Eritrea entry requirements for Sri Lanka 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
Sri Lankan passport holders need a visa to enter Eritrea. You must arrange this before you travel — there is no visa on arrival. Plan ahead, as processing can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply for a visa before travel | Eritrea requires a visa for Sri Lankan passport holders. Submit your application through the Eritrean Embassy or consulate — there is no online eVisa system. Processing takes 2-4 weeks and requires a letter of invitation from a sponsor in Eritrea.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. Carry a photocopy of the bio page separately in case of loss. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration at Asmara International Airport will ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Airlines also enforce this before boarding — have a printed copy 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 — a printed booking confirmation avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show sufficient cash or bank statement | Carry enough cash (USD or EUR) for your stay — credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels. A bank statement showing at least $500 is a safe buffer if asked. | Recommended |
Visa processing can be slow
Eritrean visa processing often takes 2–4 weeks, and sometimes longer. Apply at least 6 weeks before your trip to avoid last-minute stress. Delays are common.
No visa on arrival
There is no visa on arrival for Sri Lankan passport holders. You must have an approved visa before you board your flight. Airlines will check this.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa
Submit your visa application to the Eritrean embassy or consulate in your home country. You'll need your passport, photos, a completed form, and possibly a letter of invitation. Processing takes 2–4 weeks, so apply early.
2
Wait for approval
Once submitted, the embassy reviews your application. You may be asked for additional documents. Approval is not guaranteed — rejection is possible without explanation.
3
Pack your documents
Before you fly, print or save digital copies of your visa approval, passport, return ticket, accommodation booking, and insurance. Keep them in your carry-on.
4
Arrive at Asmara International Airport
At immigration, present your passport with visa, return ticket, and accommodation proof. The officer may ask a few questions — answer honestly. Expect a stamp and a 30-day stay.
Download Eritrea Entry Checklist
PDF · Sri Lanka 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 up to 60 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost~$50 USD
Apply at Eritrean embassy; requires passport, photos, and application form.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost~$100 USD
For multiple visits; same application process as single entry.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost~$80 USD
Requires invitation letter from Eritrean company.
work visa
Eritrea Work Permit
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (employer-sponsored)
For foreign workers with a job offer from an Eritrean employer. Requires contract and approval from Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Eritrea Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable
~$100 USD (processing fee)
For enrolled students at recognized Eritrean institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Eritrea Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (processing fee)
For investors with significant business investment in Eritrea. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Required for Sri Lanka passport holders; apply at Eritrean embassy. | ~$50 USD (exact amount varies, check embassy) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Available for longer or multiple visits; conditions apply. | ~$100 USD (exact amount varies, check embassy) |
| Stay extension feeExtension possible at immigration office; subject to approval. | ~$30 USD per month (estimated) |
| Overstay finePenalty for overstaying visa; pay at immigration before departure. | ~$10 USD per day (estimated, max cap unknown) |
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
Sri Lanka passport holders transiting through Eritrea require a transit visa unless they remain airside and do not pass through immigration.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of diplomatic passports may be exempt.
- Transit without visa may be allowed for flights with same airline and no change of airport.
Transit hubsAsmara International Airport (ASM) · Massawa International Airport (MSW)
Health & vaccines for Eritrea
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
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
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions below 2,200 meters. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is 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)
Unknown (likely near Ministry of Interior)
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport and visa documents.
Massawa
Massawa Immigration Office
Unknown
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
For travellers in port city; limited services.
Practical information for LK 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. Sri Lankan passport holders must get a visa before traveling. There is no visa on arrival at Asmara International Airport or any other entry point.
Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks, but can be longer. Apply at least a month before your planned departure. Some applications may take up to 6 weeks.
You'll need a passport valid for 6+ months, two passport-sized photos, a completed application form, a copy of your return ticket, and sometimes a letter of invitation or hotel booking. Check with the embassy for the exact list.
Visa fees vary by embassy and visa type. Expect to pay around $50–$100 USD. Contact the embassy for current fees — they can change without notice.
Extensions are not typically granted for tourist visas. The standard stay is 30 days. If you need more time, you must apply at the immigration office in Asmara before your visa expires — approval is not guaranteed.
Rejection is possible without a clear reason. You can reapply, but you'll need to address any issues the embassy raised. There's no appeal process. Consider consulting the embassy for advice before reapplying.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever, you'll need a vaccination certificate. Otherwise, it's not required for Sri Lankan passport holders. Check current health requirements before travel.
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.