2023 · read 13 October 2026 · source checked daily
Eritrea — official level as of 13 October 2026: Level 2/4 ("Exercise Increased Caution"), from the U.S. Department of State. Maximum Insurance covers this country: hospital settled directly, unlimited repatriation, USD 1.5M, certificate on payment.
Every country has its own scale, so we ask them all the same question: is the whole country advised against?
An advisory covering only areas of the country does not raise the answer: it stays “No”, and the area is shown in the relevant column.
The level shown on this page — and across this site — is the one published by the U.S. State Department, from 1 (normal precautions) to 4 (do not travel). France and the United Kingdom publish their own advisories, with their own rules: they add to that level, they do not replace it.
In a life-threatening emergency, call local emergency services first, then Maximum: +41 22 ••• •• •• — 24/7 support number, an adviser stays with you to the end.
The 207 country pages — hospitals, pharmacies, police, embassies, emergency numbers, official advice from four governments, health, safety in figures, events in progress — read around the city you name. Your policy — benefits, the six steps, claims, articles. The site — prices, certificate, subscription. Nothing else: what it does not know, it says so and hands you to an adviser.
What I say on the phone
What to do, in this order
In immediate danger, call local emergency services first. Then contact assistance without delay; before engaging a service, seek approval under your policy. Cover is confirmed by the insurer.
Ask assistance where to get care and whether direct cover can be arranged. It confirms the facility and seeks the insurer's approval under your policy. In immediate danger, call local emergency services first.
Even for a pain you meant to shrug off. Without a medical certificate written on the spot, the same day, the insurer cannot cover the event — a certificate written after you return does not count.
The hospital desk sends the request to assistance. Direct payment depends on the insurer's approval and the policy; the call alone does not guarantee it. Have the response confirmed before relying on no up-front payment.
In a life-threatening emergency, call local emergency services immediately. For an arranged transfer or repatriation, contact assistance: the insurer's medical team decides on measures under the policy. A medical flight booked without approval may not be reimbursed.
Even if everything went well on the ground. Send your invoices and the medical report within 30 days; after that, compensation may be reduced or refused.
Places read from OpenStreetMap, within a circle of about 12 km: phone, email, address, website and hours when the source publishes them. No customer reviews, that source has none. Straight-line distances.
Notices vary by bank and vintage — yours prevails. On the right: the Maximum contract (public documents).
At least one official reading covers the whole country; no region is singled out.
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
Global Affairs Canada — advises against all but essential travel to the whole country.
an official reading covers the whole country; every trip calls for a written management decision, justified by a pressing reason, with reinforced conditions. The areas quoted without a region (border, routes, localities) call for the same decision.
Global Affairs Canada — Advised against — all travel
Avoid all travel to within 25 km of all border areas due to territorial conflicts, military activity and crime.
Foreign Office — Advised against — all travel
FCDO advises against all travel to within 25km of all of Eritrea’s land borders.
Foreign Office — Advised against — all but essential travel
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the rest of Eritrea.
France Diplomatie (in French) — Advised against — all travel
Zones formellement déconseillées (en rouge sur la carte) — Il est formellement déconseillé de se rendre dans ces régions.
France Diplomatie (in French) — Advised against — all but essential travel
Les déplacements en dehors de la capitale sont déconseillés sauf raison impérative.
Global Affairs Canada — Open Government Licence – Canada (07.10.2026) · Foreign Office — Open Government Licence v3.0 · France Diplomatie (10.07.2026) · Natural Earth
No located event in this reading.
Last change: Addition of information about the temporary withdrawal of dependants of British Embassy staff from Eritrea (‘Warnings and insurance’ page).
Updated 30.07.2023
Exercise increased caution in Eritrea due to travel restrictions , limited consular assistance , landmines , and wrongful detentions.
The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Eritrea, as U.S. government employees must obtain special authorization to travel outside of Asmara.
U.S. citizens visiting or residing in Eritrea, including dual U.S.-Eritrean nationals, have been arrested and detained without charge or on false charges. The Department has determined that the risk of wrongful detention of U.S. nationals by the Eritrean government exists.
Eritrean law enforcement officials routinely block access by U.S. government officials to U.S. citizens in detention. The U.S. Embassy therefore may not receive notification of your arrest or be allowed access to you if you are detained or arrested.
There are landmines in many remote areas in Eritrea, particularly in Nakfa, AdiKeih, Arezza, the 25 mile-wide region (40 km) between the Setit and Mereb Rivers, and in areas north and west of Keren, areas near Massawa, Ghinda, Agordat, Barentu, Dekemhare, and south of Tessenae.
10-13 0.0 · 10-14 0.0 · 10-15 0.0 · 10-16 0.0 · 10-17 0.0 · 10-18 0.0 · 10-19 0.0 m³/s
Simulated discharge: Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0), data rounded and formatted by Maximum. Contains modified Copernicus Emergency Management Service information 2026. For information only: this is not a flood warning; only national or regional authorities issue those.
The level is national. Risk areas are in the state advisories below.
No major event in progress is located in this country at this morning's check.
Reading: On the road, 17 times more deaths than in Switzerland: road crashes are the leading cause of death of healthy travellers (CDC) — seat belt, no night driving, a driver or a taxi from a rank.
World Bank (UNODC for homicides, WHO for roads) — latest published valuedata.worldbank.org ↗read 10.10.2026
What we locate on the map are events in progress that have real coordinates: USGS earthquakes, GDACS disasters, NOAA storms and open NASA EONET events. Hover a dot for details, click to open it in this briefing.
French passport — France Diplomatie
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
Some areas of the country are formally advised against.France Diplomatie ↗updated 15.09.2026 · read 13.10.2026
Vigilance areas — France Diplomatie (in French) updated 10.07.2026official map ↗updated 15.09.2026 · read 13.10.2026
- Présentation de l’Erythrée
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Dernière actualisation le 10/07/2026, information toujours valable à la date du jour
L’accès à toute zone extérieure à la capitale Asmara est soumis à l’autorisation préalable des autorités érythréennes sous forme de permis de voyage ( Travel Permits ) à demander auprès du ministère du Tourisme. Les réponses, positives comme négatives, sont en général obtenues rapidement, souvent sous 24h. Certaines zones peuvent devenir interdites sans préavis, même après l’obtention d’un permis. Les touristes doivent se déplacer en véhicule de location avec chauffeur au-delà de 25 km d’Asmara.
Il est formellement déconseillé de se rendre dans ces régions. Les zones frontalières avec l’Éthiopie et le Soudan peuvent également présenter des dangers en raison de la présence toujours possible de groupes armés et de mines. Les autorisations de déplacement dans ces régions ne sont, en principe, pas accordées.
Les déplacements en dehors de la capitale sont déconseillés sauf raison impérative. Il n’existe pas de possibilité d’assistance et de secours rapide en dehors de la capitale. S’éloigner des routes principales est risqué en raison de la possible présence de mines.
Les villes d’Asmara et de Massaoua se trouvent en zone de vigilance renforcée. Elles sont reliées par une route de montagne, dangereuse, particulièrement en fin de journée et le soir, du fait des conditions locales de circulation, de l’absence le plus souvent de parapets et de la possible présence de dangers ponctuels (brouillards venus de la mer, présence d’animaux sauvages sur la route…). Il est par ailleurs rappelé que l’obtention d’un travel permit est indispensable pour se rendre à Massaoua. Les manifestations dans les grands centres urbains sont rares et en principe interdites, hors célébrations sportives et quelques cérémonies religieuses. Il est conseillé de se tenir à distance de tout rassemblement ou mouvement de foule.
L’ambassade de France en Érythrée, du fait de son format restreint, dispose de capacités limitées pour venir en aide aux Français en cas de crise. Les Français qui se rendent dans le pays sont invités à s’assurer qu’ils disposent de contrats d’assurance adaptés à la situation du pays ainsi que des moyens financiers nécessaires pour couvrir d’éventuels frais d’hospitalisation ou d’évacuation.
Les personnels des missions diplomatiques sont soumis à un régime d’autorisation préalable de voyage pour se déplacer en dehors de la capitale érythréenne. Il n’est donc pas possible à l’ambassade d’offrir une assistance consulaire rapide aux ressortissants français qui se trouveraient en difficulté en dehors de la capitale. En cas d’arrestation, les autorités érythréennes ne signalent pas la détention d’un ressortissant étranger à son ambassade d’origine. L’exercice de la protection consulaire et les possibilités pour l’ambassade de rendre visite à un détenu restent donc très limités et compliqués.
L’ambassade n’est pas en mesure de délivrer des titres…
La navigation en Mer Rouge et vers l’Océan Indien en général demeure dangereuse. Les actes de piraterie le long des côtes de la Somalie sont susceptibles d’affecter les bateaux ayant besoin de faire escale dans la région. De plus, compte tenu des attaques qui ont visé, dans un passé récent, des bâtiments civils passant par le détroit de Bab-el-Mandeb et d’activités militaires en Mer Rouge et dans le nord du Golfe d’Aden, il est vivement recommandé aux navigateurs de plaisance de reporter leurs déplacements dans cette zone.
En cas, malgré tout ce qui ce qui précède, de présence dans cette zone, il est recommandé de se signaler le plus tôt possible :
Pour plus d’informations, voir la fiche réflexe Piraterie maritime sur ce site.
La délinquance (vols, brigandage) à Asmara et Massaoua demeure très limitée.
L’Érythrée est située sur le rift africain, une zone sujette aux tremblements de terre. Les alertes sont cependant rares.
Lors des périodes de pluie, les risques d’inondations, de fortes crues des oueds et de glissements de terrain sont importants, notamment dans les basses terres occidentales (janvier - février et juin - août) et sur les hautes terres (mai-août).
De manière générale, il est recommandé :
Full text of the Security pagediplomatie.gouv.fr ↗updated 15.09.2026 · read 13.10.2026
Swiss passport — FDFA (Switzerland), in French
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
FDFA update note — Le chapitre Situation générale a été actualisé. La situation sécuritaire peut évoluer rapidement. Faites preuve de la plus grande prudence dans tout le pays. Toujours valable: Il est déconseillé de se rendre dans la zone frontalière entre l’Erythrée et l’Éthiopie. (published 09.10.2026)
Une attention particulière doit être accordée à la sécurité personnelle. Les tensions entre l'Érythrée et l'Éthiopie sont vives. Les voyages dans les régions frontalières sont déconseillés. La situation sécuritaire peut évoluer rapidement. Pour les personnes de nationalité étrangère, les déplacements dans toute autre zone que la capitale Asmara nécessite une autorisation. Ceci vaut également pour le personnel diplomatique et consulaire suisse. Par conséquent, il est très difficile, voire impossible, pour la Suisse de porter assistance à ses ressortissants en cas d’urgence. Dans ce pays comme ailleurs, le risque d’attentats terroristes ne peut être exclu. La rubrique terrorisme et enlèvements rend attentif aux risques liés au terrorisme. Terrorisme et enlèvements Faites preuve de la plus grande prudence dans tout le pays. Avant et pendant le voyage, informez-vous auprès des médias, par le biais de votre tour-opérateur ou d'une personne de contact locale sur l'évolution de la situation et suivez les instructions des autorités locales.
La description des zones à risque repose sur des données approximatives; les risques ne peuvent se restreindre à des zones délimitées. Mines: Toutes les mines posées lors des conflits passés n'ont pas encore été déminées. Dans les zones frontalières en particulier, le risque lié aux mines terrestres et à d’autres restes explosifs de guerre demeure considérable. Il est de ce fait vivement recommandé de seulement s'en tenir aux grandes routes les plus fréquentées et de s'informer auprès des autorités locales et/ou de la population en cas de doute. Zone frontalière avec l'Ethiopie: Il est déconseillé de se rendre dans la zone frontalière entre l’Erythrée et l’Éthiopie. Les tensions entre l’Érythrée et l’Éthiopie sont vives. Des informations font état d’activités militaires et d’incidents sécuritaires dans la région frontalière. La situation peut évoluer rapidement. Les passages frontaliers entre l’Erythrée et l’Ethiopie sont fermés. Zone frontalière avec Djibouti: Il est déconseillé de se rendre dans la zone frontalière avec Djibouti. En raison des conflits frontaliers irrésolus entre l’Erythrée et Djibouti, la situation est toujours tendue. Zone frontalière avec le Soudan: Il est déconseillé de se rendre dans la zone frontalière avec le Soudan, qui est à éviter largement. Au Soudan, depuis avril 2023, de lourds combats ont lieu dans l’ensemble du pays, qui font de nombreuses victimes et blessés parmi les civils. Les combats incessants provoquent des flux de personnes réfugiées vers les pays voisins, dont l'Érythrée. Dans la région frontalière avec le Soudan, des organisations de contrebande sont actives (contrebande de marchandises et traite d’êtres humains). La situation reste volatile. Passage par la mer Rouge et le canal de Suez: Dans la région de la mer Rouge et le canal de Suez, il est recommandé de faire preuve d’une vigilance accrue: voir informations sous Risques maritimes et piraterie
Il convient d'observer les précautions d'usage contre la petite délinquance sur l'ensemble du territoire. Renoncez aux promenades nocturnes et évitez de circuler à l’intérieur du pays après la tombée de la nuit. Des actes de piraterie sont parfois commis dans le Golfe d'Aden et dans les eaux érythréennes. Consultez les informations spécifiques: Risques maritimes et piraterie
L'Erythrée se situe dans une zone sismique et compte plusieurs volcans actifs . Suivez les mises en garde et les instructions des autorités locales, p. ex. zones interdites autour des volcans actifs, ordres d’évacuation. Ministry of Information Eritrea Il faut s'attendre à de fortes pluies . Ces intempéries peuvent provoquer des inondations et des glissements de terrain pouvant endommager les infrastructures. La circulation peut s’en trouver temporairement perturbée. Si une catastrophe naturelle devait se produire durant votre séjour, prenez immédiatement contact avec vos proches et suivez les consignes des autorités locales.
FDFA travel advice, in French, valid on 13.10.2026eda.admin.ch ↗updated 09.10.2026 · read 13.10.2026
British passport — Foreign Office (UK)
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
Regions covered by the Foreign Officegov.uk ↗updated 12.10.2026 · read 13.10.2026
Warnings — Foreign OfficeForeign Office ↗updated 12.10.2026 · read 13.10.2026
Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against FCDO advice.
FCDO advises against all travel to within 25km of all of Eritrea’s land borders.
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the rest of Eritrea.
Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel .
Tensions between Eritrea and Ethiopia are high. If a crisis develops in Eritrea, the situation could change quickly, including your ability to travel within Eritrea or leave the country. Practical support from the British government such as face-to-face consular support or evacuation may be severely limited in a crisis. Read our general guidance on consular support in a crisis .
Be prepared to re-arrange your own departure from Eritrea if a crisis develops. If it is not safe or possible to leave, you should:
Consular support is severely limited in parts of Eritrea. Staff at the British Embassy in Asmara cannot offer support in person in areas of Eritrea where FCDO advises against travel. Diplomats at the British Embassy require travel permits from the Eritrean government to travel outside Asmara, which means the Embassy cannot always provide consular assistance in person in parts of Eritrea.
Due to the ongoing security situation, we have taken the precautionary measure to temporarily withdraw the dependants of our UK staff in Eritrea. Our Embassy continues to operate.
The Eritrean authorities may not inform the British Embassy if a British national is in need of help. There have been instances where the Eritrean authorities have refused to give the Embassy consular access to detained foreign nationals.
If you’re in Eritrea and you need urgent help (for example, you’ve been attacked or arrested, or someone has died), get in touch using the below:
- during office hours, visit the British Embassy in Asmara at 66-68 Mariam Ghimbi Street. Office hours are Monday-Thursday between 8am and 4:30pm or Friday between 8am and 12:30pm
- for out of hours support, call the British Embassy Addis Ababa on +251 116 170 100 or the Foreign Office in London on +44 207 008 5000
If you are a British-Eritrean dual national or are of Eritrean origin, the Eritrean authorities consider you to be an Eritrean national. You may therefore be subject to obligations including taxes and national service. This may apply if you hold identity documents issued by Eritrea’s Department of Immigration and Nationality, including out of date documents, or if you do not hold these documents but are of Eritrean origin. The British Embassy is unable to offer consular assistance to dual nationals in Eritrea.
Regional risks — Foreign OfficeForeign Office ↗updated 12.10.2026 · read 13.10.2026
This section has safety advice for regions of Eritrea. It only covers regions where FCDO has specific advice.
You should also read FCDO ’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice .
There is a risk of military activity is currently underway in response to attempts by Houthi militants to prevent movement of international shipping in the Red Sea. While the area of activity is limited to the Red Sea and Yemen, there is a possibility that the situation could change at short notice. You should:
- read If you’re affected by a crisis abroad - GOV.UK . This includes guidance on “how to prepare for a crisis” with suggestions on what you might include in your emergency supplies and “what to do in a crisis”
- sign up to FCDO Travel Advice email alerts
- monitor local and international media for the latest information
FCDO advises against all travel to within 25km of Eritrea’s border with Djibouti.
In 2008 there was fighting between Djibouti and Eritrea after an incursion of Eritrean forces into the disputed Djibouti border region. The situation remains fragile.
FCDO advises against all travel to within 25km of Eritrea’s border with Ethiopia because of military activity on both sides of the border.
FCDO advises against all travel to within 25km of Eritrea’s border with Sudan because of military activity on both sides of the border.
It is highly unlikely that Eritrean authorities will issue permits for any vessels to visit the south-western Hanish Islands. These islands are very close to the conflict in Yemen. The authorities have previously detained mariners who landed without a permit.
There is a risk of landmines near Eritrea’s borders, particularly in the Eritrea-Ethiopia and Eritrea-Djibouti border areas. If you are in the border area against FCDO advice, do not leave the main paved highways by car or on foot.
Safety — Foreign OfficeForeign Office ↗updated 12.10.2026 · read 13.10.2026
This guide also has safety advice for regions of Eritrea .
There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad .
Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Eritrea, attacks cannot be ruled out.
Military activity is currently underway in response to attempts by Houthi militants to prevent movement of international shipping in the Red Sea. While the area of activity is limited to the Red Sea and Yemen, there is a possibility that Travel Advice for nearby countries could change at short notice. You should continue to monitor Travel Advice and follow any relevant instructions from local authorities.
There are periodically reports of conscription surges and mobilisation of reservists in Eritrea, connected to regional instability of the Horn of Africa. Security measures may be in place around Asmara and other regions of Eritrea. Get advice from your host, accommodation or travel operator.
Tensions between Eritrea and Ethiopia are high. The security situation could change with little notice.
Stay away from areas that are close to security/military installations or activity. Security/military locations can change, so seek local advice where possible.
A large proportion of the population has access to arms under the government of Eritrea’s civilian militia programme. The British Embassy has no evidence these weapons increase the threat of violent crime.
Foreign nationals must apply in advance for a permit to travel outside Asmara’s surrounding province, Zoba Maekel, as well as to certain sites within the capital like the ‘tank graveyard’. There are checkpoints outside Asmara where officials will check your travel permit. Applications for permits are handled by the relevant ministry:
Applications may take several days to be processed and are not always successful.
When applying, you must give details of the car you’ll be travelling in. There have been reports of authorities not allowing tourists to use public transport for travel outside of Asmara.
If you are living or working outside Asmara, you will also need a travel permit to leave your area of residence or work. Apply to the local region (‘zoba’) administration office.
Restrictions on travel by foreign nationals apply equally to foreign diplomats. Staff from the British Embassy cannot always provide consular assistance in person to British nationals outside Asmara.
Though Asmara is a relatively safe city, there is a risk of street crime, especially at night. Women travellers can experience verbal and physical harassment by individuals or groups of men. To reduce your personal risk:
You must always carry ID. A copy of the photo page of your…
American passport — U.S. Department of State
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
Eritrea - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution 2023-07-30travel.state.gov ↗updated 30.07.2023 · read 13.10.2026
Exercise increased caution in Eritrea due to travel restrictions , limited consular assistance , landmines , and wrongful detentions.
The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Eritrea, as U.S. government employees must obtain special authorization to travel outside of Asmara.
U.S. citizens visiting or residing in Eritrea, including dual U.S.-Eritrean nationals, have been arrested and detained without charge or on false charges. The Department has determined that the risk of wrongful detention of U.S. nationals by the Eritrean government exists.
Eritrean law enforcement officials routinely block access by U.S. government officials to U.S. citizens in detention. The U.S. Embassy therefore may not receive notification of your arrest or be allowed access to you if you are detained or arrested.
There are landmines in many remote areas in Eritrea, particularly in Nakfa, AdiKeih, Arezza, the 25 mile-wide region (40 km) between the Setit and Mereb Rivers, and in areas north and west of Keren, areas near Massawa, Ghinda, Agordat, Barentu, Dekemhare, and south of Tessenae.
Global Affairs Canada — additional reading
Avoid non-essential travel (with regional advisories)
Avoid non-essential travel to Eritrea due to ongoing tensions and conflict with neighbouring countries.
Avoid all travel to within 25 km of all border areas due to territorial conflicts, military activity and crime.
Open Government Licence – Canada · October 7, 2026 07:55 EDTtravel.gc.ca ↗updated 07.10.2026 · read 13.10.2026
Faithful summary of the official texts below, which prevail.
Global Affairs Canada — written for Canadian travellers, valid for all
You must abide by local laws. Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.
Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.
Drugs, alcohol and travel
Local authorities may request to see your identification at any time.
Eritrea has strict regulations for electronics allowed into the country. All electronic items, including laptops, cell phones and cameras, must be declared upon arrival. Failure to declare electronic items on arrival may result in their confiscation upon departure.
Photographing sensitive installations is prohibited. This includes:
Always ask permission before photographing government buildings or individuals.
To drive in Eritrea, you must have a local driver’s licence. To obtain one, you must present a valid Canadian driver’s licence or an International Driving Permit. International Driving Permit
To avoid offending local sensitivities:
In 2027, the lunar month of Ramadan is expected to begin on or around February 7. In public, between sunrise and sunset, be discreet when:
All Eritrean citizens between the ages of 18 and 40 are subject to mandatory military service and could be called for military mobilization.
The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Eritrea. If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Eritrea by an abducting parent:
If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies. Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.
The currency of Eritrea is the nakfa (ERN). On arrival, travellers must declare all foreign currency they are importing in excess of US$10,000 or the equivalent in other foreign currencies. Eritrea has a cash-based economy. Credit cards are not accepted as a method of payment for everyday transactions. It is illegal to use foreign currency to make purchases, except for official hotels, where foreigners are expected to pay for accommodations in euros or U.S. dollars. Foreign currency must be exchanged at a branch of the “Himbol”, the official state foreign currency exchange, at main banks or in major hotels in Asmara. You can’t take more than 1000 nafka out of the country. Offenders could have their money confiscated and/or face prosecution.
Open Government Licence – Canada · October 7, 2026 07:55 EDTtravel.gc.ca ↗updated 07.10.2026 · read 13.10.2026
Foreign Office — laws and cultural differences
You must always carry ID. A copy of the photo page of your passport is enough. Keep the original and a second copy in a safe place.
Internet access is highly restricted in Eritrea, mainly limited to hotels and a small number of internet cafes. There is no 3G in the country. The national telephone networks are often unreliable and may only work for limited periods each day outside Asmara and larger towns. International SIM cards do not work in Eritrea. You need a residence permit to buy a local SIM card and this can take several weeks. There have been unconfirmed reports that phone calls made on the Eritrean mobile network are recorded.
Photographing government buildings and military installations is illegal. Always ask if you want to take a photo in any area where security personnel are present. You need a permit to take photographs of the ‘tank graveyard’ in Asmara. You can apply for a permit at the Ministry of Tourism.
Same-sex sexual activity is illegal. If convicted, you can get a prison sentence. Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
Open Government Licence v3.0gov.uk ↗updated 12.10.2026 · read 13.10.2026
FDFA (Switzerland) — laws and customs, in French
Entre autres, sont punissables :
Les infractions à la loi sur les stupéfiants, y compris la détention de minimes quantités de drogue quelle qu'elle soit, sont passibles de lourdes peines de prison. Les conditions de détention sont précaires; les personnes détenues doivent en principe être ravitaillées par des proches.
Il y a lieu d'adapter sa tenue et son comportement aux us et coutumes de la population. Renseignez-vous dans les guides de voyages, auprès de votre agence ou directement sur place, sur les codes de conduite. Pendant le mois du Ramadan, des règles et des prescriptions particulières doivent être respectées.
FDFA travel advice, in Frencheda.admin.ch ↗updated 09.10.2026 · read 13.10.2026
What it changes for you: Air acceptable at this hour: nothing special to plan. Very high UV: sunscreen, hat and shade between 11 am and 4 pm; sunstroke and dehydration are travellers' first reasons to see a doctor.
Reading 00:00 (Africa/Asmara)Open-Meteo ↗updated 14.10.2026 · read 13.10.2026
Air quality and UV: Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0), data rounded and formatted by Maximum. Contains modified Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service information 2026. Neither the European Commission nor ECMWF is responsible for any use that may be made of the Copernicus information or data it contains.
Reading: With 0.1 physicians per 1,000 people (98% fewer than Switzerland), the nearest hospital does not always have the capacity for a serious case: evacuation to an adequate centre is the rule, not the exception — that is what unlimited evacuation and repatriation cover. Health spending of 28 USD per person (Switzerland: 11,784) goes with private hospitals that bill foreigners in hard currency and ask for a guarantee before admission: the direct payment guarantee is what avoids the deposit.
World Bank — latest published value, year per indicatordata.worldbank.org ↗read 10.10.2026
Live alerts and level changes, each with its official source. Continuously updated.
Compte tenu des tensions régionales croissantes, en mer Rouge et dans le nord de l’Éthiopie, il est recommandé de faire preuve de prudence et de suivre attentivement l'évolution de la situation sécuritaire. Des répercussions sur les déplacements aériens sont possibles. Les navigateurs de plaisance sont invités à reporter leurs déplacements dans cette zone, y compris le long des côtes érythréennes et via le détroit de Bab-el-Mandeb.
France Diplomatie (in French) · posted 5 October 2026diplomatie.gouv.fr ↗updated 15.09.2026 · read 13.10.2026The Need help? section was updated.
October 7, 2026 07:55 EDTtravel.gc.ca ↗updated 07.10.2026 · read 13.10.2026No level change recorded for this country since the log opened. The live alerts above are updated continuously.
Level 2/4 — Exercise Increased Caution, U.S. Department of State, retrieved on 13 October 2026.
Sourcestravel.state.gov · updated 30.07 · read 13.10France Diplomatie · updated 15.09 · read 13.10DFAE · updated 09.10 · read 13.10207-country comparison
An area advised against does not rule out the country.
SourcesFrance Diplomatie · updated 15.09 · read 13.10Foreign Office · updated 12.10 · read 13.10State Department · updated 30.07 · read 13.10
The rules depend on the passport, not on the destination alone.
SourcesFrance Diplomatie · updated 15.09 · read 13.10Foreign Office · updated 12.10 · read 13.10State Department · updated 30.07 · read 13.10
For a Schengen visa, yes: at least €30,000 of travel medical insurance (Regulation (EC) No 810/2009, art. 15).
SourcesRegulation (EC) 810/2009, art. 15General conditions, policy 20 00 479
VIP Pack — $990 for twelve months, unlimited trips.
SourcesGeneral conditions, policy 20 00 479OpenStreetMap · read 12.10
Six steps, in this order.
SourcesSpecial conditions 01.26General conditions, policy 20 00 479
Local emergency services: police 113 · ambulance 114 · fire 116
SourcesEmergencyNumberAPI · Wikidata · read 08.10OpenStreetMap · read 12.10
At today's level 2/4, card by card:
SourcesAmex Platinum France T&Cs, 01.2025 — general exclusion n° 11BNP Paribas Visa Infinite notice (policy PT7), 04.2025 — comFortuneo World Elite Mastercard notice, 01.2026 — art. 5.5 '
A health plan reimburses at home; here, the hospital asks for a payment guarantee before admission.
SourcesGeneral conditions, policy 20 00 479
Around Asmara: 8 hospitals and clinics, 7 with a 24/7 emergency room, 7 pharmacies, 1 doctors' practices (OpenStreetMap, hospital list read on 05.10.2026).
The sourced detail is under Medical network › Health: vaccines, diseases present, altitude, outbreaks.
SourcesCDC Travelers' Health · read 10.10France Diplomatie · updated 15.09 · read 13.10OMS · read 13.10Foreign Office · updated 12.10 · read 13.10
0.1 physicians per 1,000 people (2022) versus 4.5 in Switzerland.
SourcesWorld Bank · read 10.10General conditions, policy 20 00 479
Comparable figures (homicides, roads, incidents) are under Safety & risks › Incidents.
The nearest representations, by passport (OpenStreetMap):
SourcesOpenStreetMap · read 12.10DFAE · updated 09.10 · read 13.10
At least one official reading covers the whole country; no region is singled out.
SourcesGlobal Affairs Canada · updated 07.10 · read 13.10Foreign Office · updated 12.10 · read 13.10France Diplomatie · updated 15.09 · read 13.10
Local laws apply to every traveller; here is what the official texts say.
SourcesGlobal Affairs Canada · updated 07.10 · read 13.10Foreign Office · updated 12.10 · read 13.10
Every foreign ministry runs a 24/7 emergency line for its nationals.
Sourcesdiplomatie.gouv.fr · updated 15.09 · read 13.10eda.admin.ch · updated 09.10 · read 13.10
Keep the entry stamp, the invoices, the prescriptions and the medical report.
SourcesGeneral conditions, policy 20 00 479
Cancellation or change up to CHF 20,000, special risk CHF 5,000 per person, crisis management and security, optional Kidnap & Ransom.
SourcesGeneral conditions, policy 20 00 479
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The 207 country pages — hospitals, pharmacies, police, embassies, emergency numbers, official advice from four governments, health, safety in figures, events in progress — read around the city you name. Your policy — benefits, the six steps, claims, articles. The site — prices, certificate, subscription. Nothing else: what it does not know, it says so and hands you to an adviser.
Same advisory level: Ivory Coast · Denmark · Djibouti · Spain · Eswatini · France
The displayed level comes from the State Department, checked every morning. Before departure, always cross-check your country of residence's advisory: that is what your policy cites.
The level shown is the official U.S. Department of State level, checked daily. Maximum Insurance is an insurance distributor — general information, not personal advice.
The destination is already Asmara. A few choices, then the reading of your cover, here.
Destination · Asmara
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