Planning to visit Eritrea? Start with the route you want to travel, the time available and the arrangements you need to confirm before booking. Asmara, the highlands and the Red Sea coast offer different experiences, so a useful itinerary gives each part of the journey enough time.
Where to go in Eritrea
Asmara is a starting point for architecture, markets and café life. The city’s historic urban area is a UNESCO World Heritage property, with buildings and public spaces that reflect its complex history.
Keren adds another highland stop, while Massawa brings the journey to the Red Sea. If you want time on the islands, discuss a separate Dahlak Islands itinerary and confirm the boat arrangements and access for your dates.
How much time should you allow?
Choose the places that matter most before choosing a tour length. For a short visit, focus on Asmara and avoid filling every day with transfers. A longer trip allows more time for the highlands and coast, with room for stops and changes of pace.
- A city visit: start with the Asmara Tour and discuss the walking route and your arrival times.
- A week: review the 7-day Eritrea tour for a route through Asmara, Keren, Massawa and Mendefera.
- A longer journey: use the 11-day Eritrea tour as a starting point, then confirm which excursions fit your dates.
Before you go to Eritrea
Check entry requirements for your nationality with the relevant Eritrean embassy or consulate. Requirements and processing arrangements can change. Our Eritrea visa page explains how to discuss your application with our team; an application or tour booking is not a guarantee of entry approval.
Travel permissions also affect route planning. For example, UK government guidance states that foreign nationals need permits for travel beyond Asmara’s surrounding province and for some sites within the capital. Confirm the rules that apply to your itinerary before departure.
Read your own government’s current travel advice and check that your insurance covers the places and activities you intend to visit. The UK travel advisory includes regional restrictions; its entry guidance is written for British passport holders and should not be treated as a universal rule for every traveller.
What should your tour quote explain?
A useful quote gives you a day-by-day route and makes the arrangements clear. Check the accommodation, room type, meals, guide, transport, airport transfers, entrance fees, travel permits and activities. Ask which costs are separate, when payment is due and what happens if an activity or part of the route changes.
Confirm steam railway trips, diving and island excursions before making them the centre of your holiday. Access, scheduling, permits, equipment and conditions can all affect whether a particular experience is available.
Plan for your travel style
Tell us if you prefer architecture, photography, history, walking or time by the sea. Include your preferred pace and any mobility or dietary needs. Ask about practical arrangements such as local payments, connectivity and packing for the different places on your route before you leave.
Start planning your Eritrea trip
Send your travel dates, number of people and a short list of the places you would like to see. Visit Eritrea is based in Asmara and can discuss a route and quote for your group. Compare our Eritrea tours or request a tailored itinerary.