Eritrea

Travel Tips

Eritrea does not have an official language, English and Italian are also widely spoken
Bottled water is recommended, milk is unpasteurised
Travellers can suffer from altitude sickness
Respect to religious customs and traditional values should be shown. Dress should be conservative and fasting periods should be observed
The Gregorian calendar is most commonly used but the Eritrean traditional Julian calendar is still functional, which is also referred to as the Geez calendar
Coffee is a delicacy in Eritrea and is prepared in a special coffee ceremony

Last updated 29 September 2026

Foreign Representation in South Africa

1281 Cobham Rd, Queenswood 0186.
Telephone: 012 333 1302

Public Holidays

January: 1, 7, 19
March: 8, 20
April: 10, 12
May: 1, 24, 27
June: 20
August: 27
September: 1, 11, 27
December: 25

Visa Requirements

Letter stating purpose and duration of your trip

A letter of employment from sponsoring entity stating your role and duration of your employment

Reference in Eritrea. Your reference needs to be a resident in Eritrea and able to go to Asmara Immigration to follow up on your visa request

Visa Processing Time

Minimum of 10 days, it is advisable to submit your application well in advance

Visa Validity

All visas are valid for three months from date of issue, i.e. your arrival date in Eritrea must be within three months of the date of issue
Once you arrive in Eritrea, your visa is typically valid for one month but can be extended/renewed by visiting Immigration in Asmara

Visa Cost

Health / Vaccinations

None

Hepatitis A & B, Meningitis, Rabies, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio

South African Representative Abroad

House 51/53, 245 Hitseito Street, Tiravalo, Asmara
Telephone: + 291 1 152 517
E-mail: ndabeniz@dirco.gov.za