Eritrea entry requirements for Zambia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 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
Zambian 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. Plan ahead, as the process involves submitting your application to an Eritrean embassy or consulate.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required | You need a visa before traveling to Eritrea. Apply through the Eritrean Embassy or consulate in your region — 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 one blank page for the entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Asmara International Airport routinely ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Airlines also check this before boarding — without one, you may be denied boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Have a hotel booking or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Officers occasionally ask for it, especially if you don't have a local contact. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry enough cash (USD or euros) for your stay — credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels. A bank statement showing sufficient funds can help if asked. | Recommended |
No visa on arrival or e-visa
You must get a visa from an Eritrean embassy before you travel. There are no alternatives at the border or online. Plan ahead.
Embassy locations
Eritrean embassies are limited. Common ones for African travellers are in Nairobi (Kenya), Addis Ababa (Ethiopia), and Khartoum (Sudan). Check the nearest one to you.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa at an Eritrean embassy
Contact the Eritrean embassy or consulate in your region (e.g., in Nairobi, Addis Ababa, or London). Submit the completed application form, your passport, passport photos, and any other documents they request. Processing can take 1–2 weeks, so apply well in advance.
2
Wait for visa approval
Once submitted, the embassy will process your application. You may need to pay a fee (varies by embassy). Keep the receipt and any correspondence. Do not book non-refundable flights until you have the visa.
3
Collect your passport with visa
When approved, collect your passport with the visa sticker. Check that all details (name, passport number, validity dates) are correct before leaving the embassy.
4
Arrive at Asmara International Airport
At immigration, present your passport with the visa, your return ticket, and any other documents if asked. The officer will stamp you in. Keep your passport safe — you'll need it for hotel check-ins and any internal checks.
Download Eritrea Entry Checklist
PDF · Zambia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 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
Cost50 USD (approx. 50 USD)
Apply at Eritrean embassy in advance.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost100 USD (approx. 100 USD)
For frequent travellers; must have valid reason.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost70 USD (approx. 70 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Eritrean company.
work visa
Eritrea Work Permit
1 year, renewable
~200 USD (application fee)
For foreign nationals with a job offer from an Eritrean employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Eritrea Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~100 USD (application fee)
For those enrolled at an accredited Eritrean educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Eritrea Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~500 USD (application fee)
For individuals investing a minimum of $50,000 in an Eritrean business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for single entry tourist visa. | 50 USD (approx. 50 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)For multiple entries within validity period. | 100 USD (approx. 100 USD) |
| Stay extension feeExtension possible at immigration office, subject to approval. | 30 USD (approx. 30 USD) per month |
| Overstay finePayable at immigration upon departure. | 10 USD per day, max 200 USD |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
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
Zambia 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 risk (Zambia is endemic).
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.
Food/waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to limited sanitation; drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers, especially in rural areas. Use insect repellent and mosquito 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
Eritrean Immigration Office (Asmara)
Near the Ministry of Interior, Asmara
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits.
Massawa
Massawa Immigration Office
Port area, Massawa
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for visitors in the port city.
Practical information for ZM 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 Zambian passport holders. You must get a visa from an Eritrean embassy before you travel.
No. Eritrea does not offer an e-visa. All visa applications must be submitted in person or through a representative at an Eritrean embassy or consulate.
Processing typically takes 1–2 weeks, but can vary by embassy. Apply at least 3–4 weeks before your planned travel to be safe.
Fees vary by embassy and visa type. Contact the embassy directly for the current fee. Expect to pay in local currency or as specified.
Typically: a completed application form, your passport (valid 6+ months), passport-sized photos, a copy of your return ticket, and proof of accommodation. Some embassies may ask for a letter of invitation or a travel itinerary. Check with the specific embassy.
Visa extensions are not guaranteed and must be arranged through the immigration office in Asmara. It's best to plan your stay within the visa's validity.
Eritrea requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Check with your doctor or a travel clinic before your trip.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.