Passport and visa regulations
Nationalities
| Passport required | visa required | Return ticket required | |
| Germany | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Austria | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Switzerland | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Other EU countries | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Turkey | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Passport information
Generally required, must be valid beyond the stay.
Visa information
Required for citizens of the countries listed in the table above, among others.
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Costs
Germany and Austria Tourist Visa: €50 (single entry for a stay of up to one month). Business visa: €60 (single entry, valid up to 3 months, stay of up to 1 month). €90 (multiple entries, valid for 3 months, stay of up to one month). Switzerland tourist visa: 70 CHF (single visa for a stay of up to one month), express processing: 80 CHF. Business Visa: 100 CHF, Express Processing: 115 CHF.
Visa types and costs
Tourist, Business and Transit Visa.
Validity
Tourist Visa and Business Visa: 3 months from the date of issue for a stay of 1 month. Possibility of extension up to 3 months, applications to the Ministry of the Interior in Asmara.
Transit
Transit travelers who continue their journey on the same aircraft within 72 hours, do not leave the transit area and have confirmed onward travel tickets do not require a transit visa. In person or by post to the consular section of the embassy (see contact addresses).
Application required
(a) Application Form. (b) Passport valid for at least six months at the time of issuance of the visa. (c) 1 recent passport photo. (d) Fee by bank transfer (bank-stamped copy of bank transfer slip). (e) Return Ticket. (f) Letter of recommendation/clearance from local employer or relevant government agency or authority. g) If applicable, a copy of the residence permit for Germany/Austria/Switzerland. Business Visa: (h) Proof of proposed activity. (i) Proof of employment in the home country. (j) Proof of current business relationships with any inviting companies/institutions in Eritrea. The postal application should be accompanied by a stamped, registered return envelope and the bank transfer receipt. Austrians must add an additional €4.50 in postage.
Processing time
At least 30 working days plus post. Express processing: 48 hours.
Proof of sufficient funds
Foreigners must have sufficient funds.
Extension of stay
Tourist visas can be extended twice more in the country at the Immigration Office for a fee of currently US$ 60 for one month each. In the case of tourist visas and business visas, the competent authority may allow the actual maximum period of validity to be exceeded in individual cases. Once the validity has expired, the issued business visa cannot be renewed.
Entry with children
German: Own passport. Austrians: Own passport (recommended). Swiss: Own passport. Turks: Own passport. Note: The same visa requirements apply to children as to their parents. Attention: Children under the age of 15 should travel with their parents or a person with custody. If traveling alone, they must have an ‘unaccompanied minor form’ certificate stating that they will be met by a competent person or organization on arrival in Eritrea. Since June 27, 2012, children need their own travel document (passport / children’s passport) for trips abroad (also within the EU).
