Eritrea entry requirements for New Zealand 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
New Zealand passport holders need a visa to enter Eritrea. You must arrange this before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival option. Plan ahead, as the application process can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply for an Eritrean visa before travel | New Zealand passport holders must obtain a visa before arriving in Eritrea. Apply through the Eritrean Embassy or consulate — there is no online eVisa system. Processing takes at least 2–3 weeks, so start early.Eritrea visa info | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Eritrea. Have at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers in Eritrea strictly check for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Without one, you will be denied boarding or entry. Book a refundable ticket if your plans are uncertain. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Have a hotel booking or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Immigration may ask where you are staying, and you need a physical address to provide. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry enough cash (USD or euros) to cover your stay — credit cards are rarely accepted outside Asmara. A daily budget of $50–$100 per person is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Visa required — no exceptions
Eritrea does not offer visa on arrival or e-visa for New Zealand passport holders. You must get a visa from an embassy before you fly. Plan for 2–4 weeks processing time.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you arrive in Eritrea, not from your departure date. If it expires sooner, renew it before applying for a visa.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your visa
Contact the Eritrean embassy in Wellington or the nearest consulate (e.g., in Canberra, Australia). Submit the application form, passport photos, and supporting documents. Processing takes 2–4 weeks, so apply at least a month before travel.
2
Prepare your documents
Gather your passport (6+ months validity), visa approval, return ticket, accommodation booking, and travel insurance. Keep printed copies and digital backups on your phone.
3
Arrive at Asmara International Airport
At immigration, present your passport with visa, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. The officer may ask your purpose of visit and length of stay. Answer clearly and concisely.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After passport control, proceed to baggage claim. Customs checks are routine — declare any restricted items. Then exit into the arrivals hall.
Download Eritrea Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand 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 USD
Apply at Eritrean embassy or on arrival; extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~$100 USD
Allows multiple entries; extension possible for each stay.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost~$70 USD
Requires invitation letter from Eritrean company; extension possible.
work visa
Eritrea Work Permit
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (processing fee)
For foreign nationals with a job offer from an Eritrean employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labour. Allows long-term stay and multiple entries.
student visa
Eritrea Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$100 USD (processing fee)
For those enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Eritrea. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial support. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Eritrea Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (processing fee)
For individuals investing a minimum of $100,000 USD in an Eritrean business. Requires business plan and proof of investment. May lead to permanent residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Required for New Zealand passport holders; apply at Eritrean embassy before travel. | ~$50 USD (exact amount varies by embassy) |
| Stay extension feeExtensions are not standard; inquire at Eritrean immigration for possible fees. | Unknown (contact immigration office) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are not publicly listed; avoid overstaying to prevent issues. | Unknown (likely nominal, but enforced) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%
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
New Zealand passport holders transiting through Eritrea require a transit visa unless they remain airside and do not pass through immigration. A transit visa is needed for changing airports or leaving the transit area.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of diplomatic or official passports may be exempt.
- Crew members on duty may transit without visa.
Transit hubsAsmara International Airport (ASM) · Massawa International Airport (MSW)
Health & vaccines for Eritrea
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in lowland areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially during rainy season; use mosquito repellent.
CholeraLow risk
Rare but possible in areas with poor sanitation; drink bottled water.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in all regions, especially below 2,000 meters. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly 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
Eritrean Immigration Office (Asmara)
Near the Ministry of Interior, Asmara
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency permits; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Massawa
Eritrean Immigration Office (Massawa)
Port area, Massawa
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Handles extensions for visitors in the port city; limited services.
Practical information for NZ 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. Eritrea does not offer visa on arrival for New Zealand passport holders. You must obtain a visa from an Eritrean embassy or consulate before you travel.
Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks. Apply at least a month before your planned departure. The embassy in Canberra, Australia, is the closest option for New Zealanders.
You'll need a completed application form, your passport (valid 6+ months), two passport-sized photos, a copy of your flight itinerary, and proof of accommodation. Some embassies may also ask for a letter of invitation or a travel itinerary.
Visa fees vary by embassy and visa type. Expect to pay around NZD 50–100 for a single-entry tourist visa. Check with the specific embassy for the exact amount and payment method.
Extensions are possible but not guaranteed. You must apply at the Immigration Office in Asmara before your visa expires. The process can be slow, so plan your trip within the original visa validity.
Not officially required for entry, but strongly recommended. Medical facilities are limited, and emergency evacuation to a country with proper care can cost thousands of dollars.
Overstaying can result in fines, detention, or deportation. Eritrea takes immigration rules seriously. Always leave before your visa expires or apply for an extension well in advance.
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.