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Schengen Visa for Eritreans

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Comprehensive guide for Eritrea citizens applying for a Schengen visa

Schengen Visa Required

Eritrean citizens must obtain a Schengen Visa to visit Europe's Schengen Area. The visa costs €80, permits stays as long as 90 days, and must be applied for in person at an embassy or consulate.
Quick Facts

Eritreans must obtain a Schengen Visa for short stays in Europe. Apply through the embassy of your main destination no later than 6 weeks before travel.

Visa Type Schengen (C)
Cost €80
Processing 15-45 days
Max Stay 90 days in 180
Passport Rank #187 of 199
Visa Cost €80 €40 for children 6-12, free under 6
Processing 15-45 days Apply at least 6 weeks early
Application In person Embassy, consulate, or VFS Global
Refusal Rate 35% Based on 2024 data

Document Checklist for Eritreans

  • Valid passport (at least 3 months beyond departure, issued within last 10 years)
  • Two recent passport-sized photos (35x45mm, white background)
  • Completed Schengen visa application form
  • Travel insurance with minimum €30,000 coverage
  • Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings or invitation letter)
  • Return flight reservation
  • Proof of financial means (bank statements from last 3 months)
  • Cover letter explaining purpose and itinerary

Visa Statistics & Passport Strength

The Eritrea passport ranks #187 out of 199 globally, providing visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 38 countries. Since Europe's Schengen Area mandates a visa for Eritrean citizens, applying with strong documentation is important.

In 2024, Schengen consulates processed 15,000 applications from Eritreans, with a refusal rate of 35%. To boost your approval odds, ensure your financial documents, travel insurance, and cover letter are well-organized and detailed.

How to Apply

  1. 1

    Determine your main destination

    Submit your application to the embassy of the country where you will spend the most time.

  2. 2

    Collect documents

    Passport, photos, insurance, flight/hotel bookings, bank statements, cover letter.

  3. 3

    Reserve appointment

    Reserve at embassy, consulate, or VFS Global. Book early — slots fill fast.

  4. 4

    Submit & wait

    Attend in person, submit documents. Processing takes 15-45 days.

35%
Refusal Rate
15,000
Applications
#187
Passport Rank
Required

Travel Insurance for Schengen Visa

Eritreans must provide travel insurance with minimum €30,000 medical coverage as part of the Schengen Visa application.

  • Medical emergencies
  • Trip cancellation
  • Baggage protection
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Visa Guides

Requirements

Full document checklist

Cost Breakdown

Fees by age & type

Cover Letter

How to write one

Travel Insurance

Required for visa

Visa FAQs for Eritreans

How much does a Schengen visa cost for Eritreans?
€80 for adults, €40 for children 6-12, no charge for children under 6.
How long does processing take?
15-45 days. Plan to apply a minimum of 6 weeks before travel. Some countries offer express processing.
Can I visit multiple countries?
Yes. A Schengen visa grants access to all 30 Schengen countries within its validity period. Apply at the embassy of the country where you will spend the most time, or — if equal — the country of first entry.
Which embassy should Eritreans apply at?
Apply at the embassy or consulate of the Schengen country that is your main destination. If visiting multiple countries equally, apply at the embassy of the country you will enter first. Many countries use VFS Global or TLS Contact as external service providers.
What if my Schengen visa application is denied?
You will receive a written explanation of the refusal reason. Common reasons include not enough financial proof, lack of travel insurance, or incomplete documents. You can submit a new application once issues are resolved, or appeal the decision within the timeframe specified in the refusal letter.
What is the Schengen visa refusal rate for Eritreans?
The Schengen visa refusal rate for Eritreans was 35% in 2024, based on 15,000 applications. African applicants should emphasize strong ties to their home country — property ownership, employment contracts, or family obligations. A clear return plan and evidence of previous international travel (if any) strengthen the application.

Travel Checklist for Eritreans

Valid passport (at least 6 months validity, 2 blank pages)
Schengen Visa submitted
Travel insurance (min. €30,000 coverage) Get covered
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Schengen Visa Guide Schengen Area 90/180 Day Calculator Travel Insurance

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