Rules for overlanding in Eritrea

Our summary of the country advice published by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Viaggiare Sicuri) on 3 June 2026.

Which licence you need

All vehicles — An Italian licence can be presented to the local transport ministry to apply for a temporary driving permit, which differs according to the vehicle you intend to ride or drive, motorcycle, car and so on. Check what applies to the licence you hold.

An International Driving Permit states the categories it covers: check yours covers what you will actually drive. A car licence does not cover a motorcycle, and a heavy camper or a truck can need a higher category.

At the wheel

Driver required outside Asmara — For any transfer outside the capital the ministry's advice is to use authorised agencies and hire a 4x4 with a driver.
Daylight only — Travel exclusively in daylight hours because of the condition of the roads, and pay maximum attention to any journey outside the capital and after dark.
Stay on the tracks — Do not leave the marked tracks: mines may still be present, especially in the areas bordering neighbouring states.
Checkpoints — Respect the checkpoints along the route, and obtain the movement authorisations wherever they are required.
Fuel short and rationed — Fuel availability is currently limited because of the regional situation, and diesel is rationed. Before any long trip you have to contact local travel agencies in advance to make sure the fuel you need will be available.
Insurance — There is a single, state-owned insurance company operating in the country.
Buses and minivans — Links between towns are covered by buses and minivans that look unreliable from a safety point of view.

What catches travellers out

Drones are banned — Bringing drones of any kind into the country is prohibited. Digital cameras, video cameras, laptops and any other electronic equipment must be declared.
Currency in and out — Foreign currency above 10,000 dollars must be declared on entry and exit, together with every exchange made during the stay, and the receipts are checked on the way out. Change money only through official channels: airport, authorised hotels, bank counters and the state Himbol agencies. You may not take out more than 1,000 nakfa, and larger amounts can trigger checks that cost you your flight ticket.
Visa well in advance — The visa must be obtained from the Eritrean missions in Italy before travelling; it is not available at Asmara airport unless you arrive from a country with no Eritrean representation. The procedure now requires applicants to attend in person and takes around 30 days on average, and it changes often.
Photography and exports — Photographing or filming military installations, police barracks, ports and airports is strictly forbidden, and you should ask people's permission before taking their picture. Exporting archaeological finds and CITES-listed animals, alive or dead, is absolutely prohibited, so be careful with purchases of coral, giant clams and other shells.

Before you rely on this

This is our summary of advice written by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Italian travellers, published on 3 June 2026. We summarise in good faith, but we cannot guarantee it is accurate, current or complete, and we take no responsibility for decisions made on the basis of it. Rules change without notice and are applied by officials at the border, not by websites. Always read the original source and the travel advice your own government publishes for Eritrea before you travel. GuideMeet has no way of checking whether an individual guide meets any standard mentioned here — ask them directly.

Source: Viaggiare Sicuri — Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, updated 3 June 2026. Last checked by GuideMeet on 2026-09-20.