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🇷🇺Russian Federation
🇪🇷EritreaRU-ER

Russian Federation to Eritrea visa requirements

Russian passport holders need a tourist visa to enter Eritrea. It must be obtained in advance from an Eritrean embassy or consulate (the Embassy of Eritrea in Moscow). There is no eVisa and no general visa-on-arrival for Russian citizens. As of 2026, a Russian (RU) ordinary passport holder must obtain a visa before traveling to Eritrea (ER) for tourism. Eritrea maintains one of the world's most restrictive visa policies: nearly all foreign nationals must apply for a visa in advance at an Eritrean diplomatic mission, and there is no online eVisa system and no general visa-on-arrival. Only citizens of Kenya and Uganda enjoy visa-free entry; Russia is not exempt. Russian travelers apply through the Embassy of Eritrea in Moscow, the only Eritrean mission in Russia. A tourist visa typically permits a single entry with a stay of up to one month from the date of arrival, is valid for 90 days from issue, and processing can take up to four weeks. Applicants should not send original passports, pay fees, or buy air tickets until the application is approved. Importantly, the visa covers Asmara only: to travel outside the capital, a separate Travel Permit for Foreigners must be obtained locally from the Immigration Office. Given the strictness and slow processing, travelers should apply well in advance and confirm current requirements directly with the embassy, as fees and forms (e.g., form FV62/B62.3) are periodically updated.
VISA REQUIREDTOURISMSINGLE 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.
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/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-30
Visa type
Tourist visa (obtained in advance at an Eritrean embassy/consulate)
Maximum stay
Up to 1 month (30 days) from date of arrival
per entry
Entries
Single entry (typical for tourist visa)
from issue date
Visa fee
Approx. USD 70-100 equivalent (varies by mission; e.g. AUD 90 adult at the Australian consulate)
consular fee only
Processing time
Up to 4 weeks
standard track
Validity
90 days from date of issue
from issue date
/02 — The process

How to apply

/01
Contact the Embassy of Eritrea in Moscow
Reach out to the only Eritrean diplomatic mission in Russia to confirm current tourist visa requirements, fees, the correct application form, and document checklist before applying.
· Embassy of Eritrea, Koroviy Val St. 7, Moscow· Tel: +7 499 238-30-25
/02
Prepare your documents
Gather a Russian passport valid at least 6 months beyond your stay, passport-size photos, a completed visa application form, and a tentative itinerary with arrival date and proof of onward travel.
· Passport validity: 6+ months· Recent passport photos
/03
Submit the application and attend any interview
Lodge the application at the embassy. Some missions require an in-person or phone interview. Wait for approval before sending originals or paying.
· Do not pay or buy tickets before approval
/04
Pay the visa fee after approval
Once the application is approved, pay the visa fee and provide your original passport plus a prepaid self-addressed return envelope (or collect in person).
· Urgent processing may cost extra
/05
Collect your passport with the visa
Allow up to four weeks for processing. Retrieve your passport with the tourist visa affixed, valid 90 days from issue.
· Processing up to 4 weeks
/06
Arrange a Travel Permit for travel beyond Asmara
The visa covers Asmara only. If you plan to visit other parts of Eritrea, obtain a Travel Permit for Foreigners from the Immigration Office in Asmara after arrival.
· Required outside the capital
/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

12 items
Personalized checklist
Russian Federation -> Eritrea · Tourist visa (obtained in advance at an Eritrean embassy/consulate)
0 / 12 complete
Deadline reminderAdd a date before export
RequiredRussian passport valid 6+ months beyond intended stay, with blank pages
Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route
required
RequiredCompleted Eritrea visa application form (current version, e.g. FV62/B62.3)
Official form; submit online or print and sign as instructed
required
RequiredRecent passport-size photographs (ears visible)
Use the official size, background, and recency rules for this route
required
RequiredTentative travel itinerary with arrival date
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
required
RequiredProof of onward/return travel
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredVisa fee payment (after approval)
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RecommendedSelf-addressed prepaid return envelope (for postal applications)
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
recommended
RecommendedProof of accommodation / hotel booking in Asmara
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
recommended
ConditionalIn-person or phone interview (if required by the mission)
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
conditional
RequiredTravel Permit for Foreigners for areas outside Asmara (obtained after arrival)
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
conditional
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.
Application link included: Visa policy of Eritrea - Wikipedia
Open link
/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate
Line itemAmountSource
Tourist visa fee (adult)Approx. AUD 90 / USD 70-100 equivalentVaries by Eritrean mission; confirm exact amount in RUB/USD with the Moscow embassy
Tourist visa fee (minor / underage)Approx. AUD 45 / about half adult rateReduced fee for children where applicable
Urgent/expedited processingApprox. AUD 20 extraOptional surcharge to speed up processing where offered
Travel Permit for ForeignersNominal local feeObtained in Asmara for travel outside the capital
Total estimateUSD 70USD 130incl. all
/05 — The wait

Processing time

Urgent/expedited processing
Faster (where offered)
Available at some missions for an additional fee; confirm availability with the Moscow embassy.
/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency
/01
No visa-waiver agreement with Russia
Eritrea does not grant visa-free entry to Russian citizens; only Kenya and Uganda are exempt under its visa policy.
High
/02
No eVisa system
Eritrea has no online electronic visa platform, so applications must be made in person or by post at a diplomatic mission.
High
/03
No general visa-on-arrival
Visa-on-arrival is not available to ordinary tourists; only pre-arranged, sponsor-confirmed cases qualify.
High
/04
Strict, security-driven immigration policy
Eritrea applies one of the world's most restrictive entry regimes, requiring advance vetting of foreign visitors.
Medium
/05
Internal travel control
The tourist visa covers only Asmara; movement elsewhere needs a separate Travel Permit for Foreigners.
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
Russia to Eritrea route verified
Confirmed via embassies.net, Eritrean Consulate (Australia), and Wikipedia visa policy of Eritrea that Russian ordinary passport holders require a tourist visa obtained in advance; no eVisa or general visa-on-arrival exists.
/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Do Russian citizens need a visa for Eritrea?
Yes. Russian ordinary passport holders must obtain a tourist visa in advance from an Eritrean embassy or consulate before traveling.
Is there an Eritrea eVisa for Russians?+
Can I get an Eritrean visa on arrival?+
How long can I stay in Eritrea on a tourist visa?+
How long does the visa take to process?+
Can I travel anywhere in Eritrea with the tourist visa?+
/11 — Passport tools

Tools for the Russian Federation passport

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