Do you need a visa for Kenya-Tanzania safari? The 2026 Guide

Updated on Jan 15, 2026 | Kenya eTA

Yes, you need a visa for Kenya-Tanzania safari, but the type of visa you will need will depend on the country you belong to. Most importantly you will need two separate visas or travel authorizations to enter Kenya and Tanzania, i.e. one for Kenya and one for Tanzania.

If you are a passport holder of one of the eTA eligible countries listed by Kenya and Tanzania, then they can simply apply for the Kenya eTA (or Kenya visa online) or Tanzania eTA (or Tanzania visa online).

But why combine Kenya and Tanzania for safari?

Kenya and Tanzania are one of East Africa’s richest ecosystems, home to vast meadows, rivers, lakes, dense forests and wildlife. Combining Kenya-Tanzania safari will be one of the most rewarding wildlife experiences.

What you can expect in the Kenya-Tanzania safari:

Here are some of the top reasons why you should choose Kenya-Tanzania safari for your upcoming trip:

Experience The Great Migration

The ideal way to have an immersive experience of the Great Migration safari is by opting for the full migration cycle that involves river crossing and the calving season, when happens in two different countries i.e.

Home to diverse Ecosystems

Both Kenya and Tanzania have diverse landscapes, making it for the wildlife to thrive and flourish.

  • Kenya: Blessed with Mara plains, forests, Rift Valley lakes, and Amboseli’s elephant herds.
  • Tanzania: Home to the Serengeti savannah, Tarangire baobabs and Ngorongoro Crater.

Learn about the Rich Culture of the regions

  • Both Kenya and Tanzania are home to Maasai, a Nilotic ethnic group, living in Southern Kenya and Northern Tanzania, but their cultural traditions differ slightly between regions.

Sounds exciting right? Are you ready to take on the Kenya-Tanzania safari, but before that here is a detailed guide as per the latest information available about the visa requirements, how to apply and other necessary details.

How to make Kenya-Tanzania safari possible?

To make your Kenya-Tanzania safari possible there are certain steps that you must follow, below we have mentioned how you can go forward with your safari tour.

Step 1: Check if you have a valid passport

In order to be eligible to apply for a Kenya-Tanzania safari, first check if you have a valid passport to apply for a visa to Kenya and Tanzania.

Step 2: Get in touch with a Safari Operator

Book your safari package from reputed tour operators, trying to plan on your own is a bad decision, as you will need permits in advance to enter. The safari operators will arrange your:

  • Park permits
  • Border paperwork (in case you are entering by land, but mostly for foreign visitors, flying is suggested for which you will need a visa to present at the airport)
  • Vehicle for safari
  • Guides in each country
  • Accommodation, etc.

Step 3: Apply for Kenya and Tanzania visa

To enter both Kenya and Tanzania for safari you will need:

  • Valid Passport
  • Kenya eTA (or Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization)
  • Tanzania eVisa (ETA or Visa on Arrival)
  • Yellow Fever Vaccination (Recommended in case you are entering from Tanzania to Kenya)

What is the Kenya eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) System

From January 2024, the Kenya eTA (electronic travel authorization) or Kenya eVisa was introduced, replacing the traditional visa application procedure, for visitors from Kenya eTA eligible country list.

  • This means that travelers from Kenya eTA eligible countries, can apply online for the visa to enter Kenya which is known as Kenya eTA or Kenya eVisa.
  • The Kenya eTA or Kenya eVisa application fees vary depending on your nationality.
  • With the Kenya eTA you can only enter for once or single entry is allowed.
  • You should apply for the Kenya eTA or Kenya eVisa at least 3-5 working days in advance, as it takes around 1-3 working days to be processed. Applying in advance means you will receive the approved eTA on-time.
  • The passport you are using to apply for Kenya eTA or Kenya eVisa should belong to one of the Kenya eTA eligible countries, and that the passport must be valid (at least for 6-months) and must have blank pages for stamp-on-arrival in Kenya.

Why can't you rely on a Visa on Arrival for Kenya?

There is no visa on-arrival, this facility is not available to enter Kenya. In order to enter the country for business, tourism (like sightseeing, wildlife safari, or meeting friends/ relatives) or to transit it is mandatory to get hold of the Kenya eTA or Kenya eVisa.

Tanzania’s eVisa (or eTA, Electronic Travel Authorization) System

Similarly for visiting Tanzania, foreign nationals will have to get hold of a visa, travelers from eligible Tanzania eTA eligible countries, they can apply for this online visa or eTA (electronic travel authorization).

  • According to the immigration department of Tanzania, with the tourist eTA (single entry), visitors are allowed to stay up to 90 days.
  • The Tanzania eTA or Tanzania eVisa application fees vary depending on your nationality.
  • The Tanzania eTA or Tanzania eVisa also has multiple entry visa options having a validity period of 1 (one) year, and each visit is limited for a stay up to 90 days (3-months).

Is a Visa on Arrival (Practical but Risky) possible in Tanzania?

Although travelers from some countries are eligible to opt for visa on arrival (VoA), it is strongly suggested to get hold of the Tanzania eTA before visiting the country. Relying on a visa on arrival (VoA), could be risky, as you will have to be in long queues and sometimes refusal may happen. It is better to get hold of the Tanzania eTA before entering the country.

Combined (Kenya + Tanzania) Safari: What This Means for Visas

This means that you will be visiting two different countries for your wildlife safari, you will have to get an approved visa before traveling to Kenya and Tanzania. Both these countries immigration processes require you to get two separate visas, as you will navigate through the immigration checkpoint of both Kenya and Tanzania.

Apply for Kenya eTA: Before heading to Kenya for your safari, apply for Kenya eTA or Kenya visa online, submit it and get the approved eTA via mail

Apply for Tanzania eVisa: For some countries, VoA is possible,however it is suggested to get hold of the Tanzania eTA before visiting the country. Relying on a visa on arrival (VoA), could be risky, as you will have to be in long queues and sometimes refusal may happen.

Check validity and number of entries allowed: Make sure to check the validity of your visa, length of stay, and number of entries allowed.

Carry all the travel documents: You must carry all the necessary travel documents with you like your Kenya eTA, Tanzania eTA, onward flight tickets, return flight ticket, and confirmed safari itinerary details.

Health Requirements: Be aware of health requirements, and since you are going for a safari know the vaccinations required like yellow fever vaccination, malaria, dengue, etc.

Common Misconceptions & Pitfalls to Avoid

  • Entering both Kenya and Tanzania with one-visa not allowed: Do know that you will require two separate visas, both these countries immigration processes require you to get two separate visas, as you will navigate through the immigration checkpoint of both Kenya and Tanzania.
  • Is Re-entry allowed: If your Kenya eTA or Kenya eVisa is a single entry visa you cannot re-use to enter the country. For a stress-free immigration, enter through Kenya first, then head to Tanzania, and from Tanzania catch your return flight home.
  • Visa on-arrival in Tanzania possible: Although travelers from some countries are eligible to opt for visa on arrival (VoA), it is strongly suggested to get hold of the Tanzania eTA before visiting the country, as relying on a visa on arrival (VoA) could be risky.
  • Underestimating processing time: The processing time taken sometimes may be approx. 7-10 working days, especially for getting the Tanzania eTA, so it is advised to apply for both the ETAs in advance.
  • Payment issues: In order to avoid facing any payment issues, use your debit/ credit card to make the payment.

Practical Tips for Kenya-Tanzania Safari Travelers (2026)

Apply early: Apply for the Kenya eTA or Kenya e-visa and Tanzania eTA or Tanzania e-visa application at least two to three weeks before your travel date.

Cross-check your nationality’s visa rules: Do know the rules and requirements according to the country you belong to as immigration rules keep on changing.

Use the correct portals: Use reliable portals which will help you go through the visa application process smoothly.

Print and save the travel authorizations: Save digital copies of the eTAs or e-visas and take a print out copy of the same to carry it handy.

Have enough cash: Do carry some cash with you, in some places online payments may not be accepted.

Health requirements: Enquire about the vaccinations you may need before entering both the countries.

Pre-book your safari: For a hassle free immigration process, it is better if you pre-book your safari, get your itinerary ready in advance.

Points of entry and exit: Know which airports are for immigration, book your flights to and from that airport only.

Sample Combined Kenya-Tanzania Safari Itinerary (Popular 7-10 Days)

Day 1 to 3:

  • Land in Kenya and Head to Maasai Mara (Kenya) to start your safari journey
  • What to expect: Seasonal migration, Big cats, and hot air balloon safari.

Day 4:

  • From Kenya take a flight to Tanzania
  • Pass through the immigration process at Tanzania’s airport and travel to Serengeti

Day 5 to 6:

  • Enjoy your ultimate safari tour in Serengeti National Park
  • What to expect: Endless plains, Migration herds (seasonal) and big cats

Day 7:

  • Visit the grand Ngorongoro Crater
  • What to expect: This is one of the densest wildlife sanctuaries in the world, you will have a thrilling experience exploring it.

Day 8 to 9:

  • Take a tour to Lake Manyara or Tarangire, offering picturesque views
  • What to expect: Elephants, tree-climbing lions, other wild animals and exotic birds.

Day 10:

  • Take a flight back to your home country

Brief Summary: Do You Need a Visa for Kenya–Tanzania Safari?

Yes, you will require two separate visas, both of these countries' immigration processes require you to get two separate visas, as you will navigate through the immigration checkpoint of both Kenya and Tanzania.

  • Before heading to Kenya for your safari, apply for Kenya eTA or Kenya visa online, submit it and get the approved eTA via mail
  • Get hold of the Tanzania eTA before visiting the country, relying on a visa on arrival (VoA), could be risky
  • Make sure to check the validity of your visa, length of stay, and number of entries allowed.
  • Carry all the travel documents
  • Health certificates

So, if you want to be a part of the great safari experience in Kenya-Tanzania, then apply for the Kenya eTA (electronic travel authorization) or Kenya eVisa and Tanzania eTA.

If you have any plans to enter Kenya for tourism, business or to transit, simply go for this hassle-free visa application process. But before that Check your eligibility for Kenya eTA and apply for Online Kenya Visa 4 days in advance of your flight.

Apply for Online Kenya Visa