Chinese Visa Policy and Requirements for Citizens of Eritrea

1. Chinese Embassy/Consulate-General in Eritrea

Chinese Embassy in Asmara

 

  • Address: 17, Hagaz Street, Asmara, Eritrea
  • Contact:
    • Telephone: +291-1-120-064 (Visa Section)
    • Fax: +291-1-120-065
    • Email: chinaemb_er@mfa.gov.cn
  • Working Hours:
    • Visa Submission: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
    • Visa Collection: Monday–Friday, 3:00 PM–5:00 PM
    • Closed on Chinese and Eritrean public holidays.

Chinese Consulate-General in Massawa (Optional, if applicable)

 

(Note: As of 2025, China has no consulate in Massawa. All applications go through the Embassy in Asmara.)

2. Eritrean Embassy/Consulate-General in China

Eritrean Embassy in Beijing

 

  • Address: 18, Sanlitun East Street, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China
  • Contact:
    • Telephone: +86-10-6532-6533 (Visa Section)
    • Fax: +86-10-6532-6534
    • Email: eritreaemb.beijing@gmail.com
  • Working Hours:
    • Visa Submission: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
    • Visa Collection: Monday–Friday, 3:00 PM–5:00 PM
    • Closed on Eritrean and Chinese public holidays.

Eritrean Consulate-General in Shanghai

 

  • Address: 800, Nanjing West Road, Jing’an District, Shanghai
  • Contact: +86-21-6279-8765 (By appointment)
  • Working Hours: By appointment only.

3. Chinese Visa Types for Eritrean Citizens

 

Visa Type Purpose Key Requirements
L (Tourist) Tourism, sightseeing, family visits Passport (6+ months validity), visa application form, hotel booking, return flight tickets.
M (Business) Trade, conferences, short-term business Invitation letter from a Chinese company, business license copy, applicant’s company proof.
Z (Work) Long-term employment Work permit (Z-visa notification), employment contract, health certificate (HIV/AIDS test).
X1 (Study) Long-term study (over 180 days) Admission letter from a Chinese institution, JW201 form, health certificate.
X2 (Study) Short-term study (under 180 days) Admission letter, JW202 form.
Q1 (Family) Long-term family reunion (spouse/parent/child) Invitation from Chinese family member (residence permit copy), kinship proof (birth/marriage certificate).
Q2 (Family) Short-term family visit (up to 180 days) Invitation letter, family member’s ID copy.
C (Transport) Crew members (air/sea) Company employment letter, crew certificate.
S1/S2 (Private Affairs) Long/short-term personal matters (e.g., medical treatment) Invitation from a Chinese institution or individual, proof of relationship/need.

4. How to Apply for a Chinese Visa in Eritrea

 

  1. Online Pre-Application:
    • Complete the China Visa Application Form (V.2013) on the Chinese Embassy in Asmara website.
    • Upload a recent passport-sized photo (48mm × 33mm, white background).
  2. Required Documents:
    • Original Eritrean passport (6+ months validity, 2+ blank pages).
    • Completed visa application form (signed).
    • Proof of travel purpose (e.g., invitation letters, hotel bookings, flight tickets).
    • Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate (mandatory for entry into China from Eritrea).
    • Additional documents per visa type (see table above).
  3. Submission:
    • In-person at the Chinese Embassy in Asmara (no third-party agents).
    • Fees (in Eritrean Nakfa, ERN):
      • L/M/Q2: ERN 2,500
      • Z/X1/Q1/S1: ERN 5,000
      • Urgent service: +50% fee (2–3 days).
  4. Processing Time:
    • Standard: 4–5 business days.
    • Urgent: 2–3 days (subject to approval).
  5. Collection:
    • Collect in person or via authorized courier (if available).

5. Reciprocal Visa Requirements for Chinese Citizens in Eritrea

 

Eritrean visa policies for Chinese citizens are reciprocal:

 

  • Apply at: Eritrean Embassy in Beijing or Consulate-General in Shanghai.
  • Documents:
    • Passport (6+ months validity).
    • Visa application form.
    • Invitation letter (for business/study) or travel itinerary (for tourism).
    • Proof of accommodation.
    • Yellow Fever vaccination certificate (if applicable).
  • Fees: CNY 1,000 (standard); CNY 1,500 (urgent).
  • Processing Time: 5–7 days (standard); 3 days (urgent).

6. Important Notes

 

  • Visa Validity: Most visas are single-entry (1–3 months). Multiple-entry visas (M/L/Q2) require justification (e.g., frequent business trips).
  • Health Requirements:
    • Yellow Fever vaccination is mandatory (Eritrea is a yellow fever–endemic country).
    • COVID-19: Check China’s latest health protocols (e.g., PCR tests, health declaration).
  • Embassy Websites: