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🇬🇧United Kingdom
🇪🇷EritreaGB-ER

United Kingdom to Eritrea visa requirements

UK ordinary passport holders need a visa before traveling to Eritrea. There is no eVisa, visa-on-arrival, or visa-free option. You must apply in advance for a paper visa stamped in your passport, normally through the Eritrean Embassy in London. A British (GB) ordinary passport holder cannot enter Eritrea without a visa obtained in advance. Eritrea does not offer an eVisa system, visa-on-arrival, or any visa-waiver for UK citizens. The tourist visa is a physical stamp placed inside the passport, applied for at the Embassy of Eritrea in London (96 White Lion Street). Applicants submit their actual passport (valid at least 6 months beyond arrival with at least 2 consecutive blank pages), a completed application form, two passport photos, a letter of employment confirmation, and proof of onward travel. Single-entry tourist visas typically cost around GBP 25 (consular fees vary; agency-assisted applications cost more), with processing of roughly 10-15 working days. A notable Eritrea-specific point: travel within the country requires permits, and dual British-Eritrean nationals entering on an Eritrean ID must obtain an exit permit before leaving. Verified against GOV.UK foreign travel advice and the Eritrean Embassy UK as of 2026-05-30; both confirm a visa is mandatory.
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.
Policy alertWatch this route for rule changesSave this passport and destination for email summaries and optional browser notifications.Subscribe →United Kingdom (ILR)Living in United Kingdom as a permanent resident? See PR-specific guidance→
/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-30
Visa type
Paper visa (embassy-issued, passport stamp) - tourist/visit
Maximum stay
Typically up to 30 days for tourist visas
per entry
Entries
Single entry (multiple-entry at embassy discretion)
from issue date
Visa fee
Around GBP 25 for a single-entry tourist visa (consular fee; agency fees extra)
consular fee only
Processing time
Approximately 10-15 working days
standard track
Validity
Usually valid up to 3 months from issue for entry
from issue date
/02 — The process

How to apply

/01
Confirm your passport meets requirements
Ensure your British passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date and has at least 2 consecutive blank pages for the visa stamp and entry stamps.
· 6 months validity· 2 blank pages
/02
Gather supporting documents
Prepare a completed visa request form, two recent passport-sized photos, a letter confirming your employment, and evidence of onward or return travel from Eritrea.
· Application form· 2 photos· Employment letter· Onward ticket
/03
Book an embassy appointment
The Eritrean Embassy in London provides consular services by appointment only. Arrange this in advance by phone (+44 (0)207 713 0096) or via their online booking system.
· Appointment only
/04
Submit your application and passport
Lodge your application with your actual passport (not a copy), as the visa is physically stamped inside. Pay the consular fee at submission.
· Original passport required
/05
Wait for processing
Allow roughly 10-15 working days. Expedited service may be available at the embassy's discretion for an additional fee. Apply 1-2 months before travel.
· 10-15 working days
/06
Collect passport and check travel permits
Retrieve your passport with the visa, verify the dates and details, and note that internal travel in Eritrea requires separate movement permits obtained locally.
· Verify visa details· Internal permits needed
/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

13 items
Personalized checklist
United Kingdom -> Eritrea · Paper visa (embassy-issued, passport stamp) - tourist/visit
0 / 13 complete
Deadline reminderAdd a date before export
RequiredBritish passport valid 6+ months beyond arrival
Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route
required
RequiredAt least 2 consecutive blank passport pages
Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route
required
RequiredCompleted Eritrea visa request form
Official form; submit online or print and sign as instructed
required
RequiredTwo recent passport-sized photographs
Use the official size, background, and recency rules for this route
required
RequiredLetter confirming employment
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredProof of onward/return travel
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredConsular fee payment (around GBP 25, single entry)
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredEmbassy appointment booked in advance
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RecommendedYellow fever certificate if arriving from a risk country
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
recommended
RecommendedTour operator confirmation / accommodation details
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
recommended
RequiredOfficial application form or online application
Official form; submit online or print and sign as instructed
Use the current form from the official or designated application channel.
RequiredFlight and hotel itinerary
Confirmed or agency-arranged itinerary when the route guide requires it
Use dates that fit the allowed stay and visa validity.
RecommendedTravel medical insurance
Policy certificate showing traveler name, destination, and coverage dates
Some destinations or agencies require it even when the core visa rule only recommends it.
Official sourcesGOV.UK - Eritrea travel advice: Entry requirementsEmbassy of Eritrea in the UK - Consular ServicesCIBTvisas - Eritrea Visa Requirements (UK)
Application link included: CIBTvisas - Eritrea Visa Requirements (UK)
Open link
/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate
Line itemAmountSource
Single-entry tourist visa (consular fee)GBP 25Paid to the Eritrean Embassy; subject to change
Multiple-entry visaGBP 50+At embassy discretion; higher than single entry
Expedited/express serviceGBP 20-50Optional, at embassy discretion for faster processing
Visa agency service feeGBP 50-150Optional, if using a third-party visa service
Total estimateGBP 25 — GBP 175incl. all
/05 — The wait

Processing time

Standard embassy processing
10-15 working days
Apply directly at the Eritrean Embassy in London; recommended to apply 1-2 months before travel.
Expedited service
A few working days
Faster processing at the embassy's discretion for an additional fee.
Visa agency-assisted
2-3 weeks
A third-party agency handles submission; adds service fees but reduces administrative effort.
/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency
/01
No visa-free or visa-waiver agreement
Eritrea has no visa-exemption arrangement with the UK; all British tourists require a visa obtained before arrival.
High
/02
No eVisa or visa-on-arrival for tourists
Eritrea does not operate an online visa or airport visa-on-arrival scheme for UK ordinary passport holders.
High
/03
Strict immigration and security controls
Eritrea maintains tight entry controls, and travel within the country requires separate permits.
Medium
/04
Dual-national exit permit rule
British-Eritrean dual nationals entering on an Eritrean ID must obtain an exit permit before leaving.
Low
/05
Original passport must be submitted
The visa is a physical stamp, so the embassy requires your actual passport during processing.
Medium
/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
United Kingdom to Eritrea route verified
Confirmed visa-required status for UK ordinary passport holders against GOV.UK foreign travel advice and the Eritrean Embassy UK. No eVisa or visa-on-arrival exists; paper visa from the embassy in London is mandatory.
/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Do UK citizens need a visa to visit Eritrea?—
Yes. A visa is mandatory for British passport holders and must be obtained in advance, normally from the Eritrean Embassy in London. There is no visa-free entry.
Can I get an Eritrea eVisa or visa on arrival?+
How much does an Eritrea tourist visa cost?+
How long does processing take?+
What documents do I need?+
Are there any travel restrictions inside Eritrea?+
/11 — Passport tools

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