UNESCO Art Deco Capital, Red Sea Coast & Africa's Cycling Powerhouse
No. Eritrea uses a sales tax and excise duties on goods and services rather than a modern value-added tax (VAT).
Business and company profits are taxed at a standard rate of 30%.
It is a 2% levy on the income of Eritrean nationals living abroad, collected through embassies and consulates and often linked in practice to accessing consular services. Its collection method has been controversial internationally.
Generally at source: the employer withholds tax from salaries each period and remits it to the Inland Revenue Department, similar to a pay-as-you-earn system.
All assessments and payments are made in Eritrean nakfa (ERN).
Public health services are heavily state-subsidised and low-cost, with an emphasis on affordable primary and preventive care. Foreigners should still budget for costs and, crucially, hold comprehensive insurance.
Capacity for advanced specialist care, complex surgery, and modern diagnostics is very limited. For serious conditions, medical evacuation abroad is often necessary — which is why evacuation insurance is essential.
Yes. Bring an adequate supply of any prescription medicine in its original packaging with a doctor's letter, as specific drugs may not be available in local pharmacies.
Malaria risk exists in the lowland and coastal areas. High-altitude Asmara is largely low-risk. Discuss prophylaxis and bite prevention with a travel-health clinic before you go.
Rarely. Eritrea is a cash economy, and international cards and ATMs are largely unusable. Bring enough hard currency (USD or EUR) and exchange it through authorised channels.
Yes. Foreigners generally need a travel permit to travel to most destinations outside the capital. Apply in advance and carry it with you.
Slow and limited, provided by a single state operator, and often accessed via internet cafés. Do not rely on fast or always-on connectivity.
English is widely understood in professional settings, but Tigrinya and Arabic are important day to day. Learning basic Tigrinya greetings is warmly appreciated.
Violent crime is uncommon and Asmara feels safe, but the real constraints are movement restrictions, border-area risks, and the political environment. Follow the rules and stay discreet on politics.