All visitors to Kenya and Tanzania must meet the entry requirements to have permission to enter both countries. If you’re visiting Kenya, you will most likely need an eTA before you travel.
Visitors from the vast majority of countries must apply for a Kenya eTA, which allows tourists to obtain a single entry travel authorization online before their journey. The online eTA service is the quickest and easiest way to get permission to visit Kenya.
This page explains the entry requirements for Kenya and Tanzania, and other important travel information for visitors planning a trip to both nations.
Do I Need a Visa For Kenya and Tanzania?
Unless you are a citizen of a visa-exempt country, you must have a valid entry permit for both Kenya and Tanzania.
For Kenya, this is the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).
Tanzania has an Electronic Visa (eVisa).
There is not a combined single entry visa for Kenya and Tanzania, so travelers must obtain 2 separate permits.
Both Kenya and Tanzania have an online service. This is the most popular way to authorize a visit—it is fast and avoids the need to apply in person at an embassy or on arrival at the border.
Kenya – Tanzania – Uganda visa agreement
Although there is no Kenya and Tanzania combined visa, they do have a visa agreement in place to make traveling between the 2 nations easier for visitors. This agreement, which also includes Uganda, removes re-entry fees when traveling between the 3 countries.
For example, if you plan to visit Kenya and then Tanzania, you can use your single-entry eTA for Kenya to return to Kenya from Tanzania. This means that you do not need to apply for more than one eTA, even though you will enter Kenya more than once.
Note: you must still also have a separate visa for Tanzania.
Visa/eTA Requirements for Kenya and Tanzania
Both countries have broadly the same requirements, although there are some small differences in their processes.
The key things you’ll need to show to get a Kenya eTA and a Tanzania visa are as follows:
How do I get an eTA for Kenya?
There is only 1 way to get permission to visit Kenya, which is through the online Kenya eTA service.
There is no visa on arrival service in Kenya, or embassy visa services. You must obtain your eTA for Kenya online before your trip, or you will not have permission to enter the country.
To get an eTA for Kenya, applicants need to have the following:
- Passport with over 6 months validity on the date of entry to Kenya
- Blank passport page
- Evidence of onward travel
How do I get a visa for Tanzania?
If you’re visiting Tanzania as a tourist, you can either apply for a Tanzania eVisa or receive a visa on arrival. In both cases, you need:
- Passport with over 6 months validity
- Digital copy of a recent passport photo (check a Tanzanian eVisa photo requirements)
- Proof of visa fee payment
- Completed declaration form
Kenya – Tanzania Border Crossings
Although the eVisa service is the recommended option, travelers can also obtain a visa on arrival in Tanzania. Remember that this is not possible on arrival in Kenya, you must get an eTA online before you travel.
You can get a Tanzania visa on arrival at any of the 5 ports of entry: Namanga, Isebania, Luna Luna, Loitokitok, and Taveta. However, travelers who plan to enter both countries are advised to apply for both travel permits online to save time.
Can I Visit Kenya and Tanzania with an EATV?
The East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV) scheme allows tourists to travel to multiple countries in the region under a single visa. The entry document can be obtained online as well as on arrival and entitles visitors to a 90-day multiple entry visit to up to 3 East African countries.
However, whilst Kenya is a member of this particular scheme, Tanzania is not part of this agreement. This means you still need a second visa for your visit to these 2 countries.
Furthermore, the EATV is more expensive than the Kenya eTA, so unless you are traveling to many more countries in the region, it is not cost-effective.
While you’re going to need a few documents for your trip to Kenya and Tanzania, getting these online before you travel is a straight-forward and relatively quick process. If you’re planning to visit Kenya with an eTA, don’t forget to check out the Kenya eTA application form before you travel. That way, you’ll have everything you need to apply for an eTA for the Republic of Kenya prepared in advance.
