After months of planning, the last thing you want is a documentation issue derailing your safari at the airport. Navigating the world of visas, passport validity, and entry rules can feel confusing, with information scattered across difficult-to-read government websites. A simple mistake can be costly and stressful.
That’s why our experts have created this clear, practical guide. We’ve consolidated the essential visa and entry requirements by country for Africa’s top safari destinations. Use this as your starting point to ensure your travel documents are in perfect order, so you can breeze through immigration and get to the adventure.
Critical Disclaimer: Always Verify with Official Sources
IMPORTANT: Visa and entry requirements can change with little to no notice. While we strive to keep this guide updated, it is intended for informational purposes only. You MUST verify the latest rules for your specific nationality by checking the official embassy or consulate website for each country you plan to visit well in advance of your travel date.
The Two Golden Rules of African Passport Control
Before diving into country specifics, understand these two non-negotiable rules. Failure to meet them is the #1 reason travelers are denied boarding or entry.
Rule #1: Six Months of Passport Validity
Nearly every African country requires your passport to be valid for at least six months from your date of exit from that country. If your passport expires in five months, you will likely be denied boarding your flight. Check your expiration date now.
Rule #2: Two to Three Blank Passport Pages
Most countries require at least two completely blank visa pages in your passport for their entry and exit stamps. If you are visiting multiple countries, you will need two blank pages for each country. Officials are very strict about this; pages for “Endorsements” do not count.
Visa & Entry Requirements for Top Safari Countries
Here is a breakdown of the requirements for the most popular safari destinations.
Safari Visa Requirements at a Glance
This table provides a summary for citizens of the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and the EU.
| Country | Visa Required? | How to Get It | Min. Passport Validity | Min. Blank Pages |
| Kenya | ETA Required | Online (ETA) | 6 Months | 2 |
| Tanzania | Yes | E-Visa / On Arrival | 6 Months | 2 |
| South Africa | No (for <90 days) | N/A | 30 Days After Exit | 2 |
| Botswana | No (for <90 days) | N/A | 6 Months | 3 |
| Namibia | No (for <90 days) | N/A | 6 Months | 3 |
| Rwanda | Yes | On Arrival | 6 Months | 2 |
| Zambia | Yes | E-Visa / On Arrival | 6 Months | 2 |
| Zimbabwe | Yes | E-Visa / On Arrival | 6 Months | 2 |
Caption: Always verify these requirements with the official embassy for your nationality before traveling.
1. Kenya
- Visa Policy: As of 2024, Kenya has replaced its e-visa system with an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). All foreign nationals, except for certain East African citizens, must have an approved ETA before travel.
- How to Apply: Apply online through the official Government of Kenya ETA portal. Approval typically takes up to 72 hours.
- Expert Tip: Apply for your ETA as soon as your flights and first night’s accommodation are booked. Print a physical copy of your approval confirmation to present at check-in and on arrival.
2. Tanzania
- Visa Policy: Most nationalities, including US, UK, and EU citizens, require a visa.
- How to Apply: You have two options: apply for an e-Visa online in advance or get a Visa on Arrival (VOA). The e-visa is strongly recommended to avoid long queues and potential issues at the airport.
- Expert Tip: If getting a VOA, you must pay in US dollars. Bring crisp, new bills dated 2009 or later, as older or marked bills are often rejected. The fee for US citizens is $100; for most others, it’s $50.
3. South Africa
- Visa Policy: Citizens of many countries (including the US, UK, EU, CAN, AUS) do not need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days.
- Strict Rules for Minors: South Africa has very strict laws for traveling with children under 18. While the requirement for an unabridged birth certificate has been eased for some nationalities, it is still highly recommended to travel with one, plus a letter of consent if both parents are not present.
- Expert Tip: Note the passport validity is “30 days after exit,” but many airlines enforce the 6-month rule. To be safe, ensure you have 6 months of validity.
4. Botswana & 5. Namibia
- Visa Policy: Both countries offer visa-free entry for tourism for up to 90 days for citizens of the US, UK, EU, and many other nations.
- How to Apply: No application needed. You will receive a stamp on arrival.
- Expert Tip: Botswana and Namibia both require at least three blank pages. This is more than many other countries, so check your passport carefully.
6. Rwanda
- Visa Policy: Citizens of every country in the world can obtain a visa on arrival.
- How to Apply: Simply arrive at Kigali International Airport or any land border. The fee varies by nationality but is typically around $50 USD.
- Expert Tip: Rwanda is a leader in frictionless travel. The VOA process is typically very efficient and straightforward.
7. Zambia & Zimbabwe
- Visa Policy: Both countries require visas for most nationalities.
- How to Apply: Both offer e-Visas and reliable Visa on Arrival services at major airports (like Lusaka, Livingstone, and Victoria Falls).
- Expert Tip: If you plan to visit both countries (e.g., to see both sides of Victoria Falls), the KAZA UniVisa is your best and most cost-effective option.
Special Visas for Multi-Country Safaris
The KAZA UniVisa: Zambia & Zimbabwe (+ Botswana Day Trips)
This is one of the most useful tools for a Southern Africa safari.
- What it is: A single visa that allows entry into both Zambia and Zimbabwe as many times as you like within its 30-day validity.
- Cost: $50 USD.
- Bonus: It also covers you for day trips into the Chobe region of Botswana (provided you return to Zambia or Zimbabwe the same day).
The Yellow Fever Certificate: When Do You Need It?
This is a common point of confusion. A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is generally not required based on your nationality, but on your travel route.
You will likely be required to show proof of vaccination if you are arriving from, or have had a layover of more than 12 hours in, a country with a risk of Yellow Fever transmission (such as Kenya, Uganda, or many countries in South America and West Africa). For example, if you fly from the US to Tanzania, you don’t need it. If you fly from Kenya to Tanzania, you will be required to show your certificate.
For more details, see our Malaria & Health Guide for Safaris.
Frequently Asked Questions About Safari Visas
Is it better to get an e-visa or visa on arrival?
Whenever an official e-visa system is available, our experts strongly recommend using it. Applying in advance minimizes your risk of problems on arrival, saves you significant time in immigration queues, and means you don’t have to worry about carrying the exact amount of cash.
How long before my trip should I apply for my visa?
A good rule of thumb is to apply 1-2 months before your departure date. This gives you plenty of time for processing and to resolve any potential issues without last-minute stress.
Do I need to show proof of onward travel?
While not always asked for, immigration officers have the right to request proof that you intend to leave their country (e.g., a return flight ticket). Always have a copy of your full travel itinerary handy in your carry-on.
What happens if my passport doesn’t have enough blank pages?
You will be denied boarding your flight by the airline, as they face heavy fines for transporting passengers with invalid documents. There is no flexibility on this rule. If you are running low on pages, you must renew your passport.
The Final Word: A Little Prep Goes a Long Way
Dealing with travel documents is the least exciting part of planning a safari, but getting it right is the foundation of a smooth journey. By checking your passport validity, counting your blank pages, and applying for your visas well in advance, you can eliminate a huge source of potential stress.The most important takeaway: Don’t leave your documents until the last minute. A few minutes of preparation today is worth hours of peace of mind later.