Africa · Eastern Africa

Eritrea

State of Eritrea

Flag of Eritrea
Local Time
--:--:--
UTC+03:00
🏛️ Capital
Asmara
👥 Population
3,607,000
📐 Area
117,600 km²
💱 Currency
Eritrean nakfa (Nfk)
🗣️ Languages
Arabic, English, Tigrinya
📞 Calling Code
+291
🕐 Time Zones
UTC+03:00
🌐 Region
Africa / Eastern Africa

About Eritrea

Eritrea is Africa's most enigmatic destination — a country that guards its secrets carefully and reveals them slowly to those patient enough to look. Perched along the Red Sea coast and rising dramatically through highlands to the edge of the Danakil Depression, this small nation packs an almost implausible range of landscapes into its borders. Italian colonial architecture lines the streets of Asmara in such remarkable preservation that the capital earned UNESCO World Heritage status, while ancient port cities and coral-fringed islands hint at a civilization stretching back millennia.

Traveling through Eritrea feels like stepping into a suspended moment. Asmara's wide boulevards, modernist cinemas, and Art Deco cafés carry the ambiance of a 1930s Italian city, yet they are populated by Eritreans going about their daily lives with quiet dignity and warmth. Mopeds weave past pedestrians dressed in flowing white shawls, and the scent of roasting coffee mingles with the morning air. Outside the capital, the landscape becomes starkly beautiful — rocky highland plateaus, terraced hillside farms, and the distant shimmering haze of the Afar lowlands.

The Red Sea coast offers world-class diving and snorkeling in waters that see very few foreign visitors, making encounters with manta rays, reef sharks, and untouched coral gardens feel genuinely exclusive. The Dahlak Archipelago, a chain of desert islands scattered across turquoise shallows, is one of Africa's least explored marine environments. For travelers willing to navigate the visa requirements and limited tourist infrastructure, Eritrea offers an Africa that is unlike anywhere else.

History & Background

The territory of modern Eritrea has been inhabited since prehistoric times, and its Red Sea coast made it a coveted prize for successive empires. The ancient Aksumite Empire, centered in what is today Ethiopia and Eritrea, was one of the world's great ancient powers, trading across the Red Sea with Rome, Persia, and India. Its legacy survives in the standing obelisks and ruins scattered across the highlands. Ottoman Turks controlled the coast for several centuries, followed by the Egyptians, before Italy colonized the territory in 1889 and named it Eritrea after the Latin name for the Red Sea.

Italian rule lasted until World War II, leaving behind the remarkable modernist cityscape of Asmara and a road and railway infrastructure that still partially functions. After Italian defeat, Britain administered the territory until 1952, when the UN federated Eritrea with Ethiopia. Ethiopia's annexation of Eritrea in 1962 sparked a thirty-year armed independence struggle that became one of Africa's longest liberation wars. Eritrea finally won independence in 1991 and held a formal referendum in 1993, achieving UN recognition as a sovereign state with near-unanimous popular support.

Culture & People

Eritrea's culture reflects the extraordinary diversity of its nine recognized ethnic groups, each with distinct languages, traditions, and ways of life. The Tigrinya-speaking Eritreans of the highlands form the largest group and are predominantly Christian, practicing a form of Orthodox Christianity with deep roots stretching back to the fourth century. Their festivals, church music, and elaborate fasting traditions give the highlands a spiritual intensity that is profoundly moving. The lowland communities include Muslim groups such as the Tigre and Saho peoples, whose nomadic pastoralist traditions and Islamic observances add further layers to the national tapestry.

The coffee ceremony is a cornerstone of Eritrean hospitality — an elaborate ritual involving three rounds of coffee, burning incense, and conversation that can last well over an hour. Refusing an invitation to participate is considered impolite. Traditional music played on the krar (a stringed instrument) and meleket flute accompanies weddings and religious festivals, while colorful embroidered dresses and hand-woven shawls remain everyday wear in many highland villages.

Food & Cuisine

Eritrean cuisine shares deep roots with Ethiopian cooking but carries its own distinct identity shaped by the country's coastal geography and Italian colonial legacy. Injera — a spongy, fermented flatbread — is the foundation of most meals, served with an array of stews called tsebhi. Tsebhi dorho, a rich chicken stew with a hard-boiled egg simmered in berbere-spiced sauce, is the dish of choice for celebrations. Along the Red Sea coast, fresh grilled fish seasoned with cumin and fenugreek is served with rice and tomato salad in a style that reflects the country's historical connections to Yemen and the Arabian Peninsula.

The Italian colonial period left a genuine pasta culture that locals have embraced as their own. Pasta with meat sauce, pizza-style flatbreads, and espresso served in proper Italian cups are morning staples across Asmara. Zigni, a spiced meat stew, is one of the most beloved national dishes, slow-cooked for hours with onions, garlic, and clarified butter. Meals are communal affairs eaten by hand from a shared platter, and finishing everything on the plate is the highest compliment you can pay a host.

Top Attractions

  • Asmara UNESCO City — A stunning time capsule of 1930s Italian Modernist, Art Deco, and Futurist architecture in remarkable everyday use.
  • Dahlak Archipelago — Remote Red Sea islands with pristine coral reefs, sunken Italian warships, and virtually no other tourists.
  • Massawa Old Town — A historic port city with Ottoman-era coral-stone buildings, ancient mosques, and fresh seafood at harbor restaurants.
  • Qohaito Archaeological Site — Ancient Aksumite ruins including a dam, temples, and carved stelae in a breathtaking highland setting.
  • Filfil Solomuna Forest — A rare remnant of subtropical montane forest, home to green monkeys and extraordinary birdlife.
  • Asmara Fiat Tagliero Building — An iconic 1938 Futurist service station designed without supporting columns, a marvel of engineering and audacity.

Practical Travel Tips

  • Obtain your visa well in advance — the process requires an invitation letter or travel agency coordination and can take several weeks.
  • Register with local authorities on arrival in each region; your hotel or guide can usually arrange this formality.
  • The Eritrean nakfa (ERN) cannot be exchanged outside the country; bring US dollars or euros to exchange locally.
  • Independent travel outside Asmara requires permits for many areas; arrange these through a licensed local tour operator.
  • Internet and mobile connectivity are very limited; download offline maps and essential information before you travel.
  • Dress conservatively, especially in Muslim lowland areas and when visiting Orthodox churches — cover shoulders and knees.
  • Photography of military personnel, government buildings, and infrastructure is strictly prohibited and can result in serious trouble.

Visa Overview

Eritrea requires advance visas for all foreign visitors, and the process is among the most involved in Africa. Travelers typically need a letter of invitation from an Eritrean organization or a booking through a licensed Eritrean tour operator. Apply at your nearest Eritrean embassy at least four to six weeks before travel. A valid yellow fever vaccination certificate is required. US, UK, and EU citizens are eligible to apply but must follow the embassy-specific process in their country.

Getting Around

Asmara's Asmara International Airport receives flights from several African and Middle Eastern hubs, with Eritrean Airlines and Ethiopian Airlines operating regular routes. Within the country, taxis and shared minibuses connect major towns, but many roads outside the capital require a 4WD vehicle. A restored rack railway between Asmara and Massawa offers a spectacular scenic descent but runs irregularly. Hiring a driver through a local tour operator is the most practical way to explore beyond the capital.

Safety Notes

Eritrea is generally considered safe for visitors within permitted travel zones. Crime against tourists is very rare, and locals are consistently hospitable. However, the border regions with Ethiopia, Sudan, and Djibouti can be volatile — avoid these areas entirely. Landmines remain a concern in some rural areas from the independence war period. Always travel with a registered guide outside Asmara, adhere strictly to photography restrictions, and keep your travel documents and permits on your person at all times.

Live Exchange Rates

Current exchange rates for currencies used in Eritrea.

Eritrean nakfa (ERN) Nfk
Updated: 2026-10-06
⌕
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 0.630606
AAVE 0.000367
ADA 0.247406
AED 0.244833
AFN 4.307417
AKT 0.087115
ALGO 0.519099
ALL 5.468281
AMD 24.118445
AMP 103.968833
ANG 0.119881
AOA 61.067514
APE 0.416105
APT 0.081201
AR 0.014789
ARB 0.327016
ARS 101.328106
ATOM 0.036616
ATS 0.817980
AUD 0.095665
AVAX 0.005872
AWG 0.119333
AXS 0.050905
AZM 566.674432
AZN 0.113335
BAKE 259.733395
BAM 0.116264
BAT 0.632015
BBD 0.133333
BCH 0.000211
BDT 8.195333
BEF 2.398001
BGN 0.116264
BHD 0.025067
BIF 200.294788
BMD 0.066667
BNB 0.000085
BND 0.085299
BOB 0.799726
BRL 0.333248
BSD 0.066667
BSV 0.003339
BSW 162.009686
BTC 0.000001
BTCB 0.954157
BTG 0.101053
BTN 6.427870
BTT 179,323.007542
BUSD 0.066655
BWP 0.917550
BYN 0.203382
BYR 1,306.847487
BZD 0.134073
CAD 0.095124
CAKE 0.027261
CDF 154.066390
CELO 0.641033
CFX 1.214969
CHF 0.055450
CHZ 3.985429
CLP 64.868608
CNH 0.446868
CNY 0.447011
COMP 0.002720
COP 213.242616
CRC 30.505793
CRO 0.981727
CRV 0.180842
CSPR 26.135536
CUC 0.066676
CUP 1.596921
CVE 6.554989
CVX 0.030117
CYP 0.034792
CZK 1.454258
DAI 0.066694
DASH 0.001176
DCR 0.003615
DEM 0.116264
DFI 72.943432
DJF 11.860065
DKK 0.444294
DOGE 0.703102
DOP 3.995407
DOT 0.053882
DYDX 0.456284
DZD 8.961763
EEK 0.930113
EGLD 0.014916
EGP 3.495205
ENJ 2.013806
EOS 0.656026
ESP 9.890800
ETB 10.844127
ETC 0.007513
ETH 0.000025
EUR 0.059445
EURC 0.059437
FEI 0.066696
FIL 0.055850
FIM 0.353443
FJD 0.150006
FKP 0.050452
FLOW 2.107066
FLR 9.248849
FRAX 0.067342
FRF 0.389933
FTT 0.258076
GALA 27.515969
GBP 0.050452
GEL 0.173033
GGP 0.050452
GHC 7,837.770792
GHS 0.783777
GIP 0.050452
GMD 4.934070
GMX 0.007593
GNF 586.144573
GNO 0.000549
GRD 20.255851
GRT 2.289592
GT 0.005955
GTQ 0.508762
GUSD 0.066804
GYD 13.916630
HBAR 0.662243
HKD 0.523163
HNL 1.787589
HNT 0.128478
HOT 145.573220
HRK 0.447888
HT 1.827803
HTG 8.711465
HUF 21.837267
ICP 0.019120
IDR 1,194.349355
IEP 0.046817
ILS 0.203877
IMP 0.050452
IMX 0.363580
INJ 0.008795
INR 6.427870
IQD 87.155899
IRR 119,901.756678
ISK 8.139869
ITL 115.101382
JEP 0.050452
JMD 10.549701
JOD 0.047267
JPY 10.540760
KAS 1.553966
KAVA 0.961649
KCS 0.008782
KDA 6.828382
KES 8.653927
KGS 5.830578
KHR 270.073594
KLAY 1.600703
KMF 29.244975
KNC 0.465429
KPW 60.008324
KRW 89.497602
KSM 0.013013
KWD 0.020607
KYD 0.055421
KZT 30.351924
LAK 1,495.915368
LBP 6,012.174102
LDO 0.145535
LEO 0.007497
LINK 0.004820
LKR 21.988822
LRC 6.493412
LRD 11.376593
LSL 1.109926
LTC 0.000957
LTL 0.205251
LUF 2.398001
LUNA 1.305503
LUNC 1,260.816540
LVL 0.041778
LYD 0.427741
MAD 0.665378
MANA 0.644673
MBX 2.254103
MDL 1.194808
MGA 295.229536
MGF 1,476.147679
MINA 0.494821
MKD 3.657438
MKR 0.000033
MMK 139.944976
MNT 239.678376
MOP 0.538858
MRO 26.691303
MRU 2.669130
MTL 0.025520
MUR 3.160149
MVR 1.030644
MWK 115.388633
MXN 1.205016
MXV 0.136987
MYR 0.272377
MZM 4,255.283161
MZN 4.255283
NAD 1.109926
NEAR 0.012758
NEO 0.026304
NEXO 0.078396
NFT 279,377.587704
NGN 88.136315
NIO 2.450878
NLG 0.130999
NOK 0.639857
NPR 10.289414
NZD 0.119105
OKB 0.000511
OMR 0.025657
ONE 0.455174
OP 0.495929
ORDI 0.014652
PAB 0.066667
PAXG 0.000016
PEN 0.229542
PEPE 15,414.852285
PGK 0.300352
PHP 4.189755
PI 0.763716
PKR 18.433352
PLN 0.260406
POL 0.609633
PTE 11.917633
PYG 389.465954
QAR 0.242667
QNT 0.000258
QTUM 0.068010
ROL 3,177.537514
RON 0.317754
RPL 0.034864
RSD 6.982066
RUB 5.655989
RUNE 0.085869
RVN 27.171827
RWF 98.264725
SAND 1.013811
SAR 0.2500
SBD 0.537913
SCR 0.944249
SDD 4,001.204354
SDG 40.012044
SEK 0.669644
SGD 0.085299
SHIB 11,388.704210
SHP 0.050452
SIT 14.245377
SKK 1.790837
SLE 1.536993
SLL 1,536.992690
SNX 0.266267
SOL 0.000556
SOS 37.930162
SPL 0.011111
SRD 2.513721
SRG 2,513.721224
SSP 381.775724
STD 1,466.721150
STN 1.466721
STX 0.177904
SUI 0.055860
SVC 0.583333
SYP 866.919967
SZL 1.109926
THB 2.243977
THETA 0.287906
TJS 0.613576
TMM 1,169.792633
TMT 0.233959
TND 0.199522
TOP 0.160563
TRL 3,278,372.814846
TRX 0.198392
TRY 3.278373
TTD 0.451383
TUSD 0.066719
TVD 0.095665
TWD 2.118790
TWT 0.116781
TZS 175.892492
UAH 3.002620
UGX 268.009715
UNI 0.007525
USD 0.066667
USDC 0.066685
USDD 0.066714
USDP 0.067063
USDT 0.066700
UYU 2.693073
UZS 784.207016
VAL 115.101382
VEB 5,804,830,438.371811
VED 58.048304
VEF 5,804,830.438372
VES 58.048304
VET 7.639477
VND 1,733.024549
VUV 8.014137
WAVES 0.223465
WEMIX 0.348118
WOO 4.870315
WST 0.185546
XAF 38.993300
XAG 0.001102
XAU 0.000016
XAUT 0.000016
XBT 0.000001
XCD 0.180461
XCG 0.119881
XCH 0.042599
XDC 1.983831
XDR 0.049277
XEC 8,360.073471
XEM 106.186048
XLM 0.308902
XMR 0.000119
XOF 38.993300
XPD 0.000057
XPF 7.093664
XPT 0.000039
XRP 0.044371
XTZ 0.199533
YER 15.746514
ZAR 1.109926
ZEC 0.000050
ZIL 18.269410
ZMK 1,318.023401
ZMW 1.318023
ZWD 24.126667
ZWG 1.784769
ZWL 4,459.644461

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Cities in Eritrea 63
Browse all cities and towns
/ قلاس / Glass Addi K'eyih Addi Kwala Addi Ugri Adi Ahiderom Adi Quala ዓዲ ዃላ عدي خوالا Adi Tekelezan ዓዲ ተከሌዛን عدي تكليزان Ak'ordat Asmara Asseb Badme ባድመ بادمة Barentu Beylul Dedda ዴዳ ددا Dek'emhare Dekemhare ደቀምሓረ دقمحري Edd Emahmime ام همميمي Gahtelay ጋሕቴላይ قحتلاي Gheleb ገለብ خلب Ghinda ጊንዳዕ جندع Ginda Gogne ጐኘ جوني Golij ጐልጅ غلج Hagaz ሓጋዝ حقاز Himbirti Jurna جورنا Keren Maydima ማይድማ ماء ديما Mersa Fatma Mitsiwa Mogolo موغولو Nefasit Omhajer أم هاجر Segeneiti ሰገነይቲ سغنيتي Sen'afe Teraemni ተራእምኒ ترائمني Teseney Tiyo ጢዖ طيعوا Tocombia ቶኾምብያ توخومبيا Tsazega ጸዓዘጋ صعازغا Tzada Christian ጻዕዳ ክርስትያን صعدا كرستيان መንደፈራ Mendefera مندفرا መጠራ ማይ ምነ Mai Mine ماء منه ምጽዋዕ Massawa مصوع ሰንዓፈ Senafe صنعفي ሻምብቆ Shambiko شامبيكو ባረንቱ Barentu بارنتو ተሰነይ Teseney تسني ናቕፋ Nakfa نقفا ኣስመራ Asmara أسمرة ኣቑርደት Akordat أغوردات ኣፍዓበት أفعبت Af'abet እምባ ደርሆ Emba Derho إمبا درهو እንዳገርግስ Enda Giorgis إندا جرجس ከረን Keren كرن ዓሰብ Assab عصب ዓዲ ቐይሕ Adi Keyh عدي قيح ዙላ Zula زولا ድባርዋ Debarwa دباروا ጾሮና ፎሮ Foro فورو

Visa Requirements

Check what visa a citizen of Eritrea needs to enter any country.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the capital of Eritrea?
The capital of Eritrea is Asmara.
What currency does Eritrea use?
Eritrea uses the Eritrean nakfa (Nfk) as its official currency.
What language is spoken in Eritrea?
The official language(s) of Eritrea include Arabic, English, Tigrinya.
What is the population of Eritrea?
Eritrea has a population of approximately 3,607,000 people.
What region is Eritrea in?
Eritrea is located in Africa, specifically in the Eastern Africa subregion.
What is the international calling code for Eritrea?
The international dialing code for Eritrea is +291.
What time zones does Eritrea observe?
Eritrea observes the following time zone(s): UTC+03:00.
What is the current time in Eritrea?
The local time in Eritrea is currently --:--. This time applies to the primary time zone.
What is the total area of Eritrea?
Eritrea covers a total area of 117,600 km².
How many states or provinces does Eritrea have?
Eritrea is divided into 12 states or provinces.
What are the public holidays in Eritrea in 2026?
You can view the complete list of public holidays for Eritrea in 2026 on the Holidays 2026 page.
What are the visa requirements for citizens of Eritrea?
Visa requirements for citizens of Eritrea vary by destination. Use our Visa Requirements Checker below to look up requirements for any destination country.