A guide to visa requirements for people wishing to travel through Africa

Exploring Africa on a safari is one of the best travel experiences you could ever have. In fact, we’ve helped countless explorers like yourself discover the unrivalled natural beauty of East and southern Africa. No matter where you come from, you’re welcome on our remarkable continent!

However, depending on your nationality and the country or countries you plan to visit, you might need to obtain one or more travel visas. That’s why we compiled this quick guide to visa requirements in 12 frequently visited destinations in Africa. Read on to find out if you need to get any admin out of the way before your dream safari vacation.

Botswana

Thankfully, numerous countries have signed Visa Abolition Agreements with Botswana, meaning citizens of these countries don’t need a travel visa to visit the Okavango Delta and other natural wonders.

Both US citizens and EU citizens don’t require visas for Botswana. Furthermore, nationalities that fall within the British Commonwealth are also not required to obtain a visa – except if you reside in the following countries:

• Bangladesh
• Cameroon
• Ghana
• India
• Nigeria
• Pakistan
• Sri Lanka

Mozambique

The only visa-exempt countries for travel to Mozambique are members of the Southern African Development Community. However, certain other nationalities qualify for a 30 day conditional visa exemption. These countries include:

• Belgium
• Canada
• China
• Denmark
• France
• Germany
• Ireland
• Italy
• Netherlands
• Saudi Arabia
• Spain
• United Arab Emirates
• United Kingdom
• United States of America

To qualify, all you need to do is present a valid passport on arrival and pay a fee of 650 Meticals. You can even extend the exemption for another 30 days if needed.

Namibia

Namibia is quite progressive when it comes to not requiring visas for many different nationalities. However, as of 1 April 2025, many nationalities that didn’t previously require visas will now have to obtain a visa on arrival as part of the country’s “reciprocal visa regime”. These countries include:

• Australia
• Belgium
• Canada
• France
• Germany
• Ireland
• Italy
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Spain
• United Kingdom
• United States of America

Travellers from countries that don’t fall into this category can obtain a visa on arrival at a rate of N$ 1,200 per person, which is valid for 90 days.

South Africa

South Africa allows citizens of dozens of countries to visit for up to 90 days without any kind of visa. Notable nationalities include:

• Australia
• Belgium
• Canada
• France
• Germany
• Ireland
• Italy
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Spain
• United Kingdom
• United States of America

Furthermore, citizens of countries including China, India, and Mexico can apply for an e-Visa online before arriving at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg.

Zimbabwe

As of 2025, Zimbabwe only offers visa-free visits to certain African, Caribbean, and Southeast Asian nationals. If you fall into this category, you can stay in Zimbabwe for up to 90 days. Citizens of most other countries – including Canada, EU member states, the UK, and the US – are required to obtain a visa on arrival.

Zambia

Zambia has a long list of visa-exempt countries. Citizens of these countries can spend up to 90 days per year in Zambia without needing to apply for a travel visa. These countries include:

• All EU member states
• Australia
• Saudi Arabia
• United Arab Emirates
• United Kingdom
• United States of America

There’s also a further list of nationalities that can obtain a visa on arrival, which is valid for up to 90 days for tourists. Thankfully, Zambia introduced an e-Visa system in 2014.

Tanzania

In Tanzania, visitors from a long list of African, Caribbean, Pacific Island, and Southeast Asian countries do not require a visa to enter for up to 90 days. Most other nationalities are eligible for visas on arrival, which can be obtained online through the e-Visa system.

Keep in mind that if you plan to visit Zanzibar, travel insurance from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation is mandatory.

Uganda

Uganda’s visa exemption list is relatively short, excluding many notable countries – including South Africa, the EU, the UK, and the US. That means that if you plan to visit, you’ll likely need to apply for an e-Visa beforehand.

Kenya

If you come from Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, or Uganda, you don’t need a visa to enter Kenya. However, every other nationality is required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) in advance.

The following countries can obtain the eTA free of charge:

• Botswana
• Comoros
• Congo
• Eritrea
• Ethiopia
• Ghana
• Mozambique
• San Marino
• South Africa

Rwanda

Rwanda has a long visa exemption list that includes notable countries like Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, the UK, and several EU member states. Visitors from all other countries will have to obtain a visa on arrival, which you can also secure using an e-Visa service.

What About the East African Tourist Visa?

If you plan to visit Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda during the same trip, you can apply for a special East African Tourist Visa. It costs US$ 100, is valid for 90 days, and is available to all nationalities.

Madagascar

All travellers require a visa to enter Madagascar for tourist reasons. The cost of this e-Visa will depend on the duration of your stay, which could be anywhere from 15 days to 90 days.

Mauritius

In Mauritius, visa exemption applies to citizens of numerous countries, including:

• All EU member states
• Canada
• China
• India
• Saudi Arabia
• South Africa
• United Arab Emirates
• United Kingdom
• United States of America

Most other nationalities will require a visa on arrival, which can be valid for up to 60 days. In 2020, Mauritius also launched a Premium Travel Visa, which is open to anyone who can demonstrate that they can be fully self-sufficient in Mauritius.

Visas can be a bit of a pain, but if you start planning now, it’ll be much easier to calculate the final costs of your African safari package. Either way, rules are rules and you’re better off covering all your bases before you leave your country of residence!