Last updated: 05/09/2022
*** Effective December 6, 2021, all airline passengers to the United States ages two years and older, regardless of vaccination status or citizenship, must provide a negative COVID-19 viral test taken within one calendar day of travel. Alternatively, travelers to the United States may provide documentation from a licensed health care provider of having recovered from COVID-19 in the 90 days preceding travel. Check the CDC website for additional information and Frequently Asked Questions.
Country-Specific Information
Some individual offices, businesses or schools may be closed due to COVID safety violations and/or COVID-19 outbreaks.
- Number of COVID-19 Cases
- On January 19, the Ministry of Health announced the total number of confirmed cases was 9,115, out of which 8,440 have recovered and the total number of deaths was 89.
- Government/Business/School Operations
- All businesses and government offices are open, but masks are required both indoors and outdoors, and capacity limitations and social distancing measures remain in place.
- Businesses must close by 8pm, and cafes and restaurants must close by 9pm.
- Some offices, businesses and schools may be closed due to COVID-19 safety violations and/or local outbreaks.
- Limitation on Size of Gatherings
- Large gatherings such as weddings and funerals are limited to 40 persons. Small gatherings are limited to 10 persons.
- Safety Requirements
- Masks and hand washing/sanitizing are required in all businesses and offices, as well as indoor and outdoor public areas.
- Country Specific Updates
- Please see the Eritrean government website (shabait.com) for any updates.
COVID-19 Testing
- Are PCR and/or antigen tests available for U.S. citizens in Eritrea? Yes, but only for those with confirmed travel reservations to depart the country.
- If so, are test results reliably available within one calendar day? No
- PCR tests, which cost $100, are generally taken and evaluated at Asmara’s national health laboratory. Rapid antigen tests, which cost $30, are performed at the airport on all arriving passengers. Results are generally available within 30 minutes and no passengers are allowed to leave the terminal building until all results have been reviewed. Antigen test fees may be collected at the airport of initial departure to Eritrea. PCR and antigen tests for those not traveling are not generally available.
COVID-19 Vaccine Information:
- Has the government of Eritrea approved a COVID-19 vaccine for use? No
- Are vaccines available in Eritrea for U.S. citizens to receive? No
- Visit the FDA’s website to learn more about FDA-approved vaccines in the United States.
- The U.S. government is not able to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to private U.S. citizens overseas. Please follow host country developments and guidelines for COVID-19 vaccination.
Entry and Exit Requirements
- Are U.S. citizens permitted to enter the country? Yes
- Land borders are closed for citizens of every country.
- Commercial air traffic is running as normal.
- Charter Flights available if approved by the Eritrean Government.
- Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for entry? Yes, PCR test within 72 hours of arrival to Eritrea
- Are health screening procedures in place at airports and other ports of entry? Yes, all arriving passengers must take a rapid Antigen test upon arrival and show proof of a negative PCR test performed within 72 prior to arrival in Asmara.
- Duration of stay extensions are available with Eritrean Government approval.
Movement Restrictions
- Is a curfew in place? Yes—11PM for pedestrians, 9pm for private automobile traffic.
- Are there restrictions on intercity or interstate travel? No
Quarantine Information
- Are U.S. citizens required to quarantine? Yes, if not vaccinated.
- All travelers, including vaccinated travelers, must take a rapid antigen test upon arrival. Those who test positive must quarantine at a government-approved hotel at their own expense. The period of this quarantine is assumed to be 14 days.
- Non-vaccinated travelers who test negative at the airport must self-quarantine for 5 days and take a second COVID test before ending quarantine.
Transportation Options
- Are commercial flights operating? Yes.
- Is public transportation operating? Yes, masks are required for all passengers and buses are limited to 70 passengers.
Fines for Non-Compliance (if applicable)
- Those who violate COVID-19 regulations are subject to possible fine and imprisonment.
Consular Operations
- American Citizen Services appointments are available each Thursday. Please call +291 120004 between 4pm and 5pm Monday – Thursday or 11:30am to 1:30pm on Friday to schedule in advance. You may also book your appointment online
- Visa Services are offered weekly on Thursdays. Please call +291 120004 between 4pm and 5pm Monday – Thursday or 11:30am to 1:30pm on Friday to schedule in advance. You may also book your appointment online
Local Resources:
- See https://shabait.com for the latest Eritrean government announcements
Other links:
- COVID-19 Traveler Information page on travel.state.gov
- CDC page on COVID-19
- Eritrea Country Information and Travel Advisory page
