EritreaSouth Africa

South Africa visa for Eritrean citizens

Visa required

Eritrean citizens must obtain a visa before travelling to South Africa.

Where to apply
1 mission

Checked 7 November 2026 · Passport Index

Which South Africa visa?

Visitor's visa (section 11 of the Immigration Act) and visa-exempt holiday visits

Key facts

Fee
ZAR 425

All visa types for South Africa

South Africa’s tourist visa costs ZAR 425 at the standard rate published by its authorities.

South African missions in Eritrea

South Africa has 1 mission in Eritrea, with its embassy in Asmara.

South African citizens travelling to Eritrea

South AfricaEritrea Visa required Eritrea visa for citizens of South Africa

Travel advice for South Africa

  • US State Department Level 2: Exercise increased caution
  • UK Foreign Office (FCDO) No advice against travel
  • German Foreign Office No travel warning

What the US, British and German foreign ministries tell their own citizens about travelling there, in each ministry’s own terms.

For a trip from Eritrea to South Africa, the published travel advice reads as follows: the US State Department rates South Africa at Level 2, exercise increased caution (updated 26 May 2025), the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office does not advise against travel to South Africa (updated 5 November 2026) and the German Foreign Office has no travel warning for South Africa (updated 28 October 2026). The advice is aimed at each government’s own nationals.

Good to know

How long Eritrean citizens can stay in South Africa

How long Eritrean citizens may stay in South Africa is set by the visa issued, and the visa type must match the purpose of the trip.

How Eritrean citizens apply

In Eritrea, applications go to the South African embassy in Asmara, or to a visa centre acting for South Africa; fees, documents and processing times are published by South Africa.

South Africa’s neighbours for Eritrean citizens

Eswatini and Lesotho require Eritrean citizens to obtain a visa in advance.

South African citizens travelling to Eritrea

South African citizens need a visa for Eritrea, obtained before travel. The rule is the same in both directions between Eritrea and South Africa.

Frequently asked questions

Do Eritrean citizens need a visa for South Africa?

Eritrean citizens must obtain a visa before travelling to South Africa.

Where is the South African embassy in Eritrea?

The South African embassy in Eritrea is in Asmara.

How much does the South Africa tourist visa cost?

South Africa’s official sources give a standard fee of ZAR 425 for the tourist visa.

Do South African citizens need a visa for Eritrea?

South African citizens need a visa for Eritrea, obtained before travel.

Can Eritrean citizens enter South Africa visa-free?

No; Eritrean citizens need a visa for South Africa obtained in advance.

Visa data: Passport Index via passport-index-data, as of 7 November 2026. Rules change, sometimes overnight. Confirm with the embassy or the official government portal before you book.