Eritrea entry requirements for United Kingdom 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
British passport holders need a visa to enter Eritrea. You must arrange this before you travel — there are no visa-on-arrival options for UK citizens. Plan ahead, as the application process can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply for an Eritrean visa before travel | You need a visa to enter Eritrea. Apply at the nearest Eritrean embassy or consulate — there is no online eVisa system. Processing takes at least 2–3 weeks, sometimes longer. Start the process at least a month before your trip.Eritrea visa info | Required |
| Valid passport Must have at least 6 months validity | 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. If you do not have one, you may be refused entry and sent back on the next flight. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry hotel booking | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Eritrea. Immigration sometimes asks where you are staying, and having proof avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to show sufficient cash | Have at least $200 USD in cash or a bank statement showing you can cover your stay. Eritrea has limited ATM access and credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels. | Recommended |
Visa required — no exceptions
British passport holders cannot enter Eritrea without a pre-arranged visa. There is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option. Apply well in advance through the embassy.
Passport validity is critical
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter Eritrea. If it's close to expiring, renew it before applying for the visa.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa
Submit your visa application to the Eritrean embassy or consulate in London (or the nearest accredited office). You'll need to provide your passport, photos, 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. Check the embassy website for current processing times.
3
Collect your visa
If approved, you'll receive a visa sticker in your passport. Make sure all details are correct before you travel.
4
Arrive in Eritrea
At Asmara International Airport, proceed to immigration. Have your passport with visa, return ticket, and accommodation proof ready. The officer may ask about your purpose of visit and length of stay.
Download Eritrea Entry Checklist
PDF · United Kingdom 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 USD (approx. £40)
Standard single-entry visa for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$100 USD (approx. £80)
Allows multiple entries within validity.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost~$100 USD (approx. £80)
Requires invitation letter from Eritrean company.
work visa
Work Permit
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. £160)
For those with a job offer from an Eritrean employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable
~$100 USD (approx. £80)
For enrollment in recognized Eritrean educational institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. £400)
For significant investors in Eritrea. Requires proof of investment and business plan approval.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Required for UK passport holders; apply at Eritrean embassy. | ~$50 USD (exact amount varies by embassy) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Available for longer or multiple visits; check embassy. | ~$100 USD (exact amount varies) |
| Stay extension feeExtensions are not guaranteed; inquire at local immigration. | Unknown (likely nominal fee at immigration office) |
| Overstay fine per dayAvoid overstaying; penalties may apply. | Unknown (likely nominal per day, cap 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
UK 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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in lowland areas.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially in urban areas.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to limited sanitation; avoid tap water and street food.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers, especially in lowland regions. 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
Eritrean Immigration Office
Harnet Avenue, Asmara
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Massawa
Massawa Immigration Office
Near Port Area, Massawa
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for visitors in the port city.
Practical information for GB 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
Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks, but can be longer. Apply at least a month before your planned travel. The embassy in London handles UK applications.
No. There is no visa-on-arrival facility for British passport holders. You must obtain a visa before you travel.
Visa fees vary and are set by the embassy. Check the Eritrean embassy in London website for current fees. Expect to pay around £50–£100 depending on visa type.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever, you'll need a vaccination certificate. For direct travel from the UK, it's not required. Check current health advice before travel.
Extensions are possible but not guaranteed. You'd need to apply at the immigration office in Asmara before your visa expires. The process can be slow and bureaucratic.
Your visa application will likely be rejected. Renew your passport first, then apply for the visa. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.
Not officially, but it's strongly recommended. Medical care is limited and expensive. If you need hospital treatment, costs can run into hundreds of dollars per day.
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.