Eritrea
Last update 07 April 2023Diplomatic missions
Risk index
Level 3: Increased level of risk (recommendation not to travel in certain areas of the country unless necessary)
3
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State of Еritrea
Bulgaria has no embassy in Asmara. On consular matters Bulgarian nationals staying in Asmara for shorter or longer periods, may refer to the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Addis Ababa
Address: Bole KK, Kebele 04/06/07, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; P.O.Box 987
Telephone: +25116610032
Fax: +25116610032
Office hours: 08.00 - 18.00 h
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.mfa.bg/embassies/ethiopia
The Embassy of Eritrea in Moscow has been accredited for Bulgaria.
Embassy of the State of Eritrea in Moscow, Russian Federation
Address: 129090, Moscow, ul. Meshchanskaya, d. 17
Telephone: +7 495 631 0620
Fax: +7 495 631 3767
E-mail: [email protected]
General information
general information
Security
Generally, there is a high risk for safety, especially close to the border lines with Ethiopia, Sudan and Djibouti where unexploded mines may be encountered and cases of injured people have been registered. It is recommended not to travel outside the capital city of Asmara.
Local currency
The local currency of Eritrea is Nakfa (Nja)
Customs requirements
There are no restrictions for import of foreign currencies that shall be declared at the entry to the country. It is recommended to carry US dollars. It is recommended that exchange of currency in the country shall take place in banks. It is seldom that checks and credit cards are accepted.
Valuables shall be declared by all means on entering the country.
There are no restrictions for export of foreign currencies. There are no special customs restrictions for export of goods.
Law specifics
Taking photos of military sites and persons is prohibited, as is that of public buildings, bridges, road intersections, airports, railway stations and ports.
It is recommended to abide to the strict prohibitions of homosexual relations where the sanctions for such manifestation are not clearly defined.
Road traffic
There are roads and railways that have not yet been restored from the destruction caused by the civil war. Streets are only partially paved.
The motorway from Asmara to Mazahua is in a very good condition.
In order to travel outside of the capital a special permit is required – a permit for tourist trips can be obtained from the Ministry of Tourism and for business trips – from the respective ministry in Asmara.
Healthcare
Medical services in hospitals do not correspond to the European standards.
Travel papers and visas
An international passport valid at least for six months after the date of entry to Eritrea. Bulgarian citizens travelling to Eritrea (holders of ordinary, official and diplomatic passports) need visas that can be obtained from the Embassy of Eritrea in Moscow.
There are no vaccinations requirements. For more detailed information, please call the National Centre for Infectious and Parasite Diseases, telephone: + 359 2 944 69 99 / 221.
Competitive service
Emergency Travel Document:
In the case of emergency (such as losing a passport) Bulgarian citizens can seek assistance on the spot from the diplomatic office of an EU member state in Asmara, the capital of Eritrea, in order to obtain an Emergency Travel Document.
If Bulgarian citizens staying for shorter or longer periods of time in Eritrea need consular services they can turn to the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
In case of emergency – damaged, lost or stolen passports, Bulgarian citizens can apply before the embassy of an EU member state in the capital of Eritrea, Asmara for issue of temporary passports to travel.
Legalisations and certifications:
Documents issued to Bulgarian citizens in Eritrea must bear the stamp of the Foreign Ministry of Eritrea. They must be certified by the Embassy of Eritrea in Moscow and then by the Bulgarian Embassy in the Russian capital. Thus certified, the documents must be translated into Bulgarian by a certified in Bulgaria translation company. Then the translation must be legalized by the “Legalisations and Certifications” sector at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria.