Eritrea Visa for American Citizens2026 Requirements, Fees & Documents
American passport holders need a visa to enter Eritrea. Apply at a Eritrea embassy or consulate, or the official visa portal, before travelling.
- Max stay
- Varies
- Visa cost
- USD 50
- How to apply
- Embassy / visa centre
- Processing
- 15-28 days
Policy noteVisa required in advance from the Embassy of Eritrea in Washington, DC - visas are not issued on arrival. Apply online via the Embassy's CAPS portal (us.eriembassy.org), selecting the Tourist category. Passport valid 6+ months with 2 blank pages.
How American citizens apply for a Eritrea visa
- → Apply for a visa at the Eritrea embassy/consulate or official visa application centre before travelling. Apply here ↗
Eritrea visa cost for American citizens
Tourist visa (embassy sticker visa)
USD 50
Fees checked 2 Jul 2026
Eritrea visa types
Tourist Visa
Allows foreign nationals to visit Eritrea for tourism purposes. Valid for one month from arrival; may be extended in Asmara.
- Fee is USD 50 per US Embassy (Washington D.C.) plus $23 in additional fees ($13 photo printing + $10 service fee).
- Australian consulate charges AUD 90 (adult) / AUD 45 (under 18).
- Validity 90 days from issue; upon arrival, permitted stay is one month.
- Urgent processing available (+AUD 20 surcharge at Melbourne consulate).
- Minors under 17 require birth certificate copies.
Business Visa
Allows foreign nationals to enter Eritrea for business activities. Available in durations of up to 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, or 1 year.
- Fee tiers at US Embassy: $100 (single/1 month), $150 (3 months), $200 (6 months), $300 (1 year) plus $23 additional fees.
- Australian consulate charges AUD 170 (up to 1 month), AUD 240 (up to 3 months).
- Requires employment/business letter and proof of funds.
Transit Visa
Allows foreign nationals to transit through Eritrea en route to a final destination.
Requires air ticket and proof of valid visa for final destination country. Additional $23 in fees ($13 photo printing + $10 service fee) at US embassy.
Apply here ↗Other Eritrea visa categories (5)Hide other visa categories
These don't apply to a typical short visit, but cover other reasons people travel to Eritrea. Eligibility varies by visa type - some are limited to specific nationalities, so check each one's conditions.
Common to several visa categories below
- Additional $23 in fees ($13 photo printing + $10 service fee) at US embassy.
Employment Visa
Allows foreign nationals to enter Eritrea for employment purposes under a specific Eritrean employer sponsorship.
Requires sponsorship letter from Eritrean employer detailing role and duration. Australian consulate charges AUD 170.
Apply here ↗Student Visa
Allows foreign nationals to enter Eritrea to undertake study at an Eritrean educational institution.
Requires acceptance/enrollment letter from Eritrean school and proof of financial support.
Apply here ↗Family Visit Visa
Allows foreign nationals (or Eritreans without valid national ID) to visit family members resident in Eritrea.
- Requires details of Eritrean reference/host resident in Eritrea.
- Australian consulate charges AUD 120 (adult) / AUD 60 (under 18).
- Minors under 24 born to Eritrean parents must include copies of birth certificates.
Official Visa
Issued to holders of G4 visas, diplomats, or those invited by Eritrean government ministries or organizations for official purposes.
- Gratis (no fee).
- Requires diplomatic note from sponsoring ministry or organization.
- At US Embassy, available only to G4 visa holders.
- At Australian consulate, available to government/organizational invitees.
Other Visa
Miscellaneous visa category for purposes not covered by the named categories above.
- Listed as a separate fee category on the US Embassy visa page at $70.
- No further description provided by the embassy.
- Additional $23 in fees apply.
Eritrea visa for American citizens - FAQ
Do American citizens need a visa for Eritrea?
Yes - American citizens must apply for a visa in advance at a Eritrea embassy, consulate, or official visa portal before travelling.
What documents do American citizens need for Eritrea?
A passport valid well beyond your planned stay (commonly three to six months, depending on the destination), proof of onward travel and funds, and any documents required for the specific Eritrea visa category - check the official portal for the exact passport-validity rule.