Visa Services

Answers to Questions about Consular Operations in Asmara

Are you closed?

We are closed to all routine services, other than American Citizen Services. American Citizen Services hours of operation are Monday through Thursday between 2:00 and 4:00 pm, or by appointment.

Why are you closed?

The Government of Eritrea has not consistently granted visas to State Department temporary visitors who provide vital support for our Embassy operations. Additionally, in direct violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, a treaty to which the Government of Eritrea is a signatory, consular staff is not notified if an American is arrested, nor can they travel freely to visit an American citizen in trouble. The Government of Eritrea does not allow unrestricted travel by American diplomatic and consular personnel, who are not allowed outside the capital of Asmara without requesting permission to travel 10 days in advance. Permission is oftentimes not granted even when requested in advance. For these reasons we are closed for public operations except for the provision of necessary services to American citizens.  

When will you be open for normal operations again?

We hope to resume normal public operations, including the full range of consular services, as soon as possible after the Eritrean Government allows our diplomatic pouches unimpeded entry to Eritrea as called for under the Vienna Convention. When we return to normal operations we will make an announcement.

What about adoptions?

We accept and process I-600 petitions. Please contact the Embassy for additional details.

When will I be interviewed for my pending immigrant visa?

U.S. Embassy Asmara will continue to accept documents related to pending Immigrant Visa (I-130) applications on Thursday mornings between 8:00 and 10:00 am, but you will not be interviewed in Asmara until we reopen for routine business. If you prefer, the petitioner can contact the U.S. Embassy in Asmara at consularasmara@state.gov to request a transfer of the Immigrant Visa case to the U.S. Embassy in either Cairo or Nairobi.

How can I check the status of my pending immigrant visa case?

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website has several useful links, including those to help you check the status of your immigrant visa case. You can find this information at http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis.

Can we apply for non-immigrant visas at other U.S. Embassies?

You can apply at any U.S. Embassy or Consulate, but there is no guarantee that they will be able to issue your visa. It is sometimes difficult for an applicant to demonstrate ties abroad if they are not making application for their visa in their home country. Please visit the website of the Embassy at which you wish to apply for details about requirements. You can find other U.S. Embassy and Consulate websites at http://usembassy.state.gov/.

How do I contact the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi?

The most up to date contact information for the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi can be found at: http://nairobi.usembassy.gov or consularnairobi@state.gov.

How do I contact the U.S. Embassy in Cairo?

For Immigrant Visas, the most up to date contact information can be found at: http://cairo.usembassy.gov/consular/iv010.htm

For Nonimmigrant visas, you can click on the Contact Us link at:
http:\\cairo.usembassy.gov/consular/niv.htm

If I recently won the Diversity Visa lottery, what do I need to do?

The U.S. Embassy in Asmara continues to accept documents for 2010 Diversity Visa lottery winners on Wednesday between 2:00 and 3:00 pm. If you prefer to be interviewed at another U.S Embassy, either the sponsor or beneficiary can contact the U.S. Embassy in Asmara at consularasmara@state.gov to request a transfer of the case to the U.S. Embassy in either Cairo or Nairobi. 

If you were the winner of a Diversity Visa in a previous year, your case has expired and you will need to reapply.

What if I want a student visa?

Students who want to be interviewed for an F-1 visa should contact the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi or other Embassies to register for an appointment.

Can you help me to get an exit visa?

The Government of Eritrea requires an exit visa prior to departure. Because this is a requirement of the Eritrean government, the U.S. Embassy is unable to assist with exit visas.

If I am an American Citizen, when should I register with the Embassy?

Register either prior to departure at http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/tips/registration/registration_1186.html, or you should do so at the U.S. Embassy immediately after arriving in Eritrea any Monday - Thursday between 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.