Practical Information
Non-Residents
Practical Information for Kenya
Passport Requirements
- Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your expected return date.
- Blank Pages: Your passport must have at least 3 blank pages remaining.
- Control: You will pass through passport and immigration control upon arrival. The staff speaks English.
Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA)
All non-residents must obtain an electronic entry clearance before departure.
- Mandatory for All: Every traveler needs an individual eTA. This includes children and infants.
- Minors: Adults traveling with children under 18 are responsible for their applications.
- Group Option: Families or groups traveling together (especially with minors) should apply using the “Group eTA” option.
- Timing: Apply once you receive your travel documents (approx. 14 days before departure). Do not apply earlier than 30–60 days before your trip, as the eTA expires 90 days after approval.
- Official Link: Apply online via the official portal: www.etakenya.go.ke.
Required Documents (JPEG Format Only)
The system does not accept PDF or Word files. Please save all documents as image files (JPEG)—using a snipping or screenshot tool if necessary—before starting.
- Passport Copy: A clear scan or photo of the bio-data page (with your photo).
- Applicant Photo: A recent passport-style photo. A high-quality smartphone selfie is acceptable.
- Booking Confirmation: A copy of your Safari Eksperten invoice or a voucher from our local partner showing your full itinerary.
- Flight Tickets: A copy of your confirmed airline tickets.
Application Process & Fees
- Information Needed: You must provide personal details, contact information, address, and occupation.
- Payment: Paid online via credit or debit card.
- Processing Time: Check your account status after approximately 72 hours.
- Approval: Once approved, the status will show:
stage: issued. - Final Step: Download and print your eTA. You must present the printed copy at immigration control in Kenya.
eTA Pricing
- Standard Fee: Approximately USD 34 per person (paid directly to the government website).
Multi-Destination Trips (e.g., Kenya & Tanzania)
- Multiple Permits: Combining Kenya with other countries requires separate entry approvals for each destination.
- Visas: If your itinerary includes Tanzania or other neighboring countries, you must secure the appropriate visa for those nations in addition to your Kenyan eTA.
Health & Travel Insurance
Recommended Vaccinations
We advise you to consult a travel clinic or your general practitioner well in advance of your departure to ensure you receive the correct vaccinations.
As a general guideline for traveling to Kenya, it is commonly recommended to be protected against:
- Hepatitis A (Infectious hepatitis)
- Tetanus & Diphtheria
- Yellow Fever: A vaccination certificate may be legally required depending on your country of origin or if you are arriving from/transiting through another yellow fever-endemic country.
For official and up-to-date health guidelines based on your nationality, you can consult authoritative resources such as the CDC Travelers’ Health Guide or the WHO International Travel and Health portal.
Prescription & General Medication
- Personal Medication: Always bring an ample supply of any doctor-prescribed medication in your carry-on luggage.
- First Aid Essentials: We strongly recommend packing basic over-the-counter medication, such as pain relievers (e.g., paracetamol/ibuprofen) and anti-diarrhea tablets (e.g., Imodium Plus).
- Availability: While pharmacies are readily available in major Kenyan cities, they are non-existent in remote safari areas and national parks. It is essential to bring everything you might need from home.
Malaria Prophylaxis
Malaria risk exists in many parts of Kenya, particularly in the lower-altitude safari areas and coastal regions.
- Prevention: We strongly advise starting a preventive malaria treatment before your departure, continuing it throughout your stay, and finishing the course after returning home. Please follow the specific guidelines of your chosen medication.
- Medication Advice: Based on feedback from our guests, we do not recommend Lariam due to a history of unpleasant side effects. Instead, many of our travelers report high satisfaction and excellent coverage with Malarone (or its generic equivalents).
- Consultation: Always consult a professional travel health specialist or your doctor to find the correct malaria prophylaxis tailored to your specific itinerary.
Travel & Cancellation Insurance
We highly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance as well as cancellation insurance before your trip.
- Cancellation Protection: This insurance costs 7% of the total price of your trip. If you need to cancel your safari due to acute illness, the full price of the trip will be refunded through Europæiske ERV.
- Booking Deadline: Cancellation insurance must be added at the time of booking or, at the latest, when making your very first deposit payment.
Medical Disclaimer
This information is for general guidance only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider or travel clinic for personalized health recommendations before traveling.
Packing & Clothing Guidelines
We highly recommend limiting your luggage, as space in the safari vehicles is limited. Laundry services are widely available and can be utilized multiple times during your journey.
- On Safari: Bring clothing in natural, earthy colors such as sand, beige, brown, and muted green shades. Avoid bright colors, white, or very dark blue/black (which can attract insects like tsetse flies).
- At the Coast: Light-colored clothing is ideal for coastal areas to help stay cool in the sun.
- Fabrics: We recommend choosing lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton. Synthetic materials are rarely comfortable in tropical climates.
- Layers for Chillier Hours: Evenings and early mornings on safari can become surprisingly cold. It is essential to pack a warm jacket, sweater, or fleece.
- Dress Code: The general style in Kenya is casual. However, it is customary for men to wear long trousers (rather than shorts) for dinner. Most coastal resorts do not allow guests to wear swimwear in their lunch restaurants.
Essential Packing Checklist
- 1 pair of sturdy walking or outdoor shoes
- 1 pair of sandals or flip-flops
- 1–2 long-sleeved shirts or sweaters
- 1–2 pairs of long outdoor trousers (zip-off trousers are ideal)
- Shorts
- T-shirts and casual shirts
- Swimwear
- Socks and underwear
- Sun hat or cap
- Sunglasses
- Mosquito/insect repellent
- Sunscreen & after-sun lotion
- Camera equipment
- Small daypack/backpack for safari game drives
- A pen (for filling out official forms)
- Travel adapter
- Binoculars (optional but highly recommended)
Crucial Notice Regarding Plastic Bags: To protect the environment and reduce pollution, the use, manufacture, and importation of all plastic bags is strictly illegal in Kenya. Do not use plastic bags to wrap items inside your luggage, as they may be confiscated upon arrival.Currency & Cash
The local currency is the Kenyan Shilling (KES). You cannot exchange money into KES before leaving home; currency exchange is only possible upon arrival in Kenya.
- US Dollars (USD): We recommend bringing US Dollars in cash. USD is widely accepted as a primary currency throughout the country, including for buying souvenirs in smaller villages, meaning you do not necessarily need to exchange your money into Kenyan Shillings.
- Important Note on USD Bills: Due to local regulations, US Dollar bills must be newer than 2006 and must be in clean, un-torn condition to be accepted anywhere in Kenya.
- Card Payments: Most lodges, hotels, and camps accept international credit cards (Visa/Mastercard) for beverages and extras. However, please note that you usually cannot withdraw or exchange cash at the accommodation sites.
- Where to Withdraw Cash: ATMs are available in Nairobi, Mombasa, and some of the larger towns you will pass during your safari (such as Naivasha).
Estimated Local Prices (Food & Drinks)
To help you budget, here are the approximate costs for food and beverages outside of your pre-booked itinerary:
- Soft drinks or local beer: Approx. USD 2.00 – 3.00 / EUR 1.80 – 2.70
- A bottle of wine: Approx. USD 15.00 – 22.00 / EUR 14.00 – 20.00
- Lunch meal (Nairobi or the coast): Approx. USD 8.00 – 15.00 / EUR 7.00 – 14.00
Tipping Guidelines
Tipping is a customary way to show appreciation for good service in Kenya’s tourism industry. While it is never mandatory, it is highly appreciated by the local staff. We recommend tipping in either US Dollars or Kenyan Shillings based on the following general standards:
- Safari Drivers & Guides: USD 8.00 – 10.00 per person, per safari day. It is customary to settle tips with your guide on the final day of your safari before arriving at the airport.
- Transfer Drivers: Approx. USD 5.00 total per transfer (e.g., from the airport to your hotel).
- Lodges, Camps & Hotels: Most accommodations feature a central “Tip Box” at the reception desk. We recommend contributing USD 3.00 – 4.00 per person, per night. Using the main tip box ensures that your contribution is shared equally among all back-of-house staff, including kitchen teams, laundry, and maintenance workers.
- Porters: Approx. USD 1.00 per suitcase for the porter carrying your luggage to your room.
- Restaurants & Cafés: For venues outside your accommodation, a tip of roughly 10% of the total bill is standard practice.
Practical Information for Tanzania
Passport Requirements
Electronic Visa (e-Visa)
All non-residents must obtain a entry visa before departure or upon arrival. Applying online before traveling is highly recommended to avoid long queues.
- Mandatory for All: Every traveler needs an individual visa. This includes children and infants.
- Minors: Adults traveling with children under 18 are responsible for their applications.
- Application Window: Apply online once you receive your travel documents (approx. 14 to 30 days before departure).
- Official Link: Apply online via the official portal: Tanzania eVisa Portal.
Required Documents (JPEG, PNG, or PDF Format)
Make sure you have your files ready in the correct formats and sizes before starting:
- Passport Copy: A clear scan or photo of your passport’s bio-data page (JPEG/PNG format, max 300 KB).
- Applicant Photo: A recent passport-style photo with a plain background (JPEG/PNG format, max 300 KB).
- Booking Confirmation: A copy of your Safari Eksperten invoice or hotel accommodation details.
- Flight Tickets: A copy of your confirmed return airline tickets (often accepted in PDF format, max 1 MB).
Application Process & Fees
- Information Needed: You must fill out personal details, contact data, travel dates, passport info, and accommodation addresses.
- Payment: Paid online directly via credit or debit card.
- Processing Time: Check your email or account status after approximately 5 to 10 days.
- Final Step: Download and print your approved e-Visa. You must present the printed copy at immigration control upon entering Tanzania.
e-Visa Pricing
- Standard Fee: Around USD 50 per person for most nationalities (Single Entry). Note that US citizens are required to purchase a Multiple Entry Visa for around USD 100. [1]
Multi-Destination Trips (e.g., Kenya & Tanzania)
- Multiple Permits: Combining Tanzania with other countries requires separate entry approvals for each destination.
- Visas: If your itinerary includes Kenya or other neighboring nations, you must secure the appropriate entry authorizations (like Kenya’s eTA) in addition to your Tanzanian visa.
Health & Travel Insurance
Recommended Vaccinations
We advise you to consult a travel clinic or your general practitioner well in advance of your departure to ensure you receive the correct vaccinations.
As a general guideline for traveling to Tanzania, it is commonly recommended to be protected against:
As a general guideline for traveling to Tanzania, it is commonly recommended to be protected against:
- Hepatitis A (Infectious hepatitis)
- Tetanus & Diphtheria
- Yellow Fever: A vaccination certificate is legally required if you are arriving from or transiting through a yellow-fever-endemic country (such as neighboring Kenya). [1]
For official and up-to-date health guidelines based on your nationality, you can consult authoritative resources such as the CDC Travelers’ Health Guide or the WHO International Travel and Health portal.
Prescription & General Medication
- Personal Medication: Always bring an ample supply of any doctor-prescribed medication in your carry-on luggage.
- First Aid Essentials: We strongly recommend packing basic over-the-counter medication, such as pain relievers (e.g., paracetamol/ibuprofen) and anti-diarrhea tablets (e.g., Imodium Plus).
- Availability: While pharmacies are readily available in major Tanzanian cities like Arusha or Dar es Salaam, they are non-existent in remote safari areas and national parks. It is essential to bring everything you might need from home.
Malaria Prophylaxis
Malaria risk exists in many parts of Tanzania, particularly in the lower-altitude safari areas and coastal regions.
- Prevention: We strongly advise starting a preventive malaria treatment before your departure, continuing it throughout your stay, and finishing the course after returning home. Please follow the specific guidelines of your chosen medication.
- Medication Advice: Based on feedback from our guests, we do not recommend Lariam due to a history of unpleasant side effects. Instead, many of our travelers report high satisfaction and excellent coverage with Malarone (or its generic equivalents).
- Consultation: Always consult a professional travel health specialist or your doctor to find the correct malaria prophylaxis tailored to your specific itinerary.
Travel & Cancellation Insurance
We highly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance as well as cancellation insurance before your trip. [1]
- Zanzibar Requirement: Please note that if your trip includes Zanzibar, the local government mandates a specific local insurance package alongside standard medical coverage.
- Cancellation Protection: This insurance costs 7% of the total price of your trip. If you need to cancel your safari due to acute illness, the full price of the trip will be refunded through Europæiske ERV.
- Booking Deadline: Cancellation insurance must be added at the time of booking or, at the latest, when making your very first deposit payment.
Medical Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider or travel clinic for personalized health recommendations before traveling.
Packing & Clothing Guidelines
We highly recommend limiting your luggage, as space in the safari vehicles and small aircraft is limited. Laundry services are widely available and can be utilized multiple times during your journey.
- On Safari: Bring clothing in natural, earthy colors such as sand, beige, brown, and muted green shades. Avoid bright colors, white, or very dark blue/black (which can attract insects like tsetse flies).
- At the Coast/Zanzibar: Light-colored clothing is ideal for coastal areas to stay cool. Please note that Zanzibar is culturally conservative; travelers should dress modestly (covering shoulders and knees) when outside of beach resorts.
- Fabrics: We recommend choosing lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton. Synthetic materials are rarely comfortable in tropical climates.
- Layers for Chillier Hours: Evenings and early mornings on safari (especially in higher-altitude places like the Ngorongoro Crater) can become surprisingly cold. It is essential to pack a warm jacket, sweater, or fleece.
- Dress Code: The general style in Tanzania is casual. However, it is customary for men to wear long trousers (rather than shorts) for dinner. Most coastal resorts do not allow guests to wear swimwear in their lunch restaurants.
Essential Packing Checklist
- 1 pair of sturdy walking or outdoor shoes
- 1 pair of sandals or flip-flops
- 1–2 long-sleeved shirts or sweaters
- 1–2 pairs of long outdoor trousers (zip-off trousers are ideal)
- Shorts
- T-shirts and casual shirts
- Swimwear
- Socks and underwear
- Sun hat or cap
- Sunglasses
- Mosquito/insect repellent
- Sunscreen & after-sun lotion
- Camera equipment
- Small daypack/backpack for safari game drives
- A pen (for filling out arrival forms)
- Travel adapter (Tanzania primarily uses UK-style Type G plugs)
- Binoculars (optional but highly recommended)
Crucial Notice Regarding Plastic Bags: To protect the environment and reduce pollution, the use, manufacture, and importation of all plastic carrier bags is strictly illegal in Tanzania. Do not use plastic bags (including Ziploc bags for packing) to wrap items inside your luggage, as they may be confiscated upon arrival. Ziploc bags used strictly for toiletries are occasionally permitted but reusable fabric bags are highly recommended.
Currency & Cash
The local currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). You cannot easily exchange money into TZS before leaving home; currency exchange is best done upon arrival.
- US Dollars (USD): We recommend bringing US Dollars in cash. USD is widely accepted as a primary currency throughout the country for tourist activities, tipping, and souvenirs.
- Important Note on USD Bills: Due to local banking regulations, all US Dollar bills must be newer than 2006, crisp, and clean. Old, torn, or stamped bills will be rejected.
- Card Payments: Most lodges, hotels, and camps accept international credit cards (Visa/Mastercard) for beverages and extras. However, processing fees can apply, and cash cannot usually be withdrawn at the camps.
- Where to Withdraw Cash: ATMs are available in major hubs like Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Stone Town, and Moshi. [1]
Estimated Local Prices (Food & Drinks)
To help you budget, here are the approximate costs for food and beverages outside of your pre-booked itinerary:
- Local Beer: around USD 3 – USD 5
- Soft Drinks / Soda: around USD 1.50 – USD 3
- Bottled Water (1.5L): around USD 1 – USD 2
- Casual Meal at a local restaurant: around USD 10 – USD 20 per person