Xref: world wstd.travel.advisories:819 Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories Path: world!daemon From: Wally Doerge <76702.1202@dub-gw-11.compuserve.com> Subject: NEW TRAVEL INFO -- Eritrea Message-ID: <950912131146_76702.1202_CHN36-1@CompuServe.COM> Precedence: bulk Sender: daemon@world.std.com (daemons) Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die Distribution: wstd Date: Tue, 12 Sep 1995 13:11:46 GMT Approved: usenet@world.std.com Lines: 100 STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Eritrea ============================================================ Eritrea - Consular Information Sheet September 11, 1995 Country Description: Eritrea is a poor but developing east African country. Formerly a province of Ethiopia, Eritrea became an independent country on May 24, 1993, following a 30-year long struggle, which culminated in an overwhelming referendum vote for independence. There are occasional reports of terrorist attacks by the Eritrean Islamic Jihad (EIJ) on Eritrean civilians in western areas bordering Sudan. Tourism facilities in Eritrea are very limited. Entry Requirements: A passport, a visa, and a yellow fever immunization are required. Airport visas are unavailable. For more information on entry requirements travelers may contact the Embassy of Eritrea, 910 17th St., N.W., Suite 400, Washington, D.C. 20006, telephone (202) 429-1991; fax (202) 429-9004. Travel Information: With Eritrea's break of diplomatic relations with Sudan, overland travel between the two countries may be dangerous. Air travel between Asmara and Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, is heavily booked, and advance reservations are recommended by the airlines. Passengers should allow two hours minimum for pre-departure security and other processing at the airport. There is a ten dollar departure tax. Domestic Travel Hazards: Land mines and unexploded ordnance litter the countryside in many areas, continuing to cause injuries and deaths among the populace. Although a demining effort is underway, it is wise to consider all areas that are not well-traveled as potentially dangerous due to live mines. Areas north and west of Keren are known to be heavily mined. Check with the host government and local village officials before traveling in less-frequented areas. Avoid walking alone and hiking in riverbeds or areas that local government officials do not certify as safe. There is a low risk of encountering banditry or EIJ insurgent activity in the north and west of the country. Travelers should consult both host government and U.S. Embassy officials about travel plans to these areas. Medical Facilities: Medical facilities in Eritrea are extremely limited. Travelers must bring their own supplies of prescription drugs and preventive medicines. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health care services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. The Medicare/Medicaid program does not provide for payment of medical services outside the United States. In some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas and medical evacuation coverage has proven useful. For additional health information, travelers can contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's international travelers hotline (404) 332-4559. Information on Crime: Street crime such as theft and robbery is rare throughout most of Eritrea, including the capital city of Asmara. While travel throughout Eritrea is relatively safe, it is prudent to exercise normal safety precautions regarding valuables carried and areas visited. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to local police and to the nearest U.S. Embassy or consulate. The pamphlets "A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips For Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa" provide useful information on protecting personal security while traveling abroad and on travel in the region in general. Both are available >from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Currency Regulations: The government of Eritrea continues to use the Ethiopian birr. Credit cards are not accepted in Eritrea. Foreigners must pay bills in U.S. dollars or U.S. dollar-denomination travelers checks. Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs are strictly enforced. Convicted offenders may expect long jail sentences, fines and possible confiscation of personal property. Embassy Location/Registration: U.S. citizens who register with the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy at 34 Zera Yacob St., P. O. Box 2ll, Asmara at telephone (291-1) 12-00-04, may obtain updated information on travel and security in Eritrea. The Embassy's fax number is (291-1) 12-75-84. No. 95-108 This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated March 15, 1995, to revise the Information on Crime and to add a paragraph on Domestic Travel Hazards. ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet and BITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings and Consular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing the word "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.edu Archives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL: "http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher: gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories