Is Eritrea Safe for First-Time Travelers?

Travel verdict: Do Not Travel. See the full safety scores, key risks and tips on this page.

Travel verdict: Do Not Travel. The scores and risks below say why.

Safety Scores

Overall Safety2/10

Crime Index3/10

Health & Medical2/10

Natural Disasters5/10

One of the world's most repressive authoritarian states; called "Africa's North Korea"
Arbitrary arrest and indefinite detention without charge
Border disputes with neighbors; military presence throughout
No independent media, press freedom, or religious freedom

Travel Verdict: Do Not Travel

Visitors are closely monitored; do not photograph anything without explicit permission

Healthcare is extremely limited; serious conditions require evacuation

Eritrean nakfa; cash-only; currency exchange at official locations only

Emergency: 113 (police), 114 (ambulance)

Updates for Eritrea will appear here as they are published. Every update cites official sources, so you can plan on it.