Change description : 2025-08-01 17:13:00: This page has been checked for style and accuracy, with minor edits throughout and updated information on the support for British nationals in Eritrea (‘Warnings and insurance’ page’). [Guidance and regulation]
!Warning
FCDO advises against all travel to parts of Eritrea.
Warnings and insurance
Still current at:
12
7 SeptemberAugust 20242025
Updated:
12
1 SeptemberAugust 20242025
Latest update:
InformationThis page has been checked for style and accuracy, with minor edits throughout and updated information on the riskssupport tofor womenBritish travellersnationals visitingin AsmaraEritrea (‘Safety('Warnings and security’insurance' page).page').
Supporttravel. forDiplomats at the British nationalsEmbassy require travel permits from the Eritrean government to travel outside Asmara, which means the Embassy cannot always provide consular assistance in Eritrea
person in parts of Eritrea.
ConsularThe supportEritrean isauthorities severelymay limitednot inform the British Embassy if a British national is in partsneed of Eritrea.help. There have been instances where the Eritrean authorities have refused to give the Embassy consular access to detained foreign nationals.
If you’re in Eritrea and you need urgent help (for example, you’ve been attacked or arrested, or someone has died),died) please get in touch using the numbers below.
During office hours, please call the British Embassy inAsmara on +291 1787 2021517. 838.Office Ifhours you’reare inMonday-Thursday thebetween UK08:00 and worried16:30 aboutor aFriday between 08:00 and 12:30.
For out of hours support, please call the British nationalEmbassy Addis on +251 116 170 100 or the Foreign Office in Eritrea,London callon 020+44 7008207 008 5000.
British-Eritrean dual nationals
If you are a British-Eritrean dual national,national or are of Eritrean origin, the Eritrean authorities consider you to be an Eritrean national. You may therefore be subject to obligations including taxes and national service. This appliesmay apply if you hold identity documents issued by Eritrea’s Department of Immigration and Nationality, including out of date documents.documents, Theor Britishif Embassyyou isdo unablenot tohold offerthese consulardocuments assistancebut toare dualof nationalsEritrean inorigin. Eritrea.The British Embassy staffis willbeunable to gainoffer consular accessassistance to youdual ifnationals youin aredetainedbytheEritreanauthorities.Eritrea.
Before you travel
No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guideguide. andYou anymay specificalso travelfind adviceit thathelpful appliestoyou:to:
If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
About FCDO travel advice
FCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
