General Information:

  • Eritreans 18 years or above are required to obtain a national ID.
  • Children 17 years and younger born to Eritrean parents can obtain an Underage ID in lieu of a visa.
  • Eritreans 18 – 25 year old with no National ID can apply for a temporary ID in lieu of a visa but must also apply for a National ID.

ID Requirements:

Applications for Eritrean National ID must be completed either at the Embassy of Eritrea or at a designated location with a Community Representative.  You must bring the following items:

  • Birth certificate (Copy)
  • Parent’s Eritrean National ID (Copies)
  • Four Photos
    • Size: 35 x 45mm or 1.38′ x 1.77′
    • White background
    • Centered and facing straight forward
    • Hair off your face so forehead and ears fully visible
    • Open eyes, closed mouth
    • Natural expression (no smile, laugh or frown)
    • Prescription glasses only
    • Only religious hats or scarfs are allowed
  • Passport (Copy of profile page)
  • Permanent Residence Card or I-94 as proof of residence in the U.S.
  • Witnesses: Both parents or three witnesses with Eritrean National ID and 40 years of age or older
  • National ID Fee is $25  (everyone 21 years and older must pay $15 per year in addition to the $25 fee).  Payments should be Money Order of Cashier’s Check payable to “Embassy of Eritrea.”
  • Fees are nonrefundable
  • Mail complete application package to:

Embassy of Eritrea
1708 New Hampshire Ave NW
Washington, D.C. 20009

Applications for Eritrean National ID Replacement must be completed either at the Embassy of Eritrea or at a designated location with a Community Representative.  You must bring the following items:

  • Old Eritrean national ID (Copies)
  • Four Photos
    • Size: 35 x 45mm or 1.38′ x 1.77′
    • White background
    • Centered and facing straight forward
    • Hair off your face so forehead and ears fully visible
    • Open eyes, closed mouth
    • Natural expression (no smile, laugh or frown)
    • Prescription glasses only
    • Only religious hats or scarfs are allowed
  • Passport (Copy of profile page)
  • Permanent Residence Card (Green Card) or I-94 as proof of residence in the U.S.
  • National ID Replacement Fee is $25  money order of cashier’s check payable to “Embassy of Eritrea.”
  • Mail Services Fee $5
  • Fees are nonrefundable
  • Mail completed application  package and fees to:

Embassy of Eritrea
1708 New Hampshire Ave NW
Washington, D.C. 20009

  • Completed and signed Underage ID Application Form (must be signed in front of Consular Staff or Community Representative)
  • Birth certificate (Copy)
  • Parent’s Eritrean National ID (Copies)
  • Passport with at least 6 months validity beyond travel dates (Copy)
  • Two Passport Photos (35 x 45mm or 1.38″ x 1.77″)
  • Processing fee: $20 Money Order of Cashier’s Check or payable to “Embassy of Eritrea”
  • Mail Services Fee $5
  • All fees are non-refundable
  • Consent from both parents.  A parent with sole custody must provide legal supporting documents or a Power of Attorney.
  • Mail completed application package and fee to:

Embassy of Eritrea
1708 New Hampshire Ave NW
Washington, D.C. 20009

  • Application for National ID
  • Birth certificate (Copy)
  • Parent’s Eritrean national ID (Copies)
  • Passport with at least 6 months validity beyond travel dates (Copy)
  • Two Passport Photos (35 x 45mm or 1.38″ x 1.77″)
  • Processing fee: $10 money order of cashier’s check payable to “Embassy of Eritrea”
  • Mail Services Fee $5
  • All fees are non-refundable
  • Mail completed application package and fee to:

Embassy of Eritrea
1708 New Hampshire Ave NW
Washington, D.C. 20009

FAQ – Visiting Eritrea

Yes. Only one parent is required to have an Eritrean ID but consent from both parents is required.

No. At least one parent must have an Eritrean National ID in order for a child to receive an Underage ID.

You can only apply for Temporary ID once you turn 18, therefore you should apply for an Underage ID.

Underage IDs are valid until your Passport Expiration Date.

Temporary ID is valid for one year from the date of issue.

Temporary ID can only be used in lieu of a visa to travel to Eritrea. You cannot get any other services with a Temporary ID.

It usually takes 10 business days, however we encourage everyone to apply well in advance to avoid unnecessary delays.

You cannot pay for the Recovery and Rehabilitation Tax unless you already have an Eritrean ID.  Paying the Recovery and Rehabilitation Tax is not a requirement to obtain or apply for Eritrean National ID.

Instructions :

  1.  Select the ID  type and read the corresponding requirement.
  2.  Prepare the necessary documents.
  3.  Set appointment with the Embassy of Eritrea or local Community Representative.
  4. Mail complete application with appropriate fee to the Embassy.

Forms:

  1.  National ID – New Requirements
  2. National ID – Replacement Requirements
  3. Underage ID Application Form
  4. Temporary ID Application Form