New Zealand passport → Eritrea

Eritrea visa for citizens of New Zealand

Embassy / VFS

Citizens of New Zealand need a visa for Eritrea and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre.

Verified · Last checked 2026-09-05. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.

Key facts

Entry route	Embassy / VFS
How to apply	In-person at an embassy or visa center
Passport validity	At least 6 months
Biometrics	Not required
Appointment	Required
Interview	Not required
Onward or return ticket	Required
Proof of funds	Recent bank statements or sponsor letter

How to apply

1
Contact embassy to confirm requirements and appointment
Check the nearest Eritrean embassy or consulate website for current procedures and book an appointment if required.
2
Gather required documents
Collect all documents listed above, ensuring photocopies and originals are ready.
3
Complete visa application form
Fill in the form accurately and sign it.
4
Visit embassy or consulate in person
Submit your application at the scheduled appointment time; provide biometrics if requested.
5
Pay visa fee
Pay the non-refundable fee at the embassy (acceptable payment method varies).
6
Wait for processing
Processing may take several days to weeks; you may be contacted for additional information.
7
Collect passport and visa
Return to the embassy with the receipt to collect your passport, or arrange mail return if offered.

Documents checklist

Identity

Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
Must have at least two blank visa pages
Completed visa application form
Downloadable from embassy website or provided at counter
Passport-sized photographs (2)
White background, 35x45mm

Travel

Round-trip flight itinerary
Confirmed reservation showing entry and exit dates
Hotel reservation or proof of accommodation
For the entire stay in Eritrea

Financial

Proof of sufficient funds
Bank statements from last 3 months or sponsor letter

Employment

Employment letter or proof of occupation
Stating position, salary, and purpose of travel

Supporting

Invitation letter from Eritrean host or company
Must be notarized and approved by Eritrean authorities
Travel health insurance
Optional
Recommended, covering medical expenses in Eritrea
Yellow fever vaccination certificate
If traveling from an endemic country
Copy of previous Eritrean visa (if any)
Optional
Only if previously visited
Self-addressed prepaid return envelope
Optional
For visa by mail if permitted by embassy
Visa fee payment receipt
Paid at embassy in local currency or as instructed

Proof of funds

bank statements
sponsor letter

Must show sufficient funds for travel and stay in Eritrea

Good to know

Visa requirements may change without notice; always confirm with the nearest Eritrean mission.
Eritrea does not issue visas on arrival; apply well in advance.

Common refusal reasons

Incomplete or incorrect documentation

Double-check all requirements with the embassy before submitting.

Lack of approval from Eritrean authorities for the invitation

Ensure your host obtains the necessary clearance from Eritrea’s Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Invalid passport validity or insufficient blank pages

Passport must be valid for at least 6 months and have at least 2 blank visa pages.

FAQ

Do citizens of New Zealand need a visa for Eritrea?

Citizens of New Zealand need a visa for Eritrea and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre.

What documents do citizens of New Zealand need for Eritrea?

Valid passport with at least 6 months validity; Completed visa application form; Passport-sized photographs (2); Invitation letter from Eritrean host or company; Round-trip flight itinerary; Hotel reservation or proof of accommodation; and 7 more.

How long must my passport be valid for Eritrea?

At least 6 months.

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