Quick info guide

General information on Immigration beneficial to cross border traders: 

•  Citizens of Uganda do not require visa to enter Eritrea (visa-free entry)
•  Ethiopian citizens could acquire visa on arrival without prior request
•  Citizens of Sudan may get visa upon arrival by paying about 10 USD visa fee and enter to Eritrea 
•  Nationals from other COMESA countries should apply for a visa in the Eritrean embassy in their respective countries before entering to Eritrea
•  Those coming to Eritrea from areas where there are no Eritrean embassies or consular offices, for business, employment or family visit can be granted visa on arrival upon prior request to the head office of the Department of Immigration & Nationality in Asmara.

Contact information
Customs Department
P.O. Box 217
Asmara
Tel: +291 7242778

Useful information for cross border traders

There are a number of organizations rendering different kinds of services needed on the cross-border movement of people and trade of which Customs Department is one.

Facilities at border posts that can be utilized by women in business

Customs Department:
• Gives equal opportunity for having a license of clearing and forwarding agency based on merit
• Invites trade community without any form of marginalization to workshops or orientation programs
• Gives equal access to Custom’s public information
• Gives equal access to Customs legal instruments

Incentives for cross border trade 

There are privileges that promote trade stipulated on Customs proclamation, to mention some:
•    Draw-back: When goods or raw materials are imported for further processing, the duties and taxes are refunded at the time of exportation.
•  Inward processing: Provided the necessary documents are submitted when goods or raw materials are imported for the purpose of re-exporting after inward processing, duties and taxes are remitted right at the time of their importation.
•  Outward processing: Goods are allowed to be exported for repair and then re-imported free of duties and taxes. 
•  Bonded warehouse: Goods are imported and placed in a bonded warehouse free of duties and taxes for almost one year. 
•  Temporary admission: Goods are imported free of duties and taxes for temporarily staying in the country and within the year re-exported free of duties and taxes.

Business opportunities for cross border traders

The borders with Ethiopia and Djibouti are currently closed. When they open, there will be great opportunities for cross border traders in agricultural products. CBT is a key factor in poverty reduction as source of income and employment and in building a stronger indigenous private sector thus alleviating the unemployment problem. 

Information on export quality and standards 

The Ministries of Agriculture and Health and the Eritrean Standard Institution are the relevant government authorities that certify the quality and standards of food and agricultural goods to be exported and/or imported.  

Additional services beneficial to women entrepreneurs

Currently there are no associations of cross border traders. However, the Ministry of Trade and Industry is ready to work with the National Union of Eritrean Women, Eritrean Agri-Business Association and the Eritrean Small and Micro Credit Program to support women entrepreneurs in Eritrea.