Embassy
Embassy of Eritrea in South Africa
1281 Cobham Road
Eritrea visa requirements for South African citizens
South African citizens need a visa for Eritrea, from its embassy or consulate.
Passport
ZAF
South Africa
Going to
ERI
Eritrea
Visa needed
A visa for people visiting Eritrea for a holiday.
- Visa
- Required
- Last updated
- 11 November 2026
What to do
Find Eritrea's embassy or consulate that covers where you live.
Prepare the application form, photos, bank statements and travel bookings.
Book an appointment early; processing can take several weeks.
Get your Eritrea visa sorted
A visa expert checks the rules and helps you apply. No payment now.
Ways into Eritrea
Get a visa for a holiday.
Visa requiredWashington tourist visaA visa for people visiting Eritrea for a holiday.
- Processing
- 15 days
How to apply
- Contact the embassy for its application rules.
- Follow its steps and wait for your visa.
Official pageDocuments required
- Passport valid 6 months
- Conditional yellow fever certificate requirement; see the vaccination FAQ. vaccine
Visa requiredLondon tourist visaA visa for people visiting Eritrea for a holiday.
How to apply
- Contact the embassy for its application rules.
- Follow its steps and wait for your visa.
Official pageDocuments required
- Passport valid 6 months
Visa requiredNew Delhi tourist visaA visa for people visiting Eritrea for a holiday.
How to apply
- Contact the embassy to check whether you can apply.
- Follow its steps and wait for your visa.
Official pageDocuments required
- Passport valid 6 months
Sources (5)Last updated 11 November 2026
- Embassy of Eritrea, Washington — Visa requirements, exemptions and application instructions
- Embassy of Eritrea, London — Consular Services
- Embassy of Eritrea, New Delhi — Visa Information
- Embassy of Eritrea, New Delhi — Requirements for obtaining an entry visa
- Embassy of Eritrea, New Delhi — Official application downloads
Embassies for this trip
Book an appointment before you go.
Coming from South Africa
- Plugs C LAdapter for some
- MoneyERN Nfk
- Time+1h
- DrivingOn the rightLook left first
- LanguageArabicSpoken at home too
- Emergency113 police114 ambulance
Planning your Eritrea trip
- Church of Our Lady of the RosaryThis Italian-era church has a tall bell tower and Lombard-Romanesque architecture. Its tower is a useful landmark in Asmara.
- Enda Mariam Orthodox CathedralThis ancient church stands in central Asmara. Its layout represents the four directions of the earth.
- Asmara Theatre and Opera HouseBuilt in 1920, it is a striking example of Italian architecture.
- Al Khulafa Al Rashidin MosqueIts design combines Italian and local Moorish styles.
Scams to watch for in Eritrea
- Unofficial currency exchange and dubious money dealsSomeone offers a better rate for your foreign cash or proposes another questionable money deal. Taking part can expose you to severe legal trouble. The frequency of these offers is unclear.
- Aggressive beggingSome children beg aggressively and may throw rocks. This is street harassment rather than a documented organised scam. They usually leave when refused firmly.
- Armed robbery in high-risk areasArmed robbery is a serious risk in these areas. No specific approach or theft method is described, and the frequency is unclear.
About Eritrea
Eritrea is a republic on the Red Sea coast of the Horn of Africa, north of Ethiopia and Djibouti.
- Capital
- Asmara
- Money
- Eritrean nakfa (Nfk)
- Languages
- Arabic, English, Tigrinya
- Time zone
- UTC+03:00
- Cars drive on the
- right side
- Calling code
- +291
Other Africa passports
Going to Eritrea
Easier trips nearby
Places close to Eritrea with simpler entry for you.
Questions
Do south african citizens need a visa for Eritrea?
South African citizens need a visa for Eritrea, from its embassy or consulate.
Where do I apply for a Eritrea visa?
At Eritrea's embassy or consulate that covers where you live. Book an appointment early, as it can take several weeks.
Does a US, UK or Schengen visa help south african citizens enter Eritrea?
We have no record of Eritrea relaxing its rules for south african citizens who hold another country's visa. Check with the embassy before you rely on one.
Do eritrean citizens need a visa for South Africa?
Eritrean citizens need a visa for South Africa, from its embassy or consulate.
Do other Africa passports get easier entry to Eritrea?
Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia and Sudan can enter without applying before they travel.
Which countries near Eritrea are easier for south african citizens?
Kenya, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique Réunion, and 3 more let south african citizens in without applying before travel.
What should I carry to Eritrea?
Find Eritrea's embassy or consulate that covers where you live. Prepare the application form, photos, bank statements and travel bookings.
What money is used in Eritrea?
Eritrean nakfa (Nfk). Carry some cash for arrival, especially if a visa fee is paid at the border.
What language do people speak in Eritrea?
Arabic, English and Tigrinya.
How strong is the South Africa passport?
It ranks #51 and reaches 91 destinations without applying ahead.
Reviewed by @snuck