Eritrea

Recommended Vaccinations For Eritrea

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended. Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against the disease.

For Some Travellers

Cholera Vaccine

The U.K. NaTHNaC recommends the oral cholera vaccine for some travellers whose activities or medical history put them at increased risk, travelling to areas of active cholera transmission. These risk factors include: aid workers; those going to areas of cholera outbreaks who have limited access to potable water and medical care; travellers for whom the vaccination would be considered potentially beneficial, such as chronic medical conditions. The U.S. CDC recommends the cholera vaccine for travellers who are 18-64 years of age and who plan to travel to areas of active cholera transmission. CDC notes that most travellers do not travel to areas of active cholera transmission, and that safe food and water practices can prevent many cholera infections.

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.

Yellow Fever Vaccine

There is a low risk of yellow fever transmission in some areas of Eritrea. This country requires a certificate of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers 9 months of age or older if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever virus transmission or if transiting more than 12 hours in an airport located in a country with risk of yellow fever virus transmission. Vaccination is generally not recommended for travellers going to the following states: Anseba, Debub, Gash Barka, Mae Kel and Semenawi Keih Bahri. The vaccination is not recommended for all other areas not listed.

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

One dose of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) is recommended to infants 6 to 11 months prior to international travel.

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) Vaccine

A BCG vaccine is recommended for all unvaccinated adults and children under 16 years of age, staying in the country for more than 3 months. A tuberculin skin test is required prior to administering vaccination for all children from 6 years of age.

Meningitis Vaccine

Because this country is located in the sub-Saharan meningitis belt, vaccination against meningitis is recommended if travelling during the dry season (December to June).

Recommended Medications For Eritrea

For Some Travellers

Anti-malarial Drugs

Recommended anti-malaria medications include atovaquone-proguanil, mefloquine or doxycycline. Resistance to chloroquine and sulfadoxime-pyrimethamine has been reported.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Eritrea

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B

There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Eritrea.

Chikungunya Fever

Chikungunya fever may occur in this country

Cholera

Cholera outbreaks occur in Eritrea. The risk to travellers is low unless living or working in poor sanitary conditions, drinking untreated water or eating poorly cooked or raw seafood in this country.

Hepatitis A

There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Eritrea through contaminated food or water.

Dengue Fever

Outbreaks of dengue fever may occur.

For Some Travellers

West Nile Fever

The virus is transmitted to animals, birds and humans by mosquitoes. Symptoms include fever, headache, tiredness, body aches, nausea, and skin rash.

Rift Valley Fever (RVF)

Commonly spread via contact with domesticated animals infected with the virus. These include cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats, and camels, among others.

Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever

There is a risk of Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic fever in Eritrea.

Sleeping Sickness (Type 1)

African trypanosomiasis occurs in Eritrea. Travellers to urban areas are not at risk.

Hanta Virus

There is a risk of acquiring hantavirus in Eritrea through contaminated food or by coming into contact with someone infected with the virus.

Leishmaniasis

There is a risk of acquiring Leishmaniasis in the country. The infection is transmitted by the bite of infected phlebotomine sandfly.

Measles

There is a risk of exposure to measles in the country.

Malaria

All areas of Eritrea at altitudes below 2,200 meters are at high risk for malaria, except Asmara where there is no risk.

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis occurs in Eritrea. Travellers to Eritrea are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the health care field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.

Meningitis

Meningitis outbreaks may occur in Eritrea. Travellers who visit during the dry season (December to June) or expect to have prolonged contact with the local population are especially at risk.

Typhoid Fever

Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Eritrea, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Schistosomiasis

This disease is present in this country and is acquired through contact with fresh water, such as swimming, bathing, or rafting. Well-chlorinated swimming pools and contact with saltwater in oceans or seas will not put travellers at risk for schistosomiasis.

Yellow Fever

There is a low risk of yellow fever transmission in some areas of Eritrea. This country requires a certificate of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers 9 months of age or older if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever virus transmission or if transiting more than 12 hours in an airport located in a country with risk of yellow fever virus transmission. Vaccination is generally not recommended for travellers going to the following states: Anseba, Debub, Gash Barka, Mae Kel and Semenawi Keih Bahri. The vaccination is not recommended for all other areas not listed.

Rabies

Rabies occurs in Eritrea. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.

African Tick Bite Fever

This disease may occur in the country.

Safety & Security in Eritrea

Personal Safety

The crime level is low in Eritrea, but due to shortages and inflation, some may resort to crime to support their family. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs and is targeted towards foreigners. Crime is more common in border areas.Take precautions to safeguard valuables and keep them out of sight. Do not walk alone at night.

Road conditions may be poor in some areas, particularly during the rainy season. Avoid travelling after dark. Roads in rural areas may be in poor condition and unlit at night. Exercise caution. You must obtain a local driver’s permit to drive in Eritrea.

Take note of whether you will be travelling during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. During this time, respect the religious practices of the country and avoid eating, drinking, and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset. Always dress conservatively to respect local customs.

The movements of foreigners are restricted. All foreign nationals must apply for a travel permit to leave Asmara.

Do not take photos of government or military buildings.

Same-sex sexual activity is strictly prohibited in Eritrea.

Eritrea is at risk for earthquakes and is in an active volcanic zone.

Extreme Violence

Bomb attacks occur in the area next to Eritrea’s border with Sudan due to the presence of rebel groups. There are extensive mine fields in Eritrea, especially in border areas. There is also a threat of terrorism and such attacks can occur indiscriminately.

Political Unrest

Protests do occur in Eritrea and may turn violent and/or disrupt transportation. Instability is a risk in Eritrea. Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent. Always avoid large public gatherings or demonstrations since the situation can be unpredictable.

Areas To Avoid

Avoid travel to the border with either Ethiopia, Sudan or Djibouti due to political conflict and the potential for violent military clashes. The borders may close without warning. Furthermore, reports indicate the border with Ethiopia has been mined.

Avoid travelling to rural areas due to landmines. Do not stray from main roads. Avoid hiking or walking in the countryside.