Asmara Maekel, Eritrea Travel Guide
Asmara International Airport (ASM) is Eritrea's sole international airport, located approximately 5 km (3 miles) southwest of downtown. Ethiopian Airlines, EgyptAir, and Turkish Airlines are the main carriers.
All international travelers need connecting flights through Addis Ababa, Cairo, or Istanbul. Plan your itinerary to include sufficient layover time. Flight frequency can be limited. Schedules change without extensive notice. Booking flights well in advance is advisable.
Readily available outside the terminal. Negotiate fares (150-300 ERN) before starting the journey to the central area.
Some hotels offer pre-arranged airport transfers. Inquire about this service when booking accommodation.
Not a convenient option for arriving tourists carrying luggage due to luggage space and routes.
Skyscanner for comparing flight options.
Dollar Flight Club for discovering cheap flights.
AirHelp assists with delayed/canceled flight compensation.
Land borders with Ethiopia, Sudan, and Djibouti are generally closed or highly restricted for foreign tourists. Air travel via Asmara International Airport is the only reliable and permitted entry/exit point for foreign tourists. Do not plan to enter or exit Eritrea overland.
Buses connect Asmara to major towns within Eritrea: Keren, Massawa, Mendefera, Senafe, and Decamhare. These journeys need a travel permit from the Ministry of The travel industry in Asmara for foreign visitors.
Self-driving is generally not recommended or easily facilitated for tourists. Complex permit requirements for travel outside Asmara, varying road conditions, and security concerns make it difficult.
Roads inside of Asmara are generally paved. Roads outside Asmara, specifically on routes to other towns, present challenges due to varying quality and maintenance.
Arriving by sea are not directly applicable to Asmara, an inland city. The port city of Massawa sits on the Red Sea coast. No regular international passenger ferry services are available to Massawa.
For those arriving by cruise ship in Massawa, standard immigration procedures apply. A valid Eritrean visa is needed. Travel from Massawa to Asmara would need a separate travel permit from the Ministry of Tourism.
Any exit fees or taxes are typically included in the airline ticket price. Confirm this with your airline or the Eritrean embassy before departure. Arrive at Asmara International Airport at least 2-3 hours before your scheduled international flight departure. This time makes ample room for manual check-in processes and potential queues.
Asmara International Airport offers limited facilities for departing travelers. Expect basic waiting areas, some little shops, and cafes. Do not expect extensive duty-free shopping options.
Arrive at Asmara International Airport at least 2-3 hours before your flight due to manual check-in.
Confirm exit fees/taxes with airline or embassy if unsure.
Make certain passport and any exit stamps are in order at immigration.
Arrive at Asmara International Airport at least 2-3 hours before your flight. Check-in processes take time.
