PASSPORT & VISA INFORMATION
Eritrean embassies are located in major cities of the world, from London to Washington D.C, to Moscow and Beijing. If you live in a country with an Eritrean embassy, you must apply for a visa at your local embassy.
Red Seacret will arrange all the necessary papers to support your visa application. Please contact your nearest Eritrean Embassy for further information.
If you do not live in a country with an Eritrean embassy, Red Seacret will assist with obtaining a visa on arrival. Visas typically cost around US$70
WHAT DO I NEED TO COLLECT THE VISA FROM AN EMBASSY?
If a trip to the embassy is not at all convenient you have the option of posting your passport there and back however at the time of writing this, embassies are seeking to move to electronic means of processing visa applications. More information on this soon.
MONEY
The currency in Eritrea is the Nakfa, a currency not available outside Eritrea. The economy is still cash based so be sure to bring cash in the form of USD, GBP or EUR for exchange to Nakfa with you.
There is an exchange counter in the airport at Arrivals, or at local hotels, which use the country’s official exchange rate. There is a black market of exchange within the country but we strongly discourage visitors from using this exchange. Although accommodation and most of your meals are included in each trip, you will need some spending money for meals that are not included, bar bills, tips and souvenirs.
LANGUAGE
The official language of Eritrea is Tigrinya and Arabic depending on where you are. English is commonly spoken throughout the capital city Asmara. An attempt at Tigrinya phrases will warm you greatly to the locals.
SECURITY & CRIME
Eritrea is one of the safest and most secure places to visit in the world let alone Africa, possibly stemming from the country’s small populous and a strong cultural disdain for dishonesty and crime. Any form of criminal activity is rare and violent crime extremely rare. That said, as in any country, always ensure valuables and cash not on your person are locked away safely to avoid any potential incidence of theft.
TELEPHONE & INTERNET
Eritrea’s internet infrastructure is a work in progress. Internet is only available in hotels and internet cafes across the city. There are however mobile pay as you go phones available with good reception for both local and international calls.
WHAT TO WEAR
The key to packing for Eritrea is to pack for multiple climates. The weather in Asmara, and surrounding highlands at 2,300m above sea level has a mix of warm days with temperatures cooling noticeably on the setting of the sun, whilst the lowlands and the coast can approach desert climate during certain parts of the year. You’ll want lighter, more breathable clothes for the coast and islands, and maybe a light jumper in the highlands on cool nights.
RELIGION & CULTURE
The population of Eritrea is equally divided between Christian (Orthodox Church, Roman Catholic and Lutheran protestants) and Muslim religions. The population of the high plateau (Asmara) is predominantly Christian, whereas that of the lowlands and the coast are predominantly Muslim. Despite contrasts between the Muslim and Christian religions and the potential for conflict, both religious groups have admirably lived together in harmony and long lasting peace.