Kenya & East Africa Visa Guide 2025

Getting your visas right is the unglamorous but essential part of any East Africa safari plan. Requirements change — this guide is updated regularly, but always verify with your nearest embassy or the official government eVisa portal before travel.

Kenya

East Africa Tourist Visa (EAC): A single regional visa covering Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania. Cost: USD $100. Available online or at Kenyan ports of entry. Most nationalities eligible.

Kenya eVisa: Apply at evisa.go.ke at least 72 hours before travel. Processing 1–3 business days. Cost: USD $51 for most nationalities. Single entry, valid 90 days from arrival.

Visa-free: Citizens of EAC member states (Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, DRC) enter visa-free.

Tanzania

Apply online via Tanzania eVisa portal. Cost: USD $50 (single entry). Processing 3–5 business days. Zanzibar uses the same visa as mainland Tanzania. Note: if visiting both Kenya and Tanzania, the EAC Tourist Visa is better value.

Rwanda

Visa on arrival available for most nationalities (USD $30 for 30 days). eVisa also available via irembo.gov.rw. Many African countries enter visa-free. Gorilla permits (USD $1,500 per person) are separate from the visa.

Uganda

eVisa via visas.immigration.go.ug. Cost: USD $50 single entry. Gorilla permits (USD $700 per person at Bwindi) are arranged separately — book 6–12 months in advance as availability is limited.

Seychelles

No visa required for any nationality. Seychelles operates a "Visitor's Permit" system — issued free on arrival. Valid 30 days, extendable to 3 months.

Mauritius

Visa-free for most nationalities (including EU, UK, US, Australia) for stays up to 90 days. No application needed — permit issued on arrival.

Dubai (UAE)

Many nationalities (EU, UK, US, Australia, most of Asia) receive a free visa on arrival valid 30–90 days. Others can apply for UAE eVisa (around USD $80) online before travel.