Eritrea entry requirements for Malta 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
Maltese passport holders need a visa to enter Eritrea. You must arrange this before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival option for Maltese citizens in 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 country of residence — there is no online eVisa system. Processing can take several weeks, so start early.Check visa info | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for 6 months beyond your stay | Your passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from your date of entry into 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 routinely ask for proof of a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital version ready on your phone. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Have a hotel booking or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Officers may ask where you are staying, especially if you are visiting for tourism. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Carry enough cash (USD or euros) to cover your stay — credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels. A bank statement showing sufficient funds can help if asked. | Recommended |
No visa-on-arrival — plan ahead
Eritrea does not offer visa-on-arrival for Maltese passport holders. You must get a visa from an embassy before you fly. Start the process at least a month in advance.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you enter Eritrea, not from when you leave Malta. Double-check your passport's expiry date before booking anything.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa at the Eritrean embassy
Contact the Eritrean embassy in your region (or the nearest one that handles Maltese applications). Submit a completed application form, your passport, passport photos, and any supporting documents. Processing can take several weeks, so start early.
2
Book your flights and accommodation
Once you have visa approval, book a return flight and your first night's accommodation. Keep all confirmations handy — you'll need them at immigration.
3
Arrive at Asmara International Airport
At immigration, present your passport with the visa sticker, your return ticket, and accommodation proof. The officer may ask a few questions about your trip. Answer clearly and briefly.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After passing immigration, collect your bags from the carousel and proceed through customs. There are no additional arrival forms to fill out.
Download Eritrea Entry Checklist
PDF · Malta 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 date
Cost€50 (approx. $55 USD)
Must apply at Eritrean embassy before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost€100 (approx. $110 USD)
Suitable for travellers planning multiple visits.
Business visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost€150 (approx. $165 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Eritrean company.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist visa. | €50 (approx. $55 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)For multiple entries within visa validity. | €100 (approx. $110 USD) |
| Visa extension feeExtensions are generally not permitted for tourist visas. | €30 (approx. $33 USD) per extension |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of €500 (approx. $550 USD). | €10 (approx. $11 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
Malta 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.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present in all regions, especially lowland areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in travellers; risk increases with poor sanitation.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present throughout the country, especially in lowland areas below 2,000m. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended.
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
Liberty Avenue, Asmara
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits.
Massawa
Massawa Immigration Office
Port Area, Massawa
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Handles entry/exit for port travellers.
Practical information for MT 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 Maltese citizens. You must obtain a visa from an Eritrean embassy or consulate before you travel.
Processing times vary, but expect at least 2–4 weeks. Apply well in advance of your planned departure.
Visa fees depend on the embassy and visa type. Contact the Eritrean embassy handling your application for the exact fee. Typically it ranges from €50 to €100.
If you are arriving from a country with yellow fever, you'll need a vaccination certificate. Otherwise, it's not required for Malta. Check with your doctor for other recommended vaccines.
Extensions are not generally available for short-term visitors. The visa is issued for a fixed period, and overstaying can result in fines or other penalties.
You will be denied entry and put on the next flight back. There is no way to get a visa at the airport.
Eritrea has some safety concerns, including limited medical facilities and occasional civil unrest. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. Travel insurance with evacuation coverage is strongly recommended.
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.