Eritrea Travel Security

Since the end of the war with Ethiopia in 2000, Eritrea generally has presented more dangers for its own residents than for travelers. However, the country does present general hazards that account for its risk rating of 6. There is also an escalating threat of hostilities between Eritrea and Ethiopia, as well as between Eritrea and Djibouti, because of disputes about their common borders.

Since 2006, the government has imposed travel restrictions on foreign visitors for all areas outside Asmara. Travel outside the city limits of the capital is possible if the authorities give permission 10 days in advance, but the restrictions mean your embassy may not be able to assist you if you have difficulties once you're out of the city. Exercise caution and maintain your security awareness.

High-risk Areas

A 15-mi-/25-km-wide security zone along the length of the border with Ethiopia remains particularly dangerous and should be avoided completely. The border with Sudan, including the town of Tesseney and the area north and west of Nakfa, Agordat and Barentu, is hazardous. Indigenous groups supported by Ethiopia and Sudan, including Eritrean Islamic Jihad, reportedly are active in these areas.

Avoid the Eritrea /Djibouti border where forces of both countries have clashed in 2008.

Be alert to the danger of land mines, as well as the presence of groups allied with Islamic extremists. Travel to areas where these groups operate, especially near the road between Keren and Barentu, is especially hazardous.

Eritrea became an independent nation in 1993 when, following a referendum, it finally split from Ethiopia. A provisional government called the People's Front for Democracy and Justice formed from a coalition group of liberation activists and declared a four-year transitional period; it was supposed to run the country until democratic elections were held.

The situation has not changed since then, and Eritrea remains a one-party state. However, with no constitution, no judicial system and an education system in disarray, the government has faced formidable challenges.

The National Assembly--with 75 members of the ruling coalition and 75 additional popularly elected members--is the highest legal power until a democratic, constitutional government can be established. The assembly sets the internal and external policies of the government, regulates policy implementation, approves the budget and elects the president. President Isaias Afewerki has held the post since independence.

The National Assembly ratified a draft constitution in 1997, but most of its provisions have yet to be passed into law. Parliamentary elections were due in 1997, but the government had made no progress by the time conflict broke out with Ethiopia in 1998.

Village-level elections took place in 2003, and regional elections were held in 2004. Although there was some discussion of a national election in 2005, matters progressed no further. There is no provision for a multiparty election, because the National Assembly voted in February 2002 not to allow the formation of new political parties for an indeterminate period of time.

Eritrea's economic prospects have been severely affected by the war. About 66% of the population lives in poverty, and tens of thousands remain displaced following the war with Ethiopia. The U.N. has reported that malnutrition rates exceed 15%.

The economy is largely based on subsistence agriculture, which employs about 80% of the population. Eritrea's industrial sector once accounted for 27% of gross domestic product and employed 10% of the workforce. Continued military preparedness has resulted in acute shortages of manpower and foreign exchange. The country's estimated economic growth rate in 2007 was 2%, but contributions from the diaspora help to keep the economy afloat.

In March 2006, the government expelled a number of international aid agencies and called on the people to practice self-reliance. No reason was given, only that the agencies had not met the requirements for operational permits. At least one in three Eritreans is seriously short of food, as the country suffers from the latest drought, which affects the entire Horn of Africa.

Efforts are under way to develop a tourist industry around Massawa.

International terrorism

Members of the former Council of Islamic Courts in Somalia reportedly have taken refuge in Eritrea. Extremist groups including the Sudanese Liberation Movement, Oromo Liberation Front, Sudanese Justice and Equality Movement and the Islamic Courts reportedly have received significant logistical support from the government of Eritrea.

Domestic terrorism

In October 2007, the head of government security reportedly survived an assassination attempt in Asmara.

There have been attacks on vehicles around Barentu and Gash-Barka, in the west and southwestern regions of the country. Local officials have blamed the terrorist group Eritrean Islamic Salvations or dissidents supported by Ethiopia. The EIS apparently works out of Sudan, complicating diplomatic relations with that nation.

Border and regional issues

Since the end of its 30-year war for independence from Ethiopia, Eritrea has been embroiled in two bitter border disputes. The more recent was a 1998-2000 war with Ethiopia, which resulted in an independent U.N. boundary commission to dictate a new border. The commission rendered its decision in April 2002. Before permanent demarcation could begin in October 2003, Ethiopia's prime minister, Meles Zenawi, declared the ruling null and void because it gave the symbolic town of Badme to Eritrea. The stalemate led to indefinite postponement of border demarcation. Relations between Asmara and Addis Ababa since then have been virtually nonexistent.

After an inconclusive boundary commission meeting at The Hague in September 2007, the commission said it would go ahead with a "paper" demarcation at the end of November 2007, regardless of progress on the ground. A sharp military escalation followed as both countries deployed thousands more troops on their borders.

In the meantime, some 1,400 U.N. peacekeepers policed the Eritrean side of the 15-mi/25-km temporary security zone along the 620-mi/1,000-km border. The peacekeepers were subject to sporadic attacks. In December 2007, Eritrea cut fuel supplies to the U.N. force; in February 2008 the contingent moved from the border area to Asmara to prepare for a "temporary relocation" out of the country. Diplomats said privately, however, that they could not imagine a return and that this was the beginning of the end of the peace force. In recognition of that, the U.N. threw in the towel and in July 2008 ended the peacekeeping mission in Eritrea.

There's growing fear in the international community that there will be a resumption of war between Eritrea and Ethiopia. In March 2008, Ethiopia blamed Eritrea for a bombing that killed several people on a bus in the Ethiopian-controlled border town of Humera.

In 2008, a dispute with Djibouti heated up, with both sides sending troops to the border. The disputed Ras Doumeira border area in contention overlooks shipping lanes in the Red Sea that Djibouti says Eritrea has long coveted. In June 2008 fighting was reported after an incursion of Eritrean forces into the disputed Djibouti border region--casualties were reported on both sides. Djibouti has requested assistance from the U.N. Security Council to resolve the matter.

Human-rights abuses

The human-rights situation in Eritrea remains very poor. In its May 2008 report, Amnesty International said that several thousand prisoners of conscience remain detained incommunicado without charge or trial, including some former government leaders. The government does not allow opposition parties, independent civil society organizations or unregistered faith groups and tolerates no dissent. There is no recognizable rule of law or justice system, civilian or military.

The whereabouts of many political or religious prisoners, including journalists, are not known. Many were in effect victims of enforced disappearance. Many detainees have been tortured. Prison conditions, including being held in underground cells or metal shipping containers, amount to cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment. Virtually no medical treatment is provided to prisoners.

In its October 2007 annual report, the media-rights group Reporters Without Borders said that Eritrea was in last place, replacing North Korea, in an index measuring the level of press freedom in 169 countries throughout the world.

Eritrea is the only African country with no privately-owned news media, not even private radio or TV stations. The government closed the private press in 2001 for allegedly endangering national security and arrested many journalists after several publications printed the dissenting views of some National Assembly members. Four have reportedly since died in custody.

Land mines and unexploded ordnance

Areas in and near the security zone between Eritrea and Ethiopia remain contaminated with mines, and there have been numerous detonations of land and personnel mines on relatively well-traveled roads in recent years. Although a clearing effort is under way, new minefields are regularly discovered. Consider all areas that are not well-traveled as potentially dangerous.

In destinations with areas that have been contaminated with land mines or unexploded ordnance, never pick up any unidentified metal or plastic object. Report any finds to local authorities. Exercise caution around construction areas, as mines or ordnance could be uncovered during excavation. Travelers should be accompanied or briefed by guides familiar with mined areas. To the extent possible, remain on well-traveled roads, tracks and paths. Under no circumstances should you enter an area marked as mined.

Additional information

All foreigners, including diplomats, need a travel permit issued at least 10 days in advance in order to travel to Asmara.

The government has threatened jail terms and large fines for anyone caught using foreign currency. The country has a serious shortage of foreign exchange, so the measure is aimed at curbing the black market; people get 33% more for their money there than official rates.

The general level of crime in Eritrea is low, but local authorities have reported an increase of offenses in recent years. Foreigners are attractive targets because of their perceived affluence.

Petty crime

There have been increased incidents of petty crimes reported in 2008, including pick-pocketing on buses and in areas of high pedestrian traffic. Vehicle break-ins are also increasing in Asmara.

Violent crime

The chances of a foreigner becoming a victim of violent crime in Eritrea are reportedly considerably less than in other African countries. However, the incidence of foreigners being harassed and attacked by emotionally disturbed people recently released from mental institutions has increased.

Piracy

Pirate activity has been reported in Eritrean waters.

Typical raids off the coast of Africa involve a group armed with knives and assault rifles that uses small speedboats to surround a vessel, especially if it has slowed down for any reason. The pirates then fire at the bridge to force the crew to stop, at which point the vessel is boarded and looted. Often, members of the crew are kidnapped and held for ransom.

Police effectiveness

The police force is poorly trained and subject to shortages of staff and equipment. Rapid response is nonexistent, and victims of crimes may have to transport police officers to the scene. Corruption among police is not tolerated.

Eritrea is subject to severe droughts, and an ongoing harsh drought in the region has prompted repeated calls for international relief and food assistance from the U.N.

Health care is minimal in Eritrea.

Medical facilities

Medical facilities in Eritrea are extremely limited. Take your own supplies of prescription drugs and preventive medicines, because pharmaceuticals are in short supply. Most serious injuries or illnesses require medical evacuation.

Emergency care

Options for evacuation in case of medical emergency are limited. Insurance to cover the cost for such an evacuation is highly recommended.

Diseases

Malaria is prevalent in coastal areas and the western lowlands. Consult a doctor about preventive medications before departing on your trip.

Mosquitoes carry many serious illnesses, including dengue fever, malaria and West Nile virus. To prevent bites and avoid infection, reduce the amount of exposed skin by wearing long sleeves, long pants, socks and shoes when you're outdoors. Use insect repellent containing deet on exposed skin. Avoid outdoor activities from dusk to dawn, the time when mosquitoes are most active.

Because of dangers from unexploded ordnance and road and weather (fog) conditions, travel in outlying areas of Eritrea can be hazardous.

Road conditions

Roads between the major cities of Asmara, Massawa, Mendefera, Dekemhare, Barentu and Keren are paved and are in relatively good condition. Roads leading to smaller villages, however, usually are unpaved and in poor condition. The Asmara-Massawa road is notorious for horrific fatalities because of heavy truck traffic and blind corners.

Fog during winter months increases hazards. Drivers should be aware of small motorized carts traveling at low speeds, as well as horse-drawn carts, cattle, goats, and heavy pedestrian and bicycle traffic that often obstruct the flow of vehicular traffic on city streets. Bicycle traffic, in particular, has greatly increased because of rising fuel prices. Many cyclists don't use lights or reflectors. Some vehicle drivers turn off their lights at night to "save gas."

Public transportation

Many Eritreans use inexpensive public transportation, especially buses, which often are extremely crowded. Taxis are plentiful and inexpensive in Asmara, but they are likely to be crowded. If an empty taxi is available, a customer may request a "contract," meaning that for a slightly higher price, the driver will not pick up additional passengers.

Additional information

Because of shortages, the authorities sometimes impose fuel rationing with no notice and little publicity. Maintain a full tank of gas and a reserve.

Tourism facilities are limited. Use of cell phones is heavily restricted.

There are no ATMs in Eritrea. Credit cards are accepted only in a few international hotels. The economy is otherwise completely cash-based. It is illegal to exchange currency other than at a branch of "Himbol," the state foreign-currency exchange.

No matter how safe you perceive a destination to be, it's important to use good judgment.

• Pay attention to local media.
• Avoid open displays of wealth, jewelry or other valuables. Safeguard travel documents such as passports and airline tickets.
• Avoid confrontations with locals.
• Avoid demonstrations and protests, especially if they appear political in nature.
• Don't permit people you don't know to enter your accommodations. Keep your door locked. Don't leave valuables in your room unless they can be locked in a safe.
• Avoid illegal drugs, and don't drink alcohol if its use is prohibited. Even if drinking is legal, don't overindulge.
• Be cautious of unsolicited offers of assistance from strangers.

In recent years, political terrorism has become a global phenomenon - an attack could occur with little warning anywhere in the world, even in destinations long regarded as safe. Travelers should keep themselves informed of developments that could affect their safety, no matter what their destination.