Information for Travelers

Travel Restrictions

U.S. Embassy Asmara

April 20, 2007

This Travel Warning is being issued to update information on Eritrea's current security situation and to reiterate the Department of State's advice that U.S. citizens defer non-essential travel to Eritrea due to restrictions on travel outside the capital city of Asmara. This Travel Warning supersedes the Travel Warning issued on June 5, 2006.

The Government of the State of Eritrea (GSE) cited safety and security concerns in imposing travel restrictions on all foreign nationals including resident diplomats as of June 2006. Given these concerns and travel restrictions, the U.S. Embassy continues to urge American citizens to defer all travel to Eritrea.

The GSE's restrictions require all visitors and residents to apply with the GSE 10 days in advance for permission to travel outside Asmara city limits.  As a result, the U.S. Embassy cannot provide consular assistance in an emergency outside of Asmara. Travelers also should be aware that that the GSE does not inform the U.S. Embassy when American citizens have been arrested or detained.

Americans living or traveling in Eritrea are strongly encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy in Asmara in person or through the State Department's travel registration web site, https://travelregistration.state.gov, to register their presence in the country and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Eritrea. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency and provide updates on security situations. The U.S. Embassy is located at 179 Alaa Street, P.O. Box 211, Asmara; telephone (291-1) 12-00-04; fax (291-1) 124-255 and (291- 1) 127-584; web site http://asmara.usembassy.gov.  For after hours emergencies dial 291-1-120004 and ask to speak to the duty officer.

For additional information, consult the Department of Stat's latest Consular Information Sheet for Eritrea and the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement. American citizens may also obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States and Canada, or 1-202-501-4444 from abroad.