Travel advisory · EritreaSome governments advise against all but essential travel to Eritrea.Advice depends on your passport. Read your own government's advice before you book.Official advice
- Border areas with Sudan, Ethiopia and Djibouti · avoid all travel · Canada, Germany, Spain, Italy, New Zealand, UK
- Agordat · avoid non-essential travel · Spain, New Zealand
- Gash Barka · avoid non-essential travel · Spain, Italy
- Teseney · avoid non-essential travel · Spain, New Zealand
Also named by one government: Areas north and west of Barentu (New Zealand), Nakh'fa (New Zealand), Barentu (Spain), Dancalia–Southern Red Sea (Italy), Debub-Sud (Italy), Outside the capital (Asmara) (France)
| Government | Advice | Updated | Read the advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom (FCDO) | Advises against all but essential travel to the rest of Eritrea | – | Read the advice |
| United States (State Dept) | Exercise increased caution | Jul 31, 2023 | Read the advice |
| Canada (Global Affairs) | Avoid non-essential travel | – | Read the advice |
| Germany (Auswärtiges Amt) | Von Reisen in alle anderen Gebiete Eritreas wird abgeraten (Reisen nur in Asmara und Umgebung ohne Warnung, Reiseerlaubnis nötig) | Oct 16, 2026 | Read the advice |
| New Zealand (SafeTravel) | Avoid non-essential travel | – | Read the advice |
| France (Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs) | Vigilance renforcée à Asmara et Massaoua (regional advisories) | – | Read the advice |
Checked daily from the governments' published advice; last checked Nov 2, 2026. RoamLedger summarises official advice; it is not advice from any government.
Dahlak Archipelago
Travelers go for clear Red Sea water, coral reefs and quiet islands reached by boat from Massawa, Eritrea's old port city.
We may earn a commission. It never decides our picks.
The Dahlak Archipelago is a group of more than 200 islands in the Red Sea, off the coast of Eritrea in East Africa. Most of the islands are low and sparsely settled. The nearest base for trips is Massawa, the old port city on the mainland coast. The waters around the islands hold coral reefs, sea grass beds and marine life, and much of the area is protected as a national marine park. Some islands have historic ruins from past settlement, which is one reason travelers add a day in Massawa's old town.
This trip suits people who want diving, snorkeling and boat days over resort stays. Facilities on the islands are limited, so plan food, water and transport before you go. Eritrea requires a visa for most visitors, and entry rules and travel advice change, so check current government guidance before you book flights. The cooler months are the more comfortable time for boat trips, since the Red Sea is hot for much of the year. Allow several days, and more if you plan to dive.
Dahlak Archipelago in five
- Book island trips through a licensed operatorBoats to the islands and any permit are usually arranged through a registered Eritrean operator, not at the quay. Ask which permits cover each island you visit.Tours and tickets
- Check your government's advice before you payMany governments advise against all or some travel to Eritrea. Read the current advice from your own foreign office before you book or pay a deposit.
- Bring enough cash for the tripCard payment is unreliable in Eritrea, so bring enough cash for the whole trip, including boat hire.Money and costs
- Save your papers and maps offlineMobile data is patchy, so download offline maps and copies of your visa and permits before you leave Asmara.Phones and eSIM
- Pack a dry bag for the boat daysOpen boats throw spray and the sun is strong on the water. A dry bag and a hat keep your phone, papers and cash safe.
Things to do in Dahlak Archipelago
See all attractions in Dahlak ArchipelagoNeed to know
- Currency
- Nakfa (ERN)
- Entry
- Visa required for most visitors; apply before you travel
- Emergency
- No reliable public list; save your embassy's 24-hour number
- Tipping
- Ask your operator what boat crews expect
- Time
- UTC+3, no daylight saving
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryCooler, drier
- FebruaryMild, dry
- MarchWarming up
- AprilHot, rising
- MayVery hot
- JuneHot, humid
- JulyHottest
- AugustHot, humid
- SeptemberHot, humid
- OctoberHeat easing
- NovemberCooler, dry
- DecemberCool season
Right now in Dahlak Archipelago
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
28
- Feels like
- 30°
- Humidity
- 66%
- Wind
- 5 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 0%
Dahlak Archipelago
03:54 AM
Tuesday, November 3
- Today36°27°0%Tuesday: Partly cloudy. High 36°, Low 27°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Wed36°26°0%Wednesday: Clear. High 36°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Thu36°27°0%Thursday: Clear. High 36°, Low 27°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Fri36°28°0%Friday: Clear. High 36°, Low 28°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Sat37°29°0%Saturday: Clear. High 37°, Low 29°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Sun35°27°4%Sunday: Clear. High 35°, Low 27°. Chance of rain 4%.
- Mon35°28°10%Monday: Clear. High 35°, Low 28°. Chance of rain 10%.
Updated 03:40 AM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 15 ERN
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Dahlak Kebir islandBoat time varies by operator; ask before bookingReefs and beaches on a permit-based boat day.
- AsmaraAbout 2.5 to 3 hours by roadHighland capital with Italian colonial architecture and a cooler base.Read the guide
- Massawa old townUnder 30 min by carCoral-stone streets and the harbor, across the causeway.
Before you go to Dahlak Archipelago
Rules for Dahlak Archipelago, checked
- A visa is required for most visitors. Apply through an Eritrean embassy or consulate before you travel, and check the current form with them.
- Many governments advise against all or some travel to Eritrea. Check your government's current advice before you book.Source
- Ask your operator before photographing ports, checkpoints, military sites or officials.
- Dress modestly in towns and villages, and ask before photographing people.
Plan around Dahlak Archipelago
Entry, roads and the wider country around the coast
Read the guideVisas and entryApplying for a visa before you fly
Read the guideBooking island boatsOperators, permits and what to pay in advance
Read the guideCash in EritreaCarrying cash and paying operators and hotels
Read the guideGetting aroundThe road from Asmara down to Massawa
Read the guideDahlak Archipelago FAQ
Is the Dahlak Archipelago worth visiting?
Yes, if you want quiet islands off the Red Sea coast and can book through a licensed operator. Two nights in Massawa with one island day is a practical first plan.
How do you get to the Dahlak Islands?
Most visitors reach Massawa by road from Asmara. Boats to the islands leave from Massawa and are arranged through your operator.
Do I need a permit for the Dahlak Islands?
Ask your operator in writing which permits cover each island you will visit, and keep copies with your passport.
How many days do you need in Massawa and Dahlak?
Two days covers Massawa and one island trip. Add a day if you also visit Asmara.
Is it safe to visit Eritrea?
Check your government's current travel advice first, since many governments limit travel there. Book only through a licensed operator and share your itinerary with someone at home.
What should I pack for a boat day?
A dry bag, a hat, sun cream and enough water and food for the day. Island services are limited, so bring what you need.