Country guide
Eritrea
Visa
Visa required
Vaccinations
None required
Currency
Eritrean Nakfa (ERN)
Time zones
UTC / GMT +3 (1 hour ahead of South Africa)
Dialing code
+ 291
Best time to go
October – May (winter)
Drinking water
Bottled water recommended.
Travel tips
Credit cards are accepted in major hotels, but a commission may be charged.
Visa guide
Visa requirements
Visas are required by SA Passport Holders.
- Visa Form (please contact embassy)
- Passport Photo (35 x 45mm or 1.38″ x 1.77″)
- Proof of sufficient funds to cover all expenses
- Passport be valid at least six months beyond the dates of your trip
Business:
Letter stating purpose and duration of your trip
Employment:
A letter of employment from sponsoring entity stating your role and duration of your employment
Family Visit:
Reference in Eritrea. Your reference needs to be a resident in Eritrea and able to go to Asmara Immigration to follow up on your visa request.
Issuing authorities
Embassy of the State of Eritrea,
1281 Cobham Rd, Queenswood 0186.
Tel: 012 333 1302
Consular services - online support:
Email: support@erembassy.com
Web: erembassy.com/econsulate/app
Visa processing time
Min 10 days. It is advisable to submit your application well in advance.
Visa validity
All visas are valid for three months from date of issue, i.e. your arrival date in Eritrea must be within three months of the date of issue. Once you arrive in Eritrea, your visa is typically valid for one month but can be extended/renewed by visiting Immigration in Asmara.
Visa cost
Tourist: USD50
Business: USD70
SA representative
SA Embassy
House 51/53, 245 Hitseito Street, Tiravalo, Asmara
Tel: + 291 1 152 517
E-mail: ndabeniz@dirco.gov.za
Health / vaccinations
Compulsory: None
Recommended Travel Vaccines: Hepatitis A & B, Meningitis, Rabies, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio
Malaria Risk
Public holidays
2026: Jan 1, 7, 19; Mar 8, 20; Apr 10, 12; May 1, 24, 27; Jun 20; Aug 27; Sep 1, 11, 27; Dec 25