Eritrea
Telefonvorwahl
+291
Hauptstadt
Asmara
Bevölkerung
6 Millionen
Einheimischer Name
ኤርትራ
Region
Africa
Eastern Africa
Zeitzone
East Africa Time
UTC+03:00
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Eritrea, a nation on the Red Sea coast in the Horn of Africa, borders Sudan, Ethiopia, and Djibouti, featuring diverse landscapes from coastal deserts and highlands to agricultural plains, with a population of approximately 6 million concentrated in Asmara (the capital and largest city perched at 2,325 meters elevation), Massawa (the historic port city), and other urban centers. Despite gaining independence from Ethiopia in 1993 following a 30-year liberation struggle, Eritrea has developed limited international tourism infrastructure while maintaining strict government controls over travel, communications, and most aspects of civic life. The country attracts limited visitors primarily consisting of members of the Eritrean diaspora visiting family, humanitarian workers with international organizations, business professionals engaged in mining and resource sectors, diplomatic staff, and specialized researchers. Understanding Eritrea's visa requirements is essential for anyone planning travel, as the country operates one of the most restrictive entry systems globally requiring advance visa authorization exclusively through Eritrean embassies and consulates with no electronic visa (e-visa) options or visa-on-arrival facilities, mandatory yellow fever vaccination certificates for travelers from endemic regions, strict passport validity of at least six months with two blank pages, comprehensive electronic device declarations upon arrival, retention of all purchase receipts and foreign exchange documentation for departure inspection, and notably for dual nationals—mandatory exit visas that can significantly delay or prevent departure. U.S. State Department warns that U.S. citizens visiting or residing in Eritrea, including dual U.S.-Eritrean nationals, have been arrested and detained without charge, and dual nationals entering on Eritrean passports or national identity cards must obtain exit visas prior to departure. UK Foreign Office similarly warns British-Eritrean dual nationals using Eritrean identity cards must obtain exit permits from Immigration Office in Asmara to leave the country, with the entire visa and exit visa system presenting significant bureaucratic challenges requiring careful advance planning and realistic expectations about potential delays.
Eritrea Visa & Immigration System Overview
Eritrea operates an exclusively embassy-based visa system requiring all foreign nationals to obtain visas in advance through Eritrean diplomatic missions before travel, with absolutely no electronic visa (e-visa) platforms, no visa-on-arrival options at Asmara International Airport or land borders, and no alternative application methods available. U.S. State Department confirms travelers must obtain visa before traveling, directing applicants to visit Embassy of the State of Eritrea in Washington D.C. website for current visa information. UK Foreign Office states you must have a visa to enter Eritrea, instructing travelers to contact Eritrean Embassy in UK or nearest Eritrean embassy for visa information. The visa application process requires valid passports (U.S. State Department specifies passport valid minimum 6 months beyond travel dates with minimum 2 blank pages; UK Foreign Office requires passport with expiry date at least 6 months after arrival date with at least 2 blank consecutive pages for stamping), completed visa application forms obtained from embassies, passport photographs meeting specifications, invitation letters or supporting documentation depending on travel purpose, proof of accommodation, confirmed airline tickets, yellow fever vaccination certificates for travelers aged 9 months and older arriving from countries with yellow fever risk per U.S. guidance, and visa fees. Processing times vary by embassy and application type; applicants should contact embassies directly for specific timelines and expect significant processing periods. Eritrean embassies maintain limited global presence with missions primarily in select African countries, Middle East, Europe (including London, Rome, Berlin), and United States, requiring many travelers to coordinate applications through distant embassies or third-country representatives. The visa system distinguishes between short-term visas for tourism, family visits, and business purposes, and longer-term visas and work permits for employment requiring employer sponsorship and Ministry of Labor approval. Entry into Eritrea requires valid passports, valid visas properly issued by Eritrean diplomatic missions, yellow fever vaccination certificates for travelers from endemic regions, comprehensive electronic device declarations (all laptops, phones, cameras, and electronic equipment must be declared at arrival customs or face confiscation at departure per U.S. State Department and UK Foreign Office), currency declarations for amounts exceeding $10,000 USD or equivalent, and customs declaration forms. Exit from Eritrea presents unique challenges particularly for dual nationals: U.S. State Department warns that U.S.-Eritrean dual nationals who enter country on Eritrean passport or national identity card must obtain exit visa prior to departure, with exit visas potentially being denied and application process significantly delaying travel; UK Foreign Office confirms British-Eritrean dual nationals using Eritrean identity card must obtain exit permit from Immigration Office in Asmara to leave country. Currency regulations restrict departing travelers to maximum 1,000 Nakfa (Eritrean currency) per U.S. and UK sources, require declaration of foreign currency amounts over $10,000, and mandate retention of all purchase receipts and foreign exchange documentation throughout stay for presentation at departure, with UK specifying currency spending must be accounted for through state exchange offices or official hotels. U.S. State Department issues strong warning that U.S. citizens visiting or residing in Eritrea, including dual U.S.-Eritrean nationals, have been arrested and detained without charge. Work authorization requires separate work permits processed through Ministry of Labor with employer sponsorship in coordination with immigration authorities. Photography of government buildings, military installations, infrastructure, and security forces strictly prohibited. Communication infrastructure limited with restricted internet access and government monitoring of communications.
Gängige Visumtypen
Tourist Visa (Embassy Application)
Leisure travel, tourism, sightseeing, visiting historical sites in Asmara and Massawa, cultural experiences, and vacation purposes in Eritrea. Application exclusively through Eritrean embassies or consulates with completed visa application forms, valid passport with 6 months validity and 2 blank consecutive pages, passport photographs meeting embassy specifications, hotel reservations or tourism agency confirmations, proof of sufficient funds (bank statements showing financial means for stay), confirmed round-trip airline tickets, yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from country with yellow fever risk (required for travelers 9 months and older per U.S. State Department), and tourist visa fees. Processing times vary by embassy; contact embassy directly for timeline expectations. Tourist visas typically issued for stays ranging from 30 days to 3 months depending on application and embassy discretion. Single entry standard; multiple entry visas available for travelers with justification. Extensions possible through immigration authorities in Asmara though approval not guaranteed and process can be lengthy. Holders must not engage in employment, business activities, journalism, or research without appropriate additional authorizations. All tourists must declare electronic devices at arrival, retain all purchase receipts throughout stay, and account for currency exchanges. Dual nationals should note exit visa requirements: U.S. State Department warns U.S.-Eritrean dual nationals entering on Eritrean passport or ID card must obtain exit visa before departure
Family Visit Visa
Visiting family members residing in Eritrea, whether Eritrean citizens or foreign residents with work permits or residence status. This visa type particularly relevant for members of Eritrean diaspora visiting relatives. Similar to tourist visa but requires additional family documentation. Application through Eritrean embassies with invitation letter from family member in Eritrea (notarized or with official stamp from local authorities), copy of family member's Eritrean national identity card or residence permit, proof of family relationship (birth certificates, marriage certificates, or official documents establishing relationship authenticated by relevant authorities), completed visa forms, valid passport with 6 months validity and 2 blank consecutive pages, photographs, yellow fever certificate if arriving from endemic country (travelers 9 months and older), proof of accommodation at family residence with address details, financial evidence or family sponsor's guarantee of support, return tickets, and visa fee. Processing through embassies varies in timeline; apply well in advance. Permits stays typically 30 days to 3 months for family visits with possible extension through immigration. Common for diaspora members visiting relatives, adult children visiting elderly parents, or family members attending significant family events. Must declare all electronic devices at arrival and retain purchase receipts. Dual nationals entering on Eritrean documents must obtain exit visa before departure per U.S. State Department and UK Foreign Office warnings
Business Visa
Business meetings, commercial negotiations, contract discussions, exploring investment opportunities, attending conferences, meeting with government officials for business purposes, visiting mining and resource sector sites, establishing partnerships, conducting market research, and short-term business activities not constituting employment. Application requires invitation letter from Eritrean company or organization on official letterhead stating purpose of visit, duration, and business registration details of host company; letter from applicant's employer or company explaining business purpose and guaranteeing financial responsibility; completed visa application forms; passport valid 6 months with 2 blank consecutive pages; passport photographs; yellow fever vaccination certificate if from endemic region (travelers 9 months and older); proof of accommodation; return airline tickets; and business visa fees. Processing through Eritrean embassies with timelines varying by mission. Business visas issued for durations typically 15 days to 3 months, available as single entry for one-time business trips or potentially multiple entry for business travelers making regular visits with strong justification and established business relationships. Common for mining sector professionals, telecommunications industry representatives, international development organization staff, and commercial consultants. Does not authorize formal employment; separate work permit required for actual work activities. All business visitors must declare electronic devices at arrival including laptops and phones, retain all receipts, and account for currency. Dual nationals should note exit visa requirements if entering on Eritrean documents
Work Visa/Work Permit
Employment in Eritrea for foreign nationals with job offers from Eritrean employers, international organizations, NGOs, mining companies, telecommunications firms, or foreign companies operating locally. Two-stage process: first, entry to Eritrea on business visa or special authorization; second, in-country application for work permit through Ministry of Labor. Work permit application requires valid employment contract specifying position, responsibilities, salary, benefits, and contract duration; proof of professional qualifications with educational certificates, diplomas, professional credentials, and work experience documentation authenticated by relevant authorities; employer's business registration certificate and tax compliance documents showing legal operation in Eritrea; employer's justification demonstrating unavailability of qualified Eritrean nationals for the position and necessity of foreign expertise; applicant's curriculum vitae and professional references; health certificate from medical facility confirming fitness to work; police clearance certificates from countries of residence for past 5 years; passport copies and photographs; and work permit application fees. Processing handled by employer as sponsoring organization with Ministry of Labor involvement; timeline typically several months with significant bureaucratic requirements. Work permits generally issued for contract duration up to 1 year, renewable annually with continued employer sponsorship and contract extension. Common for positions in mining and resource extraction, telecommunications infrastructure, international organization staff with UN agencies or NGOs, technical specialists, and management roles in foreign companies. Work permit tied to specific employer; changing jobs requires new work permit application with new employer's sponsorship. All workers must declare electronic devices, retain receipts, and comply with currency regulations. Dual nationals employed in Eritrea face exit visa requirements if using Eritrean documents
Transit Visa
Short transit through Eritrea territory when traveling to another destination via Asmara International Airport or traveling overland through Eritrea to neighboring countries (though land border crossing options extremely limited given regional tensions). Required for travelers passing through Eritrean territory who exit airport transit areas, stay overnight, or travel overland. Application requires proof of onward travel with confirmed tickets to final destination, visa for next country if required, valid passport with 6 months validity and 2 blank pages, yellow fever certificate if arriving from endemic area (travelers 9 months and older), transit itinerary showing entry and exit points and dates, and transit visa fees. Transit visas generally issued for 24 to 72 hours depending on transit duration and travel arrangements. Must specify transit route and next destination country. Not valid for tourism, business meetings, or activities beyond direct transit. Travelers remaining within Asmara International Airport international transit areas may not require transit visas depending on nationality and transit duration, though should verify with Eritrean embassy before travel as policies restrictive. Given Eritrea's limited international flight connections and closed borders with Ethiopia, transit options extremely limited making transit visas relatively uncommon compared to other countries
Official/Diplomatic Visa
Government officials, diplomats, employees of international organizations with official status, and individuals traveling on official government business. Application through diplomatic channels with official invitation from Eritrean government ministry or international organization, diplomatic note from sending government or organization, valid diplomatic or official passport, passport photographs, and processing through Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Diplomatic and official visa holders generally exempt from standard visa fees and some entry requirements, though yellow fever vaccination from endemic regions still required. Typically issued for duration of official assignment or mission. Holders should coordinate through diplomatic missions and Ministry of Foreign Affairs for all matters including residence registration, work authorization if applicable, and departure procedures. Even diplomatic personnel should declare electronic devices and comply with photography restrictions given Eritrea's security concerns
Critical Information for Eritrea Travelers
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Eritrea
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