Eritrea entry requirements for Ethiopia passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
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
Ethiopian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Asmara International Airport. No advance application needed. This policy is current as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Ethiopian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Asmara International Airport. Have 50 USD in cash ready for the visa fee. The visa is single-entry and valid for up to 30 days.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Eritrea. Airlines at Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa enforce this strictly. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Return ticket | Immigration officers at Asmara Airport routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Accommodation booking | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Eritrea. Immigration may ask for it during the visa-on-arrival process. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient funds | Have at least 200 USD in cash or a bank statement showing sufficient funds for your stay. Eritrea has limited ATM access and credit cards are rarely accepted. | Recommended |
Visa on arrival only at Asmara airport
If you're entering Eritrea by land from Ethiopia, you must get a visa in advance from an Eritrean embassy. The visa on arrival is not available at border crossings.
Cash is king
The visa fee must be paid in cash — US dollars are preferred. Bring small bills and exact change. Credit cards are not accepted for visa payments.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Asmara International Airport
After landing, follow signs to the immigration hall. There's a dedicated counter for visa on arrival — look for the 'Visa on Arrival' sign.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport, completed arrival card (usually given on the plane), return ticket, and accommodation booking. The officer will check your passport validity and blank page.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the visa fee in cash — US dollars are widely accepted. Have the exact amount ready to speed things up.
4
Receive your visa and enter
The officer stamps or affixes the visa sticker in your passport. You're then cleared to proceed to baggage claim and customs.
Download Eritrea Entry Checklist
PDF · Ethiopia 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, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost50 USD (50 USD)
Obtainable on arrival or at embassy; no extension possible.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, non-extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost100 USD (100 USD)
Allows multiple entries; must leave and re-enter for longer stays.
work visa
Work Permit
1 year, renewable
~200 USD (200 USD) processing fee
For those with a job offer from an Eritrean employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~100 USD (100 USD) processing fee
For enrollment in an accredited Eritrean educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Ethiopian passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival at Asmara International Airport at no cost. | Free (no fee) |
| Stay extension (if allowed)Extensions are not generally available for visa-on-arrival entries; check with immigration. | Unknown |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are not publicly specified; avoid overstaying to prevent issues. | Unknown |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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
Ethiopian 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 transmission (e.g., parts of Africa).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in lowland areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially during rainy season; use mosquito repellent.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in all regions below 2,000 meters; prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil) recommended for most travellers.
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 (Asmara)
Near the Ministry of Interior, Asmara
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport and photos.
Massawa
Massawa Immigration Office
Port area, Massawa
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles entry/exit for port arrivals; limited services.
Practical information for ET 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
The exact fee varies and is typically paid in US dollars. Expect around $50–$70. Bring cash in small bills — change may not be available.
No. The visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.
Eritrea requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. Ethiopia is not considered a risk country, but check your itinerary — if you've been elsewhere, you may need proof.
No. The visa on arrival is only available at Asmara International Airport. If you're entering by land from Ethiopia, you must get a visa in advance from an Eritrean embassy.
Your passport, a completed arrival card, a return or onward ticket, and proof of accommodation. Have them ready in a folder to speed up the process.
Relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea have improved, but check your government's travel advisories before booking. Always register with your embassy upon arrival.
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.