Eritrea entry requirements for Latvia 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
Latvian passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling to Eritrea. There are no visa-on-arrival or e-visa options. Apply well in advance, as processing can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 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 region — there is no online eVisa system. Processing times vary widely; start at least 4–6 weeks before your trip.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the entire stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Eritrea. Carry a photocopy of the bio page separately in case of loss or confiscation. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Asmara International Airport routinely check for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Airlines also enforce this before boarding — you will not be allowed to fly without one. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Have a hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Eritrea. Immigration may ask where you are staying, and you need a verifiable address. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry enough cash (USD or euros) to cover your stay — credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels. A bank statement showing at least $500–$1,000 is a safe buffer if asked. | Recommended |
Visa processing can be slow
Eritrean visa processing often takes 2–4 weeks or longer. Apply at least a month before your trip. Don't book non-refundable flights until your visa is approved.
No visa on arrival or e-visa
No visa on arrival or e-visa exists for Latvian passport holders. Obtain a visa from an Eritrean embassy before travel.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your visa at the Eritrean embassy
Contact the Eritrean embassy covering your region (e.g., Stockholm or London). Submit your completed application form, two passport photos, passport copy, and other required documents. Processing takes 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 digital copies of both confirmations on your phone.
3
Arrive at Asmara International Airport
At immigration, present your passport with the visa sticker, return ticket, and accommodation proof. The officer may ask about your trip. Answer clearly and calmly.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After passing immigration, collect your bags from the carousel and proceed through customs. No arrival declarations are required for Latvian citizens.
Download Eritrea Entry Checklist
PDF · Latvia 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 (approx. $55 USD)
Standard tourist visa for Latvia passport holders.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, not extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€100 (approx. $110 USD)
Allows multiple visits within validity.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist visa for Latvia passport holders. | €50 (approx. $55 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Fee for a multiple-entry tourist visa, allowing multiple visits within validity. | €100 (approx. $110 USD) |
| Visa application processing feeNon-refundable processing fee charged by the embassy or consulate. | €20 (approx. $22 USD) |
| Stay extension feeFee for extending stay beyond initial visa period, subject to approval. | €30 (approx. $33 USD) per month |
| Overstay fineDaily fine for overstaying visa, with a maximum cap. | €10 (approx. $11 USD) per day, max €500 (approx. $550 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Incomplete visa application30%
Insufficient funds25%
No return ticket20%
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
Latvia 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 BRecommendedRabiesConsider
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 fresh water in certain areas.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travelers, especially in lowland areas.
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
P.O. Box 793, Asmara, Eritrea
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and immigration matters.
Practical information for LV 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 need a visa before travel. No visa on arrival or e-visa exists for Latvian passport holders. Apply through an Eritrean embassy or consulate.
Processing usually takes 2 to 4 weeks, sometimes longer. Apply at least a month before your planned departure.
Apply at the Eritrean embassy covering your region. For Latvians, the nearest embassy is in Stockholm, Sweden. Alternatively, check if the embassy in London or Moscow covers your area. Contact them directly for the application form and instructions.
Typically: a completed application form, two passport-sized photos, a copy of your passport (valid 6+ months), a return flight booking, proof of accommodation, and a cover letter explaining your travel purpose. Confirm the exact list with the embassy.
No, the visa is not extendable for Latvian citizens. Leave before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines or other penalties.
Not officially required for entry, but strongly recommended. Medical facilities are basic, and evacuation can be very expensive. Insurance covers emergencies.
The local currency is the Eritrean nakfa (ERN). Euros and US dollars are sometimes accepted in hotels and larger shops, but carry nakfa for daily expenses. ATMs are scarce, so bring cash and exchange it at banks or official exchange offices.
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.