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🇬🇧UNITED KINGDOM
🏳ERGB-ER

Do United Kingdom passport holders need a visa to visit ER?

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.
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

10 items
Personalized checklist
0 / 10 complete
British passport valid 6+ months beyond arrival
required
At least 2 consecutive blank passport pages
required
Completed Eritrea visa request form
required
Two recent passport-sized photographs
required
Letter confirming employment
required
Proof of onward/return travel
required
Consular fee payment (around GBP 25, single entry)
required
Embassy appointment booked in advance
required
Yellow fever certificate if arriving from a risk country
recommended
Tour operator confirmation / accommodation details
recommended
Track your progress · save & email a copy
/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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