Destination Guides
Eritrea

 
etting There
 
Getting There by Air

The national airline is Eritrean Airlines (B8) (website: www.ertra.com).

 
Departure Tax

US$20.

 
Main Airports

Asmara (ASM) is 6km (4 miles) from the city. To/from the airport: Buses and taxis are available to the city centre. Facilities: Left luggage, bank/bureau de change, post office, bars, duty-free shop and restaurants.

 
Getting There by Water

Main ports: Massawa port in Eritrea is the largest deep-water port in the Red Sea.
The other main port in Eritrea is Assab

There are very limited scheduled passenger services. There is a weekly ferry service from Massawa to Jeddah.

 
Getting There by Road

Travellers are advised against all travel to the border areas with Ethiopia and Sudan. There are heightened tensions along the Ethiopia/Eritrea border. Travellers are also advised against travel in the area north of Afabet in the Sahel region and along one road in the west of the country. Check with the relevant authorities beforehand as this situation could alter.

 
 
 
etting Around
 
Getting Around By Air

Internal flights operate between Asmara and Assab but are limited. Assab (ASA) is 15 km (9 miles) from Assab. Buses and taxis travel to the town (journey time – 15 to 30 minutes).

 
Getting Around by Rail

There are eight locomotives operating on the on the Asmara-Massawa railway line. There are no timetables and services are not regular.

 
Getting Around by Road

Traffic drives on the right. The infrastructure suffered badly during the protracted fighting. Repairs and a modernisation programme are currently underway. Roads between major cites are paved and in relatively good condition, others are not paved and can be of very poor quality. Bad weather can make them worse. 4-wheel drive vehicles are recommended on all other roads and tracks.

Bus: Services connect all larger towns and cities. There are usually two buses per day to larger towns and one bus per day to smaller towns. They leave a destination when full.

Taxi: These can be found in the capital and at the airport. They usually carry multiple passengers and there is a tendency not to wear a seat belt. For a higher fee travellers can hire a taxi for themselves. Fares are higher at night (usually double) and should be negotiated in advance as taxis are not metered.

Car hire: Cars can be booked through the Eritrean Tour Service (see Contact Addresses).

Documentation: An International Driving Permit is required.

Note: A permit is required by the Ministry of Tourism in Eritrea to travel to all areas except Keren, Dekemhare, Mendeferra and Massawa. They are usually granted on the day an application is submitted.