Eritrea entry requirements for United Kingdom passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 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
British passport holders need a visa to enter Eritrea. You must arrange this before you travel — there are no visa-on-arrival options for UK citizens. Plan ahead, as the application process can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required — apply before travel | You need a visa to enter Eritrea. Apply through the Eritrean Embassy in London or your nearest accredited mission. Processing takes 2–4 weeks — start at least a month before your trip. The official government portal is shabait.com, but the actual visa application goes through the embassy.Eritrea Government Portal | 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 check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. Carry a photocopy of the bio-data page separately. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Asmara International Airport ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. If you don't have one, they may deny entry or put you on the next flight out. Book a refundable ticket if your plans are flexible. | 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're staying — a printed booking or host's address and phone number works. If you're visiting family, get the host's ID copy and a signed letter. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry enough cash in USD or euros to cover your stay — ATMs are rare and unreliable in Eritrea. Immigration may ask to see you have at least $200–$300 for shorter trips. Credit cards are not widely accepted outside major hotels in Asmara. | Recommended |
Visa required — no exceptions
British passport holders cannot enter Eritrea without a pre-arranged visa. There is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option. Apply well in advance through the embassy.
Passport validity is critical
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter Eritrea. If it's close to expiring, renew it before applying for the visa.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa
Submit your visa application to the Eritrean embassy or consulate in London (or the nearest accredited office). You'll need to provide your passport, photos, application form, and supporting documents. Processing can take 2–4 weeks, so apply well in advance.
2
Wait for approval
Once submitted, the embassy will process your application. You may be asked for additional documents or an interview. Check the embassy website for current processing times.
3
Collect your visa
If approved, you'll receive a visa sticker in your passport. Make sure all details are correct before you travel.
4
Arrive in Eritrea
At Asmara International Airport, proceed to immigration. Have your passport with visa, return ticket, and accommodation proof ready. The officer may ask about your purpose of visit and length of stay.
Download Eritrea Entry Checklist
PDF · United Kingdom Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$50 USD (approx. £40)
Standard single-entry visa for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$100 USD (approx. £80)
Allows multiple entries within validity.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost~$100 USD (approx. £80)
Requires invitation letter from Eritrean company.
work visa
Work Permit
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. £160)
For those with a job offer from an Eritrean employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable
~$100 USD (approx. £80)
For enrollment in recognized Eritrean educational institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. £400)
For significant investors in Eritrea. Requires proof of investment and business plan approval.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist visa, payable at embassy or on arrival. | ~$50 USD (approx. £40) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)For multiple entries, valid for up to 3 months. | ~$100 USD (approx. £80) |
| Stay extension feePer extension period, subject to approval. | ~$30 USD (approx. £24) |
| Overstay fine per dayCharged per day overstay, with a maximum cap of $500 USD. | ~$10 USD (approx. £8) |
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
UK passport holders transiting through Eritrea require a transit visa unless they remain airside and do not pass through immigration.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of diplomatic or official passports may be exempt.
Transit hubsAsmara International Airport (ASM)
Health & vaccines for Eritrea
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in lowland areas.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially in urban areas.
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 lowland regions. Use mosquito repellent and nets.
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
Harnet Avenue, Asmara
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Massawa
Massawa Immigration Office
Near Port Area, Massawa
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for visitors in the port city.
Practical information for GB 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
Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks, but can be longer. Apply at least a month before your planned travel. The embassy in London handles UK applications.
No. There is no visa-on-arrival facility for British passport holders. You must obtain a visa before you travel.
Visa fees vary and are set by the embassy. Check the Eritrean embassy in London website for current fees. Expect to pay around £50–£100 depending on visa type.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever, you'll need a vaccination certificate. For direct travel from the UK, it's not required. Check current health advice before travel.
Extensions are possible but not guaranteed. You'd need to apply at the immigration office in Asmara before your visa expires. The process can be slow and bureaucratic.
Your visa application will likely be rejected. Renew your passport first, then apply for the visa. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.
Not officially, but it's strongly recommended. Medical care is limited and expensive. If you need hospital treatment, costs can run into hundreds of dollars per day.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.