If you are planning an East Africa trip combining Tanzania and Kenya — the classic safari circuit — you will need both a Tanzania e-Visa and a Kenya e-Visa. They are entirely separate visas from different governments with different portals, fees, and processes. This guide compares them and explains which you need for different itineraries.
Tanzania e-Visa vs Kenya e-Visa: Key Differences
| Factor | Tanzania e-Visa | Kenya e-Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Issuer | Tanzania Immigration Dept | Kenya Immigration Dept |
| Official portal | eservices.immigration.go.tz | etakenya.go.ke |
| Single entry tourist fee | $50 USD | $51 USD (for most nationalities) |
| Processing time | 3–10 business days | 3–5 business days |
| Stay permitted | Up to 90 days | Up to 90 days |
| Multiple entry | $100 USD | Included in EAC Tourist Visa ($100) |
| EAC Tourist Visa | NOT included | Included (with Uganda + Rwanda) |
| Covers Zanzibar | Yes | N/A |
| Covers Masai Mara | No (Kenya) | Yes |
When Do You Need Both?
If your itinerary includes Tanzania → Kenya (or Kenya → Tanzania), you need:
- Tanzania e-Visa — to enter and/or re-enter Tanzania
- Kenya e-Visa — to enter Kenya
The classic example: Kilimanjaro → Serengeti (Tanzania) → Masai Mara (Kenya) → return to Zanzibar (Tanzania)
For this trip:
- Tanzania Multiple Entry e-Visa ($100) — allows re-entry into Tanzania after Kenya
- Kenya e-Visa ($51) — allows entry into Kenya for Masai Mara
- Total visa cost: $151 USD
When You Only Need Tanzania e-Visa
Tanzania-only itineraries:
- Safari in Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Ruaha
- Kilimanjaro trek
- Zanzibar beach holiday
- Any combination within Tanzania
Visa needed: Tanzania e-Visa only ($50 single entry)
When You Only Need Kenya e-Visa
Kenya-only itineraries (Nairobi, Masai Mara, Samburu, etc.) without Tanzania:
Visa needed: Kenya e-Visa only ($51)
Or the EAC Tourist Visa ($100) if also including Uganda and Rwanda.
Do You Need a Multiple Entry Tanzania Visa for Tanzania + Kenya?
Yes. If your itinerary goes from Tanzania to Kenya and back to Tanzania:
- A single-entry Tanzania e-Visa would be used up when you leave Tanzania for Kenya
- You need a multiple-entry Tanzania e-Visa ($100) to re-enter Tanzania after Kenya
If you end your trip in Kenya without returning to Tanzania, a single-entry Tanzania e-Visa ($50) is sufficient.
The EAC Tourist Visa Option
The EAC Tourist Visa ($100) covers Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda with one visa. It does NOT include Tanzania. However, it is a good option if your East Africa trip includes those three countries:
EAC Tourist Visa ($100) + Tanzania e-Visa ($50) = access to 4 countries for $150 total.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related guides: Requirements | Fees | Processing Time