Eritrea entry requirements for Pakistan passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 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
Pakistani 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 2–4 weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa required Apply for visa before travel | You need a visa to enter 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 entire 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 Proof of departure from Eritrea | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Without one, you may be denied boarding or entry. Book a refundable ticket if your plans are flexible. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Eritrea ready. Officers may ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-arranged tour. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Carry enough cash (USD or euros) to cover your expenses — credit cards are rarely accepted outside Asmara. A bank statement or traveler's cheques can help, but cash is king. | Recommended |
Visa required — apply well in advance
There is no visa on arrival or e-visa for Pakistani passport holders. You must get a visa from an Eritrean embassy before you travel. Processing can take several weeks, so start early.
No arrival declaration needed
You do not need to fill out any arrival declaration form when entering Eritrea. Just present your passport and visa at immigration.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa at the Eritrean embassy
Contact the Eritrean embassy in Islamabad (or the nearest one to you) to get the visa application form. Submit it along with your passport, photos, and any supporting documents. Processing can take 2–4 weeks, so apply well in advance.
2
Pack your documents
Before you leave for the airport, gather your passport with the visa, return ticket, accommodation booking, and travel insurance. Keep them in your carry-on for easy access.
3
Arrive at Asmara International Airport
When you land at Asmara (ASM), proceed to the immigration hall. Have your passport and boarding pass ready. The officer may ask for your return ticket and hotel booking — show them if requested.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After clearing 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 · Pakistan Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 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
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
For travellers needing multiple entries.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost~$70 USD
Requires invitation letter from Eritrean company.
work visa
Work Permit
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD
For foreign nationals employed by an Eritrean company. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$100 USD
For enrolled students at recognized Eritrean institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD
For individuals investing a minimum of $100,000 USD in Eritrea. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist visa. | $50 USD (approx. 8,000 ERN) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity. | $100 USD (approx. 16,000 ERN) |
| Stay extension feeExtension possible at immigration office. | $30 USD (approx. 4,800 ERN) per month |
| Overstay fineMaximum cap of $500 USD (approx. 80,000 ERN). | $10 USD (approx. 1,600 ERN) per day |
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
Pakistan 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 risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in lowland areas.
DengueModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially during rainy season.
CholeraLow risk
Rare but possible in areas with poor sanitation.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in all regions below 2,000 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
Harnet Avenue, Asmara, Eritrea
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Massawa
Immigration Office Massawa
Near Port of Massawa, Massawa, Eritrea
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Handles extensions for visitors in the port area.
Practical information for PK 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 Pakistani citizens. You must obtain a visa from an Eritrean embassy or consulate before you travel.
Processing typically takes 2 to 4 weeks, but it can vary. Apply at least a month before your planned departure to be safe.
The Eritrean embassy in Islamabad handles visa applications. You can also check if there is an honorary consulate in Karachi or Lahore. Contact them directly for the application form and requirements.
You'll need a valid passport (6+ months validity), completed application form, passport-sized photos, return flight booking, hotel reservation, and sometimes a letter of invitation or travel itinerary. Check with the embassy for the exact list.
Visa fees vary by nationality and embassy. Expect to pay around $50–$100 USD equivalent. Confirm the exact amount with the embassy when you apply.
Extensions are not available for tourist visas. You must leave before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines or deportation.
It is not officially required for entry, but it is strongly recommended. Medical facilities are basic and evacuation may be needed for serious issues — insurance covers those costs.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.