Eritrea entry requirements for Chile passport holders

Updated weekly · Last reviewed July 3, 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

Chilean passport holders need a visa to enter Eritrea. You must arrange this before you travel — there are no visa-on-arrival options for Chilean citizens as of 2026.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Visa requiredYou cannot enter Eritrea without a visa issued in advance.
Apply before travel
Chilean passport holders must obtain a visa prior to arrival. No visa on arrival or e-visa is available. Apply at the nearest Eritrean embassy or consulate.Required
Passport validityEnsure your passport does not expire within 6 months of your arrival date.
6 months beyond intended stay
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Eritrea.Required
Blank passport pagesStamps are placed on blank pages; a full passport may cause denial of entry.
At least 1 page
Your passport must contain at least 1 blank visa page for entry stamps.Required
Return or onward ticketAirlines and immigration officers often request proof of onward travel.
Proof of departure
You may be asked to show a return or onward ticket upon arrival. While not explicitly required by law, it is strongly recommended to have one.Recommended
Proof of fundsImmigration may ask how you will cover expenses during your visit.
Sufficient means of support
You may be required to demonstrate sufficient funds for your stay. No specific amount is published; carry cash (Eritrean nakfa or hard currency) or bank statements.Recommended
Arrival declarationYou do not need to complete any online or paper arrival declaration.
Not required
No arrival declaration form is required for entry into Eritrea.Not required
E-visa applicationDo not look for an e-visa; it does not exist for Eritrea.
Not available
Eritrea does not offer an e-visa system. All visa applications must be made through an embassy or consulate.Not required
Visa required — no exceptions
Chilean citizens cannot enter Eritrea without a pre-arranged visa. There is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option. Apply at an Eritrean embassy well in advance.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the day you arrive in Eritrea, not your departure date. Double-check before you apply.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for visa at Eritrean embassy
Contact the Eritrean embassy in your region (or the nearest one that handles Chilean passports). Submit the completed application form, passport photos, passport copy, flight itinerary, and hotel booking. Pay the visa fee (varies by embassy, typically $50–$100 USD). Processing takes 2–4 weeks.
2
Receive visa approval
Once approved, the embassy will stamp or attach the visa to your passport. Double-check the validity dates and entry conditions.
3
Prepare documents for arrival
Before you fly, print or save digital copies of: your visa, passport info page, return ticket, hotel booking, and travel insurance. Keep them in a separate folder in your bag.
4
Arrive at Asmara International Airport
At immigration, present your passport with visa, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. The officer may ask about your purpose of visit and length of stay. Answer clearly. You'll receive an entry stamp — check it matches your intended stay.
Download Eritrea Entry Checklist
PDF · Chile Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated July 3, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Business visa
Max stay90 days
Validity6 months
Cost$100

Requires invitation letter from Eritrean company.

Work visa
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year
Cost$200

Requires work permit approval from Ministry of Labour.

Other fees
ServiceCost
Tourist visa (single entry, up to 30 days)Payable at Eritrean embassy/consulate upon application.$50
Tourist visa (multiple entry, up to 90 days)Requires additional justification.$100
Visa extension (per month)Apply at Immigration Office in Asmara before expiry.$20
Exit permit feeRequired for all foreign nationals leaving Eritrea; paid at Immigration Office.$10

Common reasons for entry denial

Incomplete or incorrect visa application30%
Insufficient funds25%
Lack of clear travel itinerary20%

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

Chilean passport holders require a transit visa even if staying airside and not clearing immigration.

Exceptions & conditions
  • Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt.
Transit hubsAsmara International Airport (ASM)

Health & vaccines for Eritrea

Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheriaEssentialPolioRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Present throughout the country, especially in lowland areas.

Dengue feverModerate risk

Outbreaks occur, especially during rainy season.

CholeraLow risk

Occasional outbreaks; practice food and water safety.

Malaria risk: high

Chloroquine-resistant malaria is present; prophylaxis recommended.

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
Near the Ministry of Interior, Asmara
Mon-Fri 08:00-12:00, 14:00-17:00
Massawa
Immigration Office Massawa
Port area, Massawa
Mon-Fri 08:00-12:00, 14:00-17:00

Practical information for CL 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
updated Jun 4
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
Police113
Medical114
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

No. There is no visa-on-arrival facility for Chilean passport holders. You must obtain a visa from an Eritrean embassy before you travel.
Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks. Apply at least one month before your planned departure to be safe.
Fees vary by embassy but generally range from $50 to $100 USD. Check with the specific embassy handling your application.
Yes, if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Otherwise, it's not required. Check current health advisories before travel.
Extensions are not typically granted for tourist visas. Plan your trip within the validity of your visa. If you need to stay longer, contact the immigration office in Asmara before your visa expires.
Your passport with valid visa, return or onward ticket, and proof of accommodation for your first night. Keep them easily accessible.
It is not officially required for entry, but it is strongly recommended. Medical facilities are limited, and evacuation can be very expensive.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on July 3, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.