FCO Travel Advice for - Eritrea

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  • On 21 January, there were unusual military movements in and around Asmara. Local radio and TV were shut down for several hours after a group took control of the Ministry of Information. However, there was no confirmed violence and the situation now appears to have normalised. British nationals in Eritrea should exercise caution and continue to monitor the FCO's website for updates.

  • The FCO advise against all travel within 25km of Eritrea’s border with Ethiopia. Tensions between Eritrea and Ethiopia are high. There were serious military clashes across the Eritrean border in March and May 2012. There is a threat of kidnapping in the border area. See Local Travel.

  • The FCO advise against all travel within 25km of Eritrea’s border with Djibouti. See Local Travel.

  • The FCO advise against all travel to Eritrea's border with Sudan, including the town of Tesseney and areas north and west of Nakh’fa, Ak’ordat and Barentu. See Local Travel.

  • All foreign nationals must apply in advance for a travel permit to leave Asmara. This includes diplomats, whose applications are often refused. The British Embassy is unlikely to be able to provide consular support outside the capital. See Travel Permits and Consular assistance outside Asmara.

  • The Eritrean authorities consider all British nationals holding either Eritrean or PFDJ identity documents (including out of date documents) as Eritrean nationals. The British Embassy is unable to offer consular assistance to dual nationals in Eritrea. See Dual nationals.

  • Seven British nationals needed consular assistance in Eritrea in the period 01 April 2011 - 31 March 2012. See Consular assistance statistics.

  • There is a low threat from terrorism. See Terrorism.

  • All British nationals travelling to Eritrea should register with the British Embassy in Asmara on arrival.

  • Take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before you travel.
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