Do I need a visa to go on a safari in Africa?

It depends on the country and your nationality. Some popular safari destinations like Botswana, South Africa, and Namibia are visa-free for US/EU/UK passport holders. Others like Kenya and Tanzania require an eVisa or visa on arrival.

What vaccinations do I need for an African safari?

Yellow fever vaccination is the most commonly required. Tanzania and Rwanda require a yellow fever certificate, while most other countries require it only if you are arriving from an endemic area. Malaria prophylaxis is also recommended for most safari destinations.

What is the KAZA UniVisa?

The KAZA UniVisa is a $50 joint visa that covers entry to both Zimbabwe and Zambia. It is ideal for travelers visiting Victoria Falls, which borders both countries, allowing unlimited crossings between them during the visa validity period.

How long must my passport be valid for African travel?

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned travel dates. Most African countries also require at least 2 blank pages in your passport for entry and exit stamps.

Safari Planning Guide

Visa & Entry Requirements

Q: What is the East Africa Tourist Visa?

The East Africa Tourist Visa is a $100 multi-country visa that allows you to travel between Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda on a single visa. It is valid for 90 days and is a cost-effective option if you plan to visit multiple East African countries.

Everything you need to enter Africa's top safari destinations. Country-by-country visa types, fees, validity, and vaccination requirements.

12 countries coveredVisa types & feesVaccination requirementsMulti-country visas

Before You Travel

Passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your planned travel date
At least 2 blank passport pages required for entry stamps
Always check with your embassy or consulate for the latest requirements
Requirements vary by nationality — information below is for US/EU passport holders

Country-by-Country Requirements

Visa and entry requirements for the most popular African safari destinations. Information is for US/EU/UK passport holders.

Kenya

Visa

eVisa required — apply at evisa.go.ke

Validity: 90 days single entryFee: $51

Vaccinations

Yellow fever certificate if arriving from an endemic area

Notes

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) replacing eVisa from 2024
East Africa Tourist Visa ($100) covers Kenya + Uganda + Rwanda

Tanzania

Visa

Visa on arrival or eVisa at immigration.go.tz

Validity: 90 daysFee: $50

Vaccinations

Yellow fever certificate required

Notes

Same visa covers mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar

Uganda

Visa

eVisa required — apply at visas.immigration.go.ug

Validity: 90 days single entryFee: $50

Vaccinations

Yellow fever vaccination mandatory

Notes

East Africa Tourist Visa ($100) covers Kenya + Uganda + Rwanda

Rwanda

Visa

Visa on arrival (free for most nationalities, 30 days)

Validity: 30 daysFee: Free for most nationalities

Vaccinations

Yellow fever certificate required

Notes

Gorilla trekking permits are separate from visa ($1,500 per person)
One of Africa's easiest entry processes

Botswana

Visa

Visa-free for US/EU/UK passport holders

Validity: 90 daysFee: Free

Vaccinations

Yellow fever certificate if arriving from an endemic area

Notes

Proof of accommodation may be requested at entry

South Africa

Visa

Visa-free for US/EU/UK passport holders

Validity: 90 daysFee: Free

Vaccinations

Yellow fever certificate if arriving from an endemic area

Notes

Strict rules on minors traveling — unabridged birth certificate required for children

Namibia

Visa

Visa-free for US/EU/UK passport holders

Validity: 90 daysFee: Free

Vaccinations

None required (yellow fever only if arriving from an endemic area)

Notes

One of the most traveler-friendly African countries

Zimbabwe

Visa

Visa on arrival

Validity: Single or double entryFee: $30 single / $45 double entry

Vaccinations

Yellow fever certificate if arriving from an endemic area

Notes

KAZA UniVisa ($50) covers both Zimbabwe and Zambia

Zambia

Visa

eVisa or visa on arrival

Validity: Single entryFee: $50

Vaccinations

Yellow fever certificate if arriving from an endemic area

Notes

KAZA UniVisa available with Zimbabwe ($50)

Mozambique

Visa

Visa on arrival at major entry points

Validity: 30 daysFee: $50

Vaccinations

Yellow fever certificate if arriving from an endemic area

Ethiopia

Visa

eVisa required — apply at evisa.gov.et

Validity: 30 or 90 daysFee: $82

Vaccinations

Yellow fever vaccination recommended

Madagascar

Visa

Visa on arrival

Validity: 30 days (extendable to 60 days for $35)Fee: Free up to 30 days

Vaccinations

Yellow fever certificate if arriving from an endemic area

Notes

Malaria prophylaxis strongly recommended

East Africa Tourist Visa

Fee

$100

Validity

90 Days

Countries

The East Africa Tourist Visa is a multi-country visa that allows you to travel freely between Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda on a single visa. It is valid for 90 days and allows multiple entries between the three countries.

Apply through the immigration website of your first country of entry
More cost-effective than buying separate visas for each country ($50-$51 each)
Ideal for combining a Kenyan safari with gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda

General Travel Tips

Practical advice to ensure smooth entry and a stress-free safari experience.

Book accommodations before applying for your visa

Many visa applications require proof of accommodation. Having confirmed bookings speeds up the approval process and strengthens your application.

Keep digital and printed copies of all documents

Store copies of your passport, visa, vaccination certificates, and travel insurance in your email, cloud storage, and as physical printouts in your luggage.

Check COVID-19 requirements before travel

Most African countries have lifted COVID-19 restrictions, but some may still require proof of vaccination or testing. Verify before departure.

Travel insurance is highly recommended

Comprehensive travel insurance with emergency evacuation coverage is essential for safari travel. Some countries require proof of insurance at entry.

Register with your embassy before traveling

Registering with your home country's embassy ensures you can be contacted in case of emergencies, natural disasters, or political unrest.

Disclaimer

Visa and entry requirements change frequently. The information on this page is provided as a general guide and may not reflect the most current regulations. Always verify requirements with the relevant embassy or consulate before traveling.

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