Health Alert, June 17, 2020
The Eritrean Ministry of Health has confirmed 121 cases of COVID-19, of which 39 have recovered and 70 continue to receive treatment.
Restrictions are in place throughout the country to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Government offices have suspended many routine services. Non-essential businesses are closed; essential businesses close at 8 p.m. Public transportation has stopped services until further notice and most private cars are banned from the road. Visit the Eritrean government website (shabait.com) for updates as they are announced.
The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy is open from 8:00-12:00 daily for in-person emergency American Citizen Services only. American citizens who need assistance can call the Embassy at +291 120004 at any time. To help with social distancing, only one person or group is allowed into the Consular Section at a time. Making a phone call, instead of a visit, will enable us to more quickly assist you.
Registering Interest in Future Flight
The Government of Eritrea announced the closure of Asmara International Airport effective at 12:00 a.m. March 26. Land borders are also closed.
If sufficient demand exists, the Embassy may explore options to find seats on a charter flight. There may not be much advance warning of a flight, so travelers should be ready on short notice. If you want to return to the United States, please register your interest by emailing ConsularAsmara@state.gov using the subject line: “Repatriation Interest.” In your email please provide the following for each traveler:
Full name
U.S. passport number
Date of birth
Gender
Email Address
Phone number
Eritrean ID Number
Date of arrival in Eritrea
A photograph of the biographical information page of your passport
You may also call the U.S. Embassy at 120004. We will use the contact information you provide to communicate about any possible additional commercial flight(s) soon. If you have questions or concerns about other matters, please contact our email address or call the Embassy.
Note: Evacuation flights are not free-of-charge and are, in fact, frequently more expensive than commercial travel.
The Department of State has issued a Global Level 4 Health Advisory for COVID-19.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 2 Global COVID-19 Outbreak Notice.
Actions to Take:
Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information.
For the most recent information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19, please see the CDC’s latest recommendations.
Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information.
Check with your airlines, cruise lines, or travel operators regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions.
Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the United States
Assistance:
U.S. Embassy Asmara, Eritrea
179 Alaa Street Asmara, Eritrea +291 1 120004
State Department – Consular Affairs 888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
Eritrea Country Information: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/eritrea-travel-advisory.html
Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts.
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