Consular Visa and Passport Forms

All of the forms listed below are in PDF format and require Adobe Acrobat Reader to view them.

Visa apllication form

passport renewal forms

VISAS: BASIC INFORMATION AND PROCEDURES

 Background

 As a new nation and a country devoted to the promotion of investment, trade, and tourism and diplomatic and international relations, Eritrea invites and welcomes foreigners to visit the country for various purposes and in many different ways. One of the major conditions in this respect is the effort to ensure the efficient and effective visa services in all missions and agencies of the State of Eritrea. On the other hand it also requires strict adherence to the proper procedures and the laws of the country and the regulations laid by the Immigration Authority in Eritrea .

 Purpose of a Visa

 The Eritrean visa is given as a permit to enter, transit or remain in the country for a specific period of time. A visa provided is only to be used by a holder to enter into Eritrea . The visa can be used before or on the expiry date of the visa. Any holder of a visa has the legal obligation to comply with the law, regulation and entry requirements of the State of Eritrea and visitors need to check the requirements before each trip as the requirements can change from time to time .

Places where Eritrean Visa could be obtained

 Visa could be obtained from the Embassy of the State of Eritrea to South Africa which is also accredited to Namibia , Zimbabwe , Zambia , Mozambique , Mauritius and Angola . Visitors from other countries in the region could also apply to the Embassy to get entry visa.

Visas need a one week processing time but the Embassy is closed on Eritrean National Holidays (May 24, June 20 and September 1), all South African official holidays and week ends (Saturdays and Sundays)

Visa Entry Requirements

 The following requirements are needed in order to get an entry permit into Eritrea :-

• An official passport with a validity of more than 3 months and enough visa pages

• A valid entry visa

• Vaccination certificates for all health problems deemed necessary by the Health Authorities guidelines. Yellow Fever Vaccination is required for all visitors coming from yellow fever infected areas or endemic zones except for children under the age of one

If the real intention of a visitor to Eritrea is to work, a work permit must be applied for. Work permit is given on the basis of the following documentation:-

•  A passport with validity of more than a year

•  There must be an agreement by the Department of Labor of the State of Eritrea and the host employer should be a legally recognized and licensed entity in Eritrea

•  Must submit authenticated documented in case dependents accompany the would be employee in Eritrea

•  They should not enter in a tourist visa

It is strongly recommended that visitors submit travel insurance with their application. Travel insurance should cover hospitalization and related medical costs as well as a possible emergency evacuation.

Applicants should the visa form which can be downloaded from the Eritrean embassy website (eritreaembassysa.co.za) or request a hard copy of the form from the Embassy and should be handed in with all the necessary documents.

Notes on Visa Applications

• Fill out the application form completely, remember to sign and date the form.

• Use pen with black or blue ink. Do not use pencil or pen with red ink.

• The form must be printed on white letter size paper with black ink or toner.

• Thermal paper, color paper or paper with holes or perforations are not acceptable.

Fees and Modes of Payments

Visas are issued only when payment is made. The fee structure for the various types of visa is given in the table below. The Embassy kindly informs that the fee structured given below is updated regularly depending on circumstances.

in USD

Types of entry Visas

 Tourist Visa: It is a visa given for tourists and private visitors and is only given for single entry. A tourist visa could be used for a period of one month and can only serve to stay for one month only. A tourist visa expired before use can not be renewed but the visitor can apply for a new one. Multiple visas is not given for tourist visits and visitors who entered on a tourist visa can not ask for a work permit. Applicants for tourist visa should have a return ticket or a ticket to another destination in order to be eligible for the visa.

Business Visa: Visitors requesting a business visa should have a credible support document from the inviting institution or other necessary documents. Normally a single business visa with three month validity is given. Depending on condition and assessment, three months and six months multiple businesses visa could also be given. Under special considerations one year multiple visa could also be given.

Employment visa: employment visa is can only be obtained under the permission of the department of Labor of the State of Eritrea and on agreement of the government, public and private institutions and agencies in the country. A certificate from the Department of Labor is the major requirement for an employment visa

Student Visa: Except for students who come under a bilateral agreement with the Government of Eritrea and who enter the provisions of the bilateral agreement, others who apply for a student visa should have authenticated education certificates and documents and a body that takes responsibility for their education. Unless given permission by respected authorities a person who enters on a student visa is not entitled to take any sort of employment in the country.

Others: This is a visa that is given for other purposes different than business, education, etc. These include medical purposes, family reunion, court cases, social obligations, etc. Applicants requesting visas under these conditions should verify that that their costs are covered, some body takes responsibility on their behalf and in case of medical problems during their stay they must ensure that they are covered by an authentic documentation of medical insurance. In general, under this category a visa with one month duration of stay and which has to be used within a month is issued.

Transit Visa

Transit visa is given under the following conditions:-

• Valid documentation and on-word ticket

• Visa to the destination and valid health certificate required for travel

• Ensure connections to the destinations

Offenses and Legal Measures

If you do not comply with visa or permit requirements or overstay on your visa or permit, this will lead to legal measures.

Consular Affairs

Embassy of the State of Eritrea

Pretoria , South Africa

November 7, 2006