Eritrea entry requirements for Austria 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
Austrian passport holders need a visa to enter Eritrea. You must arrange this before you travel — there are no visa-on-arrival options for tourism. 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 entire stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure date from Eritrea. Have at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Asmara International Airport will ask to see a confirmed return or onward ticket before they let you through. Airlines also check this before boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Have a hotel booking or an invitation letter from your host ready. Officers may ask where you're staying, and 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. A bank statement showing at least $500 is a safe bet if asked. | Recommended |
Visa required — no exceptions
You cannot get a visa on arrival in Eritrea. All Austrian citizens must obtain a visa from the embassy before departure. Arriving without one means immediate denial of entry.
Embassy in Berlin handles Austria
The Eritrean Embassy in Berlin, Germany, processes visa applications for residents of Austria. Contact them directly for the most current requirements and fees.
What happens at the border
1
Contact the Eritrean embassy
Find the Eritrean embassy responsible for Austria — this is the Embassy of Eritrea in Berlin, Germany. Check their website for current visa application procedures, fees, and required documents. Email or call to confirm details before you apply.
2
Prepare your application
Fill out the visa application form. Gather your passport (valid 6+ months), one passport-sized photo, flight itinerary, hotel booking, and travel insurance. Make copies of everything.
3
Submit your application
Send your application and documents to the embassy by mail or drop them off in person. Include a prepaid return envelope if mailing. Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks, sometimes longer.
4
Wait for processing
The embassy will process your visa. You may be asked for additional documents. Once approved, your passport with the visa sticker will be returned to you.
5
Arrive in Eritrea
At Asmara International Airport, proceed to immigration. Have your passport, visa, return ticket, and accommodation proof ready. The officer may ask a few questions about your trip. After stamping, you're in.
Download Eritrea Entry Checklist
PDF · Austria 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 (~$55 USD)
Apply at Eritrean embassy in Vienna.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€100 (~$110 USD)
For frequent travellers.
Business visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost€80 (~$88 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Eritrean company.
work visa
Eritrea Work Permit
1 year, renewable
€200 (~$220 USD) per year
For those with a job offer from an Eritrean employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Eritrea Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
€100 (~$110 USD) per year
For enrollment at an accredited Eritrean institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for Austrian passport holders. | €50 (approx. $55 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity. | €100 (approx. $110 USD) |
| Stay extension feeExtensions are rarely granted; must apply at immigration office. | €30 (approx. $33 USD) per month |
| Overstay finePenalty for overstaying visa validity. | €10 (approx. $11 USD) per day, max €500 (approx. $550 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
Austrian passport holders transiting through Eritrea require a transit visa unless they remain airside and do not pass through immigration.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of diplomatic or official passports may be exempt.
Transit hubsAsmara International Airport (ASM)
Health & vaccines for Eritrea
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in lowland areas.
DengueModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially during rainy season.
CholeraLow risk
Rare but possible in areas with poor sanitation.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers, especially in rural 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
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 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for visitors in the port city.
Practical information for AT 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
Yes. Austrian passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling. There is no visa-on-arrival for tourism. Apply at the Eritrean embassy in Berlin, Germany.
Processing usually takes 2 to 4 weeks, but can take longer. Apply at least 4–6 weeks before your planned departure to be safe.
Visa fees vary and are set by the embassy. As of 2025, expect around €50–€100 for a single-entry tourist visa. Check the embassy website for the current fee.
Extensions are possible but not guaranteed. You must apply at the Immigration Office in Asmara before your visa expires. Approval is at their discretion.
You will be denied entry and sent back on the next available flight. There are no exceptions for Austrian tourists.
Yellow fever vaccination is required if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. Hepatitis A, typhoid, and routine vaccines are recommended. Check with a travel clinic 4–6 weeks before travel.
Eritrea is generally safe for tourists, but the security situation can change. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. Avoid border areas and large gatherings.
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.