Entry Requirements & Visas
New for 2026: Simplified Visa on Arrival Process
Starting in 2026, Eritrea has streamlined visa issuance for tourists at Asmara International Airport, allowing eligible nationalities to obtain a 30-day visa upon arrival for $50 USD. This applies to most Western passports, but pre-approval through a registered tour operator is recommended to ensure smooth entry and avoid delays at immigration.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure from Eritrea, with at least two blank pages available for entry and exit stamps. Eritrea does not accept passports that are damaged or reported lost/stolen, so renew early if necessary.
Always carry your passport as it's required for internal travel permits and hotel check-ins throughout the country.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens of a few neighboring countries like Kenya and Uganda may enter visa-free for short stays, but most international visitors require a visa. Tourists from the EU, US, Canada, and Australia are eligible for visa on arrival but should confirm eligibility via the Eritrean embassy.
Overstaying a visa can result in fines or detention, so plan your itinerary carefully within the 30-day limit.
Visa Applications
For those not eligible for on-arrival visas, apply in advance through an Eritrean embassy or consulate abroad, submitting documents like a completed application form, passport photos, proof of onward travel, and an invitation letter from a local tour operator (fee around $60-100 USD).
Processing times vary from 2-4 weeks, so apply at least one month before travel to account for potential delays.
Border Crossings
Entry is primarily via Asmara International Airport, where visa on arrival is processed efficiently for eligible travelers. Land borders with Sudan and Ethiopia are restricted for tourists and require special permits arranged through government-approved guides.
Sea arrivals via Massawa port are possible but uncommon; expect thorough customs checks for all entry points.
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory and should cover medical evacuation, as healthcare facilities in Eritrea are limited outside Asmara. Policies must include coverage for adventure activities like hiking in the Danakil Depression or diving in the Red Sea.
Choose providers that offer 24/7 assistance, with premiums starting at $10/day for basic coverage up to remote areas.
Extensions Possible
Visa extensions for up to 30 additional days can be applied for at the Immigration Office in Asmara, requiring a valid reason like extended tourism or business, along with proof of funds and accommodation (fee approximately $30 USD).
Apply at least one week before expiration to avoid penalties; approvals are not guaranteed and depend on official discretion.
Money, Budget & Costs
Smart Money Management
Eritrea uses the Eritrean Nakfa (ERN), but US Dollars (USD) are widely accepted in tourist areas. For the best exchange rates and lowest fees, use Wise to send money or convert currency - they offer real exchange rates with transparent fees, saving you money compared to traditional banks.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Money-Saving Pro Tips
Book Flights Early
Find the best deals to Asmara by comparing prices on Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets.
Booking 2-3 months in advance can save you 30-50% on airfare, especially for limited routes from Europe or the Middle East.
Eat Like a Local
Dine at traditional spots for kitfo or shiro under $5, avoiding upscale hotels to save up to 60% on food costs in Asmara or Massawa.
Local markets like those in Keren offer fresh fruits, spices, and street food at bargain prices for authentic flavors.
Public Transport Passes
Opt for shared minibuses (arib) for intercity travel at $10-20 per leg, far cheaper than private taxis and a cultural experience.
Group tours through operators can bundle transport and entry fees, reducing overall costs for multi-day trips.
Free Attractions
Explore Asmara's modernist architecture, walk the streets of Massawa's old town, or hike in the Debub region's highlands, all at no cost for immersive experiences.
Many historical sites like ancient obelisks in Adulis are accessible without guides, saving on tour fees.
Card vs Cash
Cash (USD or ERN) is king as ATMs are scarce and cards rarely accepted outside major hotels; exchange at official banks for best rates.
Carry small USD bills for tips and markets, as change is often limited in remote areas like the Dahlak Islands.
Travel Permits
Obtain bundled permits for multiple regions through tour operators for $20-40, covering sites like the Danakil without individual fees.
This approach pays off for itineraries visiting Asmara, Massawa, and the highlands in one trip.
Smart Packing for Eritrea
Essential Items for Any Season
Clothing Essentials
Pack lightweight, breathable cotton layers for the hot climate, including long sleeves and pants for sun protection and cultural modesty in urban areas like Asmara.
Include a scarf or shawl for women visiting religious sites and quick-dry fabrics for coastal humidity in Massawa.
Electronics
Bring a universal adapter (Type C/F), solar charger for remote areas with unreliable power, offline maps of Eritrea, and a rugged camera for capturing landscapes.
Download language apps for Tigrinya phrases, as internet is spotty outside cities.
Health & Safety
Carry comprehensive insurance docs, a full first-aid kit with anti-malarials, vaccinations proof (yellow fever required), and high-SPF sunscreen for intense UV exposure.
Include water purification tablets and rehydration salts, essential for the arid Danakil region or long hikes.
Travel Gear
Pack a durable daypack for excursions, collapsible water bottle, lightweight sleeping bag for overland trips, and small USD bills in a secure money belt.
Bring multiple photocopies of your passport and visa, as checkpoints require frequent ID checks across regions.
Footwear Strategy
Choose sturdy hiking sandals or boots for volcanic terrains in Danakil and closed-toe shoes for dusty roads; lightweight sneakers suffice for Asmara's streets.
Water shoes are vital for Red Sea snorkeling, and always pack extra socks for the variable highland evenings.
Personal Care
Include reef-safe sunscreen, moisturizer for dry air, biodegradable soap, and a wide-brim hat; insect repellent with DEET for malaria-prone coastal zones.
Travel-sized wet wipes and a portable fan help manage dust and heat during multi-day journeys to remote sites.
When to Visit Eritrea
Cool Dry Season (October-February)
The best time with comfortable temperatures of 20-25°C in the highlands, ideal for exploring Asmara's markets and hiking in the Semien Mountains without excessive heat.
Fewer rains mean reliable roads to coastal Massawa for historical tours and milder conditions in the desert interiors.
Hot Dry Season (March-May)
Peak heat reaches 30-35°C, suitable for early-morning adventures like Danakil Depression salt flats or Red Sea diving before temperatures soar.
Clear skies enhance photography of Eritrea's dramatic landscapes, though hydration is crucial for outdoor activities.
Rainy Season (June-September)
Short, intense showers bring lush greenery to the highlands (25-30°C), perfect for birdwatching and visiting waterfalls in the Anseba region.
Lower tourist numbers mean quieter sites, but check road conditions as some areas become impassable during heavy rains.
Shoulder Season (All Year Transition)
Transitional periods offer balanced weather for cultural festivals in Asmara or camel treks in the east, with temperatures averaging 22-28°C.
Budget-friendly with off-peak rates, ideal for combining urban exploration and rural escapes like the Dahlak Archipelago.
Important Travel Information
- Currency: Eritrean Nakfa (ERN). US Dollars widely used; ATMs limited, so carry cash. Exchange at banks only.
- Language: Tigrinya primary; Arabic and English official and spoken in tourist areas like Asmara.
- Time Zone: East Africa Time (EAT), UTC+3
- Electricity: 220V, 50Hz. Type C/F plugs (European two-pin with grounding)
- Emergency Number: Police 118, Ambulance 125, Fire 111
- Tipping: Not customary but appreciated; 5-10% in USD for guides and drivers in remote areas
- Water: Tap water unsafe; drink bottled or purified. Avoid ice in drinks outside major hotels
- Pharmacies: Available in Asmara; stock up on essentials abroad for rural travel