TRAVEL INFORMATION
Kenya and Tanzania Visa Guide
Everything you need to know before you apply, in plain English, with current costs and processing times.
$30
KENYA eTA
72hrs
KENYA APPROVAL
$50
TANZANIA e-VISA
6 months
PASSPORT VALIDITY
BEFORE YOU FLY
What You Need To Enter East Africa
Kenya and Tanzania handle entry differently. Kenya has replaced visas entirely with an Electronic Travel Authorisation. Tanzania still issues visas, online or on arrival. Both require a passport valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date, with two blank pages.
KENYA
Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation
Kenya no longer issues tourist visas. Every visitor, including children and nationalities previously exempt, must hold an approved Electronic Travel Authorisation before boarding.
- Where to apply: etakenya.go.ke, the only official site
- Cost: about 30 US dollars plus a small processing fee
- Processing: usually within 72 hours, apply at least a week ahead
- Validity: single entry, 90 days from arrival
- You will need: passport bio page scan, a passport photo, return flight details and your first night accommodation
TANZANIA
Tanzania Visa
Tanzania offers two routes. Applying online in advance is slower but avoids airport queues. Visa on arrival is available at Kilimanjaro, Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar airports.
- Where to apply: visa.immigration.go.tz
- Cost: 50 US dollars for most nationalities, 100 for US passport holders
- Processing: five to ten working days online
- Validity: single entry, 90 days
- On arrival: available but expect queues in peak season, and carry cash in US dollars
Travelling to both countries? The East Africa Tourist Visa costs 100 US dollars, allows multiple entries across Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda for 90 days and is worth it if you are visiting more than one of those three. Note that it does not cover Tanzania, which must be applied for separately.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Visa Questions, Answered
Apply for the Kenya eTA at least one week before departure and the Tanzania e-visa at least three weeks ahead. Both can take longer than the stated times during December and July.
Yes. Every traveller needs their own eTA or visa regardless of age, and each child needs their own passport.
Only if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. If you fly from Europe or North America directly it is not required, but if you transit through certain African countries it may be. Check before you fly.
Refusals are uncommon and usually caused by a poor quality passport scan or a mismatch in details. Reapply with corrected documents. We can advise if you get stuck.
We provide full written guidance with your booking, including the invitation and accommodation details the forms ask for. We cannot submit the application on your behalf as it requires your own signature and payment.
Visa Sorted? Now Plan The Safari
We provide full visa guidance with every booking, so you are never guessing at the paperwork.
TAILOR MADE SAFARI
Want to Know More? Talk to Us
Create an unforgettable memory with a customised Kenya or Tanzania safari. Tell us how you like to travel and our safari experts will shape the route around you, with no obligation.
Phone: +254 736 992 608
Email: info@solasafaritravels.com
