Eritrea: Authorities to partially resume international flights from mid-April /update 10

Authorities in Eritrea to reopen Asmara Airport to flights with Ethiopia and UAE as of mid-April amid easing of COVID-19 restrictions.

Event

Authorities in Eritrea plan to reopen Asmara International Airport (ASM) to international flights to and from Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates as of mid-April. The measure comes amid Eritrea's effort to ease restrictions related to COVID-19. Requirements that will be put in place for arriving and departing passengers under the new directive remain unclear.

Officials previously lifted the bans on academic activities and public transportation March 23, after several months of suspension due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Other existing restrictions remain unchanged; notable measures in place include;

Private vehicles and other individual means of transportation may not operate; trucks, however, may be used only for freight services.
All trading enterprises will be closed except for retail stores. All essential businesses must close by 20:00 daily.
Restaurants, entertainment venues, and religious services remain closed.
Major manufacturing, agriculture, food processing, and construction sectors remain open.
All government institutions have suspended routine operations and nonessential services. Essential government functions, such as development, public utility and safety, and security are operating normally.
Funeral and mourning services may be held with a maximum of 10 persons. Other social events are prohibited.

Land and sea borders remain closed; cargo and freight will likely be subject to enhanced screening measures.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation.