Travel Report for Eritrea

Country Profile for
Eritrea

TRAVEL REPORTS:

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TRAVEL REPORT

Last Updated: November 9, 2006 14:28 EST
Still Valid: December 8, 2006 22:00 EST

Eritrea

1.	INTRODUCTION
2.	ATTENTION
3.	SAFETY AND SECURITY
4.	LOCAL TRAVEL
5.	NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE
6.	LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
7.	ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD
8.	ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS
9.	MONEY

10.	GENERAL INFORMATION
11.	TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM
12.	ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION
13.	RETURNING TO CANADA
14.	INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS
15.	TRAVEL TIPS
16.	HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE
17.	FOR MORE INFORMATION
18.	ANNEX

1. INTRODUCTION

The level of Travel Warning in this report has not changed. Section 7 has been updated.

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2. ATTENTION

OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against all travel to the region(s) specified below. (IDW5)

Outside the city of Asmara:
As of June 1^st, 2006, all foreign nationals (including resident diplomats) are required to obtain a travel permit from the Government of the State of Eritrea (GSE) for any travel outside Asmara. Foreign nationals residing or working outside Asmara will also require a travel permit to travel outside their area of residence or work. Applications for travel permits will be processed by the Department of Protocol in Asmara and by Zonal Administration Offices (for foreign nationals working in other areas outside Asmara). Canadians should be aware that if they intend to travel outside Asmara, these new restrictions might severely affect their plans. If you do receive permission to travel outside Asmara and encounter difficulties, the ability of Canadian officials to provide consular assistance may be limited. Further information on these new regulations may be obtained from the Eritrean Department of Protocol.

Border between Eritrea and Ethiopia:
The border between Eritrea and Ethiopia is closed, and adjacent areas are part of a special security zone under the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement. You are advised against all travel to this zone, which stretches 25 km north into Eritrea. In May 2004, an explosion occurred in the main square of Barentu. A strict no-fly zone is in effect between Eritrea and Ethiopia for all aircraft other than those of the United Nations.

Border between Eritrea and Sudan:
The border with Sudan remains closed and you are advised against all travel to the border area. You should not cross the border into Sudan. The situation in eastern Sudan remains unstable. Canadians in Eritrea should stay in close contact with the Consulate of Canada in Asmara (see Section 7 below).

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada offers a registration service for Canadians travelling or residing abroad. Canadians who choose to travel to the region(s) specified despite this warning should register with the responsible Canadian government office in this country. Registration can be done on-line or by calling the responsible Canadian government office abroad to request a registration form. Canadians visiting other areas of the country for three months or more should also register. Canadians visiting for less than three months are strongly advised to: (a) leave a detailed travel itinerary and contact information with family or friends in Canada; (b) provide family with the emergency number for Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (1 800 267-6788 or 613-944-6788); and (c) keep the phone number of the responsible Canadian government office on hand (see Section 7 below).

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

A border conflict with

Ethiopia

erupted in May 1998 and escalated into armed conflict in June 1998, February 1999, and May 2000. A cease-fire was reached in June 2000 and a peace agreement was signed on December 12, 2000. A United Nations peacekeeping force has been deployed to demarcate and patrol the disputed border. The decision of the Hague-Based Boundary Commission on the location of the border was announced in April 2002. However, demarcation of the border has been postponed a number of times and tensions remain high between

Ethiopia

and

Eritrea

.

There is banditry and terrorist activity along the coastline north of Massawa and near the

Djibouti

border. Landmines are present in many areas and continue to cause occasional injuries and deaths. Exercise caution when travelling to remote areas or off main roads. Avoid walking/hiking in the countryside. Canadians should contact the Consulate of Canada in Asmara or the local authorities for the latest security and travel conditions.

Street crime such as theft and robbery is rare in Asmara and other cities and towns. However, the risk of petty crimes against foreigners still exists.

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4. LOCAL TRAVEL

Avoid travel after dark in rural areas. There are paved roads between the major cities of Asmara, Massawa, Mendefera, Dekemhare, Barentu, and Keren, but roads leading to smaller villages are unpaved. Tourists entering

Eritrea

require a regular visa and can travel to all areas of the country. However, NGOs, UN employees and foreign government officials require special permits to visit certain parts of the country. You should check with the Ministry of Tourism before departing. Heavy pedestrian and bicycle traffic poses hazards. Public transportation is often overcrowded, especially buses.

A local driver's licence is required to drive in

Eritrea

. You must present your valid Canadian driver's licence or your International Driving Permit (IDP) to obtain one.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended. The IDP is an internationally recognized document that, when accompanied by a valid Canadian (i.e. provincial) driver's licence, allows you to drive in over 160 countries without a specific test. Its purpose is to overcome difficulties that you may have while travelling in other countries with widely varying licence requirements. It is printed in the six United Nations official languages (Arabic, English, French, Spanish, Russian, and Chinese), plus German, Italian, the Scandinavian languages, and Portuguese. The IDP can also be a useful form of picture identification in case of a lost or stolen passport. An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue. The Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) is the sole issuer of the IDP in

Canada

.

Pirate attacks and armed robbery against ships occur in coastal waters. Mariners should take appropriate precautions. For additional information, see the Weekly Piracy Report published by the Commercial Crime Services division of the International Chamber of Commerce.

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5. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

The rainy season extends from June to September. During the rainy season, most areas of

Eritrea

are quite accessible, with the exception of western lowlands areas where there are no asphalted roads. You should keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

Eritrea

is located in an active seismic and volcano zone. Canadians should know the address and telephone number of the Consulate of Canada in Asmara in the event of an emergency (see Section 7 below).

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6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail or death sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 7 below. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The Department publishes A Guide for Canadians Imprisoned Abroad, specifically targeted at incarcerated Canadians. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian detainees, their families, and friends about available assistance and advice.

Dual nationality is not legally recognized, which may limit the ability of Canadian officials to provide consular services. Canadians should travel using their Canadian passport and present themselves as Canadian to foreign authorities at all times.

The Department publishes a booklet entitled Dual Citizenship: What Travellers Should Know, specifically targeted at Canadians with dual nationality.

Penalties for possession or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict.

Common sense and discretion should be exercised in dress and behaviour. You should dress conservatively and respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities.

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7. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD

You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address:

Eritrea - ASMARA, Consulate of Canada
Address: Abeneh Street 745, House No. 152/154, Tiravolo, Eritrea
Postal Address: P.O. Box 3962, Asmara, Eritrea
Tel.: 291 (1) 18-64-90 and 18-19-40
Fax: 291 (1) 18-64-88
E-mail: mkcca1@yahoo.com

The High Commission of Canada in Nairobi, Kenya, has consular responsibility for Eritrea. The address is as follows:

Kenya - NAIROBI, High Commission of Canada
Address: Limuru Road, Gigiri, Nairobi, Kenya
Postal Address: P.O. Box 1013, 00621, Nairobi, Kenya
Tel.: 254 (20) 366-3000
Fax: 254 (20) 366-3900
E-mail: nrobi@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.nairobi.gc.ca

For emergency assistance after hours call the High Commission of Canada in Nairobi and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call to the Department in Ottawa at (613) 996-8885.

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8. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Eritrean authorities and, to the best of our knowledge, was valid on November 15, 2005. However, entry and exit requirements are subject to change.

It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

Foreign Affairs Canada’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the Embassy of the State of Eritrea, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit

Eritrea

. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country. Canadians must also be in possession of a visa. Canadian-Eritrean dual nationals who enter

Eritrea

using their Eritrean passport or national identification card must obtain an exit visa before departing. You should be aware of possible delays in obtaining the exit visa (2-3 days).

Tourist Visa: Required
Business Visa: Required
Official Visa: Required
Transit Visa: Required

Canadian-Eritrean dual nationals who enter

Eritrea

using their Canadian passport may be treated as Eritrean citizens. Canadian-Eritrean dual nationals must have Eritrean ID cards, or at least have applied for them, before they can receive an Eritrean visa on their Canadian passport. Canadian-Eritrean dual nationals who enter

Eritrea

must obtain an exit visa before departing. Exit visa applications can be denied, or delay travel plans, even for people who entered

Eritrea

legally. Canadian-Eritrean dual nationals may be required to complete national service obligations if they return to

Eritrea

.

Travellers are required to carry evidence of a yellow fever vaccination if they are arriving from an infected area.

There is an airport departure fee, which is payable in nakfas or

U.S.

dollars.

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Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

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9. MONEY

The currency is the nakfa (nfa). In February 2005, the Eritrean government introduced new financial controls requiring that all transactions in

Eritrea

be conducted in the national currency. The new regulation also says that foreign currencies must be exchanged at the national bank at the official rate, and all arriving travellers must declare in writing how much foreign currency they are importing.

Credit cards are not accepted at most hotels, restaurants, shops, or other facilities. The Intercontinental Hotel in Asmara accepts credit cards. The Government of Eritrea expects that foreigners pay for their lodging in US dollars or Euros.

Check with your bank for information on ATM services in other countries. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ATMs around the world. Your bank can advise if you need a new personal identification number (PIN) for overseas access to your account. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ATMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. GENERAL INFORMATION

Eritrea (capital: Asmara) is located in eastern Africa between the Red Sea,

gained independence from

Ethiopia

on May 24, 1993. The working languages are Arabic and Tigrina, but English is widely used in the service areas and government offices. There are some reasonable tourism facilities available in

Eritrea

.

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11. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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12. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Medical facilities are very limited. Medicine is in short supply.

Time is required to adjust to the high altitude and low oxygen levels. If you suffer from heart ailments or high blood pressure you should seek medical advice prior to travelling.

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13. RETURNING TO CANADA

Please consult the Current Issue on returning to Canada.

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14. INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS

Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child from another country, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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15. TRAVEL TIPS

Please consult our Traveller's Checklist.

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16. HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE

Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

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17. FOR MORE INFORMATION

N/A

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18. ANNEX

N/A

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