Eritrea entry requirements for Colombia 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
Colombian passport holders need a visa to enter Eritrea. You must apply at an embassy or consulate before traveling — there is no visa on arrival or e-visa. Processing can take several weeks, so plan ahead.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required | You need a visa before traveling to Eritrea. Apply through the Eritrean Embassy or consulate in your country of residence — there is no online eVisa system. Processing times vary widely, so start at least 4–6 weeks before your trip.Check Eritrea visa info | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the entire stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Eritrea. Airlines enforce this strictly — 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 for proof of a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy of your flight itinerary ready — showing a ticket out of Eritrea within your visa validity. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Have a hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Eritrea. Immigration may ask where you are staying, and having a printed address speeds things up. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry enough cash (USD or euros) to cover your stay — credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels. A bank statement showing at least $500–$1,000 is a good buffer if asked. | Recommended |
No visa on arrival or e-visa
Eritrea does not offer visa on arrival or an e-visa system for Colombian passport holders. You must apply at an embassy or consulate before you travel. Plan for 2–4 weeks processing time.
Embassy contact first
Visa requirements and fees can change. Always confirm the exact process, required documents, and fee with the Eritrean embassy handling your application before submitting anything.
What happens at the border
1
Contact the Eritrean embassy
Find the Eritrean embassy or consulate responsible for your region. For Colombians, this is usually the embassy in Brazil or the consulate in New York. Email or call to confirm the exact application process, fees, and processing time.
2
Prepare your documents
Gather your passport (valid 6+ months), completed visa application form, passport-sized photos, return flight booking, accommodation confirmation, and any other documents the embassy requests. Make copies of everything.
3
Submit the application
Mail or hand-deliver your application and documents to the embassy. Pay the visa fee (amount varies by embassy — typically $50–$100 USD). Processing can take 2–4 weeks, so apply well in advance.
4
Wait for approval
The embassy will process your application and issue a visa sticker in your passport. You'll receive it by mail or can pick it up. Check the visa validity dates carefully.
5
Arrive in Eritrea
At Asmara International Airport, proceed to immigration. Have your passport with visa, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready. The officer may ask a few questions about your trip. After clearing, collect your luggage.
Download Eritrea Entry Checklist
PDF · Colombia 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, not extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$50 USD
Must be obtained before travel from an Eritrean embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, not extendable
Validity6 months
Cost~$100 USD
Allows multiple entries; apply at embassy.
work visa
Work Permit
1 year, renewable
Varies
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
Varies
For enrollment in an Eritrean educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Required for Colombian passport holders; apply at Eritrean embassy. | ~$50 USD (exact amount varies by embassy) |
| Stay extension feeExtensions are not guaranteed; inquire locally. | Unknown (check with immigration office) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay is discouraged; fines may apply. | Unknown (likely nominal per day) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa documents20%
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
Colombian passport holders need 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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present in all regions; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; use repellent.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common; drink bottled water and eat cooked food.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travelers, especially in lowland 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
Eritrean Immigration Office
Unknown
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Main office for visa-related inquiries; bring all documents.
Practical information for CO 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. Eritrea does not offer visa on arrival for Colombian passport holders. You must obtain a visa from an Eritrean embassy or consulate before you travel.
No. Eritrea does not have an e-visa system. All visa applications must be submitted through an embassy or consulate.
Processing typically takes 2 to 4 weeks, but can vary. Apply at least 6 weeks before your planned departure to be safe.
Fees vary by embassy, but expect to pay between $50 and $100 USD. Contact the embassy for the exact amount and accepted payment methods.
The closest embassy is in Brasília, Brazil. There is also a consulate in New York, USA. You can apply by mail to either if you are not nearby.
Yes, if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Colombia is not considered a risk country, but check current requirements with the embassy. A vaccination certificate may be requested.
Extensions are not available for tourist visas. You must leave before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines or deportation.
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.