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.