COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in Eritrea (3 May Update)

Can a resident enter the country?

• No with exceptions

• Anyone seeking entry to Eritrea will need to obtain prior approval.

Can a foreigner enter the country?

• No with exceptions

• Travellers seeking to enter and exit Eritrea will need to obtain approval.

Is transit allowed through the country?

• No

• Transit is not allowed.

Is a test required on arrival?

• Yes

• Anyone arriving in Eritrea will be subject to health screening on arrival.

• All arrivals must go through a rapid antigen test upon arrival.

Is a test certificate accepted?

• Yes

• Test certificates issued in other countries are accepted.

Is a test certificate required on arrival?

• Yes with exceptions

• Travellers permitted to enter must have a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate issued within the last 72-hours prior to arrival in Eritrea. The following categories of passengers are exempted from this requirement:

• Passengers who have completed the required doses of the COVID-19 vaccine and hold a Vaccination Certificate.

• Children under 6 years of age when travelling with their family.

Is quarantine required on arrival?

• Yes

• All arrivals will need to enter 7 days mandatory institutional quarantine at their own expense.

• Based on the above restrictions, the traveller will be required to spend a minimum of seven days in quarantine.

Is a vaccination required?

• No

• A vaccination for COVID-19 is not required for entry into the country.

Insurance required?

• No

• Proof of insurance coverage for COVID-19 expenses is not required to enter the country.

Airline restrictions

• Significant

• Asmara International Airport has reopened for limited international flight services.

• Charter flights are being allowed occasionally.

Border restrictions

• Total

• Land borders remain closed.

• Visas already issued have been suspended.

• Travellers seeking to enter and exit Eritrea will need to obtain approval.

Curfew restrictions

• Significant

• The nationwide partial lockdown has been extended until further notice.

Social restrictions

• Significant

• All gatherings of over 10 people are prohibited without a government permit.

• Only two members of a household are allowed to go out for essential activities.

Internal travel restrictions

• Significant

• Masks are required.

• Limited public transportation services have resumed. Private vehicles are also prohibited except for emergency services with a valid permit obtained from the authorities.

• Anyone wishing to travel outside their village, town, or city of residence will need to get approval. Checkpoints have been installed at all the entry ports.

• Freight services are allowed.

Non-essential shops open?

• Yes with exceptions

• Some shops and business establishments are allowed to open.

• Essential services, such as banks, grocery stores, and pharmacies are open.

• Businesses that are allowed to reopen must be closed by 20:00 (local time).

Accommodations open?

• No

• Most hotels remain closed.

Restaurants open?

• No

• Restaurants remain closed.

Bars and cafes open?

• No

• Bars remain closed.

Beaches and tourism sites open?

• No

• Most of the non-essential services are closed.

Places of worship open?

• No

• Religious places remain closed until further notice.

Events allowed?

• No with exceptions

• Sports events and festivals are prohibited.

• Funerals and mourning services are allowed with a maximum of ten people.

Masks required in public?

• Yes

• Wearing face masks is mandatory.

Other

• All schools and educational institutions are allowed to reopen.

• Trading is banned during the lockdown.

The COVID-19 epidemic is constantly changing worldwide. Travel and border restrictions may change with little or no notice. Airlines may have their own requirements for testing, masking, and distancing. It is recommended that travellers carry a supply of face masks since the requirement can vary by location. It is recommended that travellers practice social distancing and maintain a 6-foot distance from other individuals and avoid crowded areas. Check with your airline, booking agent, or country's embassy for information on your specific travel plans.