This is a Port of Entry. However, it is closed to sailing yachts and only available in case of emergencies. (See Related User Comments section for information from cruisers who have been here.)
Massawa in the south is the only port of entry in Eritrea for sailing yachts.
See the Eritrea Formalities page for full details on clearing into and out of the country.
In an Emergency:
Assab is under the control of the UAE Coast Guard (VHF Channel 12) and they will not permit you to enter the actual port. Instead, you will have to go to the small fishing harbor, approximately 2NM north-west of the port entrance.
Alternatively, you may be directed to anchor in the lee of the seawall.
Officials rarely board yachts and formalities will be completed ashore.
There is little protection from strong southerlies in this port and with these winds it is best to continue to Massawa.
Last updated: February 2019
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Feb 12, 2019 09:55 AM
We have just been there. Assab is under control of UAE Coast Guard (VHF12). Usually there is no chance to enter Eritrea here. We lost our sails and needed fuel to continue to Djibouti, so they gave us the chance. The Eritrean Navy sold us some fuel. We had to go to the bank to pay the money on their account and went outside of Assab for a fuel station. Diesel quality was very good.
There are no ATMs and absolutely no chance for internet, but people are incredibly friendy and helpful.
We were not allowed to enter the port. There was a fisher harbour, you can’t find on any map. It’s located approx. 2NM north-west of the port entry. It’s a very shallow place!
Fair winds
SV Mango one
Nov 30, 2018 01:31 PM
Reported on the Red Sea Passage Facebook Group (a closed group but well worth joining if undertaking this passage – https://www.facebook.com/groups/533268780130097/
November 17, 2018
(Having spoken with the) Port Manager in Assab, Eritrea, I have no permission to go there with a foreign yacht and will not be allowed into the port at all, not even for fuel. So Assab is closed for sailing vessels.