Eritrea entry requirements for Philippines 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
Filipino passport holders must get a visa before traveling to Eritrea. There is no online eVisa system, so you need to apply in person at an Eritrean embassy or consulate. Start the process at least 4–6 weeks ahead, as processing can be slow.
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 country of residence — there is no online eVisa system. Processing times vary widely; start at least 4–6 weeks before your trip.Check visa info | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for 6 months beyond departure | Your passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from your departure date from 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 of your flight itinerary ready — showing a ticket out of Eritrea within your visa validity. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | While not always checked, having a hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Eritrea can speed up the immigration process. Keep a printed copy in your carry-on. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry proof of sufficient funds for your stay, such as bank statements or a credit card. Immigration may ask how you plan to cover expenses — having a printed statement avoids delays. | Recommended |
No eVisa — apply at an embassy
There is no online visa system for Eritrea. You must apply in person at an Eritrean embassy or consulate. Start the process at least 6 weeks before your trip.
Cash is king
Credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels in Asmara. Bring enough USD or euros in cash to cover your entire stay. ATMs are unreliable.
Transit visa required
Even if you're only changing planes in Asmara and staying airside, you need a transit visa. Plan ahead — no exceptions.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your visa
Contact the Eritrean Embassy or consulate nearest you. Submit your application, passport photos, and fee. Processing can take 2–6 weeks. There is no rush service.
2
Book your flights and accommodation
Book a return flight and your first night's accommodation. Keep confirmations handy — you'll need them for immigration.
3
Pack your documents
Print your visa, passport, flight itinerary, and hotel booking. Also bring cash (USD or euros) and a pen for the arrival form.
4
Arrive at Asmara International Airport
After landing, proceed to immigration. Hand over your passport and visa. The officer will ask for your return ticket and possibly your accommodation. Answer clearly. You'll get a stamp allowing up to 30 days.
Download Eritrea Entry Checklist
PDF · Philippines 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 date
Cost~$50 USD
Standard visa for tourism; apply at Eritrean embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, not extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~$100 USD
Allows multiple entries; useful for regional travel.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Fee varies by embassy; check with Eritrean mission. | ~$50 USD (equivalent in local currency) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)May be available for longer stays; confirm with embassy. | ~$100 USD (equivalent in local currency) |
| Stay extension feeExtensions are not permitted for standard tourist visas. | Unknown |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties may apply; avoid overstaying. | Unknown |
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
Philippines passport holders require a transit visa to change planes in Eritrea, even if staying airside.
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 BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in lowland areas.
DengueModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance recommended.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to limited sanitation; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers, especially in lowland regions.
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 Department
Unknown
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Main office for visa-related inquiries; bring all documents.
Practical information for PH 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 Filipino passport holders. You must obtain a visa from an Eritrean embassy or consulate before you travel.
Processing typically takes 2 to 6 weeks. There is no expedited service, so apply as early as possible — at least 4–6 weeks before your trip.
A single-entry tourist visa costs around $50 USD (or equivalent in local currency). A multiple-entry visa costs around $100 USD. Fees vary by nationality, so confirm with the embassy.
No. Standard tourist visas are not extendable. You must leave before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines or future entry bans.
Yes. Filipino passport holders require a transit visa even if you stay airside and don't pass through immigration. This applies at Asmara International Airport.
Your passport with valid visa, a confirmed return or onward ticket, and proof of accommodation (hotel booking or host invitation). You may also be asked to show proof of sufficient funds.
Eritrea is generally safe for tourists, but healthcare is very limited. Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is strongly advised. Malaria is present in lowland areas — take prophylaxis.
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.