ACATREE Safari Guide: Visas & Flexibility

Are you ready to embark on an unforgettable safari adventure across East Africa? From the vast savannas of Tanzania’s Serengeti to the iconic landscapes of Kenya’s Maasai Mara, and the incredible wildlife experiences in Uganda and Rwanda, East Africa offers unparalleled safari opportunities. At ACATREE Tours, we specialize in curating exceptional safari experiences across multiple countries in the region. Whether you’re planning a visit to Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, or Rwanda, understanding the visa requirements and travel logistics is crucial for a smooth journey.

We’ll guide you through the key visa requirements for traveling across East Africa, the flexibility of flying in and out of one country, and the essential considerations for multi-country safaris. Let’s dive in!

1. Visa Requirements for Multi-Country Safaris

Each East African country has its own visa policies, but there are some common guidelines for travelers planning to visit more than one country during their safari.

Ordinary Visa (Single Entry):

For most travelers, the Ordinary Visa (Single Entry) is the most common option when visiting a single East African country. This visa allows a one-time entry and is typically valid for up to 90 days.

• Who Can Apply: Available to citizens of many countries, except American citizens, who need to apply for a different visa type.
• Ideal For: Those who plan to stay in one country and visit parks like the Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti National Park, or Masai Mara.

Multiple Entry Visa:

American citizens planning to visit East Africa have the option of applying for a Multiple Entry Visa.

• Validity: The visa is valid for 12 months, allowing American tourists to enter and exit the country multiple times, with each stay not exceeding 90 days.
• Ideal For: Travelers who want flexibility to re-enter Tanzania or any East African country during their safari, for example, after exploring Kenya, they can visit Tanzania or Rwanda within the same year.

East African Tourist Visa (EATV):

For those visiting Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda, the East African Tourist Visa (EATV) is an excellent option. This special visa allows you to visit all three countries with a single entry.

• Validity: Typically valid for 90 days, allowing multiple entries into Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda.
• Ideal For: Travelers who plan to explore the safari hotspots of these three countries (e.g., gorilla trekking in Uganda, wildlife safaris in Kenya, and cultural tours in Rwanda). However, Tanzania is not included in this visa, so separate arrangements will be needed for entry there.

Travel Tip: Always check with your tour operator about which visa is best for your specific itinerary. Some countries require additional documents (such as yellow fever vaccination certificates), so ensure all paperwork is in order before applying.

2. Flexibility When Flying In and Out of One Country

When traveling for a multi-country safari, it’s often most convenient to fly in and out of one country, especially since major East African cities like Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, Kigali, and Entebbe are well-connected with international flights.

• Arrival and Departure: You may choose to fly into a central hub, such as Nairobi (Kenya) or Dar es Salaam (Tanzania), and begin your safari from there. From this base, you can easily travel by land or regional flights to neighboring countries.
• Regional Flights: Airlines like Kenya Airways, RwandAir, and Precision Air operate frequent flights connecting East African countries, making it easy to move from Kenya to Tanzania or Uganda, for example, with minimal effort.
• Safari Logistics: Once in East Africa, your tour operator will handle the logistics. ACATREE Tours can coordinate land transfers, regional flights, or even private charters between safari locations. This ensures that your travel between countries is seamless, and you won’t waste time with complex border crossings or logistics.

Travel Tip: If you’re flying into one country and traveling to others by land or regional flights, it’s advisable to plan your safari in a circular route to minimize travel time. For instance, you can start in Kenya’s Masai Mara, then head into Tanzania’s Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, before making your way back to Kenya.

3. Cross-Border Travel Logistics

While traveling between East African countries is generally smooth, there are a few key factors to keep in mind:

Border Crossings:

When traveling by land, you’ll pass through immigration at various border posts. It’s important to ensure you have all necessary documents (visas, passport, yellow fever vaccination certificate) ready for inspection.

• Processing Time: Border crossing times can vary, so it’s advisable to budget extra time for each crossing. However, experienced safari operator like ACATREE Tours will ensure that your itinerary is well-planned to minimize delays.

Transport Options:

• Land Transfers: If you’re visiting neighboring countries like Kenya and Tanzania, there are several scenic overland routes that connect major parks and wildlife reserves. A 4×4 safari vehicle can be used for this purpose.
• Internal Flights: For longer distances, such as traveling from Kenya’s Maasai Mara to Tanzania’s Serengeti, local flights are often the fastest and most comfortable option.

Travel Insurance:

Given the cross-border nature of your safari, make sure to obtain comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, cancellations, and travel delays. This is especially important when crossing borders or flying between countries.

Travel Tip: It’s important to confirm your travel insurance covers multiple countries, including border crossings and medical evacuations, if needed. ACATREE Tours can advise on the best options for your journey.

Here are the official immigration websites for East African countries:

• Kenya: Department of Immigration Services​fns.immigration.go.ke
• Uganda: Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control​
• Tanzania: Immigration Department​
• Rwanda: Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration​
• Burundi: Directorate General of Migration​
• South Sudan: Directorate of Nationality, Passports and Immigration​
• Somalia: Ministry of Interior and Federal Affairs​

For regional immigration matters and policies, you can refer to the East African Community’s Immigration and Labour portal.​

Additionally, the Kenya Foreign Nationals Service Portal provides comprehensive information for foreign nationals regarding visas, permits, and other immigration-related services in Kenya.​fns.immigration.go.ke

Visa policies and requirements can change, so it’s advisable to consult these official websites or contact the respective embassies or consulates for the most current information.