Yes. Eritrea recently introduced an e-visa system, which represents a significant step toward opening the country to tourism and is considerably more convenient than the previous process.
The e-visa is available to most nationalities. You will also need a travel permit to visit areas outside Asmara, arranged through the Eritrea Tourism Service after arrival. Koryo Tours manages all necessary documentation as part of the booking process.
Is Eritrea safe to visit?
Asmara and the main tourist routes are considered safe for visitors. Crime against tourists is very low. The main practical risks are not security-related but logistical: unpredictable infrastructure, restricted movement, potential issues with photography regulations and the general opacity of a closed system.
The Foreign Office advises against travel to areas near the Ethiopian and Sudanese borders, and those areas should be avoided. Within the itineraries Koryo Tours operates, you are in the hands of experienced local guides who understand the system and how to navigate it.
What is the best time to visit Eritrea?
October to May is the most comfortable period. The highland climate of Asmara is surprisingly temperate year-round (the city sits at 2,325 metres above sea level), with warm days and cool evenings. The coastal lowlands around Massawa are hot throughout the year.
The main rainy season in the highlands runs from June to September. If you are planning to visit the Dahlak Archipelago or Red Sea coast, November to April is the most pleasant and the calmer sea makes access to the islands more reliable.
How do I get to Eritrea?
Eritrea has one international airport, Asmara International. The main connections are via Addis Ababa (Ethiopian Airlines), Cairo, Dubai and several Gulf carriers. There is no direct service from most European countries.
What currency should I bring to Eritrea?
US Dollars are the most practical currency. The official Nakfa is pegged at 15 ERN per dollar, but exchanging dollars into Nakfa at licensed money changers is the required procedure for transactions within Eritrea. Bring clean, undamaged USD notes. ATMs are unreliable; card payments are not accepted in most settings. Budget generously for your cash needs, as accessing money once you are in the country is difficult.
What should I wear in Eritrea?
Eritrea is a predominantly Muslim and Christian country, and modest dress is expected in public settings throughout. Women should cover their shoulders and legs in all public areas and carry a headscarf for visits to mosques and churches. Men should wear long trousers outside of resort or beach settings.
The highland climate of Asmara means layers are useful. At the Red Sea coast, more casual clothing is appropriate but modest swimwear and covering up away from the beach remains important.
What restrictions should I be aware of in Eritrea?
The most important restriction for visitors is photography. Do not photograph military personnel, police, government buildings, airports, checkpoints, the presidential palace or anything that could be interpreted as having security significance. The rule is enforced and the consequences of violating it are serious.
Beyond photography, movement outside Asmara requires a travel permit, some areas are off-limits entirely, and any engagement with Eritreans on political topics should be treated with great caution given the country's surveillance culture. Your guide will navigate all of this for you.