Embassy/Consulate Addresses | Foreign Relations | Travel Advisories | Travel Tips | Customs/Duties



EMBASSY/CONSULATE ADDRESSES

Diplomatic representation in US:
Ambassador: Ghirmai GHEBREMARIAM
Embassy: 1708 New Hampshire Ave., NW, Washington, DC
20009
Telephone: 202-319-1991
Fax: 202-319-1304

US Diplomatic Representation:
Chief of Mission: Sue Bremner
Embassy: 34 Zera Yacob St., Asmara
Mailing Address: 28 Franklin D. Roosevelt Street, P.O. Box 211, Asmara
Telephone: [291] (1) 120004
Fax: [291] (1) 127584

Embassy and Consulate Web Sites for Eritrea

U.S. Embassy Web Site in Eritrea
Embassy of Eritrea Web Site in the USA


FOREIGN RELATIONS

U.S.-ERITREA RELATIONS

The United States established diplomatic relations with Eritrea in 1993, following its independence and separation from Ethiopia. The United States supported Eritrea's independence, but U.S.-Eritrea relations became strained as a result of the 2001 government crackdown against political dissidents and others, the closure of the independent press, and limits on civil liberties, which has persisted to this day. Eritrea's authoritarian regime is controlled entirely by the president, who heads the sole political party; that party has ruled the country since 1991. Elections have not taken place since then. Regionally, Eritrea has had military confrontations with Ethiopia and Djibouti over border disputes It has also been cited by the UN for destabilizing activities in the broader Horn of Africa.

U.S. interests in Eritrea include encouraging Eritrea to contribute to regional stability, reconciling ongoing disputes with Ethiopia and Djibouti, urging progress toward a democratic political culture, citing and addresses human rights issues, and promoting economic reform.

U.S. Assistance to Eritrea

At the Eritrean Government's request, the United States no longer provides bilateral assistance to Eritrea. The U.S. has no military-to-military cooperation with Eritrea.

Bilateral Economic Relations

Eritrea's Government and ruling party control the economy. The United States and Eritrea have very little bilateral trade. Eritrea is a member of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa, which has a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement with the United States.

Eritrea's Membership in International Organizations

Eritrea and the United States belong to a number of the same international organizations, including the United Nations, International Monetary Fund, and World Bank.

Bilateral Representation

There currently is no U.S. Ambassador to Eritrea; the U.S. Chargé d'Affaires is Sue Bremner. Other principal embassy officials are listed in the Department's Key Officers List.

Eritrea maintains an embassy in the United States at 1708 New Hampshire Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20009 (tel. 202-319-1991), but does not currently have an Ambassador to the United States.

More information about Eritrea is available from the Department of State and other sources, some of which are listed here:

Department of State Eritrea Page
Department of State Key Officers List
CIA World Factbook Eritrea Page
U.S. Embassy: Eritrea
History of U.S. Relations With Eritrea
Human Rights Reports
International Religious Freedom Reports
Trafficking in Persons Reports
Narcotics Control Reports
Investment Climate Statements
Office of the U.S. Trade Representative Countries Page
U.S. Census Bureau Foreign Trade Statistics
Travel and Business Information




TRAVEL ADVISORIES

To obtain the latest Travel Advisory Information for Eritrea check the U.S. State Department Consular Information Sheet.


TRAVEL TIPS

Driving TBA
Currency (ERN) Nakfa
Electrical 230 Volts
Telephones Country Code 291, City Code, Eritrea 1+6D



Customs: A valid Eritrean visa is required for entry, as is a current vaccination for yellow fever.

Climate and clothing: Lightweight woolens and light wraps are appropriate year round in Asmara. Umbrellas are needed June- September. Hot weather clothing is needed for travel in the lowlands, where temperatures sometimes reach 120o in the summer months.

Health: Medical facilities in Eritrea are extremely limited, and travelers should bring an ample supply of prescription drugs. Inoculations for tetanus, hepatitis, and meningitis, and a cholera stamp are advisable, and a malaria prophylactic should be taken if traveling in the lowlands. The climate in the highlands is cool and dry, and care must be taken to avoid dehydration. Likewise, sun protection is warranted, since sunburn occurs more quickly at high elevations. Take reasonable precautions regarding food and drink. Tap water is not potable. The altitude in Asmara can cause dizziness and could adversely affect those with cardiopulmonary conditions.

Telecommunications: Long distance service is available from major cities, but direct dial service to international numbers is unavailable with the exception of Ethiopia. Fax service is available in Asmara at the major hotels or at the Telecommunications Office.

Transportation: The most direct air routes from the U.S. to Asmara are via Frankfurt, Rome, or London. International air routes link Asmara to Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, although flights are not frequent. Ethiopian Airlines flies daily to Addis Ababa, however, increasing the traveler's options. Municipal bus transportation is available, although likely to be crowded. Taxis are available and reasonable.

Travel precautions: It is wise to bring along plenty of water, two spare tires, and extra cans of gasoline when traveling in the countryside. Roads are in poor condition, and help for automotive emergencies is scarce. Security conditions are generally good, but occasional bandit or EIJ rebel raids are an ever-present possibility in the west and northwest. Land mines, remnants of the civil war, litter the landscape, and it is wise to keep to major towns and hard surfaced roads. U.S. Government employees are prohibited from driving at night outside of Asmara.


CUSTOMS/DUTIES

Tobacco......200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco

Liquor.........1 litre of alcoholic beverage



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