Eritrea entry requirements for Portugal passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 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
Portuguese passport holders need a visa to enter Eritrea. You must arrange this before you travel — there is no visa on arrival or e-visa option for most purposes. Plan ahead, as processing can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply before travel | You need a visa to enter Eritrea. Start the process through the Eritrea Government Portal or contact the nearest Eritrean embassy — there is no online eVisa system. Processing can take weeks, so apply well ahead of your trip.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must have 6 months validity | Your Portuguese passport needs at least 6 months of validity beyond your intended stay in Eritrea. Airlines enforce this strictly — 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 for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Without one, you may be refused entry and sent back on the next flight. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Have a hotel booking or an invitation letter from your host ready. Officers occasionally ask where you are staying, and not having an answer can delay your clearance. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry enough cash (USD or euros) to cover your stay — credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels. A bank statement or ATM receipt showing available funds helps if questioned. | Recommended |
Visa processing can be slow
Eritrean visa processing often takes longer than expected. Apply at least 6 weeks in advance and do not book non-refundable flights until you have the visa.
No e-visa available
Eritrea does not offer an e-visa system for Portuguese passport holders. You must go through an embassy or consulate.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your visa at the Eritrean embassy
Contact the Eritrean embassy in your region (e.g., London, Paris, Berlin). Submit the completed application form, your passport, passport photos, flight itinerary, hotel booking, and visa fee. Processing takes 2–4 weeks, sometimes longer.
2
Wait for visa approval
Once submitted, the embassy processes your application. You may be asked for additional documents. Do not book non-refundable flights until you have the visa in hand.
3
Pack your documents
Before you leave, make photocopies of your passport data page, visa, flight tickets, and hotel booking. Keep digital copies on your phone too.
4
Arrive at Asmara International Airport
At immigration, present your passport with visa, return ticket, and accommodation proof. The officer may ask a few questions about your trip. Answer clearly and calmly.
Download Eritrea Entry Checklist
PDF · Portugal Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 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 (approx. $55 USD)
Standard tourist visa for single entry.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€100 (approx. $110 USD)
Allows multiple entries within validity.
Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost€200 (approx. $220 USD)
For longer stays, requires specific purpose (work, study, etc.).
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) |
| Stay extension feeExtension possible at immigration office, subject to approval. | €30 (approx. $33 USD) per month |
| Overstay finePenalty for overstaying visa validity. | €10 (approx. $11 USD) per day, max €500 (approx. $550 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Incomplete visa application30%
No return ticket25%
Insufficient funds20%
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
Portugal holders transiting through Eritrea require a transit visa unless they remain airside and do not pass through immigration.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for Eritrea may transit without a separate transit visa.
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 in all regions, especially lowland areas.
DengueModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially during rainy season.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to limited sanitation; avoid tap water and street food.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travelers, especially in 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
Harnet 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 extensions for visitors in the port city.
Practical information for PT 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 Portuguese passport holders. You must obtain a visa from an Eritrean embassy or consulate before you travel.
Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks, but can be longer. Apply at least 6 weeks before your planned departure to be safe.
Visa fees vary by embassy and visa type. Expect around €50–€100 for a single-entry tourist visa. Check with the specific embassy for current fees.
Portuguese residents typically apply to the Eritrean embassy in London, Paris, or Berlin. Contact the nearest one to your location to confirm jurisdiction.
Extensions are not generally available for tourist visas. Plan your trip within the visa's validity period.
If you are arriving from a country with yellow fever, you may need a vaccination certificate. Check current health requirements before travel.
Eritrea is generally safe for tourists, but check your government's travel advisories. Avoid border areas and always carry your passport and visa.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.