Eritrea visas
Almost every foreign national needs a visa to enter Eritrea, and whether you need one — and which type — depends on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. Eritrea has no general e-visa or online portal: visas are applied for in advance through an Eritrean embassy or consulate, with entry, stay and exit governed by the Department of Immigration and Nationality under the Ministry of Interior in Asmara. Always confirm current requirements with your nearest Eritrean diplomatic mission before you travel.
Eritrean visa categories
Explore visa categories by the purpose of your trip.
- Visitor & short-stay visasShort stays in Eritrea — tourism, visiting family or friends, business visits and transit, plus any visa-free or e-visa options.3 visas
- Work visasComing to Eritrea to work — the employment and skilled-worker routes and the permits they require.1 visa
- Study visasStudying in Eritrea — student visas and permits for accepted students.1 visa
- Family visasJoining or sponsoring a partner, child or other relative in Eritrea.1 visa
- Business & investor visasInvesting, doing business or coming to Eritrea as a highly skilled individual.1 visa
- Residence & citizenshipLiving in Eritrea long term — residence routes and, where available, the path to citizenship.2 visas
Eritrean visa application at a glance
From start to finish in five simple steps.
- 01Choose the right visa
- 02Check eligibility & documents
- 03Apply online
- 04Provide biometrics
- 05Wait for a decision
Eritrea — key facts
- Visa authority
- Department of Immigration and Nationality, Ministry of Interior (State of Eritrea)
- Application
- Online (in most cases)
- Biometrics
- Usually required
- Currency
- Eritrean Nakfa (ERN)
- Time zone
- East Africa Time (EAT, UTC+03:00)
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.