Eritrea entry requirements for South Korea 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
South Korean passport holders need a visa to enter Eritrea. You must arrange this before you travel — there are no visa-on-arrival or e-visa options for tourists. Plan ahead, as the process can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply for an Eritrean visa before travel | South Korean passport holders need a visa to enter Eritrea. Apply at the nearest Eritrean embassy or consulate before departure — there is no online eVisa system. Processing takes 2–3 weeks, and you must submit your passport in person or by mail.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 check this at check-in, and immigration at Asmara International Airport enforces it strictly. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration at Asmara Airport asks for a confirmed return or onward ticket before they stamp you in. Budget airlines flying into Eritrea also check this at departure. Have a printed copy or a digital booking ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Eritrean immigration sometimes asks for a hotel booking or an invitation letter from a host. Carry a printed confirmation or a letter with your host's contact details and address. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | You may be asked to show you have enough money for your stay. Carry cash in USD or EUR — credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels in Asmara. A bank statement or ATM card is not sufficient. | Recommended |
Visa required — no exceptions at the border
South Korean passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival or an e-visa for Eritrea. You must apply at an Eritrean embassy or consulate before you travel. Arriving without a visa means you will be refused entry.
Plan ahead — processing takes weeks
Eritrean visa processing can take 2–4 weeks. Apply at least a month before your trip. Check with the nearest embassy for current processing times and required documents.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa at the Eritrean embassy
Contact the Eritrean embassy or consulate nearest to you (e.g., in Tokyo or Seoul). Submit the visa application form, your passport, passport photos, flight itinerary, hotel booking, and visa fee. Processing takes 2–4 weeks. No e-visa or visa-on-arrival available.
2
Pack your documents for arrival
When you land at Asmara International Airport, you'll go through immigration. Have your passport with the visa sticker, return ticket, and hotel confirmation ready. The officer may ask to see them. Keep them in your hand luggage.
3
Complete arrival formalities
After immigration, collect your luggage and proceed through customs. There is no arrival declaration form required. You'll then exit into the arrivals hall.
Download Eritrea Entry Checklist
PDF · South Korea 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, not extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$50 USD (approx. 50 USD)
Standard single-entry visa for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, not extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$100 USD (approx. 100 USD)
For multiple visits within validity.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable up to 90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$70 USD (approx. 70 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Eritrean company.
work visa
Work Permit Visa
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 200 USD) per year
For foreign nationals employed by an Eritrean company or organization. Requires employer sponsorship and government approval.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$100 USD (approx. 100 USD) per year
For those enrolled in recognized educational institutions in Eritrea. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 500 USD) initial fee
For individuals investing a minimum of $50,000 USD in an Eritrean business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
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. 50 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)For multiple entries, valid for up to 6 months. | ~$100 USD (approx. 100 USD) |
| Stay extension feeExtensions are rarely granted; apply at immigration office in Asmara. | ~$30 USD (approx. 30 USD) per month |
| Overstay fineOverstay penalties are enforced; avoid overstaying. | ~$10 USD per day, max $200 USD |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%
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
South Korea 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 without visa is allowed for stays under 24 hours if not leaving the airport.
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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitisConsider
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.
SchistosomiasisModerate risk
Risk from swimming in freshwater lakes and rivers; avoid contact with untreated water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all areas below 2,000 meters. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly 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
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 08:00–17:00
For travellers arriving by sea; limited services.
Practical information for KR 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 South Korean 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 — at least a month before your planned departure.
Visa fees vary by embassy and visa type. Expect to pay around $50–$100 USD or equivalent. Check with the specific embassy for exact fees.
Extensions are not available for tourist visas. You must leave before your visa expires.
You'll need a completed application form, your passport (valid 6+ months), passport-sized photos, flight itinerary, hotel booking, and the visa fee. Some embassies may also ask for a letter of invitation or proof of funds.
It is not a formal requirement for the visa, but it is strongly recommended. Medical facilities are basic, and evacuation or treatment can be very expensive.
You will be denied entry and sent back on the next available flight. There is no way to obtain a visa at the airport.
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.