Last updated: 09-09-2020
Country-Specific Information:
- Number of Covid Cases
- On September 3, the Ministry of Health announced the total number of confirmed cases in the country to-date was 330 of which 295 had recovered and 35 were still active.
- Government/Business/School Operations
- Government offices have suspended many routine services, and restrictions are in place throughout the country to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
- Essential businesses (e.g., grocery stores) are open until 8PM and some non-essential businesses have also been allowed to open.
- Restaurants, entertainment venues, and religious services remain closed.
- University and 11th grade students returned to school on July 6, 2020. All other students are to remain at home.
- Limitation on Size of Gatherings
- All gatherings of over 10 people are prohibited without a government permit.
- Mask Requirements
- Those providing services must wear a mask as well as all those in schools and health facilitates, including students and patients.
- Public Transportation
- Public Transportation has stopped services until further notice and most private cars are banned from the road. Urgent travel by car requires a permit.
- Country Specific Updates
- Please see the Eritrean government website (shabait.com) for any updates.
Entry and Exit Requirements:
- Are U.S. citizens permitted to enter? No
- Land borders are closed for citizens of every country and there are no commercial flights into Eritrea.
- See https://shabait.com/announcement-from-the-ministry-of-health/ for latest government announcements
- Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for entry? No
- Are health screening procedures in place at airports and other ports of entry? Yes
- Duration of stay extensions are available with Eritrean government approval
Movement Restrictions:
- Is a curfew in place? No
- Are there restrictions on intercity or interstate travel? Yes.
- Motorized transportation (both public and private) requires government approval. People are free to travel by foot or by bicycle.
Quarantine Information:
- Are U.S. citizens required to quarantine? Yes
- Commercial flights have not started and land borders are closed. Those arriving by charter flight with special permission from the Eritrean government, are subject to 14 days of self-quarantine.
COVID-19 Testing:
- Tests are generally taken at one of the Eritrean government’s 82 testing center and are free-of-charge. All testing samples are sent to Asmara’s Central Lab for evaluation.
Transportation Options:
- Are commercial flights operating? No
- Is public transportation operating? No
- Taxis and bus transportation are not permitted. Private vehicles require a special permit from the Eritrean government.
Fines for Non-Compliance:
- There who violate Covid-related regulations are subject to possible fine and imprisonment.
Consular Operations:
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ACS:
- Emergency Services: Please call the Consulate’s 24-hour emergency number at +291 120004. If an emergency can wait until the next business day, please call to schedule an appointment between the hours of 8:00AM to 12:00PM Monday – Friday. Urgent walk-in appointments are also accepted during these hours.
- Routine Services: The Consular Section is closed for routine services until further notice. Please email questions to ConsularAsmara@state.gov or call +291 120004 between the hours of 8:00AM to 12:00PM Monday – Friday.
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Visas
- The consular section is not issuing visas at this time. For visa-related emergencies, please email ConsularAsmara@state.gov or call +291 120004 between the hours of 8:00AM to 12:00PM Monday – Friday.
Local Resources:
- See https://shabait.com/ for latest Eritrean government announcements
