Eritrea entry requirements for Poland passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 20, 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
Polish passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling to Eritrea. There is no visa on arrival for tourism. The application process can take several weeks, so plan ahead.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply for visa before travel | You must obtain a visa from an Eritrean embassy or consulate before departure. There is no eVisa or visa on arrival for Polish passport holders. Start the process at least 4–6 weeks before your trip.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport 6 months validity required | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended 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 will ask to see a confirmed return or onward ticket. Without one, you risk being refused entry and sent back on the next flight. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Eritrea. Immigration may ask where you are staying and for how long. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show sufficient cash or card | Carry enough cash (USD or euros) to cover your stay — credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels. Immigration may ask how you plan to support yourself. | Recommended |
Visa required — apply early
Eritrea does not offer visa on arrival for Polish passport holders. Start your application at least 4 weeks before your trip. The embassy in Berlin handles most applications.
Cash is king
Credit cards are rarely accepted outside a few hotels in Asmara. Bring euros or US dollars in cash to exchange for nakfa. ATMs are very limited.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your visa
Contact the Eritrean embassy in Berlin (or the nearest consulate) to get the application form. Submit it along with your passport, photos, and any required documents. Processing can take 2–4 weeks, so apply early.
2
Pack your documents
Before you leave, print or save digital copies of your visa approval, passport, return ticket, hotel booking, and insurance. Keep them in a separate folder from your passport.
3
Arrival at Asmara International Airport
After landing, proceed to immigration. Present your passport with the visa sticker, your return ticket, and accommodation proof. The officer may ask a few questions about your trip. Expect a short wait.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
Once stamped in, collect your bags from the carousel. There are no additional arrival forms to fill out. Head to the exit — taxis are available outside.
Download Eritrea Entry Checklist
PDF · Poland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 20, 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
Standard tourist visa for short visits.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~$100 USD
Ideal for travellers planning multiple visits.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
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 the Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$100 USD
For those enrolled in an accredited educational institution in Eritrea. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Fee for a standard single-entry tourist visa. | ~$50 USD (approx. 200 ERN) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Fee for a multiple-entry tourist visa. | ~$100 USD (approx. 400 ERN) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa validity. | ~$10 USD per day (approx. 40 ERN) |
| Overstay fine maximum capMaximum cumulative overstay fine. | ~$500 USD (approx. 2,000 ERN) |
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
Poland 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 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
Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers, especially in rural and 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
Unknown
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits.
Massawa
Immigration Office Massawa
Unknown
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Handles immigration matters for the port city.
Practical information for PL 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 Polish citizens. You must obtain a visa from an Eritrean embassy or consulate before you travel.
Processing usually takes 2 to 4 weeks, but can be longer. Apply at least a month before your planned departure.
Fees vary by embassy and visa type. Expect around €50–€100 for a single-entry tourist visa. Check with the embassy in Berlin for the exact amount.
Extensions are not available for tourist visas. You must leave before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines or detention.
Yellow fever vaccination is required if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. Check with your doctor for other recommended vaccines like hepatitis A, typhoid, and tetanus.
Eritrea is generally safe for tourists, but the security situation can change. Avoid border areas with Ethiopia and Sudan. Register with your embassy on arrival.
The local currency is the Eritrean nakfa (ERN). Credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels. Bring enough euros or US dollars in cash to exchange. ATMs are scarce.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 20, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.