

Travel Vaccines and Advice for Eritrea
Eritrea is a melting pot of different cultures, giving travelers a glimpse into an incredibly unique life. The country is an beautiful, with clear beaches, towering mountains and vast deserts.
There is also a great amount of biodiversity; elephants, monkeys, leopards, lions, turtles, and birds are found there.
When entering the cities, tourists can admire a diverse mix of modern and colonial architecture. Even the people of Eritrea are known for their friendliness and hospitality. Despite the current political and economic troubles Eritrea is facing, it remains an amazing place for visitors.
Do I Need Vaccines for Eritrea?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Eritrea. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Eritrea: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. Check with your local Passport Health clinic if immunization is offered in your area.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- COVID-19 –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Recommended for all unvaccinated individuals who qualify for vaccination - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travelers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if traveling from a region with yellow fever. May be recommended for Anseba, Debub, Gash Barka, Mae Kel and Semen Keih Bahri - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Located in the meningitis belt, vaccination is recommended during the dry season (Dec. – June) - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Eritrea |
||
VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
---|---|---|
COVID-19 | Airborne & Direct Contact | Recommended for all unvaccinated individuals who qualify for vaccination |
Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travelers |
Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if traveling from a region with yellow fever. May be recommended for Anseba, Debub, Gash Barka, Mae Kel and Semen Keih Bahri |
Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Located in the meningitis belt, vaccination is recommended during the dry season (Dec. – June) |
Routine Vaccinations for Eritrea |
||
VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
---|---|---|
Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
Polio | Food & Water | Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
Proof of Yellow fever vaccination may be required if you enter Eritrea from a country with the virus.
Dengue, malaria and chikungunya are present in Eritrea. Mosquito repellents and netting should be brought with you. Antimalarials are recommended for travelers to the country as well.
Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now.
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Eritrea?
American travelers visiting Eritrea must have a passport valid for six months beyond the date of departure and a visa. Travelers can apply for a tourist visa, which is valid for up to three months in Eritrea, online. Additionally, the government of Eritrea requires all travelers entering from a country with a risk of yellow fever to show proof of yellow fever vaccination
Eritrea Entry Requirements |
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Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Eritrea? | |
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Passport | ![]() |
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Tourist Visa | ![]() |
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Business Visa | ![]() |
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Vaccinations | ![]() |
Sources: Embassy of Eritrea and U.S. State Department
What is the Climate Like in Eritrea?
Eritrea is a country with a hot desert climate that has two seasons, a hot and dry season from June to September, and a warm and wet season from October to May.
Eritrea has several popular tourist destinations, each with its own climate. Asmara, the capital city, has a mild climate year-round, with occasional showers between October and April. Massawa, a port city on the Red Sea coast, is hot and humid, with little rainfall.
Keren, a city in the highlands, has a moderate climate with occasional showers throughout the year. The Dahlak Archipelago, a group of islands off the coast of Massawa, has a hot and dry climate, with very little rainfall.
It’s important to bring appropriate clothing and sunscreen, especially during the summer months. Visitors should check the weather forecast before traveling to any destination.
How Safe is Eritrea?
Travelers to Eritrea should take certain precautions to stay safe.
It is important to research the current situation before traveling. Check your government’s travel advisories for up-to-date information on safety and security concerns.
Dress modestly, especially in rural areas. Avoid public demonstrations, which are rare in Eritrea, but if you do come across one, avoid getting involved or taking photographs. Be cautious at night, avoid walking alone in isolated areas, and stick to well-lit areas. Do not carry large amounts of cash and only carry what you need for the day.
Respect local customs and traditions and avoid discussing sensitive political topics with locals. Follow COVID-19 protocols such as wearing masks, practicing social distancing, and washing hands.
Eritrea has a rich cultural heritage, and it is important to respect local customs and traditions while staying safe.
Visiting Massawa
Avoid mosquitoes and other bugs
Insect-borne disease are a
threat throughout the world.
Keep the bugs away with
Passport Health’s repellent options!
Massawa is a popular place to visit for tourists. It has a lot of historical significance, with a mix of different cultures and architectural styles. The city has many old buildings, markets, and narrow streets that visitors can walk around.
Massawa is located on the Red Sea coast and has many beautiful beaches, islands and clear waters. These are great for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. The city has diverse marine life, which means visitors can see many different types of fish and sea turtles.
The city is also known for its food and culture, with many different ethnic groups living there. Tourists can visit traditional markets and try local food. Finally, the city is also a great place to attend cultural festivals.
Massawa is a unique and fascinating city that offers a wide range of experiences for tourists.
What Should I Pack for Eritrea?
Eritrea is a still developing nation, meaning it is best to bring some items with you on your trip.
- Money Belt – Due to the crime levels in the country, a money belt will allow you to keep your money and passport safe.
- Plug Adapters – Eritrea power sockets are type C and L, meaning an adapter is needed when traveling.
- Portable Chargers – Electrical power can be unreliable in Eritrea. Bring a backup battery to keep your phone at full charge.
- Jacket – If you’re visiting in the winter, particularly in the highlands, temperatures can get incredibly cold. Pack warm clothes to layer on top of your outfit.
U.S. Embassy to Eritrea
When traveling it is very helpful to find out exactly where the U.S. embassy or consulates are located. Keep the address written down in case you have a legal problem, you lose your passport, or you want to report a crime. Be sure to keep a copy of your passport with you in case you lose the original.
U.S. Embassy Asmara
179 Alaa Street
P.O. Box 211
Asmara, Eritrea
Phone: (291) 1-120-004
Fax: +(291) 1-124-255 and +(291) 1-127-584
Ready to start your next journey? Call us at or book online now!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Eritrea
Overall rating: 5 stars – 3 reviews
★★★★★
“great info and care“
“An RN came to meet with the team who are going on a medical mission trip to Eritrea. Her presentation was informative and she was very willing to answer all of the team’s questions.”
Submitted by: Nancy
★★★★★
“Mission Accomplished“
“The nurse gave us a comprehensive presentation and clearly detailed our options. She answered all our questions and put us more at ease regarding our trip to Eritrea. She administered the “shots” expertly — we have no ill effects.”
Submitted by: Marvin
★★★★★
“Very Good Service“
“Our visit to your clinic today was both helpful and time efficient. My daughter needed shots and medicine for her upcoming trip to Eritrea, the nurse, gave us great advice on what was medically necessary.”
Submitted by: Susan
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Eritrea?
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Eritrea?
What is the Climate Like in Eritrea?
How Safe is Eritrea?
Visiting Massawa
What Should I Pack To Eritrea?
U.S. Embassy to Eritrea
“An RN came to meet with the team who are going on a medical mission trip to Eritrea. Her presentation was informative and she was very willing to answer all of the team’s questions.”
“The nurse gave us a comprehensive presentation and clearly detailed our options. She answered all our questions and put us more at ease regarding our trip to Eritrea. She administered the “shots” expertly — we have no ill effects.”
“Our visit to your clinic today was both helpful and time efficient. My daughter needed shots and medicine for her upcoming trip to Eritrea, the nurse, gave us great advice on what was medically necessary.”
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Eritrea?
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Eritrea?
What is the Climate Like in Eritrea?
How Safe is Eritrea?
Visiting Massawa
What Should I Pack To Eritrea?
U.S. Embassy to Eritrea