Eritrea

• Traditional tourist scams are virtually non-existent in Eritrea due to the government's tight control over society and limited interaction between locals and foreigners. The controlled nature of the society, combined with severe penalties for unauthorized activities and the small number of tourists, means that pickpocketing, overcharging, fake goods, and other common travel scams are rarely encountered. Most interactions with locals are genuine, though conversations may be limited due to fear of government surveillance and restrictions on discussing certain topics with foreigners.

• Malaria prophylaxis is essential when visiting Eritrea's lowland regions including the Red Sea coast, Massawa, and areas below 2000 meters elevation, as these areas have year-round malaria transmission. Consult a travel medicine specialist 4-6 weeks before departure to determine the most appropriate antimalarial medication based on current resistance patterns and your medical history.
• Bottled or properly purified water is strongly recommended throughout Eritrea, as tap water quality is unreliable and may contain harmful bacteria or parasites that can cause serious gastrointestinal illness. Avoid ice in drinks, raw vegetables that may have been washed in tap water, and unpeeled fruits. Stick to hot, freshly cooked foods from reputable establishments.
• Medical facilities in Eritrea are extremely limited with basic equipment, medication shortages, and few qualified specialists available. The main hospital in Asmara provides basic care, but serious medical emergencies may require evacuation to neighboring countries. Comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is absolutely essential, and travelers should bring a well-stocked personal medical kit including prescription medications for the entire trip duration.

• Hepatitis A vaccination is strongly recommended for all travelers to Eritrea as the disease is transmitted through contaminated food and water, which are common risks given limited sanitation infrastructure. The vaccine provides long-term protection and should be administered at least 2 weeks before travel for optimal effectiveness.
• Malaria prophylaxis is crucial for visitors to lowland areas including the Red Sea coast, with medication selection depending on current resistance patterns and individual medical factors. Consult a travel medicine specialist to determine whether mefloquine, doxycycline, or atovaquone-proguanil is most appropriate for your itinerary and health status. Combine medication with insect repellent, long sleeves, and bed nets for comprehensive protection.

• Asmara's extraordinary collection of Art Deco, Futurist, and Rationalist architecture from the Italian colonial period (1890s-1940s) represents one of the world's best-preserved examples of early 20th-century modernist urban planning, earning UNESCO World Heritage status in 2017. Spend time exploring iconic buildings like the Fiat Tagliero Service Station, Cinema Impero, Bar Zilli, and the Orthodox Cathedral. The compact city center can be covered on foot, allowing visitors to appreciate architectural details and the unique blend of African and Italian design elements that make Asmara architecturally significant globally.
• Eritrean cuisine combines Ethiopian, Italian, and Middle Eastern influences, with injera (spongy sourdough flatbread) serving as the foundation for most meals. Try tsebhi dorho (spicy chicken stew), kitfo (Ethiopian-style steak tartare), or various vegetarian dishes during Orthodox fasting periods. The variety of stews, lentil dishes, and spice blends offers rich flavors unique to the Horn of Africa region, often served communally on large platters encouraging social dining experiences.
• Asmara's Italian coffee culture is legendary and considered among the best in Africa, with traditional espresso bars, macchiatos, and cappuccinos served in atmospheric cafes that have operated since the colonial era. The coffee ceremony is central to Eritrean social life, with beans roasted fresh and coffee prepared ceremonially. Spend time in historic cafes like Bar Zilli or Cafe Royal, where locals gather for animated discussions over expertly prepared Italian-style coffee that rivals any European destination.

• Travel outside Asmara without proper government-issued permits is illegal and strictly enforced, with violators facing immediate detention, hefty fines, and potential deportation. Even short trips to nearby towns require advance permission that can take days to obtain and may be denied without explanation. Always carry identification and permits when traveling, as checkpoints are common and authorities have zero tolerance for permit violations. Plan itineraries well in advance and work with local contacts or tour operators familiar with current permit requirements and procedures.
• Photography restrictions in Eritrea are extensive and strictly enforced, with government buildings, military installations, airports, bridges, and even some street scenes considered sensitive. Avoid photographing anything that could be construed as infrastructure, security-related, or government property. Always ask permission before photographing people, and be discreet with camera use. Violations can result in immediate detention, equipment confiscation, and serious legal consequences including imprisonment and deportation with future entry bans.
• Political discussions are extremely dangerous in Eritrea due to the authoritarian government's zero tolerance for dissent or criticism. Avoid any conversations about government policies, human rights, military service, or political opposition with locals or in public spaces, as surveillance is pervasive and informants are common. Even seemingly innocent questions about governance or social issues can put both visitors and locals at serious risk of detention and persecution. Stick to neutral topics like food, architecture, and general cultural observations.

Tipping in Eritrea follows a modest approach reflecting the country's economic constraints and socialist heritage. Small tips of 5-10% are appreciated in restaurants and cafes, though service charges are rarely included in bills. For taxi drivers, rounding up the fare or adding 10-20 Nakfa is appropriate for longer journeys. Hotel staff appreciate small tips for exceptional service, typically 20-50 Nakfa for porters or room attendants. Tour guides and drivers expect tips, especially for full-day services, with 100-200 Nakfa being reasonable. Given the cash-only economy and limited ATM access, keep small denomination bills handy for tipping. Avoid over-tipping as it can create uncomfortable situations and unrealistic expectations. When in doubt, observe local practices or ask your hotel for guidance on appropriate amounts.

Dress modestly throughout Eritrea, particularly when visiting religious sites, government buildings, and rural areas. For everyday wear in Asmara, casual Western clothing is acceptable, but avoid revealing outfits like shorts above the knee, tank tops, or low-cut tops. Men should wear long pants and shirts with sleeves when visiting churches or mosques. Women should cover shoulders, wear long skirts or pants, and bring headscarves for Orthodox churches and mosques. Business settings require formal attire - suits for men and conservative dress for women. At Red Sea beaches, modest swimwear is acceptable at resort areas, but cover up when traveling to and from beach locations. Pack layers for highland areas where temperatures can vary significantly between day and night, and bring conservative options for all religious and cultural sites.

Eritrea is evenly divided between Orthodox Christianity (primarily Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Church) and Sunni Islam, creating a unique religious landscape where both faiths coexist peacefully and influence daily life significantly. Orthodox Christians observe extensive fasting periods throughout the year, including Lent and weekly fasts on Wednesdays and Fridays, during which many restaurants serve vegetarian meals and alcohol may be less available. Islamic prayer times are observed five times daily, with businesses sometimes closing briefly for prayers. Friday is the holy day for Muslims, while Sunday is significant for Christians. Respect both traditions by dressing modestly at all religious sites, removing shoes when entering mosques and some churches, and avoiding eating or drinking publicly during Ramadan out of respect for fasting Muslims. Both communities maintain strong dietary restrictions and traditional practices that visitors should observe respectfully.