Eritrea entry requirements for Iceland 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
Icelandic passport holders need a visa to enter Eritrea. You must arrange this before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival option for Icelandic citizens as of 2026.
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 region — there is no online eVisa system. Processing can take several weeks, so start early.Check visa info | Required |
| Valid passport Original passport required | 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'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers in Asmara routinely ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Without one, you may be refused entry or asked to buy a ticket at the airport. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Eritrea ready. Officers occasionally ask for it during immigration questioning. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | Carry enough cash (USD or euros) to cover your stay — ATMs are scarce and credit cards rarely accepted outside major hotels. A bank statement showing sufficient funds helps if asked. | Recommended |
Visa required — apply well in advance
Eritrea does not offer visa-on-arrival for Icelandic passport holders. You must get a visa from an Eritrean embassy before you travel. Processing can take weeks, so start the application at least 6 weeks before your trip.
No embassy in Iceland
There is no Eritrean embassy in Iceland. You'll need to apply through the Eritrean embassy in London or Stockholm. Contact them first to confirm which one handles your application.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for an Eritrean visa
Submit your visa application at the Eritrean embassy or consulate responsible for Iceland (typically the embassy in London or Stockholm). You'll need your passport, application form, passport photos, flight itinerary, and accommodation details. Processing can take several weeks, so apply at least 4–6 weeks before travel.
2
Wait for visa approval
Once submitted, the embassy will process your application. There is no online tracking. You may be asked to provide additional documents or attend an interview. Approval is not guaranteed.
3
Collect your passport with visa
When approved, you'll receive your passport with the visa sticker. Check that all details (name, dates) are correct before you travel.
4
Arrive at Asmara International Airport
At immigration, present your passport with the visa, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. The officer may ask a few questions about your trip. Keep your documents handy.
Download Eritrea Entry Checklist
PDF · Iceland 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, not extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$50 USD
Standard tourist visa for short visits.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, not extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$100 USD
For travellers needing multiple entries.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost~$70 USD
Requires invitation letter from Eritrean company.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist visa. | ~$50 USD (equivalent in local currency) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | ~$100 USD (equivalent in local currency) |
| Stay extension feePer extension period, subject to approval. | ~$30 USD (equivalent in local currency) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap may apply; check with immigration. | ~$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
Icelandic 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 in all regions, especially below 2,200 meters.
DengueModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially in urban areas.
SchistosomiasisModerate risk
Risk from swimming in freshwater lakes and rivers.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers, especially in lowland 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
Unknown
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Main immigration office for visa-related inquiries.
Massawa
Port Immigration Office
Unknown
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Handles arrivals and departures at the port.
Practical information for IS 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 Icelandic citizens. You must obtain a visa from an Eritrean embassy or consulate before you travel.
Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks, but can be longer. Apply at least 4–6 weeks before your planned departure to be safe.
Visa fees vary by embassy and visa type. Expect to pay around €50–€100 for a single-entry tourist visa. Check with the specific embassy for the exact amount.
Iceland does not have an Eritrean embassy. You'll need to apply through the Eritrean embassy in London (UK) or Stockholm (Sweden), whichever is more convenient. Contact them first to confirm jurisdiction and application procedures.
You'll need a valid passport (6+ months validity), completed application form, 2–3 passport-sized photos, flight itinerary, accommodation booking, proof of sufficient funds, and a cover letter explaining your travel purpose.
Extensions are not typically granted for tourist visas. The visa is issued for a fixed period, and overstaying can result in fines or detention. Plan your trip within the visa validity.
It is not officially required for entry, but it is strongly recommended. Medical facilities are limited, and evacuation or hospital bills can be very expensive.
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.