By Dahlak Tours, Asmara. Last reviewed: 6 November 2026.
Eritrea travel guide
Eritrea Travel Permits: What You Need and Who Arranges Them
You need a travel permit for every place you visit outside Asmara, and Dahlak Tours arranges all of them for guests who travel with us. Permits are included in our tour prices, and issuing takes one full day, which we use while you explore Asmara.
Do you need a travel permit in Eritrea?
Yes, if you leave Asmara. Any place outside Asmara needs a permit, including Keren, Massawa, the Dahlak Islands, Qohaito, Senafe and Adulis. The tank graveyard also needs one. It is just outside the centre of Asmara but still inside the city, and it is the only Asmara city sight that needs a permit.
A permit is separate from your visa. The visa lets you enter Eritrea; the permit lets you travel to specific places inside it.
Who arranges your permit?
We arrange permits only for guests who use Dahlak Tours as their tour operator. The visa service is different: we issue visas even for guests who do not book a tour. See our Eritrea visa guide.
| Visa | Travel permit | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Permission to enter Eritrea | Permission to visit places outside Asmara |
| Who can get it through Dahlak | Anyone, tour or no tour | Guests who book a tour with Dahlak |
| Cost with Dahlak | $170 total ($100 online service fee + $70 paid in cash at the airport) | Included in the tour price |
| Time | About 6 business days | 1 full day |
How long does it take?
Issuing permits takes one full day. We do it while you tour Asmara on your first day, so it does not add a day to your trip and you do not need to visit any office.
What does it cost?
Nothing extra on a tour. Permits are included in the price of every Dahlak tour, along with your guide, driver, transport, hotel with breakfast, airport pick-up and drop-off, and 24/7 support.
If you rent a car without a tour, a permit fee applies and depends on the places you plan to visit. Message us on WhatsApp for the price. Self-drive guests can only drive in Asmara. For travel outside Asmara, a Dahlak driver goes with you. See car rental in Eritrea.
Do tourists need an exit permit?
No. Tourists do not need a separate exit permit.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a travel permit without booking a tour?
Not through us. We arrange permits only for guests who use Dahlak Tours as their tour operator. Car rental guests can add permits when a Dahlak driver goes along.
Do I need a permit to visit the tank graveyard?
Yes. The tank graveyard is just outside the centre of Asmara but still inside the city, and it needs a permit. We include it in your tour.
How far ahead should I ask?
Tell us your dates and the places you want to visit when you book. Issuing takes one full day, which we complete during your time in Asmara.
Is the permit included in the tour price?
Yes, on every Dahlak tour.
Does the permit replace my visa?
No. You need both. We can handle your visa too: $170 in total, about 6 business days.
Plan your trip
Message us on WhatsApp (Eritrea +291 7456964, Kenya +254 728 053447) or email info@dahlaktours.com. We reply within 30 minutes at most. Dahlak Tours is a licensed Eritrea tour operator (licence ASL00031590), local since 2004. Planning your trip? See our Eritrea tours, how to get to Eritrea and travel FAQs.
