Eritrea
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Visitor Information
Climate | Latest Travel Advice |
Visas & Immigration | Money |
Local Time | Getting Around |
Public Holidays | Electrical Power
| Travel Insurance
CLIMATE
The country can be divided into three
major climatic zones; the central highlands, the coastal region and the western
lowlands.
In the highlands, May is the hottest months with temperatures
reaching a high of 85°F. The coolest months are from December to February
with lows of around 32°F with great variations between each days high and
low temperatures. There are two raining seasons, March and April experiencing
what is known as the short rains and the main rainy season from late June to
the beginning of September.
Along the Red Sea Coast there lies a hot,
dry desert strip the hottest months being June through to August when
temperatures can reach 105°F. Rain is rare on the southern coast but the
northern coast has a rainy season from December to February.
The
western lowlands experience temperatures of up to 105°F during the hottest
months of April to June. December is the coolest months when temperatures will
fall to 55°F. Daily highs and lows range up to 38°F
Climate Chart for Asmara
For
today's weather forecast see CNN - Africa Weather
Forecasts
LATEST TRAVEL ADVICE
Foreign & Commonwealth Office (London)
US State Department - Travel
Warnings
VISAS & IMMIGRATION
Visas are
required by all to enter Eritrea and your passport must be valid for at least
six months beyond your departure date
It is best to check with your
local Eritrean Embassy or Consulate for the latest visa requirements.
Listing of EritreanTourist offices and/or
embassies located around the world
MONEY
Official Currency:
Nakfa
Current Exchange Rate:
Today's Exchange
Rate
The government of Eritrea introduced the country's new
currency, the Nakfa, in November 1997. Credit cards are not widely accepted. As
of January 1998, only the airlines and one hotel accept them. Generally,
foreigners must pay bills at major hotels in U.S. dollars or U.S.
dollar-denomination travelers checks.
BANKING & BUSINESS HOURS
Banks: In Asmara banking hours are generally, Monday
to Friday from 0800-1200 and from 1400-1700. and on Saturday from 0800- 1200.
Shops: The majority of shops are under
Muslim management and generally close on Fridays. In other towns hours may
vary. Generally Monday to Saturday (excluding Friday) 0800-1300 and
1430-1930
LOCAL TIME
Eritrea is three hours ahead of
GMT.
TRANSPORT & GETTING AROUND
Air:
Eritrean Airlines currently offers a domestic passenger route between Asmara
and Assab
Public Transport:
Long distance bus services are
available from Asmara to Teseney, Adit Quala and Senafe with stop overs the
main towns on route. The smaller towns and villages are harder to get to and
hitching may be your only option.
Self Drive / Hire
Cars:
Driving is on the right hand side and an International Driving Licence is
required. Since the war, reconstruction of the road networks has become one of
the governments main objectives. Most of the business centres and tourist areas
are connected by reasonable roads, but four wheel drive vehicles are
recommended on smaller, lesser used roads and tracks.
Car hire is
available through some local tour operators based in Asmara
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
| 1st January |
New Years Day |
| 24th May |
Independence Day |
| 20th June |
Martyrs Day |
| 1st September |
Anniversary of start of armed struggle |
| December 25th |
Christmas Day |
| Moveable Easter and Muslim religious holidays |
Electrical Power Electric Power is 230V running at 50Hz.
The Plug types used are :
Round pin attachment plug -
view
TRAVEL INSURANCE
If you need medical care whilst in
Mauritius, it is best to be aware that medical providers may not accept payment
through your insurance company. In these circumstances you will have to pay in
full after your treatment and file a claim with your insurance company for
reimbursement. Therefore you should have access to cash, either from a credit
card or by wire transfer. If you need assistance contact the country's local
embassy or representative.
To be compensated you must be treated by
licensed medical personnel and provide your insurance company with proper
documentation and receipts.
It is advisable to always ensure you have a
comprehensive travel insurance policy which covers you for repatriation to your
home country.
You can check out the following websites which specialise
in long term travellers, adventure travellers, backpackers and workers based
abroad.
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Insure and Go - UK Travellers
whether
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wedding abroad or a golfing weekend away, we have a policy at the right price
to ensure you have the peace of mind that you are covered for the unexpected
while you're away. |
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- UK Travellers
Offering a full range of policies,
single trip, young travellers, long stay, annual cover for UK residents. Get
your quote and policy on-line.... |
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Insure My Trip - USA travellers
offer 63 different
travel insurance plans from 14 different companies - no other site has such
product depth or comparison features. You can compare each policy giving you
the information you need to make an informed decision about your travel
insurance needs. . |
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 Downunder Insurance - UK - Australia and New Zealand
Travellers
offers travel insurance to travellers and residents in the
UK, Australia and New Zealand. Our cover ranges from basic to highly
comprehensive, with affordable policies aimed at backpackers and gap-year
students, but with cover available to travellers and holiday makers up to 55
years of age. |
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