Eritrea

Overview

There are more significant safety or security concerns than you would usually find in New Zealand, with some areas where you should avoid non-essential travel or avoid all travel. Take care of your personal security at all times.

Other things that New Zealanders travelling or living in Eritrea should be aware of are:

• Violent crime - armed banditry is common near the border with Sudan, and Djibouti along the coast north of Massawa, and on some rural roads.
• Landmines - there are extensive minefields, particularly in border areas which continue to cause occasional injury or death.
• Piracy - has been reported in the coastal waters off Eritrea in the Gulf of Aden, and remains a significant threat.  

New Zealanders travelling or living in Eritrea should have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place that includes provision for medical evacuation by air. Medical facilities may be limited outside Asmara.

Consular assistance for New Zealanders

New Zealand has no diplomatic presence in Eritrea, so the New Zealand Government’s ability to help New Zealand citizens there is limited.

See below for detailed travel advice.