Canada Visa RequirementsFor Eritrea passport holders
Canada mandates a visa for Eritrean nationals. Eligible applicants apply online via the IRCC portal. Processing times vary from a few weeks to several months depending on application volume and completeness.
Eritrea passport holders require a visa to enter Canada.
Apply online at the IRCC portal. Required documents include valid passport, digital photo, travel history, bank statements, employment letter, and invitation letter if visiting family. Biometrics enrollment at a Visa Application Centre is mandatory. Processing can take 4 to 12 weeks.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Biometrics
Required at first application
Required Documents
IRCC Online Application (IMM 5257)
Complete the temporary resident visa application form online via the IRCC portal at canada.ca/immigration. Create an account and upload all required documents digitally.
Valid Eritrean Passport
Current valid passport with at least 6 months validity beyond the intended stay. Scan and upload the biographical data page.
Digital Passport Photo
Passport-sized photo meeting Canadian standards uploaded digitally. White background, front-facing, neutral expression.
Bank Statements
Last 3 to 6 months of bank statements demonstrating financial stability. There is no set minimum, but sufficient funds to cover flights, accommodation, and living expenses must be demonstrated.
Employment Letter
Letter from employer confirming employment, salary, and approved leave, demonstrating ties to Eritrea and intent to return after the visit.
Travel Itinerary
Detailed travel plan including intended arrival and departure dates, places to be visited, and accommodation details.
Biometric Enrollment
Biometric data (fingerprints and photo) collected at a Visa Application Centre (VAC). The nearest VAC is in Addis Ababa. Must be completed after the online application is submitted.
Invitation Letter (for family visits) Recommended
A signed invitation letter from a Canadian resident or citizen, including their status documents (passport, PR card, or work permit) and contact details.
Current Travel Situation
Eritrea to Canada: What You Need to Know
Canada has a notable Eritrean diaspora community, and family visits are common. Applications are processed through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) online or at a Visa Application Centre. Eritrea does not have a Canadian embassy, so applicants use the VAC in Addis Ababa or Nairobi.
How to Get There
Eritrean applicants in the diaspora (US, UK, Europe) can apply through VACs in those countries with potentially shorter processing times.
Money & Banking
Canada uses CAD. ATMs widespread. Cards accepted nearly everywhere. Contactless payment is common.
Practical Tips
Apply as early as possible given processing times. If visiting family, an invitation letter from a Canadian resident or citizen greatly strengthens the application. Show strong ties to Eritrea to demonstrate intent to return. Biometrics must be collected at an authorized VAC.