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: 2026-07-06
⌕
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 0.930042
AAVE 0.000754
ADA 0.355142
AED 0.244833
AFN 4.238596
AGIX 0.854485
AKT 0.106292
ALGO 0.744732
ALL 5.464768
AMD 24.531348
AMP 149.463086
ANG 0.120223
AOA 61.226286
APE 0.475567
APT 0.106598
AR 0.033398
ARB 0.833493
ARS 99.504277
ATOM 0.042160
ATS 0.802397
AUD 0.096237
AVAX 0.009656
AWG 0.119333
AXS 0.066021
AZM 566.666589
AZN 0.113333
BAKE 88.723710
BAM 0.114049
BAT 0.756977
BBD 0.133333
BCH 0.000276
BDT 8.218233
BEF 2.352319
BGN 0.114049
BHD 0.025067
BIF 198.467122
BMD 0.066667
BNB 0.000114
BND 0.086167
BOB 0.461811
BRL 0.344539
BSD 0.066667
BSV 0.004515
BSW 199.186421
BTC 0.000001
BTCB 1.258005
BTG 0.231036
BTN 6.351656
BTT 251,372.140609
BUSD 0.066610
BWP 0.899782
BYN 0.193595
BYR 1,306.792892
BZD 0.134271
CAD 0.094732
CAKE 0.046037
CDF 153.816195
CELO 0.992301
CFX 1.490119
CHF 0.053629
CHZ 3.692753
CLP 61.413315
CNH 0.452758
CNY 0.452579
COMP 0.003978
COP 222.835360
CRC 30.379116
CRO 1.115346
CRV 0.311851
CSPR 34.326696
CUC 0.066673
CUP 1.766837
CVE 6.430116
CVX 0.055430
CYP 0.034129
CZK 1.410360
DAI 0.066698
DASH 0.001895
DCR 0.006006
DEM 0.114049
DFI 80.242797
DJF 11.872859
DKK 0.435881
DOGE 0.862684
DOP 3.951087
DOT 0.076423
DYDX 0.504808
DZD 8.866264
EEK 0.912394
EGLD 0.024121
EGP 3.274798
ENJ 2.303568
EOS 0.920404
ESP 9.702379
ETB 10.663702
ETC 0.009387
ETH 0.000037
EUR 0.058312
EURC 0.058355
FEI 0.066690
FIL 0.084432
FIM 0.346710
FJD 0.149700
FKP 0.049965
FLOW 2.378891
FLR 9.591063
FRAX 0.067393
FRF 0.382505
FTT 0.279881
GALA 29.100442
GBP 0.049965
GEL 0.175103
GGP 0.049965
GHC 7,573.984828
GHS 0.757398
GIP 0.049965
GMD 4.916289
GMX 0.011250
GNF 584.502576
GNO 0.000634
GRD 19.869975
GRT 3.513852
GT 0.009834
GTQ 0.508870
GUSD 0.066755
GYD 13.954353
HBAR 0.882887
HKD 0.522869
HNL 1.784815
HNT 0.278197
HOT 184.742878
HRK 0.439355
HT 1.860701
HTG 8.726310
HUF 20.619470
ICP 0.030242
IDR 1,199.499799
IEP 0.045925
ILS 0.200244
IMP 0.049965
IMX 0.482520
INJ 0.013646
INR 6.351656
IQD 87.412925
IRR 91,738.861214
ISK 8.397086
ITL 112.908693
JEP 0.049965
JMD 10.561505
JOD 0.047267
JPY 10.789983
KAS 2.173297
KAVA 1.477579
KCS 0.009234
KDA 11.438158
KES 8.619389
KGS 5.830949
KHR 267.322091
KMF 28.687856
KNC 0.598074
KPW 60.005819
KRW 102.190655
KSM 0.018919
KWD 0.020687
KYD 0.055461
KZT 31.516202
LAK 1,507.269761
LBP 5,986.894170
LDO 0.246793
LEO 0.007123
LINK 0.008349
LKR 22.326343
LRC 5.425979
LRD 12.108265
LSL 1.083586
LTC 0.001477
LTL 0.201341
LUF 2.352319
LUNA 1.357527
LUNC 1,085.861779
LVL 0.040982
LYD 0.427624
MAD 0.624243
MANA 0.958091
MBX 2.650805
MDL 1.173408
MGA 282.901815
MGF 1,414.509075
MINA 1.406211
MKD 3.592150
MKR 0.000047
MMK 139.955107
MNT 238.942568
MOP 0.538555
MRO 26.624688
MRU 2.662469
MTL 0.025034
MUR 3.133778
MVR 1.030626
MWK 115.642420
MXN 1.165288
MXV 0.132133
MYR 0.271817
MZM 4,257.766941
MZN 4.257767
NAD 1.083586
NEAR 0.033459
NEO 0.033704
NEXO 0.086659
NFT 251,553.087993
NGN 91.351949
NIO 2.454058
NLG 0.128504
NOK 0.655762
NPR 10.167413
NZD 0.117177
OKB 0.000836
OMR 0.025659
ONE 53.336797
OP 0.620113
ORDI 0.020537
PAB 0.066667
PAXG 0.000016
PEN 0.227019
PEPE 24,441.895733
PGK 0.293286
PHP 4.100860
PI 0.589326
PKR 18.547316
PLN 0.250316
POL 0.906508
PTE 11.690601
PYG 405.508495
QAR 0.242667
QNT 0.000996
QTUM 0.093785
ROL 3,047.415464
RON 0.304742
RPL 0.032927
RSD 6.839585
RUB 5.137178
RUNE 0.161201
RVN 17.492715
RWF 97.724728
SAND 1.336182
SAR 0.2500
SBD 0.539471
SCR 0.952653
SDD 4,001.634769
SDG 40.016348
SEK 0.643522
SGD 0.086167
SHIB 15,226.675916
SHP 0.049965
SIT 13.974001
SKK 1.756722
SLE 1.522663
SLL 1,522.663356
SNX 0.291138
SOL 0.000826
SOS 38.069382
SPL 0.011111
SRD 2.509641
SRG 2,509.641182
SSP 316.612396
STD 1,439.256913
STN 1.439257
STX 0.389873
SUI 0.089235
SVC 0.583333
SYP 7.369518
SZL 1.083586
THB 2.216018
THETA 0.475222
TJS 0.617952
TMM 1,169.730107
TMT 0.233946
TND 0.196529
TOP 0.160554
TRL 3,121,029.778129
TRX 0.203003
TRY 3.121030
TTD 0.451732
TUSD 0.066806
TVD 0.096237
TWD 2.139349
TWT 0.193928
TZS 175.173931
UAH 2.971039
UGX 243.634368
UNI 0.021094
USD 0.066667
USDC 0.066687
USDD 0.066734
USDP 0.066868
USDT 0.066739
UYU 2.683271
UZS 797.853159
VAL 112.908693
VEB 4,296,256,871.328439
VED 42.958744
VEF 4,295,874.376621
VES 42.958744
VET 14.131886
VND 1,753.347381
VUV 8.012795
WAVES 0.250882
WEMIX 0.257503
WOO 5.630350
WST 0.184388
XAF 38.250475
XAG 0.001080
XAU 0.000016
XAUT 0.000016
XBT 0.000001
XCD 0.180458
XCG 0.120223
XCH 0.042301
XDC 2.372608
XDR 0.049172
XEC 12,550.416222
XEM 155.729820
XLM 0.333937
XMR 0.000206
XOF 38.250475
XPD 0.000052
XPF 6.958529
XPT 0.000041
XRP 0.058236
XTZ 0.267925
YER 15.799563
ZAR 1.083586
ZEC 0.000146
ZIL 21.611337
ZMK 1,223.287300
ZMW 1.223287
ZWD 24.126667
ZWG 1.788239
ZWL 4,468.314917

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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.