Guidance

British prisoners in Eritrea: information pack

Updated 15 September 2023

Disclaimer

This information is not meant to be definitive, and is not a substitute for independent legal advice. Neither the UK government nor its staff take any responsibility for the accuracy of the information, nor accept liability for any loss, costs, damage, or expense that you might suffer as a result of relying on the information. The information contained in this guide is general and factual. You should contact local lawyers for independent legal advice.

Chapter 1: Key points

Overview

If you are a British National, and are arrested or detained in another country, consular staff will do what they can to help you, but they cannot interfere with the local justice system, get you out of jail, or pay for services such as a lawyer. Information about who we can help, including the circumstances in which we can assist dual nationals, is available at: Support for British nationals abroad. You can also request a paper copy from consular staff.

This information pack is designed to give you, and your family and friends, information about the local system in Eritrea and who can help. Consular staff can provide a printed copy to those in prison or in custody. We welcome feedback to help us improve the information we can provide to others.

Contacting us

If you are arrested or detained in Eritrea:

• the authorities should ask whether you want them to contact the British embassy or consulate (and must do so if you want them to)
• if they do not ask, you can make the request yourself. You should do this if you are charged with a serious offence or need any kind of assistance
• friends or family can also contact the local British embassy or consulate or the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in London on +44 (0)20 7008 5000

In some countries, the authorities might notify the British embassy or consulate even if you do not want anyone to know that you have been arrested. This is because there may be an agreement in place with the British government which requires a mandatory notification to be made.

Who we are

Consular staff work in the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office in the UK, and in British embassies, high commissions and consulates overseas.

The British Embassy in Eritrea is located in Asmara at:

66-68 Mariam Ghimbi Street,
PO Box 5584,
Zip Code 174,
Tel. +291 1 202838

You can also contact us by phone 24/7 for help or advice from anywhere in the world by calling the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office on + 44 (0) 207 008 5000.

The FCDO can offer you impartial and non-judgemental help. When we are notified of your arrest or detention, we will aim to contact you as soon as possible, so that we can assess how we can help you. We then aim to provide assistance according to your individual circumstances and local conditions. Our priority is to provide assistance to those British nationals overseas that need our help the most.

In Eritrea, notification by the authorities to the Embassy may not happen. In the past, the Embassy has received information from relatives of arrested British nationals.

What we can do

• tell the police or prison doctor, with your permission, about any medical or dental problems including medication
• put you, or your family, in touch with a prisoners’ welfare charity called Prisoners Abroad
• in some circumstances we may be able to help take up complaints with the police or prison authorities about ill treatment, personal safety, or discrimination, if you are not treated in line with internationally recognised standards
• help to transfer money to you from your friends or family. In places where phone or postal services are not available we can also try to pass on messages and deliver letters to the prison (but generally we cannot arrange for delivery directly to you)
• provide a list of local English-speaking lawyers and interpreters. See also section on legal assistance
• provide general information about the country, detention conditions, and the local legal system (including if legal aid is available)
• provide general information about the local prison or remand system, including visiting arrangements, mail and censorship, privileges, and welfare services
• keep in regular contact with you, either by visiting or by telephone/letter. The frequency of contact will depend on local conditions and your personal circumstances

What we cannot do

• in some circumstances we may be able to help you apply for a transfer to a prison in the UK
• get you out of prison or detention
• help you get special treatment because you are British
• offer legal advice, start legal proceedings or investigate a crime
• pay for any costs because you have been arrested
• forward you packages sent by friends or family
• prevent authorities from deporting you after release

First steps

Informing family members

If you want us to, we can tell your family or friends that you have been detained and provide them with information about how to contact you. With your consent, we can also keep them updated on your wellbeing.

If you are not sure about informing your family, we can help you consider what the impact of not doing so might be. For example, it may cause them distress if they do not know where you are, or cannot contact you. It can also be a disadvantage to you if you need someone to send you money or act on your behalf while you are detained.

Informing the UK Police

If you are accused of certain serious offences, such as sexual assault or drugs trafficking, we are obliged to share information about your arrest with UK police. Information about this may appear if a Criminal Records Bureau check were carried out by a prospective employer. There may be other circumstances when information about you may need to be shared with authorities in Eritrea.

Legal assistance: lawyers

We cannot give legal advice, start legal proceedings, or investigate a crime. However, we can provide information about the local legal system, including whether a legal aid scheme is available. We can also give you a list of local interpreters and a list of local English-speaking lawyers. You should consider the benefits of local legal representation and discuss all the costs beforehand with the legal representative. We cannot pay your legal or interpretation costs in any circumstance.

Consular assistance: fair treatment

We cannot get you out of prison or detention, or get you special treatment because you are British. If you are not treated in line with internationally accepted standards, we will consider whether to approach the local authorities. This may include if your trial does not follow internationally recognised standards or is unreasonably delayed compared to local cases.

Other organisations that can provide assistance

We can put you, or your family, in touch with Prisoners Abroad, a UK charity which supports British citizens detained overseas and their families.

Chapter 2: Detention conditions in Eritrea

Visits: friends and family

Who can visit and how to arrange visits

You should consult FCDO travel advice before you travel to Eritrea for the latest information on safety and security, entry requirements and travel warnings.

Family, friends and lawyers are able to visit detainees pre- and post-sentence. Visiting times vary according to the detention centre. Family and friends are able to turn up and ask to see the detainee. You do not have to make an appointment. Visiting hours can be delayed.

What to expect when you visit

Before sentencing the visit is likely to take place at a distance and behind barbed wires; after sentencing, detainees are usually allowed to sit with visitors. The visits are usually for a short period: up to 30 minutes. Guards may be around, but may not be close enough to listen to the conversation.

Where visitors want to leave items such as food and clothes for the detainees, they give must hand them over in baskets to the guards and wait outside to get their empty containers.

What you can take on your visit

Visitors can bring food, clothing and small amount of money. If you wish to give items to the prisoner then they must be handed over to the prison authorities who will pass onto the detainee. Phones and sharp objects, like knives or nails, etc., are prohibited.

There have been very few British nationals arrested in Eritrea in recent memory and no British nationals without Eritrean heritage. Thus Embassy staff have never visited a British prisoner in detention, but would do so on request from the prisoner or family and with permission from authorities. In cases of long-term prisoners, consular staff would aim to visit quarterly.

You can write to us at any time on matters that concern you at:

British Embassy
66-68 Mariam Ghimbi Street,
PO Box 5584,
Zip code: 174

In urgent cases, it may be quicker to ask prison authorities to contact us on your behalf.

Police custody and initial arrival at prison

Arriving at the police station: your basic rights

If arrested and taken to a police station, you should be able to phone your family or friends to inform them of the arrest. This may be your only chance to make a call. The police may also allow you to call the British Embassy or you can ask the police to contact us on your behalf to inform of your detention.

You should be informed of the reason for your arrest and allowed access to a lawyer and interpreter. The police will take your statement and your valuables will be kept in a safe place until you are discharged or transferred to remand detention.

You should not be detained in the police station for more than 48 hours, and should appear in court within 48 hours of your arrest if you are to be charged.

Detainees are allowed to take medication at the police station but there is no automatic assessment by a doctor or social worker.

Should you have any questions concerning the legal aspects of your arrest, contact your lawyer. See list of local English-speaking lawyers.

The law provides the detainees with the right to be informed of their charges in a language which they understand.

Police detention

Cells in police stations are likely only to have blankets and mattresses.

When appearing in court, you will be brought into the dock and asked to speak to verify your identity, age and occupation. You will then be asked to plead guilty or not guilty to the charge being read to you.

Eritrean courts only appoint pro-bono lawyers in cases of 1st degree crimes, such as homicide. For 2nd and 3rd degree crimes, you must hire a lawyer yourself, or present your own defence.

Where an interpreter is required, the court shall select a qualified court interpreter.

Where a qualified interpreter is not available, the court may select any English/Tigrinya speaker to act as the interpreter, even if they do not have the relevant interpretation qualifications.

Appearing at Court

On arrival at the prison, you will be placed in holding cell. You will be required to undergo a full-body search by an officer of the same sex. You will be instructed to hand over any possessions including valuables such as money, mobile phone, jewellery, etc, and dangerous objects. Confiscated objects are registered and returned to the detainee upon release.

Prisoners are allowed to make one telephone call free of charge on arrival at prison. Calls can only be made to numbers within Eritrea. In case of having no contacts in Eritrea, you may call the British Embassy on +291 1202838 for assistance, and we can contact family, friends, etc, on your behalf.

There is no mandatory medical assessment on arrival; however, a prisoner may request a medical assessment in case of any health concerns.

Read more information about the Eritrean judicial system.

Initial arrival at prison

Toiletries are mostly supplied by private visitors. However, the prison authority has its own budget for basic sanitation like soaps and toilet detergents.

Prisoners can wear their own clothes whilst in prison. The authorities will also provide prison clothing which carries the prisoner’s number which they are obliged to wear when attending court.

Prison: conditions and daily life

In all prisons, the conditions and daily life are similar. Detainees are kept in their cells except for bathroom visits and exercise. In some cases prisoners are held in isolation, depending on their charges. We do not expect any representations made by Embassy staff will improve conditions.

Accommodation

Sentenced and remand prisoners are held separately. There are shared cells in all the prisons and bunk beds in the sentenced prisons.

There is natural light, running water and electricity in all prisons. Prisoners are allowed few hours out of their cells each day for exercise.

Food and diet

In most prisons, prisoners are entitled to three meals a day. Some prisoners may receive a special diet according to medical requirements. Prisoners are allowed to receive additional food from their family and friends. Drinking water is available in all prisons.

Hygiene

Generally, prisoners are allowed showers once a week in communal facilities. Toiletries are mostly supplied privately by visitors.

Work and study

Work is not allowed in prisons but sentenced prisoners are allowed access to education in accordance to the Eritrea’s educational system. There is also vocational training for sentenced prisoners.

Contact and languages

Prisoners may communicate with other inmates. Sentenced prisoners are allowed to watch TV. There are no libraries except textbooks for those who study. There is no internet service in prisons.

You can request local language materials through the post from Prisoners Abroad (including language textbooks and dictionaries).

Exercise

Prisoners are allowed out of their cells twice a day for few hours within the prison.

Climate

The weather varies across Eritrea. In the highlands, it is mostly warm and dry - temperatures average around 22°C although temperatures drop in the winter and at night. In the lowlands it is hot and humid with temperatures averaging around 27°C. Depending on the region, there are rainy seasons, which see heavy rainfall.

Religion

Prisoners are allowed to practice their faith and take part in religious services, so long as the faith is legally recognised in Eritrea. Coptic Orthodox, Catholic and Protestant chapels and prayer rooms are available inside the prison, although prisons are not staffed by religious ministers. Faiths that are not legally recognised in Eritrea include Jehovah’s Witnesses and Pentecostal.

Rules and regulations (including drugs)

Maximum discipline is demanded in all prisons. Drugs are completely prohibited in Eritrea, including in prisons. Alcohol and mobile phones are also prohibited in prison. Cigarettes are allowed. Abusing or insulting staff may cause severe punishment. The reward for good behaviour and good relations with guards may result in small benefits, and may help your case for parole.

Prison: access to help and services

Receiving money

There are 2 ways you may be able to receive financial assistance while in prison:

• private funds: deposited to you by your family or friends
• Prisoners Abroad: depending on where you are detained, if your family cannot support you financially, Prisoners Abroad may be able to send you a small grant every quarter for essentials (enough for one hot meal a day)

The UK government does not provide financial assistance to prisoners.

Private funds

While the FCDO does not provide financial assistance to prisoners, we may be able, within certain limits, to send you money from your family or friends. Please note that you cannot have cash sent to you in the post.

The FCDO operates a ‘Prison Comfort’ system for money transfers to prisoners. Ask your family or friends to get in touch with the FCDO to arrange this. Sentenced prisoners are allowed to receive a small amount of money e.g. for cigarettes, soap, etc from the family and/or friends during visiting hours.

We cannot receive payment by credit or debit card, or by cash.

Prisoners Abroad

Prisoners Abroad may be able to assist you with funding for prison essentials and some medical care if you are not receiving regular funding from other sources.

Mental and dental treatment

While you are detained, Eritrea is responsible for ensuring your basic medical needs are met.

The healthcare provision in Eritrea is basic. There are small medical clinics in all detention centres providing first line care. Dentists and psychiatrists/psychologists can also be accessed in prison. Health personnel may refer prisoners to hospitals or clinics outside the prison if the prison clinic cannot treat them. There is no payment for medication.

Prisoners are allowed to access their prescribed medication whilst in prison. The prison clinic can also prescribe further medication, as required.

Prisoners may take eye tests as needed by going to relevant eye hospital but will be required to cover the expense of treatment and glasses.

In the case of a medical emergency, the detainee should raise the alarm with their cell boss. Depending on the severity of the medical issue, the detainee may either be dealt with at the prison clinic, or taken to hospital.

With your permission, we can make sure that any medical or dental problems you might have are brought to the attention of any police or prison doctor. We can also contact your GP in the UK, if the police or prison doctor requests previous medical records.

Letters and parcels

There is no direct delivery of letters or parcels: these must be delivered by visiting relatives, and may be checked by the prison authorities. Letters and parcels must be addressed by writing the prisoner’s full name, surname and prison number on the front, with the sender’s address on the back.

While prisoners may buy stamps in the prison, there is no outward postal facility: letters and parcels must be given to the Prison Governor, who will send these out via visiting friends and family. It is likely that the prison authorities will check any outgoing mail, including reading letters.

Telephone calls

Detainees are unable to make calls from prison.

Visits from friends and family

Family, friends and lawyers are able to visit detainees pre- and post-sentence. Visiting times vary according to the detention centre.

Before sentencing the visit is likely to take place at a distance and behind barbed wires; after sentencing, detainees are usually allowed to sit with visitors. The visits are usually for a short period: up to 30 minutes. Guards may be around, but may not be close enough to listen to the conversation.

Making a complaint about mistreatment

If you have been mistreated, you should inform consular staff as soon as it is safe for you to do so. We will then do our best to visit you, to check on your welfare, discuss the allegations, and explain any local complaints procedures and supportive organisations that you may wish to consider. With your permission, and where appropriate, we will consider approaching the local authorities if you have not been treated in line with internationally-accepted standards. If you have been mistreated, try to see a doctor, obtain a medical report and if possible take photos of your injuries.

There is no official channel to make complaints.

Chapter 3: The Eritrean judicial system

Overview

The Eritrean Judicial System is based on Ethiopian law with Presidential proclamations amending it. The new constitution, which makes detention without charge for more than 48 hours illegal, has not yet come into force.

However, the Eritrean transitional penal and criminal procedure codes ensure some of the basic rules of law regarding detention and due process of law from arrest to trial and post-trial procedures. The legal system is different to the United Kingdom. In particular, there is no trial by jury.

The FCDO cannot interfere with the judicial system. We cannot ask for your case to be judged more quickly just because you are British, or ask the authorities to waive any penalties.

First steps

What should happen after you are arrested

If arrested and taken to a police station, you should be able to phone your family or friends to inform them of the arrest. This may be your only chance to make a call. The police may allow you to call the British Embassy.

You should be informed of the reason for your arrest and allowed access to a lawyer and interpreter. The police will take your statement and your valuables will be kept in a safe place until you are discharged or transferred to remand detention.

You should not be detained in the police station for more than 48 hours, and should appear in court within 48 hours of your arrest if you are to be charged.

Detainees are allowed to take medication at the police station but there is no automatic assessment by a doctor or social worker.

Should you have any questions concerning the legal aspects of your arrest, contact your lawyer. See list of local English-speaking lawyers.

The law provides the detainees with the right to be informed of their charges in a language which they understand.

Police detention

Cells in police stations are likely only to have blankets and mattresses.

You should be able to phone your family or friends to inform them of the arrest. This may be your only chance to make a call. This may be your only chance to make a call. The police may also allow you to call the British Embassy or you can ask the police to contact us on your behalf to inform of your detention.

Calls are only allowed to local numbers – you will not be able to call overseas.

If you have any questions on the legal aspects of your arrest, contact your lawyer. See for a list of local English-speaking lawyers.

How long you can be remanded in custody

Length of custody varies: you may be remanded in custody for days or months, or be released on bail before remand. The remand period during the investigation by police is 1 to 28 days.

Prisoners on remand and sentenced prisoners: differences

Sentenced prisoners and those on remand are usually kept in different detention centres. Sentenced prisoners are usually subject to better treatment than those on remand: allowed to see family and friends on a more regular basis and in closer proximity.

After you are charged

Once charged, you will be remanded in custody or released on bail until your trial is complete or the charges are dropped.

Bail

The possibility and cost of bail depends on the nature/severity of the crime. Nationality is not a factor. The court can decide the amount of bail or the police can bail a detainee before trail.

Bail can be paid at the police station. The detainee’s passport may be kept at the police station if they think the detainee may leave the country before finishing their trial. If a detainee fails to adhere to the bail conditions, the detainee may be arrested again and the deposited money for the guarantee will be forfeited.

The FCDO is not able to facilitate the transfer of bail funds.

Trial and legal assistance

Legal assistance: lawyers and legal aid

If you wish to hire a private lawyer, see our list of English-speaking lawyers.

Prisoners Abroad can also supply general (non-country specific) information on legal aid, court proceedings and can advise on appointing a lawyer.

There is no legal aid in Eritrea. Lawyers may be arranged by the high court on a pro bono basis for certain serious offences.

The service fee and terms of payment depends on mutual agreement between the person and their lawyer. Often, in practice, half or two thirds of the fee is paid in advance with the rest paid on completion of the case. The defendant is supposed to pay the trial costs.

Trial

Once the police investigation is complete, the police send the file to the public prosecutor’s office. The public prosecutor has the power to order the police to investigate further, close the case, or submit the file to the court. If submitted to the courts, the judge will ask the defendant whether they are guilty of the charges. If the defendant pleads guilty then the judge can automatically move to sentencing, but may still call witnesses or hear evidence to inform their judgement. If the defendant pleads not guilty, the judge will hear the evidence from the prosecution and the defence with the threshold being ‘reasonable doubt’. The judge can, if needed, call additional witnesses. If the judge feels the case has been proven beyond reasonable doubt they will pass judgement.

The time needed to finalize a trial will vary according to the number of cases before the court and the complexity of the case.

Sentences

Depending on the crime, fines and/or victim compensation, as well as imprisonment up to 25 years, are often handed down. Eritrea retains the death penalty for serious crimes, such as murder, but has committed publically not to use it and has not executed anyone since independence in 1993. Deportation of foreigners will depend upon the case.

Appeals

Notice of Appeal must be submitted within 15 days from the delivery of judgement. Both the defendant and the prosecutor have the right to appeal and has the right to bring new evidences.

Reaching the end of your sentence

Reduction of sentence (remission)

Extenuating and aggravating circumstances can be considered that may reduce your sentence. These include good character before the arrest, great threat or pressure leading to the offence, or demonstrating sincere repentance.

Early release

Good character and/or sincere repentance could be reasons for early release. The court may also ask the detainee to reconcile with the victim and/or their family so that they may have early release.

Clemency or pardon

Only the Head of State, in special circumstances, can grant a pardon.

Financial penalties

Financial penalties can be imposed as an alternative, or in addition, to imprisonment. The law provides the limit of financial penalty depending on the offence and courts should not exceed the limit.

Transfer to another prison within Eritrea

It may be possible to transfer to another prison, if the prison authorities agree to do so, but we are not aware of this happening.

Transfer to a prison in the UK

There is no Prisoner Transfer Agreement between Eritrea and the UK.

Release and deportation

At the end of your sentence you will be released from prison. It is not common practice to deport a foreigner for criminal acts., but this remains the decision of the court.

Sometimes people find that they face difficulties adjusting to life in the UK once they have left prison. You may find yourself ready for life on the outside but not prepared for living in the UK. You may not have lived in the UK before and have no connections there, or perhaps you have lost touch with friends and family. You may want to talk to another person who understands what you have been through, to help you consider what to do next.

If you are registered with Prisoners Abroad, you can visit Prisoners Abroad when you first arrive back in UK for advice, to use their temporary luggage store, make essential phone calls or use a computer. If you have no belongings Prisoners Abroad may be able to help with basic toiletries and finding suitable clothing. If you know your release date in advance you should tell the Prisoner and Family Support Team when you are likely to arrive and what help you think you might need. If you have no money and nowhere to go, Prisoners Abroad’s Resettlement Service can help with:

• advice on finding emergency accommodation in the London area
• claiming welfare benefits, including emergency benefit payments if you are destitute
• making appointments with doctors and dentists
• putting you in touch with local agencies if you are not returning to the London area

Later on you may want advice on housing, looking for work, applying for training or getting counselling. Prisoners Abroad can refer you to the right agency.

Other sources of practical help back in the UK are:

• The Salvation Army, UK Helpline +44 (0)20 7367 4888, Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm, or contact your local Salvation Army branch

• The Prison Fellowship, UK Helpline +44 (0)20 7799 2500, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm

Your criminal record in the UK

We will not normally pass on information about your case to a third party without your consent. However, if you are arrested for certain serious offences, such as child sex abuse or drugs crimes, our staff must tell other relevant UK authorities. It is therefore possible that information about this may appear if a Criminal Records Bureau check were carried out by a prospective employer.

Chapter 4: Additional information

Prisoners Abroad

Since 1978 the charity Prisoners Abroad has offered practical support and advice to British citizens imprisoned abroad. It is the only UK charity providing this service. It is available to all, whether guilty or innocent, convicted or awaiting charge or trial.

Prisoners Abroad supports your health and welfare during your imprisonment. It can also provide support on your return to the UK, through their resettlement service (if you have registered whilst in prison). They can also provide support and advice to your family when you are in prison. To access any services, you must first register with Prisoners Abroad by signing and returning their authorisation form.

Once you seek help from Prisoners Abroad, the Prisoner & Family Support Service will be your point of contact for advice and information. The type of assistance they can offer varies from country to country, but generally they can provide you with information, in English, on:

• your rights as a prisoner
• issues that may affect you such as health or transfer to the UK
• getting magazines, newspapers, books and the regular Prisoners Abroad newsletter
• learning the language of your country of imprisonment
• translating documents
• grants for food if you are in a developing country and do not have funds from other sources
• grants for essential medicines and toiletries if you do not have funds from other sources
• preparing for release
• help for your loved ones, including information, family support groups and, in a few cases, assistance with the cost of visiting
• Freepost envelopes to help you stay in touch with others

Prisoners Abroad
89 – 93 Fonthill Road
London N4 3JH
UK Helpline +44 (0)20 7561 6820 or 0808 172 0098
Mondays to Fridays 9:30am to 4:30pm (UK time)
UK

Glossary of terms

English	Pronunciation	Tigrinya
Good morning	Kemey hadrikum	ከመይ ሓድርካ
Good evening	Kemey wielka/ki	ከመይ ውዒልካ
How are you	Kemey aleka	ከመይ ኣሎኻ
I am fine	Dehan	ድሓን ኣሎኹ
7Where	Abey	ኣበይ
When	Meas	መኣስ
What	Entay	እንታይ
How	Kemey	ከመይ (ብኸመይ)
My name is	Simey	ስመይ
Father	Abbo	ኣቦ
Mother	Adde	ኣደ
Sister	Hafti	ሓውቲ (እሕት)
Brother	Hawi	ሓዊ (ሓው)
Aunt	Ammo/Hatino	ኣሞ/ሓትኖ
Uncle	Hawbbo/akko	ሓውቦ/ኣኮ
Man	Sebai	ሰብኣይ
Woman	Sebeyti	ሰበይቲ
Girl	Gual	ጓል
Boy	Weddi	ወዲ
Head	Riessi	ርእሲ
Face	Gets	ገጽ
Mouth	Aff	ኣፍ
Nose	Afincha	ኣፍንጫ
Tongue	Melhas	መልሓስ
Nose	Ezni	እዝኒ
Lips	Kenfer	ከንፈር
Neck	Kisad	ክሳድ
Hand	Id	ኢድ
Finger	Atsabie	ኣጻብዕ
Leg	Egri	እግሪ
Back	Hikko	ሕቆ
Wash	Mhitsab	ተሓጸብ
Chest	Aflbi	ኣፍልቢ
Stomach	Kebdi	ከብዲ
drink	Mistay	ስተ
eat	Miblae	ብላዕ
see	Miray	ረአ
thirsty	Mismae	ጸሚአ
speak	Mizrab	ተዛረብ
taste	Mitiam	ጠዓም
touch	Mdihsas	ዳህስስ (ተንክፍ)
smell	Mishitat	ሸትት
visit	Mbtsah	ብጻሕ
Water	Mai	ማይ
Milk	Tseba	ጸባ
Tea	Shahi	ሻሂ
Coffee	Bun	ቡን
I need to use the toilet	Shikak kitkem delye	ዓይኒምድሪ ኣበይ እዩ
I want to send a letter	Debdabie kilek deliye	መልእኽቲ ክሰድድ
Yes	Ewe	እወ
No	Ayfalun	ኣይፋል
How much does this cost	Waga kindey eyu	እዚ ክንደይ እዩ ዋግኡ
How much is one kilo of orange	Aranchi nkilo kindey eyu	ሓደ ኪሎ እራንሺ ክንደይ እዩ ዋግኡ
To write	Mitsihaf	ምጽሓፍ
To read	Minbab	ምንባብ
To come	Mimtsae	ምምጻእ
To go	Mikad	ምኻድ
Book	Metsihaf	መጽሓፍ
Pen	Piro	ፒሮ (ብርዒ)
pencil	Risas	ርሳስ
Light	Mebrahit	መብራህቲ
Sun	Tsehai	ጸሓይ
Moon	Werhi	ወርሒ
Star	Kokob	ኮኾብ
Sky	Semai	ሰማይ
land	meret	መሬት
Hen	Derho	ደርሆ
Egg	Enquakuho	እንቛቕሖ
Car	Mekina	መኪና
Cow	Lam	ላም
Ox	Bieray	ብዕራይ
Sheep	Begie	በጊዕ
Goat	Tiel	ጤል
Donkey	Adighi	ኣድጊ
Horse	Feress	ፈረስ
Excuse me	Bejakum	ይቕረታ
Sorry	Yikreta	ይቕረታ
I want to go to hospital	Hikmna kikeyd delye	ሕከምና ኪኸይድ ደልየ
I want to drink water	Mai kiseti delye	ማይ ክስቲ ደልየ
I want to make a complaint	Tiran kekrib delye	ኪጠርዕ ደልየ
I want to eat	Kibele delye	ኪበልዕ ደልየ
I want to do shopping	Edaga kikeyd delye	ኣስቤዛ ኪገብር ደልየ
I want to change money	Genzeb keshrf delye	ከሽርፍ ደልየ
I want to see a doctor	Hikmna delye	ሓኪም ደልየ
I have a trip	Megesha aleni	ኪገይሽ እየ
I don’t know it	Ayfelton eye	ኣይፈልጦን እየ
I want to go to Immigration	Emigreshin kikeyd delye	ናብ ኢመግረሽን ኸይድ ደልየ
I have a headache	Riesey hamime	ርእሰይ ሓሚመ
I have a fever	Resni aleni	ረስኒ ኣሎኒ
I want to go to the embassy	Embassi kidwl delye	ናብ አምባሲ ኪኸይድ ደልየ
I want to sleep	Kidkis deleye	ኪድቅስ ደልየ
I am hungry	Temye	ጠምየ
I am thirsty	Tsemie	ጸሚአ
I want to go to the restaurant	Beit bilei kikeyde delye	ቤት ብልዒ ኣበይ ይረክብ
I am cold	Kuri weside	ቆሪረ
I want to see the lawyer	Nitemeka krekbo delye	ጠበቓ ደልየ
Head of Prison	Biet maeserti Halafi	ሓላፊ ቤት ማሰርቲ
Prison	Biet maeserti	ቤት ማሰርቲ
To be detained	Messar	ምእሳር
To be released	Miftah	ምፍታሕ
New year	Hadish amet	ሓድሽ ዓመት
Easter	Fasika	በዓል ፋሲካ
Christmas	Ldet	በዓል ልደት
Epiphany	Timket	በዓል ጥምቀት
Independence Da\y	Beal natsinet	በዓል ናጽነት
Teacher	Memhr	መምህር
Student	Temeharayi	ተማሃራይ
Potato	Dinshi	ድንሽ
Tomato	Komidere	ኯሚደረ
Onion	Shigurti	ሽጒቲ
Cabbage	Kawlo	ሓምሊ ካውሎ
Green vegetable	Kosta	ሓምሊ ቆስጣ
To buy	Migzae	ምግዛእ (ምዕዳግ)
To sale	Mishat	ምሻጥ
Expensive	Kibur	ክቡር ዋጋ
Cheap	Hisur	ሓሱር ዋጋ
Good	Tsibuk	ጽቡቕ
Bad	Himak	ሕማቕ
Witness	Miskr	ምስክር
Door	Maetso	ማዕጾ
Exit	Mewtsie	መውጽኢ
Entrance	Me’etewi	መእተዊ
Key	Meftih	መፍትሕ
Window	finistra	መስኮት
Yesterday	Temali	ትማሊ
Today	Lomi	ሎሚ
Tomorrow	Tsegah	ጽባሕ
Deportation	Misguag	ምስጓግ
What time is it	Seat kindey koynu	ሰዓት ክንድይ ኮይኑ
May I smoke	Shigara kseti	ሽጋራ ዶ ኪሰቲ
Can you write it	Kittsihfeley do mkialka	ኪትጽሕፈሇይ ዶ ምኸኣልካ
Can translate it	Mtergomkaley do	ምተርጐምካልይ ዶ

Annexes

• FCDO guidance: Support for British nationals abroad
• FCDO guidance: Arrested abroad: advice for British nationals
• list of English-speaking lawyers
• list of private translators/interpreters
• Prisoners Abroad forms