Eritrea entry requirements for Tanzania 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
Tanzanian passport holders need a visa to enter Eritrea. You must arrange this before you travel — there is no visa on arrival for Tanzanian citizens. Plan ahead, as processing can take several weeks.
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 can take several weeks, so start early.Check visa info | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your Tanzanian 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 proof of a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone. Without one, you may be refused entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Eritrea. Officers may ask where you are staying — have a printed copy ready. | 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. A bank statement showing at least $500 is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Visa must be arranged before travel
There is no visa on arrival for Tanzanian passport holders. You must get your visa from an Eritrean embassy or consulate before you fly. Plan for 2–4 weeks processing time.
Nearest embassy is in Addis Ababa
Tanzania has no Eritrean embassy. The closest is in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. You may also check the Eritrean consulate in Nairobi, Kenya. Contact them directly for application details.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your visa
Contact the Eritrean embassy in Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) or the nearest Eritrean consulate. Submit your application, passport photos, and any required documents. Processing can take 2–4 weeks, so apply well in advance.
2
Book your travel and accommodation
Book a return or onward flight and your first night's accommodation. Keep the confirmations handy — you'll need them at immigration.
3
Arrive at Asmara International Airport
When you land, proceed to the immigration hall. Have your passport, visa, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready. The officer will stamp you in — expect a brief interview about your purpose of visit.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After clearing immigration, collect your bags from the carousel and proceed through customs. There are no additional arrival forms to fill out.
Download Eritrea Entry Checklist
PDF · Tanzania 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
Cost~$50 USD
Apply at Eritrean embassy or on arrival. Extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$100 USD
For frequent travellers. Must have valid reason for multiple entries.
Business visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$150 USD
Requires invitation letter from Eritrean company.
work visa
Work Permit
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (employer usually pays)
For foreign nationals with a job offer from an Eritrean employer. Requires company sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$100 USD
For those enrolled in an accredited Eritrean educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD
For individuals investing a minimum of $100,000 USD in Eritrea. 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. 115,000 TZS) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)For multiple entries within validity period. | $100 USD (approx. 230,000 TZS) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap reported; avoid overstaying. | $10 USD per day (approx. 23,000 TZS) |
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
Tanzania passport holders need a transit visa to change planes in Eritrea, even if staying airside. Apply at Eritrean embassy before travel.
Transit hubsAsmara International Airport (ASM)
Health & vaccines for Eritrea
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk, including Tanzania.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in lowland areas below 2000m.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to limited sanitation; avoid tap water and street food.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers, especially in lowland areas. Use mosquito repellent and nets.
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 Department
Near the Ministry of Interior, Asmara
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Massawa
Massawa Immigration Office
Port area, Massawa
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
For travellers arriving by sea or staying in the port city.
Practical information for TZ 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 Tanzanian passport holders. You must obtain a visa from an Eritrean embassy or consulate before you travel.
Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks, but can be longer. Apply at least a month before your planned departure.
Tanzania does not have an Eritrean embassy. The nearest option is the Eritrean Embassy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. You can also check if the Eritrean consulate in Nairobi, Kenya, handles applications for Tanzanians.
You'll need a valid passport (6+ months validity), completed application form, passport-sized photos, flight itinerary, hotel booking, and proof of sufficient funds. Requirements can vary, so confirm with the embassy.
Visa fees vary by embassy and visa type. Expect to pay around $50–$100 USD. Check with the specific embassy for the exact amount.
Extensions are not generally available for Tanzanian visitors. The visa is issued for a fixed period — plan your trip accordingly.
It is not officially required for entry, but it is strongly recommended. Medical care can be expensive, and insurance covers emergencies.
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.