Eritrea entry requirements for United Arab Emirates passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 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
UAE passport holders need a visa to enter Eritrea. You must arrange this before you travel — there is no visa on arrival for Emirati citizens as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required | Apply for an Eritrean visa before travel. Submit your application through the Eritrean Embassy or consulate in your country of residence — there is no online eVisa system. Processing takes 5–10 business days and requires a passport, photos, and a completed application form.Check visa info | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of 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 or show it on your phone — they check this before stamping you in. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Carry a hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Eritrea. Immigration may ask where you are staying — having a printed address and phone number ready avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Have at least $200 USD in cash or a bank statement showing sufficient funds for your stay. Eritrea has limited ATM access and credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels. | Recommended |
Visa required — apply well in advance
There is no visa on arrival for UAE passport holders. Start your visa application at least 4 weeks before your trip. Delays are common.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for 6 months from the day you arrive in Eritrea, not from when you leave. Check your expiry date now.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your visa at an Eritrean embassy
Contact the Eritrean embassy in Abu Dhabi or the nearest consulate. Submit your passport, a completed application form, passport photos, and any supporting documents (like your flight itinerary and hotel booking). Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks.
2
Pack your documents for the airport
Before leaving for the airport, double-check you have your passport with the visa sticker, a printed or digital copy of your return ticket, and your hotel confirmation. Keep them in your carry-on.
3
Arrive at Asmara International Airport
After landing, proceed to the immigration hall. Join the queue for foreign passports. Hand over your passport and visa. The officer may ask for your return ticket and hotel details. Answer clearly and politely. You'll get an entry stamp — check it's correct before walking away.
Download Eritrea Entry Checklist
PDF · United Arab Emirates Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 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
Cost50 USD (approx. 184 AED)
Apply at Eritrean embassy. Extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost100 USD (approx. 367 AED)
For multiple visits; extension possible.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost100 USD (approx. 367 AED)
Requires invitation letter from Eritrean company.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist visa, payable at embassy or on arrival. | 50 USD (50 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)For multiple entries; valid for 3 months. | 100 USD (100 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayCharged for each day over the visa validity; no maximum cap specified. | 10 USD per day (10 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 UAE passport 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 transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present in all regions, especially lowlands; prophylaxis recommended.
DengueModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; use repellent and nets.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present throughout the country, especially in lowland areas. Prophylaxis 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
Department of Immigration and Nationality
Harnet Avenue, Asmara
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits.
Massawa
Massawa Immigration Office
Port Area, Massawa
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Handles extensions for visitors in the port city.
Practical information for AE 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 Emirati citizens. You must obtain a visa from an Eritrean embassy or consulate before you travel.
Processing usually takes 2 to 4 weeks, but it can vary. Apply at least a month before your planned departure to be safe.
The Eritrean Embassy in Abu Dhabi handles visa applications. You can also check if the Eritrean Consulate in Dubai accepts applications. Contact them directly for the latest requirements and appointment procedures.
Typically: a completed application form, your passport (valid 6+ months), two passport-sized photos, a copy of your flight itinerary, hotel booking or invitation letter, and proof of sufficient funds. The embassy may ask for additional documents.
Visa fees vary by nationality and visa type. Contact the Eritrean embassy for the exact fee in AED. Expect to pay in cash or as instructed.
Extensions are not generally available for tourists. The database shows no extension option. Plan your trip within the visa's validity period.
It's not always checked at immigration, but it's strongly recommended. Medical care can be expensive, and insurance covers unexpected costs.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.