Eritrea entry requirements for Belgium 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
Belgian passport holders need a visa to enter Eritrea. You must arrange this before you travel — there are no visa-on-arrival options for Belgian citizens as of 2026. Plan ahead, as the application process 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 in Brussels or the nearest Eritrean diplomatic mission. Processing can take several weeks — start at least 2 months before your trip. Check the Eritrea Government Portal for the latest application forms and requirements.Check visa requirements | Required |
| Valid passport Original passport required | Your Belgian passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Eritrea. Carry a photocopy of the bio-data page separately from the passport itself — border officials sometimes ask to see it. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Asmara International Airport routinely ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy of your itinerary ready — showing a flight out of Eritrea within your visa validity period. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Eritrea. Officers may ask where you're staying on arrival, especially if you're traveling alone. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial means for your stay | Have bank statements or a credit card showing you can cover your expenses in Eritrea. There's no fixed minimum, but showing at least €50 per day of stay is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Visa required — no exceptions
Belgian citizens cannot enter Eritrea without a pre-approved visa. There are no visa-on-arrival or e-visa options. Plan ahead and apply at the Eritrean embassy in Brussels.
Passport validity counts from entry
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the day you land in Eritrea, not your departure date. If it expires sooner, renew it before applying.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the visa
Submit your visa application to the Eritrean embassy or consulate in Belgium. You'll need to provide your passport, photos, completed application form, and supporting documents. Processing can take 2–4 weeks, so apply well in advance.
2
Wait for approval
Once submitted, the embassy will process your application. You may be asked for additional documents or an interview. Keep checking your email and phone.
3
Collect your visa
When approved, you'll receive your passport with the visa sticker. Check that all details (name, passport number, validity dates) are correct before leaving the embassy.
4
Prepare for arrival
Before you fly, save digital copies of your visa, passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. Have them easily accessible on your phone or printed.
5
Arrive at Asmara International Airport
At immigration, present your passport with visa, return ticket, and accommodation proof. The officer may ask a few questions. Answer clearly and calmly. After stamping, you're free to enter.
Download Eritrea Entry Checklist
PDF · Belgium 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 up to 60 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€50 (approx. $55 USD)
Requires invitation letter or hotel booking.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost€100 (approx. $110 USD)
For frequent travellers; must show purpose of multiple visits.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost€80 (approx. $88 USD)
Requires invitation from Eritrean company.
work visa
Work Permit
1 year, renewable
€150 (approx. $165 USD) per year
For foreign nationals employed by an Eritrean company. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
€100 (approx. $110 USD) per year
For enrolled students at recognized Eritrean institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
€500 (approx. $550 USD) initial fee
For individuals investing a minimum of $100,000 USD in Eritrean business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist visa. | €50 (≈ $55 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)For multiple entries within visa validity. | €100 (≈ $110 USD) |
| Visa extension feeExtensions are rarely granted; must apply at immigration office. | €30 (≈ $33 USD) per month |
| Overstay finePenalty for overstaying visa validity. | €10 (≈ $11 USD) per day, max €500 (≈ $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
Belgium passport holders require a transit visa to change planes in Eritrea, even if staying airside.
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.
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 lowland regions. Use insect repellent and mosquito 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
Port Immigration Office
Massawa Port Area
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles entry/exit for sea arrivals.
Practical information for BE 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 Belgian passport holders. You must obtain a visa from the Eritrean embassy in Brussels before you travel.
Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks, but can take longer during peak periods or if additional documents are requested. Apply at least 6 weeks before your planned departure.
Visa fees vary by type and duration. As of 2026, a single-entry tourist visa costs around €50–€80. Check the Eritrean embassy in Brussels for the exact fee.
It's not officially required, but it's smart to have a credit card or some cash (Eritrean nakfa or US dollars) to cover your stay. Immigration rarely asks, but it's better to be prepared.
Extensions are not available for tourist visas. You must leave before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines or deportation.
You must renew your passport before applying for the visa. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced — count from your entry date, not your departure.
Not officially, but it's strongly recommended. Medical care in Eritrea is limited and can be expensive. A good travel insurance policy covers evacuation if needed.
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.