Eritrea tourist visa: requirements and how to apply

Every foreign visitor needs a visa issued in advance; only Eritreans holding their original national ID card enter without one. Apply to the Eritrean mission responsible for the country where you live, as missions ask for proof of local residence such as a residence permit, permanent resident card or registration certificate.

Some missions limit tourist applications to residents of their area. The Embassy in New Delhi, for example, accepts tourist applications only from residents of India and several neighbouring Asian countries and refers others to the nearest Eritrean embassy.

The Washington Embassy and the Frankfurt Consulate General ask for form B62.3 completed and signed online, a 35 x 45 mm photo uploaded with the form, proof of residence, a passport valid at least six months beyond the trip, and proof of sufficient funds for all expenses. Applicants aged 17 or under add copies of their birth certificates, and a parent or guardian signs for children under 17.

The Geneva mission additionally asks for two signed application forms, two photos, two copies of the passport data page and a hotel or apartment booking if you have one, and requires at least three blank passport pages. Health certificates, where required, must be valid for three months.

The Embassy in Washington charges USD 50 for a tourist visa, plus a USD 13 photo printing fee and a USD 10 service fee, paid online at checkout. The Consulate General in Frankfurt charges EUR 50, also paid online. Fees are not refunded, and the Geneva mission will not process an application until the fee is received.

At the missions using CAPS you select the visa type, read its requirements, complete and submit form B62.3 with the fee online, and then mail your original passport to the mission. You travel only once you have received the visa. Processing takes at least 15 business days in Washington and Frankfurt and ten working days in Geneva, and requirements can change at any time.

All visas are valid for three months from the date of issue, so your arrival date must fall within three months of issue. After arrival the visa is typically valid for one month and can be extended or renewed by visiting the Immigration office in Asmara.

Apply to the Eritrean mission responsible for the country where you live: Washington asks non-US citizens for proof of residence or a permanent resident card, Frankfurt asks for a German residence permit or registration certificate, and New Delhi handles residents of India and several neighbouring Asian countries only. Where there is no Eritrean mission in your country, contact the one accredited to it.