Eritrea entry requirements for Saudi Arabia 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
Saudi passport holders need a visa to enter Eritrea. There is no visa-on-arrival or eVisa — you must apply at an Eritrean embassy before you travel. Processing takes 5–10 business days, so start at least three weeks before your flight.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required | You need 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 takes 2–4 weeks and requires a letter of invitation or hotel booking confirmation.Check 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 — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Asmara International Airport ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy of your flight itinerary ready — they rarely accept digital copies on your phone. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | You need a confirmed hotel reservation for the entire stay or a letter of invitation from a host in Eritrea. The letter must include the host's full name, address, and contact number. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Carry at least $200 USD in cash per day of your stay — credit cards are not widely accepted in Eritrea. A bank statement showing sufficient funds for your trip may also be requested. | Recommended |
No ATMs for foreign cards
Eritrea has no functional ATMs that accept foreign debit or credit cards. Credit cards are rarely accepted anywhere. Bring enough USD or EUR cash for your entire stay — you won't be able to withdraw more once you're there.
Overstay penalties enforced
Overstaying your visa, even by a day, results in fines. Extensions are possible but not guaranteed — apply at the Asmara immigration office before your visa expires. Overstays can also affect future visa applications.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your visa at an Eritrean embassy
Locate the Eritrean embassy or consulate in your region (e.g., Riyadh, Jeddah). Submit your application in person or by mail with your passport, photos, completed form, and fee. Processing takes 5–10 business days. Start at least 3 weeks before your flight.
2
Book your flight and accommodation
Book a return or onward ticket and your first night's accommodation. Keep printed confirmations. Most flights arrive at Asmara International Airport (ASM).
3
Pack cash and documents
Bring enough USD or EUR cash for your entire stay. No ATMs work with foreign cards. Also pack your passport, visa, flight itinerary, hotel booking, and travel insurance documents in your carry-on.
4
Arrive at Asmara International Airport
After landing, proceed to immigration. Present your passport with visa, return ticket, and accommodation proof. The officer may ask your purpose of stay and how long you plan to stay. Answer clearly. After clearance, collect your luggage and exit.
Download Eritrea Entry Checklist
PDF · Saudi Arabia 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 date
Cost~$50 USD (approx. 50 USD)
Requires application at Eritrean embassy. Extendable once.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~$100 USD (approx. 100 USD)
Allows multiple entries; each stay up to 30 days.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost~$80 USD (approx. 80 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Eritrean company.
work visa
Eritrean Work Permit
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 200 USD) per year
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 annually
~$100 USD (approx. 100 USD) per year
For enrollment at an accredited Eritrean educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 500 USD) initial fee
For individuals investing a minimum amount (e.g., $50,000 USD) in Eritrean business. Requires proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for 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 3 months. | 100 USD (approx. 100 USD) |
| Stay extension feeExtension possible at immigration office, subject to approval. | 30 USD (approx. 30 USD) per month |
| Overstay finePenalty for overstaying visa validity, payable at immigration. | 10 USD per day, max 200 USD |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa 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
Saudi Arabia passport holders transiting through Eritrea typically need a transit visa unless they remain airside and have a confirmed onward flight within 24 hours.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of diplomatic passports may be exempt.
- Transit without visa may be allowed if staying airside and not passing immigration.
Transit hubsAsmara International Airport (ASM) · Massawa International Airport (MSW)
Health & vaccines for Eritrea
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
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
Occasional outbreaks, especially during rainy season.
Food/waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to limited sanitation; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present nationwide, especially in lowland regions. 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)
Unknown (likely near Ministry of Interior)
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Massawa
Massawa Immigration Office
Unknown
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Handles extensions for visitors in the port city.
Practical information for SA 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 Saudi passport holders. You must get a visa from an Eritrean embassy before you travel.
Processing typically takes 5–10 business days. Apply at least 3 weeks before your flight to be safe.
A single-entry tourist visa costs around $50 USD, but the exact amount varies by embassy. Check with the embassy where you apply.
Extensions are possible but not guaranteed. You must apply at the Eritrean Immigration Office in Asmara before your visa expires. Bring your passport, photos, and the extension fee. Overstaying results in fines.
Overstay fines are enforced, though the exact amount is not publicly listed. Avoid overstaying — it can also cause problems for future visits.
Eritrea is generally safe for travellers, but medical facilities are limited, especially outside Asmara. Carry travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage. Malaria is present nationwide — take prophylaxis.
Yellow fever vaccination is required if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission. Hepatitis A, typhoid, and routine vaccines are strongly recommended. Malaria prophylaxis is advised for all areas.
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.