Travel Vaccines and Advice for Eritrea
Eritrea is a melting pot of different cultures, giving travellers 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 PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Eritrea: COVID-19, 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.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for all travellers - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers - 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 travelling 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 travellers 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 | Recommended for all travellers |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers |
| 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 travelling 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 travellers 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 travellers 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.
Does Eritrea Have COVID-19 Travel Restrictions?
No entry restrictions have been put in place in Eritrea. All arriving travellers will be screened at Asmara International Airport. Travellers who have recently been to, or are travelling from, China must report their travel history and may be quarantined upon arrival.
While there is not yet a vaccine to prevent COVID-19, vaccines do guard against typhoid and yellow fever, two infections common in Eritrea, as well as medication to prevent travellers’ diarrhea are readily available. Call us at or schedule an appointment online to learn more about protecting your health while travelling in Eritrea.
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Eritrea?
Canadian travellers visiting Eritrea must have a passport valid for six months beyond the date of departure and a visa. Travellers can apply for a tourist visa, which is valid for up to three months in Eritrea, online. Additionally, the government of Eritrea requires all travellers 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? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | |
|
| Business Visa | |
|
| Vaccinations | |
|
Sources: Embassy of Eritrea and Canadian Travel and Tourism
Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
What is the Climate Like in Eritrea?
The climate in Eritrea depends greatly on where in the country you visit.
- Eastern Coast – It is very hot from June to September, with temperatures frequently in the hundreds. From December to February there is a great deal of rain, with temperatures ranging from the mid-teens to low-30’s.
- Highlands – The hottest month is May, with temperatures around 30. The winter can be incredibly cold with temperatures close to freezing at night.
- Western lowlands – Temperatures and precipitation is like that on the coast.
How Safe is Eritrea?
Exercise caution in the country and avoid the Eritrean-Ethiopian border, Southern Red Sea Region, and Eritrea-Djibouti border. There is a large military presence in these areas due to tensions between Eritrean and neighboring countries.
Crime in the country is also increasing, such as burglary and other crimes of opportunity. Travellers should always maintain situational alertness, have evacuation plans ready and travel in groups.
Visiting Matara
Matara is a small village and archaeological site located in Eritrea. At one point evidence suggests that Matara was a city along a trade route that ran from Aksum to Adulis. Archaeological investigation has revealed evidence from over 1,000 years of habituation. In the village is the Hawulti, an 18-foot-tall obelisk that has the oldest example of Ge’ez script. Those interested in history will love exploring this historic area.
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 travelling.
- 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.
Canadian Embassy to Eritrea
When travelling it is very helpful to find out exactly where the Canadian 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.
Canadian Consulate in Eritrea
Abeneh Street 745,
House No. 152/154,
Tiravolo, Asmara, Eritrea
Tel.: 291 (1) 18 18 55 / 291 (1) 18 64 90
Ready to start your next journey? Call us at or book online now!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Eritrea
“The nurse was well prepared, helpful and knowledgeable. We left confident that we understood our options, our vaccine requirements for Eritrea and would be well prepared for our trip.”
“The nurse was welcoming, thorough, knowledgeable and patient. All questions about Eritrea were answered and repeated if necessary. Everything was documented and I took a package of information with me. She was efficient in administering the inoculation and I have confidence the f/up will be handled with the same service..”
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 Matara
What Should I Pack To Eritrea?
Canadian Embassy to Eritrea
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