Do I Need a Visa for Both Kenya and Tanzania? Complete Safari Guide
If you’re planning a Kenya–Tanzania safari, you’re probably wondering:
“Do I need a visa for both Kenya and Tanzania?”
“Which visa should I apply for first?”
“Does the East Africa Tourist Visa cover both countries?”
As experts in cross-border safaris, Wildbud Safaris helps travelers navigate entry rules every single day — so this guide is based on real traveler experience, not guesswork.
Do You Need Visas for Both Kenya and Tanzania?
✔ YES — you need separate visas for each country.
Kenya and Tanzania do not share a visa system.
So if your safari itinerary includes both countries, you will need:
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Kenya Visa
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Tanzania Visa
Unless you qualify for visa-free travel (rare), you must apply for each visa separately, even if you enter and exit multiple times.
Kenya Visa Requirements (2025–2026)
Kenya used to require an eVisa, but in 2024 it switched to an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for most travelers.
✔ Kenya eTA (Required for Most Nationalities)
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Cost: USD $30
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Processing time: 1–3 business days
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Apply online: https://www.etakenya.go.ke
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Validity: 90 days
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Single entry
Required documents:
✔ Passport valid for 6 months
✔ Passport photo (digital)
✔ Accommodation details
✔ Return/onward ticket
✔ Safari itinerary (Wildbud provides this)
Who does NOT need a Kenya visa/eTA?
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Citizens of EAC member states
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Some Caribbean nations
Check the official eligibility list on the eTA portal.
Tanzania Visa Requirements (2025–2026)
✔ Tanzania eVisa (Most Common)
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Cost: USD $50 (single entry)
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US citizens: USD $100 (multiple entry)
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Processing time: 5–10 business days
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Apply online: https://visa.immigration.go.tz
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Validity: 90 days
Required documents:
✔ Passport valid 6+ months
✔ Passport photo
✔ Safari itinerary
✔ Return/onward travel
✔ Yellow fever card (only if coming from certain countries)
TIP
Wildbud Safaris provides your full day-by-day Kenya Tanzania itinerary to upload with your application.
Does the East Africa Tourist Visa Cover Tanzania?
NO — Tanzania does not accept the East Africa Tourist Visa.
This is the most common traveler mistake.
East Africa Visa covers only:
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Kenya
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Uganda
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Rwanda
Tanzania is not part of the East Africa Visa program.
If you enter Kenya with the East Africa Visa, you’ll still need a separate Tanzania visa.
What If You’re Crossing the Border During Safari?
Most Kenya–Tanzania safaris cross at Isebania, the most efficient and scenic border point.
During this crossing:
✔ You will stamp out of Kenya
✔ Apply your Tanzania visa (pre-approved online)
✔ Continue into Serengeti
Wildbud Safaris handles all:
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Driver coordination
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Luggage handover
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Exit/entry procedures
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Safari timing
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Vehicle change
So the process is smooth and stress-free.
Best Order for a Kenya–Tanzania Visa Strategy
If starting in Kenya → ending in Tanzania
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Apply for Kenya eTA
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Apply for Tanzania eVisa
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Cross at Isebania mid-safari
If starting in Tanzania → ending in Kenya
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Apply for Tanzania eVisa
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Apply for Kenya eTA
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Cross at Isebania into the Mara
Do You Need a Yellow Fever Certificate?
✔ Required if coming from or transiting through
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Uganda
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Rwanda
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Ethiopia
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Zambia
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Congo
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Some West African countries
✔ Not required if coming directly from:
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US
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UK
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Canada
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EU
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Australia
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New Zealand
TIP: Carry the certificate anyway — some officers still request it.
When Should You Apply?
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Kenya eTA: 2 weeks before travel
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Tanzania eVisa: 3–4 weeks before travel
Wildbud Safaris sends all needed documents immediately upon booking.
What Happens If Your Visa Is Delayed?
Don’t panic — this is common.
We will:
✔ Escalate with immigration
✔ Provide alternative entry ports
✔ Coordinate border officers
✔ Adjust your Kenya Tanzania itinerary if needed
You’re never on your own.
Expert Visa Tips from Wildbud Safaris
✔ Always apply online early
✔ Use the exact passport you’ll travel with
✔ Upload clear images only
✔ Don’t book flights through countries requiring Yellow Fever unless necessary
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I get a Kenya or Tanzania visa on arrival?
Kenya: No (must apply eTA)
Tanzania: ✔ Sometimes, but not guaranteed — eVisa recommended.
2. Do children need visas?
Yes — same rules as adults (except EAC nationals).
3. Is the East Africa Visa worth it?
Yes — if visiting Kenya + Rwanda + Uganda.
NOT useful for Tanzania.
4. Can I enter Tanzania twice on the same visa?
Only if you are a US citizen (multiple entry allowed).
All others require another visa.
5. How long does the Isebania crossing take?
1.5–2.5 hours depending on queues.
Ready to Plan Your Kenya–Tanzania Safari?
Visa requirements can be confusing — but your safari shouldn’t be.
Wildbud Safaris handles everything:
✔ Visa assistance
✔ Border support
✔ Cross-border logistics
✔ Full itinerary preparation
✔ Trusted driver-guides in both countries
Click here to book your Kenya–Tanzania safari
Request a free itinerary designed around your dates—2026–2027 now open!
