Do You Need a Visa for a Kenya-Tanzania Safari? (2025-2026 Guide)
Planning an East African safari that includes both Kenya and Tanzania? One of the most important steps is understanding the visa requirements before you go. This guide answers the key question: Do you need a visa for a Kenya-Tanzania safari? We’ll cover visa types, how to apply, what documents you need, border crossing tips, and the latest updates for 2025-2026.
Yes, You Need Visas for Both Kenya and Tanzania
Most travelers will need separate visas for Kenya and Tanzania. These countries do not share a single East African visa, except in specific regional agreements (more on that below).
✅ If you’re visiting Kenya and Tanzania in one trip, you’ll typically need:
- A Kenyan eVisa or ETA
- A Tanzanian eVisa or Visa on Arrival
Tip: Apply online before your trip to save time at the border.
🇰🇪 Kenya Visa Requirements
Who Needs a Visa for Kenya?
As of 2024, Kenya replaced traditional visas with an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) for most nationalities. This applies to travelers from:
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Canada
- EU Countries
- Australia
- Most non-African nations
How to Apply for Kenya ETA
- Visit: https://www.etakenya.go.ke
- Apply at least 72 hours before arrival
- Upload passport, photo, itinerary, and proof of accommodation
- Pay $30 (subject to change)
ETA is valid for 90 days and single entry.
🇹🇿 Tanzania Visa Requirements
✔️ Who Needs a Visa for Tanzania?
Most non-African travelers require a visa, including:
- USA, UK, EU, Australia, Canada, and more
✔️ Visa Options:
- Visa on Arrival
- Pay at the airport or land border
- Cost: $50 USD (most nationalities), $100 for U.S. citizens
- Wait time: 30–60 minutes at border crossings
- E-Visa (Recommended)
- Apply at https://eservices.immigration.go.tz
- Processing time: 10 days
- Upload passport, photo, travel itinerary
- Valid for 90 days, single entry
Tip: Use the eVisa if entering at Namanga or Isebania border to avoid delays.
What About the East African Tourist Visa?
The East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV) allows multiple entry between Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda — but not Tanzania.
- Tanzania is not a participant in this visa scheme as of 2025.
- If your safari includes Rwanda or Uganda, this may still save you time and money.
Use EATV if doing Kenya + Uganda/Rwanda, but not for Kenya + Tanzania.
Crossing the Kenya-Tanzania Border: What to Know
If you’re doing an overland safari between Kenya and Tanzania, you’ll likely cross at:
🔁 Isebania Border
- Route: Masai Mara (Kenya) → Serengeti (Tanzania)
- Common for safari circuits
🔁 Namanga Border
- Route: Nairobi (Kenya) → Arusha (Tanzania)
- Paved roads, faster crossing
Tips for Smooth Border Crossing:
- Have printed visa approval (if using eVisa)
- Keep passport, yellow fever certificate, and proof of safari booking ready
- Be prepared to pay in USD cash if getting a visa on arrival
Safari Tip: Let your safari operator handle border formalities for faster processing.
Other Entry Requirements for Kenya and Tanzania (2025)
| Requirement | Kenya | Tanzania |
|---|---|---|
| Passport Validity | 6+ months from entry date | 6+ months from entry date |
| Blank Pages | At least 2 | At least 2 |
| Yellow Fever | Required if coming from infected area (including via Kenya) | Required if coming from Kenya |
Travel Smart: Let Us Handle Your Visa Logistics
Visa paperwork doesn’t have to be a hassle. At Annest Kenya Safaris, we help clients:
- Identify the correct visa for each country
- Provide supporting documents for your application
- Plan seamless border crossings on private or group safaris
Contact us to help with your Kenya-Tanzania visa prep
Browse our cross-border safari packages
FAQs: Kenya-Tanzania Safari Visas
Yes, for Tanzania you can get a visa on arrival at land borders like Namanga or Isebania. Kenya requires ETA in advance.
Both Kenyan ETA and Tanzanian eVisa are usually valid for 90 days, single entry.
Yes — especially if entering Tanzania from Kenya or traveling from a Yellow Fever risk country.
Yes, both Kenya and Tanzania allow extensions, but it must be done before your visa expires.
