Your Guide to Visas on Safari

An easy overview for East & Southern Africa travel

Before you head off on your safari adventure, there’s one important thing to tick off the list: your visa. The good news? For most travellers, getting visas for East and Southern Africa is relatively simple—but it helps to know what to expect so you’re not caught out at the border.

Disclaimer:
Visa requirements can change, and they also vary depending on your nationality. Always check your own country’s government travel advisory and the official immigration websites for the countries you’re visiting before you travel.

Here’s a handy guide based on what we see most commonly when planning safaris for our guests:

Kenya – ETA Visa (Electronic Travel Authorisation)

All visitors to Kenya (except citizens of EAC countries) are now required to apply for an ETA online before arriving. It’s quick and usually processed within 3 business days.

Cost: USD $34
Apply here: www.etakenya.go.ke
You’ll need your passport, travel details, a recent photo, and proof of accommodation.

Tanzania – Visa on Arrival or Online

You can get a Tanzanian visa on arrival, but we recommend applying online in advance if you’re crossing overland (for example, from Kenya to Tanzania at the Isibania border), to avoid delays.

Cost: USD $50 (cash only if paying on arrival)
Yellow Fever Card: Required if you’re arriving from a Yellow Fever risk country—Kenya is one of them, so be sure to have your certificate ready.
Apply online: https://visa.immigration.go.tz

Uganda – eVisa Required

Uganda requires most travellers to apply for an eVisa online before entry. You’ll need to upload a passport copy, photo, and a Yellow Fever certificate.

Cost: USD $50
Apply here: https://visas.immigration.go.ug

Rwanda – eVisa or Visa on Arrival

Most nationalities can either apply online or get a visa on arrival. If you’re already applying for a Uganda visa, you might want to consider the East African Tourist Visa (see below).

Cost: USD $50 (single-entry)
Apply here: https://irembo.gov.rw

East African Tourist Visa

Visiting Uganda and Rwanda on the same trip? The East African Tourist Visa is the way to go. One application, one fee, and unlimited travel between the countries.

Cost: USD $100
Apply through the country of first entry.

Zambia – Visa on Arrival or eVisa

Travellers can get a visa on arrival or apply in advance online. If you’re visiting both Zambia and Zimbabwe, the KAZA Visa is your best bet (see below).

Cost: USD $50
Apply here: https://evisa.zambiaimmigration.gov.zm

Zimbabwe – Visa on Arrival or eVisa

Like Zambia, Zimbabwe offers visas on arrival for many nationalities, or you can apply online beforehand.
Cost: USD $30 (single entry), or USD $45 (double entry)
Apply here: https://www.evisa.gov.zw

Botswana – Visa-Free for Most

Many passport holders (including Australian, UK, US, EU) don’t need a visa to enter Botswana for tourism.
However, if you’re combining it with a trip to Victoria Falls, go for the KAZA Visa instead.

KAZA Univisa – Zimbabwe, Zambia & Botswana

If you’re planning to explore Victoria Falls from both sides (Zimbabwe and Zambia), or pop over to Botswana (e.g. Chobe), the KAZA Visa is the easiest and most cost-effective option.

Cost: USD $50 (valid for 30 days)
Available at:

• Victoria Falls Airport (Zimbabwe)

• Livingstone Airport (Zambia)

• Kazungula border (Botswana)

Covers entry to:

• Zimbabwe

• Zambia

• Day trips into Botswana (from Kazungula)

More info: https://www.zambiaimmigration.gov.zm/kaza-univisa/

Final Tips:

• Make sure your passport has at least 6 months’ validity and two blank pages.

• Carry USD cash in small denominations, especially for border crossings.

• Print out your visa approvals, Yellow Fever certificate, and key accommodation confirmations.

Travel should be exciting, not stressful—so if you’re feeling unsure about anything visa-related, just reach out and we’ll help guide you through it!