Eritrea Visa Requirements
For 🇪🇸 Spain passport holders
Spain passport holders must apply for a visa at a Eritrea embassy or consulate before traveling.
Spanish citizens require a visa to enter Eritrea. Visas must be obtained in advance from the Eritrean embassy. Eritrea is one of the world's least visited countries with strict travel regulations.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond stay
Blank Pages
2 page(s) required
Multiple Entry
Single entry
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Entry Conditions
Valid passport with at least 6 months validity, visa obtained in advance, return ticket, and letter of invitation or tour confirmation. Travel permits required for movement outside Asmara.
Serious consequences including detention and difficulty leaving.
Travel Essentials
Health & Safety
Safety Rating
Vaccinations
Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Malaria prophylaxis for lowlands, Meningitis
Tap Water
Bottled water recommended
Safety Tips
Eritrea is one of the world's most restricted countries. Travel outside Asmara requires permits, and movement is heavily monitored. Avoid border areas, especially with Ethiopia (despite the 2018 peace agreement) and Djibouti. Photography is restricted. Despite restrictions, Eritrea has low crime and is physically safe.
Money & Costs
Currency
Nfk Eritrean Nakfa (ERN)
Daily Budget (USD)
Budget: $40 · Mid: $80 · Luxury: $150+
Tipping
Tipping is not expected but appreciated. Small tips for exceptional service are welcome.
Practical Info
Power
Type C, 230V 50Hz
Driving
Right side
Emergency
114 (Police), 116 (Fire), 115 (Ambulance)
Getting There
Main Airports
Asmara (ASM)
Culture & Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Eritrea is from October to March during the dry, cooler season. The Asmara highlands enjoy pleasant year-round temperatures due to altitude. Avoid June to September when heavy rains affect the western lowlands. The Red Sea coast is hot year-round.
Cultural Notes
Eritrea has a rich cultural blend of Christian highlands and Muslim lowlands. Italian colonial architecture is beautifully preserved in Asmara, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Coffee culture is significant - the coffee ceremony is an important social ritual. The country fiercely guards its independence and identity.
Insider Tips
Tigrinya, Arabic, and English are official languages. The Nakfa is the currency - bring cash as ATMs rarely work. Internet is extremely limited. Get travel permits in Asmara before exploring. Photography of people, government buildings, and infrastructure requires permission. SIM cards for foreigners may be difficult to obtain.
Frequently Asked Questions
How difficult is it to visit Eritrea?
Eritrea is one of the world's most challenging destinations. Visas require embassy applications (no e-visa), movement outside Asmara requires travel permits, photography is restricted, and internet is extremely limited. Independent travel is possible but organized tours simplify logistics. Despite challenges, visitors find the experience rewarding and unique.
Why is Asmara a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Asmara was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017 for its exceptionally well-preserved Italian modernist architecture from the 1930s. The city features Futurist, Art Deco, and Rationalist buildings including the Fiat Tagliero service station, Cinema Impero, and Cathedral. It's often called a "living museum" of early 20th-century architecture.
Do I need a travel permit to leave Asmara?
Yes, travel outside Asmara and its immediate surroundings requires a travel permit obtained from the Ministry of Tourism in Asmara. The permit specifies your route and destinations. Apply a few days before planned travel. Checkpoints verify permits throughout the country. This is strictly enforced.
What can I see in Eritrea?
Eritrea offers: Asmara's UNESCO-listed Italian architecture, the ancient port city of Massawa on the Red Sea, Dahlak Islands for diving, the rugged Danakil Depression (partly shared with Ethiopia), the monastery of Debre Bizen, and the scenic train ride from Asmara to Massawa on the historic railway. The landscapes are stunning and tourism is minimal.
Is the Eritrea-Ethiopia border open?
The Eritrea-Ethiopia border has been complicated since the 2018 peace agreement. While relations improved, border crossing for tourists remains unpredictable. Check current status before planning cross-border travel. Most visitors fly in and out of Asmara. The border areas should be treated with caution regardless of official status.