Eritrea entry requirements for Israel 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
Israeli passport holders need a visa to enter Eritrea. You must arrange this before you travel — there are no visa-on-arrival options for Israeli citizens. Plan ahead, as the application process can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required | You must obtain 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 can take several weeks, so start early.Eritrea visa info | Required |
| Valid passport Original passport required | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Eritrea. Carry your physical passport — photocopies are not accepted at immigration. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Asmara International Airport will ask to see a confirmed return or onward ticket. Airlines also check this before boarding — have a printed copy or digital booking ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Eritrea ready. Immigration may ask where you are staying, especially if you are visiting for tourism. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient cash or bank statement | Carry enough cash (USD or euros) to cover your stay — credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels. A bank statement showing recent transactions can help if asked. | Recommended |
No embassy in Eritrea
Israel does not have an embassy in Eritrea. If you need consular assistance, contact the Israeli embassy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Plan accordingly.
Visa required — apply early
Israeli passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling to Eritrea. Start the application process at least 4 weeks before your departure to avoid delays.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa
Contact the Eritrean embassy or consulate in your region. Submit the completed application form, your passport, passport photos, and any supporting documents. Processing can take 2–4 weeks, so start early.
2
Book your travel
Once your visa is approved, book your flight and first night's accommodation. Keep digital copies of your visa, passport, and booking confirmations on your phone.
3
Arrive at Asmara International Airport
At immigration, present your passport with the visa sticker, your return ticket, and accommodation proof. The officer may ask a few questions — answer clearly. After stamping, you're free to enter.
Download Eritrea Entry Checklist
PDF · Israel 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 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$50 USD
Standard tourist visa for short visits.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$100 USD
Allows multiple entries for frequent travellers.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost~$80 USD
Requires invitation letter from Eritrean company.
work visa
Work Permit
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD
For foreign nationals 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 annually
~$100 USD
For those enrolled in recognized educational institutions in Eritrea. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD
For individuals investing a minimum amount in Eritrean business. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist visa, payable at embassy or on arrival. | ~$50 USD (equivalent in local currency) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)For multiple entries, valid for a limited period. | ~$100 USD (equivalent in local currency) |
| Stay extension feeFee for extending stay beyond initial visa period, subject to approval. | ~$30 USD (equivalent in local currency) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa validity; avoid to prevent fines and future bans. | ~$10 USD per day (max cap ~$200 USD) |
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
Israel 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 BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in lowland areas.
DengueModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially during rainy season.
CholeraLow risk
Rare but possible in areas with poor sanitation.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers, especially in lowland regions.
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 08:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits.
Massawa
Immigration Office Massawa
Port area, Massawa
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for visitors in the port city.
Practical information for IL 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 Israeli citizens. You must obtain a visa from an Eritrean embassy or consulate before you travel.
Processing typically takes 2 to 4 weeks. Apply well in advance of your planned travel date.
Visa fees vary by nationality and visa type. Contact the Eritrean embassy for the current fee schedule. Expect to pay in the range of $50–$100 USD.
If you are arriving from a country with yellow fever, you may need a vaccination certificate. Check with your doctor or a travel clinic before departure.
Extensions are not generally available for short-term visitors. The standard visa is for the duration granted at entry. If you need to stay longer, contact the immigration office in Asmara before your visa expires.
Report the loss to the local police and contact your embassy (Israel has no embassy in Eritrea; the nearest is in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia). You will need a police report and a replacement travel document to leave the country.
Eritrea has a low crime rate, but the political situation can be unpredictable. Check your government's travel advisories before booking. Register with your embassy if possible.
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.