How To Get an Eritrea Tourist Visa in Washington DC, USA [Tourist Visa for Eritrea]

Eritrea is situated in northeast Africa. Because of its location, it shares borders with Ethiopia, Sudan, and Djibouti. The capital of the country is Asmara, which is popular for historical buildings. Eritrea is not well known by many, but this country actually has a lot to offer for tourists. People from Asmara are known to be friendly and welcoming, that’s why visitors can feel safe going here.

With all the reasons that we stated, we really do think that Eritrea deserves a spot in your travel bucket list. This hidden gem in Africa can make your travel experiences more memorable and inspiring!

Unfortunately, US citizens need a visa before entering Eritrea. That’s why in this article, we provided you all the information that you might need in case you consider going to this African country and decided to get Eritrea Tourist Visa.

Facts about Eritrea

Language

Eritrea’s languages are Tigrinya, Tigre, and Dahlik. However, the official language is Tigrinya. When it comes to writing systems, Eritrea's principal orthography is Ge'ez, Latin script and Arabic script.

Currency

Eritrean nakfa

Religion

The religion in Eritrea is equally divided between Christian and Islam (Muslim).

Main Requirements in Applying for Eritrea Tourist Visa

1. Passport (Valid for at least 6 months from date of arrival in Eritrea)

2. A completed application form.

3. Passport-sized photos. (must be attached)

4. Proof of sufficient funds to cover all expenses. (It can be a bank statement)

5. Self-addressed envelope (USPS Express / Priority, UPS, Federal Express Account Number)

6. Proof of a yellow fever vaccine certificate (You can check here for the yellow fever vaccination clinics near you.)

Visa Fee for Eritrea Tourist Visa:

Tourist Visa: $50.00 (Single-entry)

*All fees are non-refundable

Mode of payment: Only Cashier’s checks and money orders are acceptable and should be payable to the Embassy of Eritrea.

Processing time: Minimum of 10 business days

Can I apply by mail?

If you don’t have enough time to go to the Embassy for a walk-in application, then yes, you can apply by mail. Just complete the requirements above and mail the completed form to the Embassy of Eritrea in Washington D.C (the address and contact numbers are written below).

Other things to remember

If you are traveling with Diplomatic or Official travel documents, a diplomatic note or a note verbal is required.
For a business visa, a letter from a sponsoring company, stating the purpose of the trip, should be enclosed.
If you are a non-USA passport holder but residing in the US and you want to apply for an Eritrea visa, a proof of USA residency permit is required.
Eritrea doesn’t offer a visa on arrival.

Embassy in the United States

Embassy of Eritrea
Address: 1708 New Hampshire Ave, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009, U.S.A
Contact number:
Tel: 202-319-1991
Fax: 202-319-1304
Email: embassyeritrea@embassyeritrea.org

Office hours:
09:00 AM - 04:00 PM (Monday-Friday)

Frequently Asked Questions on Applying for a South Sudan Tourist Visa

1. When should I apply for a visa?

It is advisable to apply at least a month before your departure since the processing time takes up to 10 business days.

2. Is it safe to travel to Eritrea?

The rural or remote areas can be dangerous, especially in border areas which continue to cause occasional injury or death. However, Eritrea is considered one of the safest places for tourists compared to other African countries, especially in Asmara (Eritrea’s capital) it is absolutely safe for visitors to go around even at night. If you wish to travel to Eritrea, the US government provided precautionary measures so that you can really prepare your trip there. See it here.

3. Should I get travel insurance before my departure?

Yes. It is advisable to get travel insurance before you go to Eritrea. Even the US government always advise their citizen to get travel insurance before heading to any African countries.

4. How to get there?

Unfortunately, there are no direct flights from the US to Eritrea. You need a connecting flight to go there. The main airport in Eritrea is Asmara International Airport. Visit Skyscanner to see the available flights.

5. When is the best time to visit Eritrea?

June to September is the rainy season in Eritrea, so it is advisable to avoid these months. If you want to have a more comfortable trip, December to February is recommended as the weather and temperature during these months are not so harsh.

6. Will I have a hard time communicating with the locals?

The majority of Eritreans do not speak English, so visitors might have a hard time communicating with the people. It is recommended to have a translation app, a dictionary or a travel guide/book with you so you won’t have a hard time going around Eritrea.

7. Why should I visit Eritrea?

Aside from the fact that Eritrea is rich in historical and cultural facts, it is also considered one the safest country to visit in Africa (if you will stay in Asmara). And of course, Asmara as its capital is known for its Italian colonial buildings such as the St. Joseph's Cathedral, as well as art deco structures. A combination of Italian, Egyptian and Turkish architecture in Massawa reflects the port city's colorful history. If you wish to see other popular buildings like St. Mariam Cathedral and the Imperial Palace, then you should head to Eritrea!

Another thing to consider is the Eritrean food! Some of the food that you shouldn’t miss here is their tsebhi or their stew, especially the “Zigini”, which is a very spicy stew and also the National dish of Eritrea. So if you have the courage to try this really spicy stew, then why not go and try it here to challenge yourself if you can handle the spice!

Surely Eritrea is a hidden gem in Africa. It is rich in history and offers plenty of beautiful architectural buildings. So if it is not yet part of your travel plans, then you might want to consider adding it onto your list. You’d surely enjoy an amazing journey in this wonderful country.