Eritrea visa requirements for South Africans

Travel and visa requirements

Basic Travel Requirements for South Africans visiting Eritrea

Travelers are required to fulfill the following requirements in order to apply for a Eritrean Visa.

  • Passport valid for at least 6 months after return date.
  • One copy of duly completed visa application form which has been signed where necessary.
  • One recent passport photograph taken with a white background and follows the photo specification for a visa application.
  • Proof of accommodation for the duration of your stay in the country.
  • Bank statement spanning 3 months prior to the period of application. The bank statement should show proof of available funds to cover travel expenses.
  • Valid travel insurance.
  • A detailed travel itinerary.
  • Return and onward tickets.

Eritrea Visa for South Africans

Facts about Eritrea

Eritrea is home to a large number of wildlife and the regulations enforced by the Eritrean government has helped to steadily increase the number of wildlife animals. There are various species of mammals and 560 species of birds. While in the country you can see wonderful animals like the Abyssinia hare, African wild cat, Black-backed jackal, African golden wolf, Lions, African bush elephants and a host of others. Other attractions in Eritrea include Tank Graveyard, Opera house, Imperial Palace, etc. Tourists are sure to enjoy their time in the country.
 
Tourism in Eritrea is not as dominant as it used to be in the previous century. Although, the government is putting in a very big effort to develop the country’s tourism and make it better than what it was.
 
Visitors are not allowed to take photographs of military and government buildings. If you want to exchange money, it should be done at a state foreign currency exchange Himbol branch, it is illegal to do it anywhere else. All foreign currencies in excess of $10,000 should be declared on entry into Eritrea.

Foreigners are required to declare all electronic items in their possession on entry into Eritrea. Failure to do so may result into confiscation of such items on departure. There is a $20 departure tax normally included in airline ticket prices.

Types of Eritrea Visa

Types of Visa Processing Time Duration of Stay
Tourist visa 7 working days 90 days
Business visa 10 working days 180 days

General Requirements for Eritrea Visa

  • Passport valid for at least 6 months after return date.
  • One copy of duly completed visa application form which has been signed where necessary.
  • One recent passport photograph taken with a white background and follows the photo specification for a visa application.
  • Proof of accommodation for the duration of your stay in the country.
  • Bank statement spanning 3 months prior to the period of application. The bank statement should show proof of available funds to cover travel expenses.
  • Valid travel insurance.
  • A detailed travel itinerary.
  • Return and onward tickets.
Eritrea Tourist visa Eritrea Business visa

Eritrea Tourist Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • The tourist visa is for foreigners visiting Eritrea for sightseeing, recreational and relaxation purposes.
  • Foreigners can also visit friends and relatives with this visa.
  • Applicants going to Eritrea to visit their relatives or friends, a letter of invitation from your host should be provided. The letter should include the home address and a valid means of identification of the host.
  • Original copy of birth certificate of all children under the age of 18 years should be provided.
  • Ensure you have a photocopy of all original documents as the embassy will not return the original copies unless copies are provided.
  • Receipt of paid visa application fee is required.
  • You are required to have a certificate of yellow fever vaccination.
  • Travelers are advised to be immunized against malaria, typhoid and hepatitis A and B.
  • At the expiry of your visa, you are expected to leave the country.
  • The visa is valid for 30 days.
  • This visa type is a single-entry visa.

Eritrea Business Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • Business travelers visiting Eritrea to foster business relationships with their partner company in Eritrea are the main applicants of this visa.
  • Businessmen and businesswomen who visit Eritrea with this visa can negotiate and sign contracts while they are in the country.
  • Holders of this visa are free to attend conferences, business summits and trade fairs while in the country.
  • A letter of invitation from the company you are visiting in Eritrea is required. The letter should have the address of the company you are visiting, duration and purpose of your visit in the country. It is compulsory for the letter to bear the official company stamp.
  • If the company you are meeting with is responsible for handling your expenses in the country, it should be clearly stated in the letter.
  • Letter from your employer with original company letterhead stating that he is aware of your business leave, position held in the company and the exact dates of leave granted.
  • If you are less than 18 years, you should have the original copy of your birth certificate.
  • Yellow fever vaccination is required.
  • Copies of the original documents should be made as the embassy will not return the original copies unless copies are provided.
  • You are prohibited from being employed or being enrolled to one of the institutions in the country.
  • The visa is valid for 90 days.
  • The visa is a multiple entry visa.

Eritrea Visa Fees

Visa Type

Sub Types

Visa Fees

Tourist visa

50.00 (USD)

Business visa

145.00 (USD)

Eritrea Visa Application Centres & Embassies in South Africa

Location

Address

Pretoria

1281 Cobham Road, Queenswood, Pretoria, 0186, South Africa

Null

012 333 1302

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the biggest city in Eritrea??
The biggest city in Eritrea is Asmara with a population of 563,930.
What is the main religion in Eritrea??
The population of Eritrea is equally divided between Christian and Muslim religions.
What is the official language of Eritrea??
The original language of Eritrea is Tigrinya.
Do I need a visa for Eritrea??
Yes, all South Africans traveling to Eritrea need a visa.
How long will it take before I get my Eritrean visa??
The Eritrean visa has a processing time of between 7 – 10 working days.