The national airline is Eritrean Airlines. Other airlines operating to Eritrea include Alitalia Airlines (from London), KLM (from London), Lufthansa (from Frankfurt), Saudi Arabian Airlines (from Jeddah) and Yemenia (from Sanaa). Flights from Europe and the USA can be booked through Ericommerce International Ltd, Robin House, 2A Iverson Road, London NW6 2HE, UK (tel: (020) 7372 7242; website: www.ericommerce.com).

From Asmara to London is seven hours.

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.

US$20.

Massawa port in Eritrea is the largest deep-water port in the Red Sea. The other main port in Eritrea is Assab. However, there are very limited scheduled passenger services. There is a weekly ferry service from Massawa to Jeddah.

Currently, borders with Sudan and Ethiopia are closed. The border with Djibouti remains open. Travellers are advised to check with the relevant authorities beforehand as this situation could alter.

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.

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 (travel time – 15 to 30 minutes).

Domestic: ERN15. International: ERN100 (nationals). US$20 for all others.

Work was completed on the Asmara-Massawa railway in 2003. There are eight locomotives operating on the line. There are no timetables and services are not regular.

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. Traffic drives on the right. 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 seatbelt. 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 Top Things to Do). Documentation: An International Driving Permit is required.