Travel Requirements

Kenya

  • Passport Requirements: If you plan to visit Kenya, ensure that your passport remains valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. Additionally, there should be a minimum of two blank pages in your passport upon arrival.

    Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA): Kenya's ETA is an electronic travel authorization designed for various purposes, including tourism, transit, and business. The application process is straightforward, secure, and convenient. Applicants can efficiently apply for this authorization online, receiving approval within 72 business hours. Apply here.

    ETA Validity: The ETA remains valid for travel for up to 3 months from the date of issue.

    Tourist Application Requirements: Tourists applying for an ETA need to submit the following:

    Travel itinerary

    Hotel bookings

    Return air ticket

    Countries Eligible for eVisa: Passport holders traveling to Kenya fall into three categories:

    Category 1 – No Visa Required:

    Nationals and individuals exempt from obtaining visas to enter Kenya.

    Category 2 – Visa on Application:

    Nationals who can obtain visas through the application process.

    Category 3 – Referred Visas:

    Countries and individuals requiring referred visas.

    Approximately 140 countries fall into the third category, necessitating nationals from these countries to apply for an electronic visa through a fully online procedure. If you are a national from an eligible country, applying for an e-Visa is essential for shorter stays, be it for tourism, business, or medical purposes.

  • Kenya has instituted various measures to ensure the safety of tourists amid the COVID-19 pandemic, with specific guidelines for different groups:

    Children and Young People: Travelers below the age of twelve (12) are exempt from presenting a vaccination certificate or undergoing a pre-departure PCR test.

    Other Travelers: All travelers aged 12 and above entering Kenya through any point of entry must provide proof of either COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 PCR test conducted within 72 hours before departure.

    Lack of COVID-19 Test or Symptoms: Travelers without proof of vaccination or PCR test, or those exhibiting flu-like symptoms, are required to undergo a rapid antigen test at their expense (30 USD).

    Those testing positive on the antigen test will need to take a PCR test at their own cost (50 USD) and follow Ministry of Health guidelines for self-isolation.

    Symptomatic Travelers: Any traveler entering Kenya with flu-like symptoms must complete the passenger locator form on the 'jitenge' platform (https://ears.health.go.ke/airline_registration/) and undergo a rapid antigen test at their own cost, irrespective of age or vaccination status.

    If the antigen test is positive, a COVID-19 PCR test is mandatory at the traveler's expense.

    Face Mask Mandate: Wearing face masks in public places is no longer mandatory in Kenya. However, social distancing is still required, and overcrowding should be avoided.

    The government encourages Kenyans to continue wearing face masks during indoor meetings for added precaution.

  • Preparation for Health and Safety While Abroad: Embarking on an international journey is filled with excitement, yet readiness for unforeseen circumstances is crucial.

    Health Insurance Consideration: While health insurance is not compulsory for visitors to Kenya, it is strongly advisable for all travelers. This coverage serves as a safeguard against unexpected medical expenses during your trip, including hospitalization, medication, surgery, or evacuation. Without health insurance, the financial burden of such expenses, which can be substantial, may fall directly on you.

    Healthcare Landscape in Kenya: Kenya operates a public health system that caters to basic services for citizens and residents. However, the standards and expectations of some travelers may not be met. The quality and accessibility of healthcare vary significantly across the country, contingent on the location and facility. Certain areas may have limited or no healthcare access at all. While private health facilities are generally better equipped and staffed, they come at a higher cost and may necessitate upfront payment before treatment.

    Health Risks in Kenya: Travelers to Kenya should be aware of potential health risks, including malaria, yellow fever, typhoid, cholera, hepatitis A and B, rabies, dengue fever, and COVID-19. Mitigating these risks involves taking precautions such as vaccinations, antimalarial medication, insect repellent usage, consumption of bottled water, frequent handwashing, and avoiding contact with animals. Despite these preventive measures, some diseases may still manifest, requiring prompt medical attention if symptoms develop.

  • Official Currency: The official currency of Kenya is the Kenyan Shilling (KES), subdivided into 100 cents. The currency code for Kenyan Shillings is KES, and its symbol is KSh.

    Bank notes and Coins: Kenyan bank notes are issued in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1000 shillings, with the 10 and 20 KES notes being infrequently used. Coins are available in denominations of 1, 5, 10, and 20 shillings, along with 40 and 50 cents.

    Exchange Rate Awareness: Before visiting Kenya, it is advisable to acquaint yourself with the exchange rate between your home currency and the Kenyan Shilling. Online currency converters can provide a quick overview of the value of your money in the local currency.

    Payment Methods: While credit and debit cards are generally accepted in larger hotels and restaurants, it's important to note that cash remains the preferred method for smaller transactions. ATMs, located at various bank branches throughout the country, usually accept international credit and debit cards.

    See the latest updated currencies here.

  • Cultural Diversity in Kenya: Kenya stands as a diverse nation, boasting a rich cultural tapestry shaped by over 40 distinct ethnic groups, each with its unique customs and traditions. While Swahili and English serve as the official languages, a myriad of other languages is spoken across the country.

    Emphasis on Greetings: An integral aspect of Kenyan culture is the significance placed on greetings. Every interaction, including entry into a shop, commences with a greeting. Handshakes are customary, with men exchanging them upon meeting and departure. Women engage in handshakes with each other, reserving them for men in more formal situations.

    Cultural Sensitivity in Dress: Although Kenya is predominantly Christian and generally open-minded, areas influenced by Islam may find short dresses inappropriate. This also holds true in certain rural Christian communities. Being mindful of local dress norms contributes to cultural respect.

    Dining Etiquette - The Left-Hand Rule: Observing the left-hand rule is important during meals. Traditionally, the left hand is reserved for activities deemed unhygienic, while the right hand is designated for eating and handling objects shared with or passed to others.

    Respect for Local Customs: In essence, a visit to Kenya necessitates respect for local customs and traditions. Familiarizing oneself with Kenyan culture and etiquette enriches the overall experience in this captivating country.

Tanzania

  • All travellers whether foreign nationals, Tanzanian citizens or Residents, MUST enter Tanzania through designated (formal) Entry Points. Upon arrival, the traveller will be responsible for:

    Appearing in person in front of an Immigration Officer with a completed and signed arrival declaration card, and

    Producing their passport or other acceptable document to an Immigration Officer; and

    In the case of foreign nationals; they may be required:

    >To show their Visa or apply for Visa on arrival;

    >To show Residence Permit/Pass If they are bonafide Residents in Tanzania;

    >Return ticket or evidence of onward travel arrangement; and

    >Evidence of funds for maintenance (upkeep budget)

    >Download Visa Application Guidelines

    NB: Apart from the above immigration formalities, a traveler is supposed to observe health guidelines as provided by Ministry of Health in Tanzania from time to time. Currently there are special conditions imposed for yellow fever and Covid-19. Prospective visitors are advised to read respective guidelines from the Ministry of Health.

    Yellow Fever Vaccination Entry Requirements for Tanzania:

    For travelers entering Tanzania from countries deemed at risk for Yellow Fever transmission, proof of Yellow Fever Vaccination is mandatory. This requirement extends to individuals with airport transits or layovers exceeding 12 hours in nations with a Yellow Fever risk.

    E-Visa

    The visa to visit the United Republic of Tanzania (both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar) is applied by filling out an online form. Once completed, the corresponding payment must be made and the application must be submitted.

    The forms are reviewed and processed by government authorities. Applicants will be notified via email whether their applications have been accepted or rejected.

    In some cases, government authorities may require us to visit a nearby Tanzanian embassy or consular office for a personal interview. This never occurs on tourist visas.

    Apply for e-visa here.

  • You do not need to show a COVID vaccination certificate or negative COVID test to enter Tanzania however, we recommend you have a covid-19 vaccination certificate in handy incase you are asked by an official for it.

    Health officials may screen you for COVID symptoms on arrival. They may also randomly select travelers for rapid antigen testing.

  • Preparation for Health and Safety While Abroad: Embarking on an international journey is filled with excitement, yet readiness for unforeseen circumstances is crucial.

    Health Insurance Consideration: While health insurance is not compulsory for visitors to Tanzania, it is strongly advisable for all travelers. This coverage serves as a safeguard against unexpected medical expenses during your trip, including hospitalization, medication, surgery, or evacuation. Without health insurance, the financial burden of such expenses, which can be substantial, may fall directly on you.

    Healthcare Landscape in Tanzania: Tanzania operates a public health system that caters to basic services for citizens and residents. However, the standards and expectations of some travelers may not be met. The quality and accessibility of healthcare vary significantly across the country, contingent on the location and facility. Certain areas may have limited or no healthcare access at all. While private health facilities are generally better equipped and staffed, they come at a higher cost and may necessitate upfront payment before treatment.

    Health Risks in Tanzania: Travelers to Tanzania should be aware of potential health risks, including malaria, yellow fever, typhoid, cholera, hepatitis A and B, rabies, dengue fever, and COVID-19. Mitigating these risks involves taking precautions such as vaccinations, antimalarial medication, insect repellent usage, consumption of bottled water, frequent handwashing, and avoiding contact with animals. Despite these preventive measures, some diseases may still manifest, requiring prompt medical attention if symptoms develop.

  • Official Currency: The official currency of Tanzania is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) and its symbol is Tsh.

    Bank notes and Coins: Tanzanian bank notes are issued in denominations of 200, 500, 1,000, 5,000, and 10,000 shillings. Coins are available in denominations of 50, 10, and 20, but these are virtually worthless and rarely used.

    Exchange Rate Awareness: Before visiting Tanzania, it is advisable to acquaint yourself with the exchange rate between your home currency and the Tanzanian Shilling. Online currency converters can provide a quick overview of the value of your money in the local currency.

    Payment Methods: While credit and debit cards are generally accepted in larger hotels and restaurants, it's important to note that cash remains the preferred method for smaller transactions. ATMs, located at various bank branches throughout the country, usually accept international credit and debit cards.

    See the latest updated currencies here.

  • Clothing:

    In Tanzania, dressing well is valued, and even the poorest try to present themselves respectfully. Due to the 50% Muslim population, especially in Zanzibar, dressing conservatively is advised. While tourists with some bare skin are tolerated, it's recommended to be mindful of local customs.

    Greetings:

    Greeting customs in Tanzania can vary based on age, relationship, and status. Most Westerners can stick to a simple hello and handshake, using the right hand. In communal settings, acknowledging everyone is polite. In some tribes, bowing may follow greeting older individuals, and guides usually brief visitors on local customs in isolated areas.

    Eating:

    Tanzanian dining etiquette includes washing hands before meals, a habit instilled from childhood. In traditional homes, a bowl is offered for washing, while in restaurants, restrooms are available. Although cutlery is common, some dishes may be eaten with fingers, preferably the right hand. In some homes, males and females may eat separately. Smelling or passing up food can be considered rude.

    Hospitality:

    Tanzanians are warm and friendly, often displaying immense kindness to visitors. However, caution is advised, as some acts of generosity may stem from economic challenges. If invited to someone's home and it feels suspicious, it's prudent to politely decline, promising to visit another time.

    Respect for Elders:

    Older travelers can anticipate receiving significant respect in Tanzania. Tour guides and merchants may show extra courtesy, with some even refraining from raising prices when you browse. Age is highly valued, associated with a wealth of knowledge, ensuring a special level of consideration.

    Being Called "Mzungu":

    Embrace the term "mzungu," meaning "person who walks in circles" or more positively, "explorer" or "restless." Commonly used for Western visitors, it's best to set aside any initial irritation with the label. It's a cultural term and doesn't carry negative connotations in Tanzanian context.