Eritrea
Last update 27 October 2025Travel advice
Risk index
Level 3: Avoid non-essiential travel (Do not travel in certain areas of the country unless necessary)
3
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The State of Eritrea
The Republic of Bulgaria does not maintain a functioning embassy in Asmara.
Bulgarian citizens residing temporarily or permanently in Eritrea may address consular matters to the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Addis Ababa, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.
Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Addis Ababa, The Federal democratic republic of Ethiopia
Address: Bole KK, Kebele 04/06/07, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; P.O.Box 987
Telephone/fax: +251 91 125 2514
Out-of-hours hotline: +251 91 125 2514;
Working hours: 09:00 – 17:30
Opening hours: 09:00 – 13:00 and 14:00 – 17:30
Е-mail: Embassy.AddisAbaba@mfa.bg , bul.addis@gmail.com
Website: www.mfa.bg/embassies/ethiopia
The Embassy of Eritrea in Moscow is accredited to Bulgaria.
Embassy of the State of Eritrea in Moscow, Russian federation
Address: Moscow, 7, Korovy Val, ent. 2, app. 31- 32
Telephone: +7 499 238 30 25
Fax: +7 499 238 18 68
E-mail:erembassy@yandex.ru
General information
Security Level:
Travel to areas within a 25 km radius along the borders of Eritrea should be avoided due to unmarked minefields and the risk of military action.
A special travel permit is required for journeys extending more than 25 km outside the capital, Asmara.
Tensions between Eritrea and Ethiopia remain high, and the security situation in Eritrea may change suddenly.
Conflicts in the region persist, and tensions continue along Eritrea’s borders with Ethiopia, Sudan, and Djibouti.
Armed robberies and kidnappings are common in Eritrea. Travel outside the capital city is strongly discouraged.
Healthcare:
Before departure, ensure that you have comprehensive travel and medical insurance covering all overseas medical expenses, including medical evacuation, repatriation of remains, and legal costs.
Verify that your policy covers all planned activities, and that your insurance company provides a 24-hour assistance hotline.
Medical facilities in Eritrea do not meet European standards. Pay special attention to food hygiene, particularly when consuming fresh produce.
Drink only bottled or, if necessary, boiled water.
There is a high risk of malaria in areas below 2,200 meters above sea level. If symptoms occur, seek immediate medical attention for testing and/or treatment.
Risks of polio, cholera, and hepatitis infection are present. Ensure that all required vaccinations are up to date.
HIV/AIDS is prevalent in Eritrea—take appropriate precautions.
Vaccination against yellow fever is mandatory; an International Certificate of Vaccination may be requested upon entry.
For current information on required or recommended vaccinations, contact your local Regional Health Inspectorate.
Local Legislation and Customs:
Local laws apply to all visitors and must be strictly respected. Observe local conservative customs, norms, and traditions.
Photography of military sites, police officers, industrial facilities, government buildings, and infrastructure (roads, bridges, dams, airports, etc.) is strictly prohibited. Violation may result in confiscation of equipment and legal sanctions.
Eritrean law strictly prohibits the use and trafficking of narcotics; penalties are severe and may include the death penalty.
The use of unlicensed telecommunications equipment, including Starlink satellite internet devices, is illegal and subject to prosecution.
The import and use of plastic bags are prohibited; visitors may be required to surrender them upon entry.
Homosexual conduct is criminalized in Eritrea and subject to severe penalties.
Customs Regulations:
Strict regulations apply to the import and export of goods. All items subject to restriction, taxation, or prohibition—including currency and electronic devices—must be declared.
Foreign currency imports are unrestricted but must be declared upon arrival.
Exporting more than 500 Eritrean Nakfa (ERN) is prohibited.
Road Travel:
Driving is on the right-hand side of the road. Road conditions are generally poor, and travel outside Asmara is not recommended.
A local or international driving permit (in addition to the Bulgarian license) is required.
Driving under the influence of alcohol is prohibited.
Vehicle doors should remain locked and windows closed at all times.
Practical Advice:
Emergency contacts:
Police – +291 1 127799
Hospitals:
– Sembel Hospital: +291 1 150175
– Orotta Hospital: +291 1 201917 / 202808 / 202914
– Villa Paradiso Clinic: +291 1 122948
– Dr. Yosief Yacob: +291 (0)7 129493
Fire Department – +291 1 202099
Always carry a copy of your passport’s identity page and visa, keeping the original in a secure place.
Avoid carrying large sums of cash or displaying valuables such as jewelry and watches.
Keep vehicle doors locked and belongings out of sight when traveling.
Do not keep your bank cards, tickets, and cash together—store spare money and valuables separately.
Сurrency:
Local currency: Eritrean Nakfa (ERN)
Official information: Bank of Eritrea – www.boe.gov.er
The Nakfa is pegged to the US dollar at ERN 15 = USD 1 and is not convertible outside Eritrea.
The economy operates primarily in cash; there are no ATMs or POS terminals.
Carry sufficient new-issue US dollars. Some hotels accept USD, but local currency is preferred.
Currency exchange is permitted only at Himbol Financial Services offices.
Keep all receipts for payments and currency exchanges until your departure.
Travel papers and visas
A visa is required to enter Eritrea.
Visa inquiries should be addressed to the Embassy of Eritrea in Moscow.
An exit visa is required to leave the country; its issuance may take considerable time.
Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended entry date and contains at least two consecutive blank pages for stamps and visas.
Border authorities may request proof of a return ticket.
Consular service
Document Authentication and Legalization
Documents issued by Eritrean authorities must be legalized as follows to be valid in Bulgaria:
1. Certification by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Eritrea;
2. Certification by the Embassy of Eritrea in Moscow;
3. Final certification by the Embassy of Bulgaria in Moscow.
After legalization, documents must be translated into Bulgarian by a certified translation agency in Bulgaria and subsequently certified by the Legalization and Certification Department of the Consular Relations Directorate at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria.
Issuance of Travel Documents
In cases of lost, stolen, or damaged passports, the Embassy of Bulgaria in Addis Ababa may assist Bulgarian citizens in obtaining an Emergency Travel Document (ETD) issued by another EU member state’s embassy in Asmara.