VISA REQUIREMENTS FOR TRAVELERS
How to Apply & Essential Guidelines
Visa requirements for East African Countries
Important Note: This guide provides visa and entry requirements for individual countries across East Africa, including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and other destinations in the region. Please note that this page does not solely refer to the East African Tourist Visa. Since each country has its own immigration requirements, Visa policies are subject to change. Please verify the specific latest Visa requirements for each destination individually on the official government websites before traveling.
VISITING KENYA
All foreign non-residents travelling to Kenya, except Kenyan citizens and eligible East African Community citizens, are required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) prior to travel. This applies to all travelers, including infants and children.
The Kenya eTA must be obtained online before travel.
Apply here: https://etakenya.go.ke/
Kenya eTA Requirements
- Passport valid for at least 6 months with at least one blank page.
- Passport-size photo or selfie for upload.
- Arrival and departure flight details including airline and ticket confirmation.
- Accommodation confirmation or safari booking voucher.
- Credit card, debit card, Apple Pay or other accepted payment methods.
Important Information
- Applications can be submitted up to 3 months prior to travel.
- Standard processing time is approximately 3 working days.
- No COVID-19 vaccination certificate or PCR test currently required.
- Yellow Fever vaccination certificate required when arriving from a Yellow Fever endemic country.
VISITING TANZANIA & ZANZIBAR
Most travelers visiting Tanzania and/or Zanzibar may apply for a visa online before travel or obtain a visa upon arrival at approved entry points, including airports and land borders.
Check if your passport is eligible for an e-visa and apply online here: https://visa.immigration.go.tz/
Tanzania Visa Requirements
- Passport valid for at least 6 months.
- Completed visa application.
- Visa payment according to nationality.
Visa on Arrival
- Ordinary Visa: USD 50 per person.
- Multi-entry Visa: USD 100 per person (where applicable)
Cost: USD $44 per person. Validity: Up to 92 days (includes multiple entries).
Coverage: Medical emergencies, evacuation, and basic travel protections.
How to Get It:
Arriving in Mainland Tanzania first? Obtain it via the National Insurance Corporation (NIC) system.
Arriving in Zanzibar first? Follow the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC) requirements.
Note: This local policy is a mandatory government entry requirement and does not replace our own comprehensive personal travel insurance.
Already booked with us? Don’t worry! Our team is ready to help at your entry point essentially when doing overland cross-border travel, e.g., Isebania and Namanga.
Zanzibar Mandatory Insurance
Please note that Zanzibar (as an autonomous region) has a mandatory inbound travel insurance policy. All foreign visitors must purchase this official policy via the Visit Zanzibar Portal.
Cost: $44 USD per adult, $22 USD for children aged 3-17, and free for infants under 2.
Validity: Valid for up to 92 days of travel.
Requirement: This must be purchased before your arrival, and you will receive a QR code to present at customs.
This local policy is required even if you already have private international travel insurance.
Apply here: https://visitzanzibar.go.tz/
Important Information
- Children with individual passports require separate visas.
- No COVID-19 vaccination certificate or PCR test currently required.
- A yellow fever vaccination certificate can be required. Please check the latest information on the website to see if this applies to your situation.
VISITING UGANDA
Travelers to Uganda, unless exempt under Uganda immigration regulations, are required to obtain an eVisa before travel.
Apply here: https://www.visas.immigration.go.ug/#/
Uganda Visa Requirements
- Passport valid for at least 6 months.
- Completed visa application.
- Passport photo.
- Supporting travel documents where requested.
Important Information
- Processing time is approximately 2–5 working days.
- Printing the visa approval letter is recommended.
- Children travelling with individual passports require separate visas.
- Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is mandatory.
- Credit cards and traveler’s cheques are not widely accepted in some areas, carrying cash is advisable.
VISITING RWANDA
Travelers visiting Rwanda may apply online in advance or obtain a visa on arrival depending on nationality.
Apply here: https://irembo.gov.rw/home/citizen/all_services (Select Visa Application).
Rwanda Visa Requirements
- Passport valid for at least 6 months.
- Passport photograph.
- Supporting travel documents where required.
Important Information
- Processing time is approximately 4–7 working days.
- Visa on arrival available for many nationalities.
- Children under 16 may not require separate visas depending on nationality regulations.
Health Requirements
- A yellow fever vaccination certificate can be required. Please check the latest information on the website to see if this applies to your situation.
- Travelers visiting gorillas, chimpanzees or other primates should confirm a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours and current park health requirements directly with authorities prior to travel.
VISITING ZIMBABWE
Passengers travelling to Zimbabwe are required to complete immigration arrival formalities online before departure. Completing immigration formalities before departure helps avoid delays upon arrival.
Apply here: https://evisa.gov.zw/app/index.html#/home
Disclaimer: Visa rules and requirements can change at any time. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend checking with the official visa websites before finalizing your travel plans.