Complete visa requirements for Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Rwanda, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Mozambique. Know exactly what documents you need before booking your safari.
Your Complete Visa Guide for African Safari Destinations
Planning an African safari is exciting, but visa requirements can be confusing. Different countries have different rules, and they change frequently. This comprehensive guide covers entry requirements for the top 10 safari destinations in Africa, updated for 2025.
Getting your visa sorted early is one of the most important steps in safari planning. Nothing ruins a dream trip faster than being turned away at immigration because of incorrect documentation. We've compiled everything you need to know, from e-visa applications to passport validity requirements, so you can focus on the exciting parts of trip planning.
South Africa: The Easiest Entry Point
South Africa is one of the most accessible safari destinations for international travellers. Citizens from the USA, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, and most Commonwealth countries can enter visa-free for stays of up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for at least 30 days after your intended departure date and must have at least two blank pages.
If travelling with children, South Africa has strict requirements. You'll need unabridged birth certificates for all children under 18, and if one parent isn't travelling, a consent affidavit from the absent parent. These rules are strictly enforced, and airlines may deny boarding without proper documentation.
For nationalities requiring a visa, applications are submitted through the Department of Home Affairs or your nearest South African embassy. Processing typically takes 5-10 working days. A standard tourist visa costs approximately $40 USD.
Kenya: E-Visa Made Simple
Kenya transitioned to a fully electronic visa system in 2024. All foreign nationals who require a visa must apply through the Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) system at etakenya.go.ke. The eTA costs $30 USD and is valid for 90 days.
The application process is straightforward: fill in the online form, upload your passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page, pay the fee, and wait for approval. Most applications are processed within 72 hours, though we recommend applying at least two weeks before travel.
Citizens of some African countries and diplomatic passport holders from certain nations may be exempt from the eTA requirement. Kenya also participates in the East Africa Tourist Visa, which covers Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda for $100.
Tanzania: Visa on Arrival or E-Visa
Tanzania offers both visa on arrival and e-visa options. The standard single-entry tourist visa costs $50 USD for most nationalities, or $100 USD for US and Irish citizens. You can apply online at visa.immigration.go.tz or get a visa on arrival at major entry points including Julius Nyerere International Airport and Kilimanjaro International Airport.
While visa on arrival is available, we strongly recommend applying for an e-visa before travel. Airport queues can be extremely long during peak season (July-October), and having your visa sorted in advance means you can breeze through immigration. E-visa processing takes 5-10 business days.
For Zanzibar, the same Tanzania visa covers entry. There's no separate visa required for Zanzibar, as it's part of the United Republic of Tanzania. However, if entering Zanzibar from mainland Tanzania, you won't need to clear immigration again.
Botswana: Visa-Free for Many
Botswana is remarkably welcoming, offering visa-free entry for citizens of over 80 countries, including the USA, UK, EU nations, Canada, Australia, and most Commonwealth countries. You can stay for up to 90 days per calendar year without a visa.
Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry and have at least two blank pages. There are no vaccination requirements for entry, unless you're arriving from a yellow fever endemic country, in which case you'll need proof of yellow fever vaccination.
For the few nationalities that do require a visa, applications must be made through the nearest Botswana embassy or high commission. Processing times vary from 5-15 working days, and the fee is typically around $50 USD.
Namibia: Straightforward Entry
Namibia grants visa-free entry for stays of up to 90 days to citizens of most Western countries, including the USA, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay and have at least two blank pages.
Upon arrival, you'll receive a visitor's entry permit stamped in your passport. The immigration officer will ask how long you plan to stay, so have your itinerary ready. If you're doing a self-drive safari, they may also ask for your accommodation bookings.
Nationals requiring a visa should apply at the nearest Namibian embassy or consulate at least four weeks before travel. A single-entry tourist visa costs approximately $40 USD.
Rwanda: E-Visa Excellence
Rwanda has one of Africa's most efficient e-visa systems. All visitors requiring a visa can apply at irembo.gov.rw. The single-entry tourist visa costs $50 USD and is processed within 72 hours in most cases. Rwanda also offers visa on arrival for citizens of all African Union member states.
For gorilla trekking visitors, you'll need a standard tourist visa. Your gorilla trekking permit ($1,500 per person) does not serve as a visa. Ensure your visa is valid for the duration of your stay, and remember that Rwanda also participates in the East Africa Tourist Visa.
Rwanda's entry requirements include a passport valid for at least six months, proof of accommodation, and a return flight ticket. COVID-19 vaccination is no longer required for entry.
Uganda: E-Visa Required
All foreign visitors to Uganda need a visa, obtainable through the e-visa system at visas.immigration.go.ug. A single-entry tourist visa costs $50 USD, and an East Africa Tourist Visa (covering Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda) costs $100 USD. Processing takes 2-5 business days.
For gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, you'll need a standard tourist visa plus your gorilla trekking permit ($800 per person). Ensure your passport has at least two blank pages and is valid for at least six months from your date of entry.
Uganda requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for all travellers over the age of one year. This is strictly enforced, and you may be vaccinated at the airport (at your cost) or denied entry without proof of vaccination.
Zimbabwe: Visa on Arrival Available
Zimbabwe offers visa on arrival for many nationalities at major ports of entry. A single-entry visa costs $30 USD, while a double-entry visa costs $45 USD. For those planning to visit both Zimbabwe and Zambia (common for Victoria Falls visits from both sides), the KAZA UniVisa costs $50 USD and allows unlimited crossings between the two countries for 30 days.
The KAZA UniVisa is available at Harare International Airport, Victoria Falls Airport, Kazungula Border, and Victoria Falls Border Post. It's excellent value if you want to see both the Zimbabwean and Zambian sides of Victoria Falls.
Your passport must be valid for at least six months and have at least one blank page. Bring cash (USD) for visa fees, as card payment is not always available at border posts.
Zambia: E-Visa Recommended
Zambia offers both e-visas and visa on arrival. The e-visa system at evisa.zambiaimmigration.gov.zm costs $50 USD for a single-entry visa. While visa on arrival is available, the e-visa is faster and avoids potentially long queues at Lusaka and Livingstone airports.
For those doing a combined Victoria Falls trip, the KAZA UniVisa ($50 USD) is the best option, allowing unlimited crossings between Zambia and Zimbabwe for 30 days. If you're only visiting Zambia, a single-entry visa suffices.
Transit visas are also available for $50 USD if you're passing through Zambia to another destination. Day-trip visas for Victoria Falls visits are $20 USD if you're based on the Zimbabwe side.
Mozambique: E-Visa System
Mozambique requires visas for most nationalities. The e-visa system at evisa.gov.mz offers single-entry tourist visas for $50 USD, valid for 30 days. Processing takes 5-10 working days, so apply well in advance.
Visa on arrival is theoretically available at Maputo International Airport and some land borders, but it's unreliable and we strongly recommend getting your e-visa beforehand. The visa-on-arrival fee is $80 USD—more expensive than the e-visa.
Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required if arriving from a yellow fever endemic country. Your passport must be valid for at least six months and have at least two blank pages.
The East Africa Tourist Visa: Best Value for Multi-Country Trips
If your safari itinerary includes two or more East African countries, the East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV) is exceptional value at $100 USD. It covers Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda, allowing multiple entries between these three countries for 90 days.
The EATV must be applied for through the first country of entry. For example, if you're flying into Nairobi and then continuing to Uganda for gorilla trekking, apply through the Kenya e-visa system and select the East Africa Tourist Visa option.
Note that Tanzania is NOT part of the EATV. If your itinerary includes Tanzania alongside Kenya, Uganda, or Rwanda, you'll need a separate Tanzania visa in addition to the EATV or individual country visas.
Essential Tips for Safari Visa Applications
Start your visa process at least 6-8 weeks before departure. While many e-visas process quickly, delays can happen, and you don't want visa stress close to your travel date. Keep digital and printed copies of all visa approvals, as internet access can be unreliable at African border posts.
Ensure your passport has at least six months of validity from your planned return date and at least four blank pages (even if the minimum is two, having extra avoids any issues). Many travellers have been caught out by the blank pages requirement—immigration stamps can be surprisingly large.
Always carry printed copies of your accommodation bookings, return flights, travel insurance, and vaccination certificates. While not always requested, having these documents ready can smooth your passage through immigration considerably.
If you're booking through a safari operator like Simba Beyond Africa Safaris, we handle visa guidance as part of our planning service. We'll advise on the exact requirements for your nationality and itinerary, and walk you through each application step. Contact us for personalised visa guidance.
