Eritrea entry requirements for Lebanon passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 27, 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

Lebanese passport holders need a visa to enter Eritrea. There is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option — you must apply at an Eritrean embassy before you travel. Plan ahead, as processing can take several weeks.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Visa application
Visa required
You must apply for a visa before traveling to Eritrea. Submit your application through the Eritrean Embassy or consulate in your country of residence — there is no online eVisa system. Processing can take several weeks, so apply well in advance.Check visa infoRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay
Your passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from your date of entry into Eritrea. Airlines at check-in will enforce this strictly — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding.Required
Return or onward ticket
Required for entry
Immigration officers at Asmara International Airport will ask to see a confirmed return or onward ticket before granting entry. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone — they do not accept verbal promises.Required
Proof of accommodation
Recommended to carry
While not always checked, having a hotel booking or an invitation letter from a host in Eritrea can speed up the immigration process. If you are visiting family, ask them to send a signed letter with their contact details.Recommended
Proof of funds
Recommended to carry
Officers may ask how you will support yourself during your stay. Carry cash (USD or EUR) or a bank statement showing sufficient funds — around $50–100 per day is a safe benchmark. Credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels.Recommended
Visa required — plan ahead
There is no visa on arrival or e-visa for Lebanese passport holders. You must apply at an Eritrean embassy before you travel. Processing can take 4 weeks or more, so start early.
Entry requirements may change
Eritrea's visa policy can change with little notice. Always confirm with the nearest Eritrean embassy before booking flights.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for a visa at an Eritrean embassy
Locate the Eritrean embassy or consulate in your country (e.g., in Cairo, Nairobi, or London). Submit your application, passport photos, and any supporting documents in person or by mail. Processing takes 2–4 weeks, sometimes longer.
2
Wait for visa approval
Once submitted, the embassy will process your application. You may be asked for an interview or additional documents. Do not book non-refundable flights until you have the visa in hand.
3
Arrive at Asmara International Airport
Upon landing at Asmara International Airport (the main entry point for tourists), proceed to immigration. Present your passport with the visa sticker, your return ticket, and your accommodation details. The officer will stamp you in.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After clearing immigration, collect your bags from the carousel and proceed through customs. Declare any large amounts of cash or restricted items.
Download Eritrea Entry Checklist
PDF · Lebanon Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 27, 2026
Download PDF

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

Standard tourist visa for short visits.

Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$100 USD

Allows multiple entries for frequent travellers.

Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD

For longer stays, requires sponsorship or specific purpose.

work visa
Work Permit Visa
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD
For foreign nationals employed by a local company. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable
~$100 USD
For those enrolled in accredited educational institutions in Eritrea. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Tourist visa (single entry)Fee for a single-entry tourist visa, payable at embassy or on arrival.~$50 USD (equivalent in local currency)
Tourist visa (multiple entry)Fee for a multiple-entry tourist visa, valid for longer stays.~$100 USD (equivalent in local currency)
Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa validity, subject to maximum cap.~$10 USD per day

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%

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

Lebanon passport holders need a transit visa to change planes in Eritrea, even if staying airside.

Transit hubsAsmara International Airport

Health & vaccines for Eritrea

Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Present throughout the country, especially in lowland areas.

Dengue feverModerate risk

Occasional outbreaks, especially during rainy season.

Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk

Risk of diarrheal diseases from contaminated food/water.

Malaria risk: high

Malaria is present year-round in all areas below 2,200 meters. Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.

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 office for visa extensions and permits.

Massawa
Immigration Office Massawa
Unknown
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00

Handles immigration matters in the port city.

Practical information for LB 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
updated May 29
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
Police113
Medical114
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

No. Eritrea does not offer visa on arrival for Lebanese passport holders. You must obtain a visa from an Eritrean embassy before you travel.
Processing typically takes 2 to 4 weeks, but can take longer depending on the embassy and time of year. Apply at least 6 weeks before your planned departure.
Visa fees vary by embassy and nationality. Expect to pay around $50–$100 USD for a single-entry tourist visa. Check with the specific embassy for the exact amount.
If you are arriving from a country with yellow fever, you must show a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Otherwise, it is not required for direct travel from Lebanon.
Extensions are not routinely granted for tourist visas. The standard stay is usually 30 days. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for an extension at the immigration office in Asmara before your visa expires.
You can reapply, but you must address the reason for rejection. Common reasons include incomplete documents or insufficient funds. Contact the embassy for clarification.
Eritrea is generally safe for tourists, but check your government's travel advisories before booking. Avoid border areas and keep your passport with you at all times.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 27, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.