East Africa · ER · ASM
Eritrea entry requirements
What you need to enter Eritrea: visa rules by passport, vaccines, arrival airports and practical details for your trip.
Travel advice. Some regions have security risks. Check your foreign ministry's travel advice for the areas you plan to visit.
Entry rules change often. We checked these on 27 October 2026 against the sources below. Confirm with the embassy before you book.
Visa rules by passport
| Passports | Entry | Fee | Stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| All 14 passports we cover | Embassy visa | See portal | — |
Most EU passports: A pre-approved visa can be collected on arrival. Travel outside Asmara needs a separate permit.
Detailed guide for your passport
Health and vaccines
Yellow fever. A yellow fever certificate is required if you arrive from, or have transited through, a country with yellow fever risk.
Malaria. Malaria is present in some regions. Check your route with a travel clinic.
Routine vaccines should be up to date. Travel clinics commonly also discuss hepatitis A, typhoid and, for longer rural stays, rabies. Book 6 to 8 weeks before departure.
Practical details
- Capital
- Asmara
- Currency
- Eritrean nakfa (ERN)
- Languages
- Tigrinya, Arabic, English
- Plug types
- C, L
- Best time
- October to March
- Main airports
- Asmara (ASM)
Highlights of Eritrea
- Modernist architecture of Asmara
- Massawa old town
- Dahlak Archipelago
Frequently asked questions
Do EU citizens need a visa for Eritrea?
Yes. Most EU passport holders need a visa (embassy visa).
Is a yellow fever vaccination required for Eritrea?
A yellow fever certificate is required if you arrive from, or have transited through, a country with yellow fever risk.
Is there malaria in Eritrea?
Malaria is present in some regions. Check your route with a travel clinic.
What is the best time to visit Eritrea?
October to March is generally the best time to visit.
What currency is used in Eritrea?
The currency is the Eritrean nakfa (ERN). Cards work in cities and larger hotels; carry some cash for markets and rural areas.
Sources
- WHO: Yellow fever vaccination requirements, country list
- Wikipedia: Visa requirements for German citizens (EU reference)
- Wikipedia: Visa requirements for British citizens
- Wikipedia: Visa requirements for United States citizens
Spotted a rule that has changed? Email hello@bemba.com with a link to the source.