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Eritrea Visa for United Kingdom Citizens 2026

Visa Required

UK citizens need a visa to Eritrea and should apply for a Tourist e-Visa online via the official Eritrea portal (https://www.eritrea.be/); typical processing is 3–5 business days with a visa fee around USD 60.

Guide last updated September 5, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport validity: your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from date of entry into Eritrea and have at least 2 blank pages.
  • Forms: Eritrea uses an online e-visa application on the official Eritrea portal; no separate DS-160/VAF forms for UK citizens; print your e-visa approval.
  • Financial proof: there is no mandatory bank statement requirement published on the official portal, but you should show sufficient funds for your stay if asked by border officials (roughly USD 100-300 per day depending on stay).
  • Accommodation and return ticket: confirmed hotel or invitation letter where you will stay; return or onward travel ticket is recommended.
  • Photo specification: recent passport-style photo meeting standard passport size; white background; 2x2 inches (51x51 mm) or as required by the portal; digital photo size not exceeding 4 MB in JPEG.
  • Biometrics: not required for the online e-visa; biometric data is typically not collected until or unless requested on entry by Eritrean authorities.
  • Travel health insurance: strongly recommended; not necessarily required for visa issuance.

Visa types

  • Tourist e-Visa (official name: Tourist e-Visa): Single-entry; validity up to 90 days from issue; stay up to 30 days per visit; approximate fee USD 60.
  • Business e-Visa (official name: Business e-Visa): Single-entry; validity up to 90 days from issue; stay up to 30 days; approximate fee USD 100.
  • Student e-Visa (official name: Student e-Visa): Single-entry; validity up to 180 days from issue; stay up to 90 days per visit; approximate fee USD 70.
  • Work visa (official name: Eritrea Work Visa) (Note: may require embassy processing rather than online): typically single-entry; validity up to 180 days; stay up to 90 days; approximate fee USD 150.
  • Transit/Other: not commonly issued to UK citizens; confirm via official portal.

Application process

  • How to apply online: use the official Eritrea visa portal (https://www.eritrea.be/); create an account, complete the online application form, upload passport scan and a recent photo, pay the visa fee online, and receive the e-visa approval by email to print.
  • Visa on arrival: not available for UK citizens in most cases; obtain an e-visa or embassy visa before travel.
  • Sticker visa (via embassy/consulate): if online e-visa is not possible, apply through the Eritrean Embassy/Consulate in the UK or nearest location; steps include submitting a paper application, passport copies, photos, invitation/hotel details; pay the visa fee by bank transfer or in person; processing typically 5–15 working days depending on consulate workload; interview is not normally required.
  • Print and present: carry a printed copy of the e-visa authorization to present on entry; border authorities may require to see passport, travel itinerary, and accommodation details.

Fees & processing time

  • Visa fee (e-visa): approximately USD 60 (Tourist); USD 100 (Business); USD 70 (Student); USD 150 (Work) – pay online via the portal with a credit/debit card.
  • VFS/BLS service fee: not applicable in this route; Eritrea uses the official portal or embassy; there is typically no external VFS/BLS handling for Eritrea in the UK.
  • Total cost estimate: for a Tourist e-Visa expect around USD 60-70 total; for Business around USD 100-110; for Student around USD 70-80; for Work around USD 150-170.
  • Standard processing time: 3–5 business days for e-visa; embassy applications may take 5–15 business days depending on consulate workload.
  • Express/priority option: not always available; some consulates offer expedited processing for higher fees; verify on the portal/consulate.

Tips for United Kingdom travelers

  • Plan well in advance: apply at least 2–3 weeks before travel; peak seasons may cause delays; ensure passport validity and blank pages.
  • Common rejection reasons (UK applicants): incomplete or inconsistent information; passport image not clear or not meeting requirements; passport validity too short; lack of hotel/invitation proof; insufficient funds; mismatch between travel dates and visa validity.
  • VFS/BLS vs direct embassy application: Eritrea mainly uses online e-visa or embassy route; there is no widely used VFS/BLS center for Eritrea in the UK; always verify the current process on the official portal and with the Eritrean Embassy UK if needed.
  • Travel advisories: check the UK government's travel advisory for Eritrea before travel; political sensitivities and internal travel restrictions exist; local conditions can change rapidly.
  • Extension options: visa extensions may be possible on arrival at the Eritrean Department of Immigration and Passport in Asmara for a limited additional period; extensions are not guaranteed and may require a new visa application or agency assistance; fees apply.

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

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This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.