Eritrea Customs Regulations

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Import Regulations

200 cigarettes
50 cigars
250 grams of tobacco
1 litre alcohol
Reasonable amount of perfume for personal use

Weapons,
Explosives and Ammunition,
Pornographic materials

Animals entering the country will likely require a rabies vaccination certificate.

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Export Regulations

No information available

Weapons
Explosives
Ammunition
Pornographic materials
Chemicals and fertilizers

Cultural artefacts and animals cannot be exported without permission.

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Health & Security

Basic health information for travelers to Eritrea

HIV and Hepatitis B are endemic in the country and travellers should take due care when dealing with blood and needles or when engaging in sexual activity.

Basic security information for travelers to Eritrea

🩺 Basic Health Information for Travelers to Eritrea

A Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers who are arriving within six days from or who have passed through infected areas. Travellers are advised to obtain a vaccination from the disease prior to starting their journey to prevent the risk of contracting the disease.
Water in the country should be considered dangerous to drink and boiled well before being drunk. Travellers are advised to stick to bottled water wherever possible. Swimming in pools or the sea is not advised owing to the significant risk of disease. Visitors should only swim in chlorinated swimming pools and seek immediate medical attention if required. Milk and other dairy products should be avoided if unpasteurized.
Meat, vegetables and fish should be cooked thoroughly before being eaten and should be served whilst hot. Milk and dairy products should also be avoided for risk of disease. Fruit should be peeled before being eaten and vendor food avoided where possible.
All native water sources including lakes, pools and streams should be avoided because of the risk of diseases. Travellers are strongly urged to stick to chlorinated water when swimming or bathing throughout their visit and to stick to bottled water when possible. Amongst the contractible diseases which could be contained in the countries food and drink include Hepatitis A and E, Typhoid and Bilharzias (schistomiasis).
Malaria exists throughout the year in all areas below 2000m (682ft) and can prove lethal. Travellers to the country are advised to take all necessary precautions to prevent infection including buying plenty of insect repellent and buying protective clothing. If symptoms develop, travellers should waste no time in seeking out emergency medical assistance.
HIV and Hepatitis B are endemic in the country and travellers should take due care when dealing with blood and needles or when engaging in sexual activity.
Rabies is present in the country and visitors should be wary if encountering wild animals whose bit may contain the disease. If bitten, travellers are urged to clean the wound and seek immediate medical attention before symptoms develop.
The countries high altitude can cause health problems to visitors with already existing health problems or high blood pressure. Travellers uncomfortable in the higher altitudes are advised to rest if feeling ill or dizzy before slowly making their way to a lower altitude and to seek medical assistance if symptoms persist. Travellers are also advised to take along plenty of sun cream and water to help combat the sometimes intense heat at the countries more extreme altitudes.
Overall medical services in the country are very limited. Travellers to the country should bring their own prescription drugs and preventive medicines and take care to avoid dehydration and water based diseases. The country has an extensive network of health workers but will expect payment upfront for any services rendered. Travellers are strongly urged to obtain travel and health insurance before entering the country.

🛡 Basic Security Information for Travelers to Eritrea

Although minor, there is a slightly higher than average risk of terrorist acts of violence aimed at foreigners to the country. Travellers should take precautions if visiting local Mosques and other locations throughout the country.
Although relatively rare, there have been reports of a recent increase in acts of petty theft and violence in several of the countries town and cities including the capital Asmara and travellers should keep their belongings in a safe location at all times. Visitors to the country should avoid obvious displays of wealth which may attract undesired attention and general travel alone after dark throughout the cities is not advised.
Travel to the country’s borders with Sudan, Djibouti and Ethiopia is not advised owing to the tense military and political situations that exist between Eritrea and the countries on her border. A travel permit from the Government of Eritrea is required for all travel outside Asmara There have been numerous reports of clashes and raids between the opposing forces and travellers should avoid any potential sites of conflict unless absolutely necessary. Any large gatherings within the country have the potential to turn violent and travellers should seek out up to date information regarding the current political state between Eritrea and her neighbours and any additional civil disturbances prior to arranging their flight.
The economy in Eritrea is entirely cash-based with no ATMs currently in operation. All foreign currency being brought into the country will need to be declared upon arrival and cannot be used to purchase local goods.
If driving throughout Eritrea, travellers should take care to avoid night time driving which runs the risk of encountering bandits or bicycle traffic and livestock. Road conditions may be considered reasonable in the bigger cities but will become more dangerous and unreliable in rural areas. Travellers leaving the main roads should exercise considerable caution if encountering unexploded landmines or other dangerous ordnance.
Eritrea is in an active volcanic and earthquake zone and travellers should check for any potential risks of eruption prior to arranging their flight.
The death penalty for certain crimes is in effect in Eritrea and travellers should avoid crossing the security services where possible. Travellers should keep a copy of their passport with them at all times and avoid any drug related offences which could lead to a sustained period of incarceration. Pictures of the countries important military and governmental installations are illegal and may be removed and destroyed by the police and security services.
Homosexuality is illegal in this country and travellers should dress and act in a moderate manner in the Muslim dominated sections of the country.

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Contact Information

For further assistance please contact the Eritrean Customs authorities directly. They will provide the latest information about customs regulations and export-import procedures.

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Telephone

+291 125306