Entry to Eritrea
Eritrea’s land borders with Djibouti and Ethiopia are closed and are not expected to re-open in the near future. Eritrea’s land border with Sudan is operational in response to the conflict in Sudan. See International Travel.
All travellers
There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for passengers entering Eritrea.
Check your passport and travel documents before you travel
Check with your travel provider to make sure your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements.
Passport validity
If you are visiting Eritrea your passport should be valid for a minimum of six months from the date you arrive, and have at least two clear pages adjoining one another in your passport.
If you are a resident in Eritrea your passport must be valid for six months from the date you arrive.
Visas
For information about entry requirements, contact the local immigration authorities or the nearest Eritrean Embassy. You should also check with your airline or travel company for the latest information.
Dual nationals
The Eritrean authorities class dual British/Eritrean nationals entering Eritrea as Eritrean nationals. The Eritrean authorities consider all British nationals holding either Eritrean or PFDJ identity documents (including out of date documents) as Eritrean nationals. The British Embassy is unable to gain consular access to, or obtain information on dual nationals if detained by the authorities or otherwise in need of assistance. Dual nationals entering Eritrea on an Eritrean identity card rather than an Eritrean passport will need an exit permit from the Immigration Office in Asmara to leave the country.
Foreign currency
Foreign visitors must declare all foreign currency over 10,000 US dollars or equivalent on entering the country. There is no limit on the amount that can be brought in. Make sure you have had your completed foreign currency declaration form approved and stamped before you leave the airport.
If you declared currency on arrival, when you leave you will have to show that any foreign currency missing was exchanged at a branch of ’Himbol’, the State foreign currency exchange. If you spend any US dollars at an official hotel you must get a receipt to present along with the currency declaration form when you leave the country.
You are not permitted to take more than 1,000 Nafka (ERN) out of Eritrea.
If you fail to comply with these regulations you may face prosecution leading to a heavy fine, as well as a delay to your departure.
Yellow fever certificate requirements
Check whether you need a yellow fever certificate by visiting the National Travel Health Network and Centre’s TravelHealthPro website.