Eritrea entry requirements for Canada passport holders
Checked daily · Updated June 1, 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
Canadian passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling to Eritrea. There is no visa-on-arrival option. Processing can take several weeks, so apply early.
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 6 months beyond stay | Your Canadian passport must have at least 6 months of validity beyond your intended departure date from Eritrea. Airlines enforce this strictly — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required | Immigration officers at Asmara International Airport will ask to see a confirmed return or onward ticket before they stamp you in. Budget airlines and charter flights check this at check-in too. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Have a hotel booking or an invitation letter from your host ready. Officers occasionally ask where you are staying, and a printed confirmation speeds things up. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Carry enough cash (USD or EUR) to cover your stay — credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels. A bank statement or traveler's cheques help if questioned. | Recommended |
Visa required — no exceptions
Canadian passport holders cannot enter Eritrea without a pre-approved visa. There is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option. Plan ahead and apply early.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in Eritrea, not from your departure date. Double-check before you apply.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa at an Eritrean embassy
Contact the Eritrean embassy in Ottawa or the consulate in Toronto. Submit your application, passport, photos, and any required documents. Processing can take 2–4 weeks, so apply well in advance.
2
Book your flights and accommodation
Once your visa is approved, book a return flight and your first night's accommodation. Keep all confirmations — you'll need them at immigration.
3
Arrive at Asmara International Airport
After landing, proceed to the immigration hall. Have your passport, visa, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready. The officer may ask a few questions about your stay.
4
Get your passport stamped
The officer will stamp your passport with your entry date and permitted stay. Check the stamp before leaving the counter — make sure the dates are correct.
Download Eritrea Entry Checklist
PDF · Canada Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 1, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostUnknown (check embassy)
Standard visa for tourism; must apply in advance at an Eritrean embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months
CostUnknown (check embassy)
Allows multiple entries; requires justification and embassy approval.
work visa
Work Permit
1 year, renewable
Varies
For those with a job offer in Eritrea. Requires employer sponsorship and government approval.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies
Varies
For enrollment in an Eritrean educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Fee varies by nationality; check with Eritrean embassy. | ~$50 USD (equivalent in local currency) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)May be available for longer stays; confirm with embassy. | ~$100 USD (equivalent in local currency) |
| Stay extension feeExtensions are not permitted for tourist visas. | Unknown |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties may apply; avoid overstaying. | Unknown |
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
Canadian passport holders transiting through Eritrea require a transit visa unless they remain airside and do not pass through immigration.
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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in lowland areas.
DengueModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance recommended.
CholeraLow risk
Rare but possible; practice food and water safety.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers, especially in lowland regions below 2000m.
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
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport and application form.
Practical information for CA 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. You must get a visa from an Eritrean embassy before you travel. There is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa for Canadian citizens.
Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks. Apply at least a month before your planned departure to be safe.
The Eritrean Embassy in Ottawa handles visa applications. There is also a consulate in Toronto. Check their website for current requirements and appointment procedures.
You'll need a valid passport (6+ months validity), completed application form, passport-sized photos, flight itinerary, hotel booking, and proof of sufficient funds. The embassy may request additional documents.
Extensions are not available for Canadian passport holders. You must leave before your visa expires.
It is not officially required for entry, but it is strongly recommended. Medical care can be expensive, and insurance covers emergencies.
You will be denied entry and sent back on the next available flight. There is no way to get a visa at the airport.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 1, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.