The coastline of Eritrea is a sensitive area. No yacht has successfully cleared in to visit Eritrea since 2020 when Eritrea closed its borders due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Maritime borders have never really re-opened.

ARRIVAL FORMALITIES

Yachts have reported stopping in remote anchorages on the way to Massawa before clearing-in without experiencing problems, even when questioned by the Eritrea Coastguard (for example Aucan (15 30.15N 040 48.79E) and Port Smyth (15 32.08N 039 59.60E)).

Sensitive areas, such as those near the border with Sudan, Djibouti and Ethiopia, and military areas, should be avoided.

Important Note: Assab is closed to sailing yachts and only available in case of emergencies.

General Process:

• Port Control should be contacted by radio VHF Ch. 16, before approaching any port.
• No agent is needed.
• Port Control will most likely direct you to go alongside a commercial dock, so prepare your fenders and hull protection accordingly as these are normally encrusted with barnacles and designed for large ships. If you wish to anchor and dinghy ashore, let the officials know of your intentions when you radio.
• It is not permitted to anchor before completing formalities ashore.
• Checks will be made by Customs, Quarantine and Immigration and paperwork completed. It is necessary to report to the Port Authority and Immigration, even if you already have a visa. You will need copies of crew lists and your “Nil List” declaration.
• A 48-hour shore pass for each crew member will be issued by the Port Authority when you first check-in and checked at the port gate on entry and exit.
• No visa is required for the first 48 hours. If you wish to stay longer you must apply for a visa (see Immigration for more details).

Domestic Cruising:

Entry formalities have to be completed again at each port of entry even if clearance procedures have already been conducted.

A sailing permit to cruise the Eritrean coast will be issued on departure. There are a number of ports/areas that must be avoided (see restrictions for details).

CLEARING OUT

• You cannot depart before 0700 hours or after 1800 hours.
• You will need to visit Immigration with you an up-to-date crew list and complete an exit immigration card, cancel your visa and shore pass. You will also have to fill in and sign a declaration stating you have no stowaways on-board.
• Your boat is then checked by officials, who will issue a sailing permit which allows you to sail along the rest of the Eritrean coast. It does not, however, allow you to go to the Dhalak Islands (at Massawa).
• You are then required to leave immediately.

Notes: 

• Travel During the Hajj (8th to 12th (or in some cases 13th) of Dhu al-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar, which fell in August in 2019).
  Massawa and Asmara are major ports for Muslim pilgrims traveling for the Hajj. During this time of year, there will be increased traffic in and around the ports.

Last updated:  February 2022

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