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🇩🇪GERMANY
🏳ERDE-ER

Do Germany passport holders need a visa to visit ER?

German passport holders need a visa obtained in advance from an Eritrean embassy or consulate before traveling to Eritrea. There is no eVisa and no visa on arrival for German citizens. A German (DE) ordinary passport holder must obtain an Eritrean tourist visa in advance. Eritrea does not offer an eVisa or visa on arrival to German/EU citizens; only Kenya and Uganda are visa-exempt, and only Ethiopia and Sudan are eligible for visa on arrival. Germans must apply at the Embassy of Eritrea in Berlin (Stavangerstraße 18) or the Consulate General in Frankfurt. The standard tourist visa is single entry, valid for entry within 3 months of issue, and permits a stay of up to 30 days (extendable in Asmara). Requirements include a passport valid at least 6 months with 2 blank pages, proof of onward travel, sufficient funds, accommodation, itinerary and travel insurance. Processing typically takes a minimum of 15 business days, so applying at least 4-12 weeks ahead is strongly advised. Important on-the-ground rules: foreigners need a separate travel permit from the Ministry of Tourism to travel more than 25 km outside Asmara, a yellow fever certificate may be required, and currency over USD 10,000 must be declared. Exit-visa complications apply mainly to Eritrean-origin dual nationals. This information was verified against the Eritrean Embassy, the Eritrea visa-policy record, and the U.S. Department of State country information as of 2026-05-30.
VISA REQUIREDTOURISMFLEXIBLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-30
For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.
Germany (PR)Living in Germany as a permanent resident? See PR-specific guidance→
/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-30
Visa type
Tourist visa (embassy/consulate, single entry)
Maximum stay
Up to 30 days per entry (extendable in Asmara)
per entry
Entries
Single entry (multiple-entry available on request)
from issue date
Visa fee
Approx. USD 30-70 (varies by mission and stay length)
consular fee only
Processing time
Minimum 15 business days; apply 4-12 weeks ahead
standard track
Validity
Must enter within 3 months of issue date
from issue date
/02 — The process

How to apply

/01
Confirm passport and document validity
Ensure your German passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay and has at least 2 blank pages.
· 6 months validity· 2 blank pages
/02
Gather supporting documents
Prepare a completed application form, passport photos, proof of onward/return travel, hotel reservation, travel itinerary, proof of sufficient funds and travel insurance.
· Onward ticket· Hotel booking· Travel insurance
/03
Apply at an Eritrean mission in Germany
Submit your application to the Embassy of Eritrea in Berlin (Stavangerstraße 18) or the Consulate General in Frankfurt. There is no eVisa or visa on arrival.
· Berlin embassy· Frankfurt consulate· In person or by post
/04
Pay the visa fee
Pay the non-refundable tourist visa fee as instructed by the mission. Fees are typically in USD and vary by stay length and entry type.
· Non-refundable· USD denominated
/05
Wait for processing and collect
Allow a minimum of 15 business days for processing. Collect the passport with the visa sticker; the visa must be used within 3 months of issue.
· 15+ business days· Enter within 3 months
/06
Plan internal travel permits
After arrival, obtain a Ministry of Tourism travel permit in Asmara for any trips more than 25 km outside the capital.
· Permit for >25 km· Apply in Asmara
/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

10 items
Personalized checklist
0 / 10 complete
German passport valid 6+ months beyond stay, with 2 blank pages
required
Completed Eritrea visa application form
required
Recent passport-size photographs
required
Confirmed onward or return flight ticket
required
Hotel reservation or accommodation details
required
Proof of sufficient funds for the trip
required
Travel itinerary covering the stay
recommended
Travel/medical insurance covering Eritrea
recommended
Yellow fever vaccination certificate (if arriving from a risk country)
situational
Cash in USD for visa fee and currency declaration if over USD 10,000
recommended
Track your progress · save & email a copy
/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate
Line itemAmountSource
Tourist visa fee (single entry)USD 30-70Varies by mission and length of stay; non-refundable
Multiple-entry visa (if requested)USD 70-120Higher fee for multiple entries / longer validity
Travel permit (outside Asmara)Nominal / freeIssued by Ministry of Tourism for travel beyond 25 km
Optional courier / agency serviceUSD 20-60If applying by post or via a visa agency
Total estimateUSD 30 — USD 130incl. all
/05 — The wait

Processing time

Standard embassy/consulate processing
Minimum 15 business days
Apply in person or by post at the Berlin embassy or Frankfurt consulate; the only official channel.
Early submission (recommended buffer)
4-12 weeks before travel
Allows time for delays, document requests and postal return.
/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency
/01
No eVisa or visa on arrival for Germans
Eritrea offers visa on arrival only to Ethiopia and Sudan and visa-free entry only to Kenya and Uganda; all others, including Germany, must obtain a visa in advance.
High
/02
Embassy-only application
The visa must be obtained from an Eritrean diplomatic mission such as Berlin or Frankfurt; there is no online option.
High
/03
Internal travel permits required
Foreigners need a Ministry of Tourism permit to travel more than 25 km outside Asmara.
Medium
/04
Long processing time
Processing takes a minimum of 15 business days, so last-minute travel is not feasible.
Medium
/05
Exit and currency controls
Currency over USD 10,000 must be declared and exit-visa rules can affect certain travelers, especially Eritrean-origin dual nationals.
Low
/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01
Immigration
Keep your passport, visa or exemption proof, return ticket, and accommodation details ready for border inspection.
/02
Customs
Review the destination's customs rules before travel and declare restricted goods or large cash amounts when required.
/03
Connectivity
Check whether airport SIMs, eSIMs, or roaming are the best option for your route before arrival.
/08 — The history

Policy changelog

since 2024
2026-05-30 · major
Germany to Eritrea route verified
Confirmed visa-required (no eVisa, no visa on arrival) for German ordinary passport holders against the Eritrean Embassy, Eritrea visa-policy record and U.S. State Department country information.
/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Can German citizens get an Eritrea visa on arrival?—
No. Visa on arrival is available only to citizens of Ethiopia and Sudan. German passport holders must obtain a visa in advance from an Eritrean embassy or consulate.
Is there an Eritrea eVisa for Germans?+
Where do I apply in Germany?+
How long can I stay on a tourist visa?+
Do I need a permit to travel within Eritrea?+
How early should I apply?+
/11 — Passport tools

Tools for the Germany passport

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Compare the Germany passport
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Germany passport power
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