Eritrean-ID Clarification

Eritrean National Identity Cards

This page was created to address the issue of Eritrean citizenship and Eritrean National Identity cards. We are getting several complaints from Eritrean citizens travelling to Eritrea at the airport in Western Canada from Air Canada agents. Eritreans who are flying to Eritrea without a visa but who bear an Eritrean ID (blue laminated) with their Canadian passport at hand are entitled to travel to Eritrea without an Eritrean visa.

Further, Eritrean Immigration and Citizenship is issuing new Eritrean national ID cards and is in the process of retiring the old ID; therefore, we have taken the necessary steps to replace the old Eritrean national ID card with the new ID cards. In the meantime, if Eritreans who bear citizenship have one punch on the Eritrean national ID card, please be informed that the individuals are waiting for their replacement and their ID is valid until it has two punches on the national ID card.

Furthermore, all travelers that do not bear Eritrean citizenship will need a passport valid for at least 90 days and a visa issued by the Consulate General of the state of Eritrea in Toronto, Ontario.

The Consulate General of the State of Eritrea is asking you to kindly accept our clarification and assist all Eritrean citizenship card bearers. Should you require any more detailed information, please do not hesitate to contact us at the Consulate of Eritrea in Toronto.