Warden Messages

SUBJECT: TRAVEL WARNING - ERITREA

June 19, 2008

1.  (U) This Travel Warning updates information on Eritrea's current security situation.  It reiterates the Department of State's recommendation that U.S. citizens defer non-essential travel to Eritrea due to restrictions on travel outside the capital city of
Asmara and heightened tensions along Eritrea's borders with Ethiopia and Djibouti.  This supersedes the Travel Warning for Eritrea issued on March 26, 2008.
2.  (U) American citizens considering travel within Eritrea should be aware of the presence of large numbers of Eritrean and Ethiopian troops along the Eritrean-Ethiopian border, and acute political tensions between the two countries.  In March 2008,
the Government of the State of Eritrea's (GSE) restrictions on diesel fuel supplies caused UNMEE detachments to withdraw from the Temporary Security Zone (TSZ), leaving no international observers monitoring the border.  On June 10, 2008, Djiboutian
and Eritrean troops exchanged fire along their shared border.  U.S. citizens are strongly advised to avoid travel near the Eritrean-Ethiopian border. 3.  (U) U.S. citizens should also avoid non-essential travel to the Southern Red Sea region, including the
port of Assab.  Since April, Djiboutian and Eritrean troops have been deployed along the northeastern border of Djibouti. The Djiboutian government claims Eritrean troops have crossed into its territory and political tensions between the countries remain high.
4.  (U) The GSE continues to restrict the travel of all foreign nationals, including resident diplomats. These restrictions require all visitors and residents to apply with the GSE 10 days in advance for permission to travel outside Asmara city limits.  As a
result, the U.S. Embassy cannot provide consular assistance in an emergency outside of Asmara. Travelers also should be aware that that the GSE does not inform the U.S. Embassy when American citizens have been arrested or detained.
5.  (U) Americans currently living or traveling in Eritrea are strongly encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy in Asmara in person or through the State Department's travel registration web site, https://travelregistration.state.gov/ and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Eritrea.  By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of an emergency and provide updates on the security situations.  The U.S. Embassy is located at 179 Alaa Street, P.O. Box 211, Asmara; telephone (291-1) 12-00- 04; fax (291-1) 124-255 and (291-1) 127-584; web site http://asmara.usembassy.gov/

6.  (U) For additional information, consult the Department of State's latest Country Specific Information sheet for Eritrea and the Worldwide Caution at http://travel.state.gov/.  American citizens may also obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States and Canada, or 1-202-501-4444 from  overseas.