Massawa : Profile

Clearance

The Post Captain should be contacted on Channel 16 before entering the port. Yachts are normally directed to come alongside in the outer harbour. Boats may be boarded on arrival and formalities completed on board. If conditions are not favourable, you can anchor and complete formalities ashore. Check in with Port Captain, Immigration and Customs (3 different buildings). A shore pass will be issued for stays of up to 48 hours, beyond which a visa must be obtained. You will also be asked how much money you wish to exchange at the bank, and authorisation for this amount will be issued.

Even if you have obtained visas at Assab, you have to report to the Port Authority and Immigration.

After formalities are completed, yachts must anchor in the area indicated, near two mooring buoys. Shore passes must be shown on leaving the port by the designated gate.

A local man (Mike, Weldemicael Hobtezion Tel 552467) visits yachts and will help arrange repairs, deliveries of fuel and water as well as laundry.

It is reported that Egyptian visas cost less in Asmara than Djibouti.

There are no fees for clearing in or out.

Docking

Entry during daylight is straight forward but lights missing in the approaches and many unlit hazards. Yachts advised to anchor and use dinghy back to west end of jetty to complete formalities. Visa required for says longer than 48 hours. Currency declaration required by Customs.

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Yacht Pursued in Eritrea (29 Apr 2008)

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World Cruising Handbook Corrections & Additions: North Indian Ocean & Red Sea (14 Mar 2008)

Mediterranean to Singapore: Cruising Report (17 Jan 2008)

Thailand to Turkey 2007 Part One – Thailand to Massawa in Eritrea (19 Nov 2007)

Thailand to Turkey 2007 Part Two – Massawa in Eritrea to Turkey (19 Nov 2007)

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World Cruising Handbook Corrections and Updates 10: South East Asia and Far East (17 Jul 2007)

Sailing From Asia To The Med Can Be Trouble-Free (23 Mar 2007)

Yacht Abandoned Off Eritrean Coast As Skipper Goes Missing (06 Mar 2007)

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Recent Cruising Accounts Of Red Sea Passages (05 Dec 2006)

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Related News

Yacht Pursued in Eritrea (08 Apr 2008)

Convoys Through Gulf Of Aden & Red Sea (28 Feb 2008)

Second Vasco Da Gama Rally Planned For 2007-2008 (19 Sep 2006)

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More On Piracy Concerns in North Indian Ocean (12 Dec 2005)

Free weather service for yachts transiting the Red Sea (12 Apr 2003)

Updated advice for boats sailing through piracy areas (08 Apr 2002)