Eritrea entry requirements for Switzerland 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
Swiss passport holders need a visa to enter Eritrea. You must arrange this before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival option. Plan ahead, as processing can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required | Swiss passport holders need a visa before traveling to Eritrea. Apply through the Eritrean Embassy in Bern or the nearest diplomatic mission — there is no online eVisa system. Processing takes several weeks and requires a sponsor letter from an Eritrean host or organization.Check visa info | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Swiss passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Eritrea. Eritrea does not enforce a 6-month validity rule, but airlines may ask for at least 3 months beyond your departure date. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration at Asmara International Airport checks for a confirmed return or onward ticket before granting entry. If you arrive without one, you may be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry at the border. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Have a hotel booking or an invitation letter from your Eritrean host ready. Immigration officers occasionally ask where you will stay, especially if you are traveling without a pre-arranged tour or sponsor. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Carry enough cash in USD or euros to cover your stay — credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels in Asmara. Immigration may ask how you plan to support yourself during your visit. | Recommended |
Visa processing can be slow
Start your application at least 6 weeks before travel. Delays are common, and the embassy may request additional documents. Do not book non-refundable flights until you have the visa.
Eritrean Embassy in Switzerland
The Eritrean Embassy is in Bern. Address: Thunstrasse 17, 3005 Bern. Phone: +41 31 351 00 82. Check their website for current visa requirements and fees.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa at the Eritrean embassy
Contact the Eritrean Embassy in Bern (or the nearest consulate) to get the application form. Submit your passport, photos, and any supporting documents. Processing takes 2–4 weeks, sometimes longer. Pay the visa fee (around CHF 50–100 depending on type).
2
Wait for visa approval
Once submitted, the embassy processes your application. You may be asked for additional documents. Do not book non-refundable flights until you have the visa in hand.
3
Collect your passport with visa
When approved, you pick up your passport with the visa sticker. Check the validity dates and any restrictions (e.g., single vs. multiple entry).
4
Arrive at Asmara International Airport
At immigration, present your passport with visa, return ticket, and accommodation proof. The officer may ask about your purpose of visit. Answer clearly. You'll get an entry stamp.
Download Eritrea Entry Checklist
PDF · Switzerland 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
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost~$50 USD
Apply at Eritrean embassy; extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~$100 USD
Requires justification for multiple entries.
Long-stay visa
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost~$200 USD
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsor.
work visa
Work Permit
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD
For Swiss nationals with a job offer in Eritrea. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable
~$100 USD
For enrollment in an Eritrean educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD
For Swiss nationals investing in Eritrea. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Fee for a single-entry tourist visa, subject to change. | ~$50 USD (equivalent in local currency) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Fee for a multiple-entry tourist visa, subject to change. | ~$100 USD (equivalent in local currency) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa validity, with a maximum cap of $500 USD. | ~$10 USD per day |
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
Swiss 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 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.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to limited sanitation; drink bottled water and eat cooked food.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travelers; risk highest in lowland regions.
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 Office
Unknown
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits.
Massawa
Massawa Immigration Office
Unknown
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Handles extensions for visitors in the port area.
Practical information for CH 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. Swiss passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling. There is no visa-on-arrival facility at Asmara Airport or any land border.
Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks, but can take longer. Apply at least 4–6 weeks before your planned departure. The embassy in Bern handles Swiss applications.
Visa fees vary by type (single entry, multiple entry, etc.) and are set by the embassy. Expect around CHF 50–100. Check with the embassy for current fees.
If you are arriving from a country with yellow fever, you need a certificate. Switzerland is not a yellow fever country, so it's not required unless you transit through an endemic area. Check current health requirements before travel.
Extensions are not generally available for tourists. The visa is issued for a fixed period. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a new visa from the immigration office in Asmara before your current visa expires.
You typically need: a completed application form, your passport (valid 6+ months), two passport photos, a return flight booking, hotel reservation or invitation letter, and proof of sufficient funds. The embassy may request additional documents.
Eritrea is generally safe for tourists, but the political situation can be unpredictable. Check the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs travel advisory before booking. Avoid border areas with Ethiopia and Djibouti.
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.