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🇺🇸 Does an American need a visa for Eritrea 🇪🇷?

What this means for your trip

You apply at an embassy, consulate or authorised visa centre of the destination, usually with an application form, passport photos, bank statements, travel itinerary and accommodation bookings.

Processing takes days to weeks, and some embassies require an interview; start the application well before your trip.

Your passport should normally be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date and have blank pages for stamps; many countries apply this rule.

Where to apply in the United States

If you live in the United States, visas for Eritrea are issued by its missions there. Many of them use an outsourced visa application centre: the mission's website says where to apply and which office covers your region.

• Embassy of Eritrea in Washington, D.C. · embassyeritrea.org

Missions from Wikidata (CC0), checked 2026-09-26. Addresses and opening hours change: check the mission's website before you go.

Eritrea at a glance

Capital: Asmara · Currency: Eritrean nakfa (ERN, Nfk) · Official languages: Arabic, English, Tigrinya · Calling code: +291

U.S. State Department travel advisory for Eritrea: Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution (updated 31 July 2023). It is written for U.S. citizens; read the advisory before you book.

Plugs and voltage

You need a travel adapter: Eritrea uses plug types C, L, the United States uses A, B. Mains voltage differs (Eritrea: 230 V; the United States: 120 V): most phone and laptop chargers accept 100–240 V, but single-voltage devices such as some hair dryers need a converter.

More about entering Eritrea →

Your embassy in Eritrea

If your passport is lost or stolen, or you need help in an emergency in Eritrea, contact the embassy of the United States:

• Embassy of the United States in Eritrea · 179 Alaa Street · er.usembassy.gov

Missions from Wikidata (CC0), checked 2026-09-26. Addresses and opening hours change: check the mission's website before you go.

Easier destinations near Eritrea for American passport holders

• 🇲🇼 Malawi — Visa-free 30 days
• 🇲🇺 Mauritius — Visa-free 90 days
• 🇸🇨 Seychelles — Visa-free 90 days
• 🇿🇲 Zambia — Visa-free 90 days
• 🇰🇪 Kenya — ETA required
• 🇲🇿 Mozambique — ETA required 30 days
• 🇧🇮 Burundi — Visa on arrival
• 🇰🇲 Comoros — Visa on arrival

The other way round

🇪🇷 Eritrean passport holders visiting the United States: Eritrean passport holders need a visa for the United States, applied for at an embassy or consulate of the United States before travelling.

The American passport at a glance

All destinations for United States passport holders → · Who needs a visa for Eritrea →

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