Are you planning on visiting Africa? Well then no matter what country you are visiting, you will need a visa.
During our 9-month Africa adventure, traveling from Cairo to Cape Town, let’s just say we had to apply for numerous Africa visa applications, so we know a thing or two!
In this Africa visa article, we aim to guide you on the Africa visa application process, costs of obtaining a visa, and the requirements for all the African countries along our route.
We’ll embark on a comprehensive journey through Africa, exploring African visa requirements, prices, and application procedures for popular African destinations starting from Egypt and concluding in South Africa. Along the way, we’ll inform you of the necessary steps and regulations for countries such as Tanzania, Kenya, and more, ensuring a smooth and stress-free travel experience for our African adventure.
There are many online websites where you can apply for a visa, yet most of these companies will charge an additional fee for their services, even though you can easily do it yourself. That’s why, we are here to help you save your money!
Tip – The only website you should use to apply for a visa for any country worldwide, is the official website of that country. See the example below. When in doubt about a website’s legitimacy, official ones typically conclude with .gov. If you’re unable to locate the correct website, input the following terms on Google: the country, visa, and .gov.
Africa Visa: Different Types of Visa
Let’s start with the numerous different African visa categories and explore the different types of visas to help you identify the appropriate visa for you to apply for.
- Single Entry Visa – This visa allows you to enter the country for a specific period (Normally 30 days, but in some countries, this can be up to 90 days). Once you exit that country your visa will be no longer valid and you will need to apply for a new visa, should you wish to re-enter that country.
- Multiple Entry Visa – This is the same as a Single Entry Visa, with the only difference being, that you can now enter and leave the country as many times within your time frame of validation. These types of visas are normally valid for 90 days and are more expensive than the Single Entry Visa.
- Visa On Arrival – This is the easiest visa, you do not need to apply beforehand. Show up at the destination airport or border crossing and get your visa + passport stamp from the immigration officials. However, be aware of the following:
- Your nationality determines if you can get a visa on arrival, so check the requirements in advance.
- Not all visas are free of charge upon arrival. Ensure to bring enough cash as not every border crossing will have an ATM.
- Visa fees must be paid in US dollars, specifically in denominations of $50 or $100, and the notes should be in good condition.
- Carry passport photos, as you’ll need them for your application.
- Check whether you require a yellow fever vaccination/vaccination card.
- Verify border status before traveling, as not all borders are open to tourists or visa-on-arrival options.
- Some countries need a letter of invitation for entry. Reach out to your host accommodation for assistance, as they can usually arrange this for you.
- E-visa/ETA (Electronic Tag Authorisation) – For certain countries, it is necessary to apply before your departure. Allow yourself at least one to two weeks before your departure to complete the visa process. Once the visa is granted, you will need to print that visa and show the immigration officials on arrival to obtain an entry stamp in your passport.
- There are many countries where the border checkpoints will NOT grant a visa on arrival. You will need to apply for an E-visa beforehand.
- You may have the option of a visa on arrival or an e-visa in advance. We recommend to apply for an e-visa to bypass long lines at airports or border crossings
- Transit Visa – For travelers transiting through a country on their way to their destination. It usually allows a short stay, ranging from a few hours to a couple of days.
1. Africa Visa Application: Egypt Visa
Unlike what some people may say, Egypt was one of our favorite countries we ever visited. Great people, great attractions, and very very cheap.
There are two different Egyptian visa options you can apply for when visiting Egypt. A Visa on Arrival or an E-Visa.
Visa on arrival: This will be done at the airport or border crossing once you arrive. Firstly you will have to buy your visa. Often this is done at a separate counter. Here you will only pay your fee and receive a receipt, so remember this is NOT your visa!
Next, you move on to the official immigration counter, hand over your receipt and passport, get your passport stamped, and be welcomed into Egypt!
This visa is valid for 30 days and costs 25 USD
Yellow countries: Visa on arrival/E-Visa.
Green countries: Visa Free
E-visa – Purchasing an Egyptian-Evisa before arriving for your Egypt holiday can save you a bit of time. In this case, you can walk straight to immigration with your paperwork to receive your stamp.
The same fee of 25 USD and 30 days applies. However, should you wish to stay longer than 30 days then you need to apply online for a 3-month visa for 60 USD.
Only apply for an E-visa through the official Egyptian Government website – visa2egypt.gov.eg
2. Africa Visa Application: Ethiopia Visa
Although it states on some websites that you can purchase a visa on arrival in Ethiopia, we recommend purchasing an Ethiopian E-visa in this case. Be safe, not sorry!
If you are obtaining an Ethiopian e-Visa on arrival, it can only be done at Addis Ababa’s international airport. For border crossings into Ethiopia, you MUST secure your Ethiopian e-Visa in advance.
Unfortunately, many Africa visas are expensive, and this is most definitely the case with an Ethiopian E-visa.
A single entry with a maximum duration of 30 days will set you back 82 USD. It is possible to stay for 90 days on a single entry visa but for a fee of 202 USD.
To apply for an Ethiopian tourist visa check out the official Ethiopian Website – www.evisa.gov.et
3. Africa Visa Application: The East Africa Visa
If you plan on visiting Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda in one trip, then we highly recommend applying for The East Africa Visa.
With this visa, you can enter Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda, multiple times within a 3-month time frame for 100 USD.
- If you leave any of these 3 countries within the 3-month validity, the visa will no longer be valid.
- Apply for the East Africa Visa online from the country’s website of the country you are planning to enter first. For example, if you are flying into Kenya then you must apply for your East Africa Visa through the Kenyan website.
- Make sure to have the visa printed off in color. If you do not have this print you may be charged up to 30 – 50 USD at the border crossing.
- Kenya requires a Yellow Fever Vaccine Certificate. However, this requirement does change regularly, so check for the latest medical updates and requirements.
4. Africa Visa Application: Kenya Visa
Were you to only visit Kenya, then you do not need an East Africa Visa. But, you MUST have a granted Kenya E-visa in advance. That means – no visa on arrival!
The Kenya E-Visa is valid for 90 days and will cost you 51 USD. (The Majority of African visas are around 50 USD) Again, allow yourself plenty of time to apply, and most importantly, be granted the E-visa for Kenya.
Kenya was our favorite country on our Africa trip and we stayed until the last day on our 90 day visa.
To apply for a Kenya Visa use the official website – www.evisa.gov.ke
5. Africa Visa Application: Uganda Visa
Are you thinking of visiting some gorillas in Uganda? Well, then make sure to know your Uganda visa requirements. There are only 3 Western countries that can receive a free visa on arrival in Uganda – Malta, Cyprus, and lucky for us, Ireland! All other countries must apply for an Uganda E-visa before departure.
Like its Kenya neighbor and partner of the East Africa Visa, A Uganda single Entry visa will cost you 50 USD and allow you to stay 90 days. The official Uganda website is – visas.immigration.gov.ug
Please support Happy Irish Wanderers by using the provided links. This will earn us a small commission, but won’t cost you anything extra!
6. Africa Visa Application: Tanzania Visa
One of the most hassle-free visas we got on our Africa adventure was when we visited Tanzania. Crossing from Kenya we got a Visa on Arrival and the process was very smooth.
After being stamped out of Kenya we proceeded to the Tanzania border crossing, filled out some paperwork, paid the fees, and got our passport stamped, easy! It is possible to apply for an E-visa, but the Tanzania Visa website does get a bit confusing.
Malta, Cyprus, and Romania are the only Western countries that can get free entry into Tanzania. For all other Western nations, a single entry Tanzania visa will cost 50 USD, allowing you to stay up to 90 days.
U.S. citizens are required to pay $100 for a visa on arrival in Tanzania. However, by obtaining an e-Visa in advance, the fee is reduced to $50.
The official Tanzania website for your Africa Visa is; visa.immigration.go.tz
6.1 – Africa Visa Application: Zanzibar Visa
Although Zanzibar is a part of Tanzania, this paradise island has its own immigration process upon arrival when coming from the mainland. Getting a free Zanzibar visa involves a simple passport stamping procedure upon arrival.
Note that this entry process in Zanzibar does NOT count as an exit from Tanzania.
If you are only traveling to Zanzibar and not to the mainland, then all Tanzania visa conditions will remain the same, which means, 50 USD for a single entry for 90 days.
7. Africa Visa Application: Malawi Visa
Malawi is one of the poorest countries in Africa but what lacks in finances is made up by the Malawian people who were some of the most chilled people we ever came across on our Africa adventure.
At the time of visiting Malawi, we needed a Malawi E-visa to enter for 75 USD. However, as of February 2024, nationalities of 79 countries can enter Malawi visa-free. If you are not from one of the above 79 countries, Malawi has an e-visa system for online applications and prefers all travelers to obtain their visas in advance.
All you have to do is print off the E-visa and present it with your passport at the border office.
The Malawi E-visa costs 50 USD and is valid for only 30 days. There are also options for a 6-month and 12-month multiple-entry visa for Malawi. To apply for a Malawi Visa use the official link – www.evisa.gov.mw
For all other questions related to Malawi travel visit the official Malawi Tourism website.
8. Africa Visa Application: Zambia Visa
Our visit to Zambia on our Africa adventure was a great experience and also the end of paying for visas! All visitors from Western countries and surrounding African nations (except DRC) are allowed free entry into Zambia for a maximum of 90 days in a 12-month period.
An agreement exists with Zimbabwe to issue a universal visa for both countries. This visa is called the KAZA Visa and allows travelers 30 days of travel within both Zambia and Zimbabwe. It is also valid for day trips to Botswana.
The KAZA visa will cost you 50 USD, even though Zambia and Botswana are free to enter…….
9. Africa Visa Application: Zimbabwe Visa
A visit to Victoria Falls in Zambia allowed us to cross into Zimbabwe briefly. From the Zambian side, you can request a pass that allows you to cross the bridge connecting Zambia and Zimbabwe.
On the bridge, you can face your fear of heights and bungee off. However, you will not be able to see the falls unless you purchase the Zimbabwe visa at the border.
Zimbabwe has strange rules when it comes to visas. Depending on what Western country you are from you must pay either 50 USD or 75 USD.
For Irish citizens, it was the latter. We chose not to pay that fee as we were not traveling through Zimbabwe as part of our Africa adventure.
10. Africa Visa Application: Namibia Visa
Instead, we chose to go to Namibia, and what a great country it is! Namibia boasts some of the world’s most breathtaking and unique landscapes, with a diverse range of natural wonders that are sure to leave visitors in awe.
What makes Namibia even better is that it is a FREE visa to enter Namibia for most Western countries and allows you to stay for 90 days in a 12-month period. It’s a simple process: arrive at any entry point in Namibia (border or airport), present your passport, and get your entry stamp.
11. Africa Visa Application: South Africa Visa
This brings us to the last country we visited on our Africa Adventure – South Africa.
South Africa is a visa-free country for Western countries, allowing you a stay up to 90 days in a 12-month period, just like Namibia, show up and present your passport, easy isn’t it?! If you were to leave and re-enter the last 3 countries, then your 90 days restart.
Other Popular African Holiday Destinations
So far we have focused on the African countries we visited during our Cairo to Cape Town overland trip as well as the experiences and procedures we encountered along the way.
The list below will highlight additional popular African countries worth visiting, for which we have already researched the visa procedures.
12. Africa Visa Application: Morocco Visa
If you have ever wondered what the most visited country is in Africa, well then here is your answer -Morocco!
All Western countries and Japan are allowed free access to Morocco for a total stay of 90 days.
13. Africa Visa Application: Tunisia Visa
Another popular North African holiday destination is Tunisia, where similar to its nearby neighboring country Morocco, visitors are granted visa-free access to Tunisia for a maximum stay of 90 days.
14. Africa Visa Application: Rwanda
There are no Western countries that have free visa access when visiting Rwanda. Instead, you must apply online for a Rwanda E-visa which takes up to 3 days to be approved.
Your Rwanda E-visa will cost you 50 USD for a single entry for a duration of up to 30 days. If you are planning on staying longer then you can apply for the #3 East Africa Visa.
However, we have good news. Since March 2020, all visitors from the African Union, Commonwealth nations, and Francophone countries will have their visa fees waived!
To apply for a Rwanda visa use the following official link – www.migration.gov.rw
15. Africa Visa Application: Botswana Visa
Situated above South Africa, Botswana grants free visa access to all Western nations for a maximum stay of 90 days in a 12-month period.
16. Africa Visa Application: Seychelles Visa
A paradise island nation in the Indian Ocean, the Seychelles grants all foreign nationals free Seychelles visa access with a maximum stay of up to 90 days. However, to qualify you must have either a return or onward ticket.
17.Africa Visa Application: Mauritius Visa
Last on our list of popular African countries to visit is another paradise – Mauritius. Again all Western countries are allowed free visa into Mauritius with a maximum stay of 90 days. However, you can NOT stay more than 180 days in total in one calendar year.
Click the link below to discover prices and start planning your unforgettable African adventure today!
Africa Visa Application: Points to Note
Remember, border crossing experiences can vary widely depending on the country and specific crossing point, so staying informed and prepared is key to smooth travel transitions.
Here are some final tips about Africa visas that can be very useful.
Do your research and be prepared!
- Before you show up at a land border crossing, confirm that the country accepts visas on arrival!
- Not all borders are open for tourists, some crossings are only for locals. Avoid being sent back on your way through lack of research.
- There are opening hours for certain borders and they will not operate 24 hours a day. The last two points relate more to people traveling independently.
- Don’t expect an ATM at every border. Bring cash (preferably US dollars) so you can pay for your visa. Ensure that the banknotes are in good condition, otherwise, they might not be accepted for payment.
- You must have blank pages and more than 6 months of validation left on your passport to be able to be allowed into the country.
- Understand the difference between the validity of an e-Visa. It starts from the date you intend to enter the country, not from the date of issue.
- Some countries require a passport photo and a photocopy of your passport to go along with your visa application. Be prepared and have this done before you arrive in the new country.
- If you stay past the validity of your visa then you will have a good chance of receiving a large fine.
- Lastly, Bring a pen!! And a spare one!! The amount of people that we see at airports, immigration offices, and border crossings without a pen….. Do I need to say more about this, just pack a few pens with you!
Best of Luck with Your Africa Visas Applications!
Have you had to go through Africa visa applications before? Are you planning an overland Africa trip similar to ours?
If you are planning a trip to Africa and have any questions, even if it is not visa-related, then please ask us, and let us help you make the most of your Africa adventure!
Feel free to leave us a comment below, and don’t forget to check out our socials.
Slán go fóil
This post contains affiliate links. If you click on the links to make a purchase, we will earn a small commission. This is at NO EXTRA COST to you. This is a free way to support us and allow us to continue to create inspiring adventure travel guides.
