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East Africa

🇪🇷 Vaccines for Eritrea

Entry requirements & recommendations for travel to Eritrea

Eritrea requires Yellow Fever proof if arriving from an endemic country, and malaria risk exists in most areas below roughly 2200m — Asmara, the capital, sits at high altitude and carries no malaria risk, but coastal areas around Massawa and most of the lowlands do. Hepatitis A and Typhoid are recommended, and Meningococcal vaccination is worth considering given Eritrea's position relative to the wider meningitis belt region. Eritrea has very limited tourism infrastructure and is rarely visited, with most travel connected to specific diplomatic, business, or personal reasons rather than typical tourism. Healthcare facilities are very limited, particularly outside Asmara.

Medical disclaimer: This is general information only — not personal medical advice. Requirements and risks change. Always consult a qualified travel health clinic before departure.
Required for entry
Yellow Fever
Certificate required if arriving from endemic country.
💉 1 dose (lifetime)
📅 Book at least 3 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: 10 days after vaccination. Certificate valid for life.
🛡 Protects for: Lifetime (single dose).
Required for entry
Recommended by WHO & CDC
Hepatitis A
Food and water contamination risk.
💉 2 doses
📅 Book at least 4 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: 2 weeks after 1st dose. Full protection after 2nd dose (6–12 months later).
🛡 Protects for: 1st dose ~1 yr. 2nd dose: lifetime.
Recommended
Typhoid
Contaminated food and water.
💉 1 dose
📅 Book at least 3 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: 2 weeks after vaccination.
🛡 Protects for: 3–5 years. Booster recommended if re-exposure.
Recommended
Meningococcal
Meningitis belt location.
💉 1 dose
📅 Book at least 3 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: 2 weeks after vaccination.
🛡 Protects for: 5 years. Booster if ongoing risk.
Recommended
Disease risks
  • ⚠Malaria (most areas below 2200m — not Asmara)
  • ⚠Dengue
  • ⚠Meningococcal disease
Approximate cost per person
Required vaccines
~€74
(~$81)
per person · full courses
Yellow Fever (1 dose)€74 ($81)
Recommended vaccines
~€309
(~$336)
per person · full courses
Hepatitis A (2 doses)€140 ($152)
Typhoid (1 dose)€45 ($49)
Meningococcal ACWY (1 dose)€60 ($65)
Malaria tablets (4 weeks) (1 dose)€64 ($70)

💡 Approximate figures based on private European travel clinic rates (April 2026). Actual costs vary by clinic and country. Not all recommended vaccines will apply to every trip — discuss your specific itinerary with a travel health clinic.

Often combined with
KenyaTanzaniaEthiopiaUganda
Common questions
Do I need vaccines for Eritrea?
Yellow Fever proof is required if arriving from an endemic country. Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Meningococcal vaccines are recommended. Malaria prevention is needed for most areas below roughly 2200m — Asmara itself, at high altitude, carries no malaria risk.
Is there malaria in Eritrea?
Malaria risk exists in most of Eritrea below roughly 2200m, including coastal areas around Massawa and the lowlands. Asmara, the high-altitude capital where most visitors spend time, carries no malaria risk. If your itinerary includes the coast or lowland areas, antimalarial medication is recommended.
Is tap water safe in Eritrea?
No. Tap water is not safe to drink in Eritrea, including in Asmara. Use bottled water throughout your stay.
What healthcare is available in Eritrea?
Healthcare facilities in Eritrea are very limited, even in Asmara, and significantly more so outside the capital. Given Eritrea's isolation and the very limited international medical evacuation options, this is a destination requiring particularly careful health preparation and comprehensive insurance, though even evacuation logistics can be challenging given the country's limited international connections.