— Updated August 25th, 2025

YPA’s Tips: Visas and Entry Requirements For U.S. Citizens Traveling to Africa

Traveling to Africa can feel unpredictable especially when you’re navigating unfamiliar entry requirements. That’s where we come in. At YPA, we’re your trusted resource, here to ensure your travel experience is as smooth and seamless as possible.

Visa and entry requirements for African countries can change frequently. You may need a visa, an electronic travel authorization (eTA), or in some cases, nothing at all. Some documents can be obtained on arrival, while others must be arranged in advance. That’s why it’s important to double-check official government websites before you travel.

We stay up to date on the latest changes so you don’t have to. Here are our key tips to help guide you through the process:

Visa Application Tips

1. Don’t leave it to the last minute: For any online application, allow at least 14 days for processing.
2. Timing matters: Some countries issue visas from the date of approval, not your arrival date. Don’t apply too early, rather wait until 3 months before travel.
3. Check your passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival.
4. Leave space: For your Africa trip, we advise that you keep at least three blank pages in your passport for entry and exit stamps.
5. Be precise: The personal details on your visa application must exactly match your passport.
6. Review your visa: Once approved, double-check the duration of stay granted to you. This helps prevent unexpected issues or penalties.
7. Print it out: Always bring a printed copy of your visa (or eTA) along with your valid passport.
8. Plan ahead: In most cases, we recommend completing and paying for your relative entry applications online in advance to make your travel experience quicker and smoother.

DO Require Action

We’re always happy to assist with eVisas, eTAs, and any required declarations. Below are the official links for your reference, however, if you’d prefer us to complete these on your behalf, we’ll gladly do so (for a small cost):

Kenya: https://etakenya.go.ke/

• Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).
• Must be completed online before arrival.
• If you’re traveling to any country after visiting Kenya, you’ll need to show proof of yellow fever vaccination or provide a doctor’s waiver letter.

Tanzania: https://visa.immigration.go.tz/

• Visa available online in advance or on arrival.
• Multiple Entry Visa is $100 USD, valid for 12 months.

Zimbabwe: https://www.evisa.gov.zw/

• Visa available online in advance or on arrival.
• We strongly recommend completing your eVisa application in advance to save time.
• If applying online, be sure to create an account so that your application is saved to your profile and can be tracked.
• Single entry eVisa: USD 30 per person.
  

Uganda: https://visas.immigration.go.ug/

• Visa must be applied for in advance. 
• Travelers cannot get a visa on arrival.
• Single entry tourist visa: USD 50 per person.
• To enter Uganda, a yellow fever vaccination or a waiver letter from your doctor is required.

Mozambique: https://evisa.gov.mz/

• Visa available online in advance or on arrival.
• A processing fee of MZN 650 (approx. USD 10) applies.

Rwanda: https://www.migration.gov.rw/

• Visa available online in advance or on arrival.
• We recommend getting your visa on arrival. 
• The visa is USD 50 per person.

Seychelles: https://seychelles.govtas.com/en

• All travelers must complete the eTA– up to 1-month prior to travel.
• Standard processing fee of USD 11 per person. 

Namibia: https://eservices.mhaiss.gov.na/register 

• Visa available online in advance or on arrival.
• The cost is approximately USD 88 per person.

Egypt: https://egyptembassy.net/consular-services/visas-travel/visa-requirements/

• Visa available online in advance or on arrival. We recommend getting your visa on arrival. Check with us, for most YPA trips to Egypt the visa fee is included in your trip cost. 
• Single entry visa: USD 25 per person.

Madagascar: 

• Visa available on arrival.
• 30 day visa costs USD 37 per person.

East African Tourist Visa:  https://www.visas.immigration.go.ug/#/apply

• Valid across Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda.
• The link will take you to the Ministry of Internal Affairs – Republic of Uganda. When you click ‘Apply Online,’ you can select ‘East Africa Tourist Visa’ under the ‘Category’ tab. You can also apply on the Tanzania website. 
• Costs USD 100 per person.

DON’T Require Action

Below are the African countries where no visa is required for US Citizens for stays up to 90 days (subject to change at any time).

• Morocco
• Zambia 
• Botswana
• South Africa

Entry requirements are subject to change at any time, so it’s always best to double-check with us closer to your departure.