Notice of Holiday Closure
Our offices will be closed for Upcoming Holiday on Upcoming Date .
Visiting address Rue de Lyon 97 (5th Floor), 1203 Genéve（https://maps.app.goo.gl/waCazgCUMCEayC16A）
contact@eritreaembassy.ch Tel:+41 22 570 47 30
ቆጸራ（https://geneva.eritreaconsular.org/）
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Embassy and Permanent Mission of the State of Eritrea in Geneva
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Notice of Holiday Office Closure
Our office will be closed on the following dates:
20.03.2026 Eid Al-Fitr
03.04.2026 Good Friday
06.04.2026 Easter Monday
10.04.2026 Orthodox Good Friday
01.05.2026 International Workers Day
14.05.2026 Ascension Day
25.05.2026 Whit Monday
26.05.2026 Eid Al-Adha
19.06.2026 Eve of Martyrs Day
20.06.2026 Martyrs Day
01.09.2026 Hade Meskerem
10.09.2026 Jeune Genevois
11.09.2026 Kidus Yohannes
25.12.2026 until 07.01.2027 Christmas Holiday
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Transport & Communication
Transport & Communication
Connecting Eritrea: Advancements in Transportation and Communication Systems
Transportation
During the pre-independence era, transportation services were restricted to only 26 destinations connecting the capital. However, with the importation of vehicles and the establishment of various infrastructural networks, transportation services have steadily expanded, now encompassing a total of 294 destinations.
Following Eritrea’s independence in 1991, the government inherited a severely degraded national infrastructure. Roads linking different regions had deteriorated into ditches due to prolonged conflict. The condition of the roads was so poor that the current journey of two hours and thirty minutes between Asmara and Massawa previously took over seven hours. Moreover, the vehicles in operation were outdated and urgently needed replacement.
The past three decades have ushered in a transformative period for the transportation system. New strategic roads have been constructed, and existing roads have been renovated and expanded. To alleviate the challenges of transporting people and goods, the government imported over 700 buses, while the private sector contributed approximately 1,400 buses. Additionally, around 900 taxis were imported to enhance transportation efficiency within the Central region. To address similar challenges in other regions, more than 600 twelve-seater taxis have also been introduced.
In 1991, a total of 257 aging buses facilitated the daily transportation of approximately 6,000 individuals. In contrast, the newly imported 2,100 buses in the post-independence period now accommodate the daily transportation of over 62,000 individuals. Currently, over 85% of Eritrea’s population enjoys convenient access to public transport nationwide.
One of the government’s primary objectives within the transportation sector is to ensure cost-effective services. To realize this goal, the government continues to invest in road construction and the provision of public transport to remote areas. Initiatives have been implemented to enable Harat Transportation Company to offer services in Amalayt, Habero, Asmat, Awgaro, and Shetreb in the Gash-Barak and Anseba regions, as well as along the Tio-Aime, Idi-Afambo, and Beilul routes in the Southern Red Sea region. The long-term strategy includes the importation of vehicles specifically designed to navigate uneven and dilapidated terrains, thereby reaching previously inaccessible areas.
Additionally, the annual inspection of vehicles and trucks significantly contributes to safety, resulting in a decline in traffic accidents and the associated loss of lives and property. With an ever-increasing population, there is a growing demand for transportation services. Much work remains to be done, and the government is exerting extensive efforts to address these needs. The continued importation of new buses will help meet the increasing demands of passengers, while areas that were once difficult to reach are now benefiting from transportation services.
Simultaneously, the Eritrean Railway—an engineering marvel—has been partially restored. It offers a nostalgic journey between Massawa and Asmara that showcases stunning landscapes and engineering feats. While it primarily serves as a tourist attraction, the railway also operates as a significant transport line for cargo and passengers, a legacy of Italian colonization.
Eritrea, with its strategic location along the Red Sea, has long been a key player in maritime activities within the region. Despite facing various challenges, the country has endeavored to develop its shipping and ship repair capabilities to enhance economic prospects and meet the demands of its import-export activities. The primary ports in Eritrea, Massawa, and Assab play crucial roles in the nation’s maritime operations. Massawa, often referred to as the "Pearl of the Red Sea," serves as the main gateway for Eritrea’s international trade.
Over the past 30 years, more than 60 million USD has been invested in the renovation and expansion of the ports, which have been almost entirely rebuilt. New cranes have been installed, significantly improving marine transport services.
Ship repair services in Eritrea, primarily available in Massawa, cater to both local and international vessels.