Eritrea entry requirements for Turkey passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 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
Turkish passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling to Eritrea. There is no visa on arrival or e-visa option. Apply well in advance, as processing can take several 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. Carry a photocopy of the bio page separately. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Asmara International Airport will ask for proof of a return or onward flight. Have your printed itinerary or e-ticket ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Hotel booking confirmations or a letter of invitation from your host in Eritrea can speed up the immigration process. Keep a printed copy with your travel documents. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry enough cash (USD or EUR) to cover your stay — credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels. Immigration may ask to see bank statements or cash on hand. | Recommended |
Visa required — no exceptions
There is no visa on arrival, no e-visa, and no visa waiver for Turkish passport holders. You must get a visa from an Eritrean embassy before you travel. Plan for at least 6 weeks of processing time.
Currency and cash
Eritrea uses the nakfa (ERN). Credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels. Bring enough USD or euros in cash to exchange — ATMs are scarce and unreliable.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa at the Eritrean embassy
Contact the Eritrean embassy or consulate in Turkey (or your country of residence). Submit the application form, passport photos, and supporting documents. Processing takes 2–4 weeks, sometimes longer. Apply at least 6 weeks before your trip.
2
Book your flight and accommodation
Once you have your visa, book a return flight and your first night's accommodation. Keep all confirmations saved on your phone and printed.
3
Arrive at Asmara International Airport
At immigration, present your passport with visa, return ticket, and proof of accommodation. The officer may ask a few questions about your stay. Answer clearly and calmly.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After passport control, collect your bags from the carousel. There are no customs declarations for personal items. You're free to leave the airport.
Download Eritrea Entry Checklist
PDF · Turkey Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 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
Allows multiple entries for frequent travellers.
Business visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$150 USD
Requires invitation letter from Eritrean company.
work visa
Work Permit
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (employer-sponsored)
For foreign nationals with a job offer from an Eritrean employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$100 USD (estimated)
For those enrolled in an accredited educational institution in Eritrea. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (estimated)
For individuals investing a minimum of $100,000 USD in an Eritrean business. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Fee for a single-entry tourist visa, payable at embassy or on arrival. | ~$50 USD (equivalent in local currency) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Fee for a multiple-entry tourist visa, valid for up to 6 months. | ~$100 USD (equivalent in local currency) |
| Stay extension feeExtension of stay beyond initial visa period, subject to approval. | ~$30 USD per month (estimated) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa validity, with a maximum cap of $500 USD. | ~$10 USD per day (estimated) |
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
A transit visa is required for Turkey holders changing planes in Eritrea, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for Eritrea may transit without additional visa.
Transit hubsAsmara International Airport (ASM)
Health & vaccines for Eritrea
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcalConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in lowland areas.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.
SchistosomiasisModerate risk
Risk from swimming in fresh water in certain regions.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers, especially in lowland areas. Use mosquito repellent and nets.
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 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for visitors in the port area.
Practical information for TR 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 Turkish passport holders. You must obtain a visa from an Eritrean embassy or consulate before you travel.
Processing usually takes 2–4 weeks, but can take longer. Apply at least 6 weeks before your planned departure to be safe.
Visa fees vary by embassy and visa type. Expect to pay around $50–$100 USD or equivalent. Check with the specific embassy for exact fees.
If you are arriving from a country with yellow fever, you need a certificate. Turkey is not a yellow fever country, so it's not required unless you've recently traveled to an endemic area.
Extensions are not available for tourist visas. You must leave before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines or detention.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it's less, renew your passport before applying for the visa.
Eritrea is generally safe for tourists, but infrastructure is limited. Check your government's travel advisory for current safety information before booking.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.