Travel Documentation and Visas What and how to.

Have all the correct documentation – taking chances leads to disappointment

Travel documentation 

• Passport:

To travel to East Africa you will need a passport that is valid for at least 6 months after the date you return, and have at least 2 blank pages for entry / exit stamps. Note that some countries do not count the pages reserved for visas as ‘blank pages’ for entry /exit purposes. A valid visa as required depending on your passport.

• Vaccination Certificate:

Travellers and tourists must be in possession of the relevant record of vaccinations. Some vaccinations are compulsory for entry depending on where you’re coming from / have been in the recent past. Read our vaccination and health guide here. You must consult your local health travel clinic / doctor to ensure that you are adequately covered. (It is not unusual to be denied entry without the correct proof).

• Import documentation:

Some items eg: firearms, pets, live animals, food stuffs require special import permits. Such permits need to be arranged in advance of your arrival and must be presented on arrival.

Visas and Application

Most people will need a visa to travel to any of the East African countries.

Depending on the country you are visiting you can either apply at an embassy or consulate in your home country, purchase a visa on arrival, or apply online. Note: not all the same rules apply to each country of origin so you must please check with your local or representative Embassy / High Commission. If eligible for visa application upon arrival, this is usually payable only in USD and in cash.

Please look up more detailed information in the country information of your destination.

It is advisable to search the embassy / high commission website within your country of nationality of the country you are travelling to as it will contain the most current and relevant visa information and application processes for your passport type.

The most common visa issued is a single entry visa for a maximum of 30 days, valid for 90 days from date of issue.

It is possible to get multi-entry visas.

• East African Tourist Visa

If you plan to visit Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda it might be better for you to purchase an East African visa which his valid in those three countries. This visa is valid for 90 days and allows multiple entries within those three countries. Unfortunately Tanzania is not included in this visa.

Each of the countries for which an East African visa is relevant contains information on conditions and application process/es.