Massawa: Travel guide, prices and free housing · 2026

Massawa or Mitsiwa is a port city in the Northern Red Sea region of Eritrea, located on the Red Sea at the northern end of the Gulf of Zula beside the Dahlak Archipelago.

Massawa · CC BY-SA 4.0

Map of places

Now in the cityMassawa+32°CClear · sunset 05:52 PMupdated 04:33 PM

EntryPick a passportThe answer depends on the passport.

Places on the map1

Exchange rateERN 15.00per 1 $ERN — the local currencyas of Nov 2, 2026

Within two hours

Keren≈ 2 hr

Safety and health

Safety · official adviceour data as of Nov 3, 2026

UK Foreign Office (FCDO)Avoid parts of the countryPart of the country is off limits entirely.

Full text

Addition of information about the temporary withdrawal of dependants of British Embassy staff from Eritrea (‘Warnings and insurance’ page).

Source: UK FCDO Foreign Travel Advice

US State DepartmentLevel 2Watch your surroundings and belongings more closely than usual.

Full text

Exercise increased caution in Eritrea due to travel restrictions , limited consular assistance , landmines , and wrongful detentions. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Eritrea, as U.S. government employees must obtain special authorization to travel outside of Asmara. U.S.

Source: US Department of State Travel Advisory

Source: UK FCDO Foreign Travel Advice · US Department of State Travel Advisory

Massawa: Travel guide, prices and free housing · 2026

Places on the map1

Getting there and staying

Visa and practicalities

Safety and health

Getting here

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