Eritrea entry requirements for Madagascar 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
Madagascar 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 required Apply before travel | You need a visa to enter Eritrea. Apply through the Eritrean Embassy or consulate in your home country — there is no online eVisa system. Processing can take several weeks, so start early. | Required |
| Valid passport 6 months validity required | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Eritrea. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Asmara International Airport will ask to see a confirmed onward or return ticket. Without one, you may be refused entry and sent back on the next flight. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Have a hotel booking or letter of invitation from your host ready. Immigration may ask where you are staying, and having a printed confirmation avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry enough cash (USD or euros) to cover your stay — credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels. Immigration may ask how you plan to support yourself. | Recommended |
Visa required — no exceptions
Madagascar passport holders cannot enter Eritrea without a pre-arranged visa. There is no visa on arrival, no e-visa, and no waiver. Apply at an Eritrean embassy at least 4 weeks before your trip.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your visa
Contact the Eritrean embassy or consulate in your region. Submit your passport, application form, passport photos, and any supporting documents they request. Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks.
2
Book your travel
Once your visa is approved, book a return flight and your first night's accommodation. Keep all confirmations saved 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 about your stay. Answer clearly and briefly.
Download Eritrea Entry Checklist
PDF · Madagascar 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
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 tourism.
work visa
Work Permit Visa
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD
For foreign nationals with a job offer in Eritrea. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable
~$100 USD
For those enrolled in an accredited Eritrean educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist visa. | ~$50 USD (equivalent in local currency) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity. | ~$100 USD (equivalent in local currency) |
| Visa extension feePer extension period, subject to approval. | ~$30 USD (equivalent in local currency) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa validity. | ~$10 USD per day (max cap unknown) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
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
Madagascar 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 risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)Essential
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in lowland areas.
DengueModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially during rainy season.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to limited sanitation; practice safe eating and drinking.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travelers, especially in rural areas.
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
Unknown
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits.
Massawa
Massawa Immigration Office
Unknown
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Handles immigration matters in the port city.
Practical information for MG 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. Madagascar passport holders must obtain a visa from an Eritrean embassy or consulate before travel. There is no visa on arrival or e-visa option.
Processing usually takes 2 to 4 weeks. Apply well in advance of your planned departure.
Typically: a valid passport (6+ months validity, 1 blank page), completed application form, two passport-sized photos, flight itinerary, hotel booking, and sometimes a letter of invitation. Check with the specific embassy for exact requirements.
Fees vary by embassy and visa type. Expect to pay around $50–$100 USD. Contact the embassy directly for the current fee.
The database indicates that visa extensions are not available. You must leave before your visa expires.
It is not officially required for entry, but strongly recommended. Medical facilities are limited, and evacuation can be very expensive.
You will be denied entry and sent back on the next available flight. There are no exceptions for Malagasy passport holders.
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.