Eritrea entry requirements for Thailand 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

Thai passport holders need a visa to enter Eritrea. You must arrange this before you travel — there is no visa on arrival or e-visa option. Plan ahead, as the process can take several weeks.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Visa required
Apply before travel
You need a visa to enter Eritrea. Apply through the Eritrean Embassy or consulate in your country — there is no eVisa or visa on arrival for Thai passport holders. Processing can take weeks, so start early.Check visa infoRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for entire stay
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure from Eritrea. Carry a photocopy of the bio page separately.Required
Return or onward ticket
Required for entry
Immigration officers at Asmara International Airport will ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Airlines also check this before boarding.Required
Proof of accommodation
Recommended to carry
Have a hotel booking or a letter of invitation from your host in Eritrea ready. Officers may ask where you are staying.Recommended
Proof of funds
Recommended to carry
Carry cash in USD or a bank statement showing sufficient funds for your stay. Eritrea has limited ATM access and credit cards are rarely accepted.Recommended
Visa required — apply well in advance
There is no visa on arrival or e-visa for Thai passport holders. You must get a visa from an Eritrean embassy before you travel. Processing can take 2–4 weeks, so start the process at least a month before your trip.
No visa extensions for tourists
Eritrea does not offer visa extensions for tourist visits. Make sure your visa covers your entire stay. Overstaying can lead to fines or detention.

What happens at the border

1
Contact the Eritrean embassy
Find the Eritrean embassy or consulate nearest to you (e.g., in Bangkok, or the Eritrean Embassy in Tokyo or London). Call or email to confirm the exact visa requirements, fees, and processing times — they can vary.
2
Prepare your documents
Gather your passport (valid 6+ months, 1 blank page), completed visa application form, passport-sized photos, return flight booking, hotel confirmation, and any other documents the embassy requests.
3
Submit your application
Submit the application in person or by mail to the embassy. Pay the visa fee (typically around $50–$100 USD, but confirm with the embassy). Processing can take 2–4 weeks, so apply well in advance.
4
Wait for approval
Once approved, you'll receive a visa sticker in your passport. Check that all details (name, passport number, validity dates) are correct before you travel.
5
Arrive in Eritrea
At Asmara International Airport (ASM), proceed to immigration. Present your passport with the visa, return ticket, and hotel booking. You may be asked about the purpose of your visit. The process is straightforward if your documents are in order.
Download Eritrea Entry Checklist
PDF · Thailand Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Download PDF

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 (approx. 1,800 THB)

Standard option for tourism; must apply at embassy.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$100 USD (approx. 3,600 THB)

For frequent travelers; allows multiple entries.

Other fees
ServiceCost
Tourist visa (single entry)Fee for a single-entry tourist visa, payable at embassy or on arrival.~$50 USD (equivalent in local currency)
Tourist visa (multiple entry)Fee for a multiple-entry tourist visa, allowing multiple visits within validity.~$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; pay at immigration office before departure.~$10 USD per day (max cap ~$500 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

A transit visa is required for Thailand holders changing 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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Present in all regions; prophylaxis recommended.

Dengue feverModerate risk

Mosquito-borne; avoid bites.

Food/waterborne diseasesModerate risk

Common; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.

Malaria risk: high

High risk throughout the country, especially in lowland areas. Prophylaxis 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
Unknown
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00

Main office for visa extensions and permits.

Practical information for TH 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
updated Jun 4
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
Police113
Medical114
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

No. There is no visa on arrival for Thai passport holders. You must obtain a visa from an Eritrean embassy before you travel.
Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks, but can take longer. Apply at least 4–6 weeks before your planned departure to be safe.
Fees vary by embassy, but expect to pay around $50–$100 USD. Contact the embassy directly for the exact amount and accepted payment methods.
If you're transiting and not leaving the airport, you generally do not need a visa. However, confirm with your airline and the Eritrean embassy, as policies can change.
Visa extensions are not available for tourists. You must leave before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines or detention.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it's less, renew your passport before applying for the visa.
It is not officially required for entry, but it is strongly recommended. Medical facilities are limited, and evacuation or hospital bills can be very expensive.

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.