United States Visa RequirementsFor Eritrea passport holders
Eritrean citizens must obtain a B1/B2 visitor visa before entering the United States. While the US Embassy exists in Asmara, consular services are severely limited. Interview wait times are among the longest globally, potentially 6 months to over a year.
Eritrea passport holders require a visa to enter United States.
Apply online at ceac.state.gov using Form DS-160. Pay the $185 USD non-refundable MRV fee, then schedule an interview at the US Embassy in Asmara. Note that consular services in Asmara are severely limited. Due to capacity constraints, some applicants may need to apply at another US Embassy in the region, such as Addis Ababa or Nairobi. Contact the US Embassy in Asmara to confirm current visa interview availability.
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
Required Documents
DS-160 application form
Completed online at ceac.state.gov before scheduling interview
Valid passport
At least 6 months validity beyond intended stay
MRV fee receipt
$185 USD non-refundable visa application fee
Passport photo
2x2 inch (51x51mm), white background
Interview appointment confirmation
Scheduled via US Embassy website
Proof of financial means
Bank statements, pay stubs, or tax returns
Proof of ties to home country
Employment letter, property documents, family ties, or enrollment
Travel itinerary Recommended
Intended travel dates and purpose
Current Travel Situation
Eritrea to United States: What You Need to Know
The United States and Eritrea have a complex relationship, primarily focused on human rights concerns and regional stability in the Horn of Africa. The US has consistently raised concerns about Eritrea's human rights record. Eritrea is not an AGOA member. There is a significant Eritrean diaspora in the United States, particularly in Washington D.C. and major East Coast cities. The US has limited aid engagement in the country.
How to Get There
From Asmara, the primary international connection is Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa (ADD). Ethiopian Airlines serves JFK, IAD, ATL, and other major US cities from Addis Ababa. Turkish Airlines connects via Istanbul (IST) as an alternative routing. There are very few other international carriers operating in Asmara.
Money & Banking
The US dollar (USD) is the currency in the United States. Credit cards are widely accepted. Budget around $100 to $150 per day for modest travel. Tipping is customary: 15 to 20% at restaurants and a few dollars for hotel staff.
Practical Tips
Apply at least 9 to 12 months before your intended travel date due to extremely long wait times. Check current wait times at travel.state.gov/waitingtimes. If interview slots in Asmara are unavailable, inquire about applying at the US Embassy in Addis Ababa or Nairobi. Demonstrating strong ties to Eritrea, such as employment, property, or family, is critical. The Eritrean diaspora community is large in the US, which means consular officers are well aware of strong home-country ties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a US Embassy in Eritrea where I can apply for a B1/B2 visa?
Yes, there is a US Embassy in Asmara where Eritrea citizens can apply for a B1/B2 visitor visa. Complete the DS-160 form at ceac.state.gov, pay the $185 MRV fee, and schedule an interview appointment through the embassy website.
How long are US visa interview wait times from Eritrea?
Interview wait times at the US Embassy in Asmara (with limited consular capacity) for Eritrea citizens are typically 6 months to over a year for a B1/B2 visitor visa. Wait times fluctuate based on demand and embassy staffing. Check current wait times at travel.state.gov/waitingtimes before planning your application.
How far in advance should Eritrea citizens apply for a US B1/B2 visa?
Given current interview wait times of 6 months to over a year, apply at least 12 months before your intended travel date. This allows time for scheduling your appointment, attending the interview, and receiving your passport with the visa. Applying early also gives you time to gather supporting documents.
What airlines and routes are available from Eritrea to the United States?
There are no direct flights from Asmara to the United States. Common routing options include Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa. Ethiopian Airlines is Africa's largest carrier and connects many African cities to JFK, IAD (Washington Dulles), ATL (Atlanta), IAH (Houston), and ORD (Chicago) via Addis Ababa.
How can I strengthen my US B1/B2 visa application from Eritrea?
The key to a strong US B1/B2 application from Eritrea is demonstrating strong ties to your home country and that you will return after your visit. Submit a stable employment letter, property ownership documents, bank statements showing sufficient funds, and evidence of family responsibilities. A clear travel purpose, realistic itinerary, and clean travel history also help.
What documents should I bring to my US visa interview as a citizen of Eritrea?
Bring your valid passport with at least 6 months validity beyond your intended stay, your DS-160 confirmation page, your MRV fee payment receipt, your interview appointment confirmation, a 2x2 inch passport photo, bank statements, employment letter or proof of ties to Eritrea, and any other supporting documents that demonstrate your intent to return home.
What is the US B1/B2 visa fee for Eritrea citizens?
The US B1/B2 visa application fee is $185 USD, known as the MRV (Machine Readable Visa) fee. This fee is non-refundable, even if your application is denied. Pay the fee through the payment portal linked on the US Embassy website before scheduling your interview.
Can a Eritrea citizen with a US B1/B2 visa work in the United States?
No. A B1/B2 visa only permits business visits (B1) and tourism or pleasure (B2). Working for a US employer is not permitted on a B1/B2 visa. Unauthorized work can result in deportation and future visa denials. If you intend to work in the United States, you must apply for an appropriate work visa such as H-1B, L-1, or O-1.