Eritrea entry requirements for Vietnam 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

Vietnamese passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling to Eritrea. There is no visa on arrival or e-visa option as of 2026. The application process can take several weeks, so plan accordingly.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
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 can take several weeks, so apply well in advance.Check visa infoRequired
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. Airlines and immigration officers strictly enforce this rule — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding.Required
Return or onward ticket
Required for entry
Immigration officials will ask for proof of a return or onward flight before granting entry. Have a printed copy of your ticket ready — showing a flight out of Eritrea within your visa validity period.Required
Proof of accommodation
Recommended to carry
While not always checked, having a hotel booking or invitation letter from a host can speed up the immigration process. If you're staying with friends or family, ask them to provide a letter of invitation.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. Immigration may ask how you plan to support yourself, so have bank statements or cash on hand.Recommended
No visa on arrival or e-visa
Eritrea does not offer visa on arrival or an e-visa system for Vietnamese passport holders. You must get a visa from an Eritrean embassy before you fly. Plan ahead — processing can take weeks.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you enter Eritrea, not from your departure date. If it expires sooner, renew it before applying for the visa.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for your visa at an Eritrean embassy
Contact the Eritrean embassy or consulate in your region (e.g., Hanoi or Bangkok). Submit the visa application form, your passport, passport photos, and any supporting documents. Processing can take 2–4 weeks, so apply well in advance.
2
Book your flights and accommodation
Once your visa is approved, book a return flight and your first night's accommodation. Keep the confirmations saved on your phone and as printouts.
3
Arrive at Asmara International Airport
At immigration, present your passport with the visa sticker, your return ticket, and your accommodation confirmation. The officer may ask a few questions about your trip. Answer clearly and briefly.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After passing immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. There are no additional arrival forms to fill out. Exit into the arrivals hall.
Download Eritrea Entry Checklist
PDF · Vietnam Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$50 USD

Standard visa for tourism; apply at Eritrean embassy.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost~$100 USD

For multiple visits; must be arranged in advance.

Other fees
ServiceCost
Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist visa.$50 USD (approx. 1,150,000 VND)
Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries during validity.$100 USD (approx. 2,300,000 VND)
Stay extension feeExtensions are rarely granted; apply at immigration office.$30 USD (approx. 690,000 VND) per extension
Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of $500 USD (approx. 11,500,000 VND).$10 USD (approx. 230,000 VND) 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

Vietnam passport holders transiting through Eritrea require a transit visa unless they remain airside and do not pass through immigration.

Transit hubsAsmara International Airport (ASM)

Health & vaccines for Eritrea

Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Present in all regions; prophylaxis recommended.

Dengue feverModerate risk

Mosquito-borne; use repellent and nets.

Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk

Common; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.

Malaria risk: high

Malaria risk is high throughout the country, especially in lowland areas. Prophylaxis is strongly recommended.

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 extensions and permits; bring passport and photos.

Practical information for VN 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
updated May 29
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
Police113
Medical114
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

No. Eritrea does not offer visa on arrival for Vietnamese passport holders. You must obtain a visa from an Eritrean embassy or consulate before you travel.
Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks, but can vary. Apply at least 4–6 weeks before your planned departure to be safe.
You need to apply at an Eritrean embassy or consulate. The nearest ones to Vietnam are in Bangkok (Thailand) or New Delhi (India). Check their website or call ahead for exact requirements and appointment procedures.
Typically: a completed application form, your passport (valid 6+ months), two passport-sized photos, a copy of your flight itinerary, proof of accommodation, and a visa fee. Requirements can vary by embassy, so confirm with the specific office.
Visa fees vary by embassy and visa type. Expect to pay around $50–$100 USD. Check with the embassy for the exact amount and accepted payment methods.
No. The visa is not extendable. You must leave before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines or other penalties.
It is not officially required for entry, but it is strongly recommended. Medical care can be expensive and insurance provides financial protection.

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.