Eritrea entry requirements for Bahrain passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Bahraini passport holders need a visa to enter Eritrea. You must arrange this before you travel — there is no visa on arrival for Bahraini citizens as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required | Apply for an Eritrean visa before travel through the Eritrean Embassy or consulate in your country. Processing can take several weeks — start at least a month before your trip. The official government portal is shabait.com, but the actual visa application is handled by the embassy, not online.Check visa info | Required |
| Valid passport Must have 6 months validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Eritrea. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Asmara International Airport will ask to see a confirmed return or onward ticket. Without one, you may be refused entry and sent back on the next flight. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Have a hotel booking or invitation letter from your host ready. Officers occasionally ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-arranged tour or sponsor. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Carry enough cash (USD or euros) to cover your stay — credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels. A bank statement showing sufficient funds can help if questioned. | Recommended |
Visa required — apply early
There is no visa on arrival or e-visa for Bahraini passport holders. You must get a visa from an Eritrean embassy before you fly. Start the process at least 4 weeks before your trip.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for 6 months from the day you arrive in Eritrea, not from when you apply for the visa. Check your expiry date now.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa at the Eritrean embassy
Contact the Eritrean embassy in your region (or the nearest one that handles Bahrain applications). Submit your passport, completed application form, passport photos, and any supporting documents. Processing can take 1–3 weeks, so apply well in advance.
2
Book your flights and accommodation
Once your visa is approved, book a return flight and your first night's accommodation. Keep digital copies of both confirmations on your phone.
3
Arrive at Asmara International Airport
At immigration, present your passport with the visa sticker, your return ticket, and your accommodation booking. The officer will stamp you in. The process is straightforward if you have all documents ready.
Download Eritrea Entry Checklist
PDF · Bahrain Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days (extendable)
Validity3 months from issue
CostUnknown (check with embassy)
Standard visa for tourism; extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months
CostUnknown (check with embassy)
Allows multiple visits; useful for frequent travellers.
work visa
Work Permit
1 year, renewable
Unknown
For those with a job offer in Eritrea. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies
Unknown
For enrollment in an Eritrean educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Visa required; cost not publicly listed for Bahrain passport holders. | Unknown (check embassy) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are enforced but specific rates are not published. | Unknown |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa application20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Eritrea
Transit visa required
Bahrain passport holders require a transit visa to change planes in Eritrea, even if staying airside.
Transit hubsAsmara International Airport (ASM)
Health & vaccines for Eritrea
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in lowland areas.
DengueModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially during rainy season.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to limited sanitation; avoid tap water and street food.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers, especially in rural areas.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Asmara
Department of Immigration and Nationality
Unknown
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits.
Massawa
Immigration Office Massawa
Unknown
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Handles extensions for visitors in the port city.
Practical information for BH travellers
Country basics
CapitalAsmara
LanguageTigrinya, Arabic, English
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 30 days; an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyEritrean nakfa (ERN)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 15 ERN
Time zone
Local timeUTC+3
vs New York+8h
vs Los Angeles+11h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C, LType C (two round pins) and Type L (three round pins) are used.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No. There is no visa on arrival for Bahraini citizens. You must obtain a visa from an Eritrean embassy or consulate before you travel.
Processing typically takes 1–3 weeks. Apply at least a month before your trip to be safe. Some embassies may take longer depending on workload.
Visa fees vary by embassy and visa type. Expect to pay around $50–$100 USD equivalent. Check with the specific embassy handling your application for the exact fee.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk, you'll need a vaccination certificate. Bahrain is not a yellow fever zone, but if you've recently traveled to an affected country, carry your yellow card.
Extensions are not typically granted for tourist visas. The standard visa duration is set at entry. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for an extension at the immigration office in Asmara before your visa expires.
Overstaying can result in fines, detention, or deportation. Eritrea takes immigration violations seriously. Always leave before your visa expires.
Eritrea is generally safe for tourists, but check your government's travel advisory before booking. Avoid border areas with Ethiopia and Djibouti. Keep your passport and visa with you at all times — police may ask for ID.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.