Eritrea calls for tourism plans to be postponed for now

As of 19 September 2026, several consular authorities continue to advise reconsidering travel to Eritrea as a whole or maintain significant alerts covering extensive areas of the country. Tensions with neighbouring countries could lead to rapid changes in security conditions, checkpoints or the ability to leave. This is not just about avoiding border areas. If an arrest, medical emergency or communications disruption occurs, in-person consular assistance may be very limited, particularly outside Asmara. That narrow margin turns a conventional tourist itinerary into a decision involving too many variables beyond the traveller’s control.

Foreign visitors need authorisation to travel outside Asmara or its immediate administrative surroundings; the process may take several days and is not always approved. Road checkpoints verify these permits, and there have been reports of restrictions on tourists using public transport outside the capital. In addition, the land border with Ethiopia remains closed and should not be considered as a road continuation. In remote and border areas there are unmarked minefields; official warnings also point to access restrictions affecting some islands and sites. A map, an accommodation booking or a hired driver cannot replace the required permits or resolve these limitations.

Connectivity is restricted and telephone networks can be unreliable, especially outside the main cities. It is also wise not to assume that ATMs, card payments or a continuous supply of fuel and water will be available: these factors affect both everyday independence and the possibility of making a quick departure. Visa requirements, electronic-device declarations, currency exchange and departure conditions are subject to administrative change. People with dual Eritrean nationality should pay particular attention: they may face additional requirements and difficulties leaving the country. Before reviving any plans, confirm in writing the conditions applicable to the specific passport, itinerary and travel date.

It is best to wait until a more stable regional environment, predictable travel rules and logistics that allow an incident to be handled without relying on assumptions can be verified. When that time comes, preparation should begin with a direct enquiry to the competent Eritrean representation and a review of the official warnings issued by your country of nationality. While these conditions persist, postponing the trip does not mean giving up on visiting Eritrea: it means avoiding the possibility that a legitimate interest in Asmara, Massawa or the Red Sea coast turns into an itinerary with disproportionate risks and little outside support.

Consult the travel advisory issued by the United States Department of State, the United Kingdom Foreign Office travel advice and the Australian Government’s Smartraveller notice. Also check directly with the relevant Eritrean embassy or consulate regarding visas, internal permits, customs rules and departure requirements in force for your nationality. The three official guides consulted point to internal travel restrictions, limited consular capacity and a regional context that can change at short notice.