Home Arrow FAQs Arrow Can I travel to Tanzania with a Kenya visa?

Can I travel to Tanzania with a Kenya visa?

No, a visa issued by Kenya for foreign nationals cannot be used to enter Tanzania. Only citizens of Kenya and other East African Community (EAC) member states can travel visa-free to Tanzania for short visits. Although both Kenya and Tanzania share a common regional organization, East African Community (EAC), the visa to the one country does not imply that you can enter the other country. This is the full account of why a Kenya visa cannot be used to travel to Tanzania and key things to know before applying for a Tanzanian visa

1. Visa Requirements for Tanzania

All foreign nationals are required to carry a valid visa in order to enter Tanzania, no matter whether the foreigner might also have a valid visa to a neighboring country such as Kenya. Tanzania does not accept Kenyan visas as alternatives to its own entry requirements. This implies that despite sharing a border, being in the East African Community, Kenya and Tanzania still have separate entry systems via visa.

Citizens of EAC member countries can travel visa-free within the region for short visits, typically up to 90 days, depending on each country’s policy. This privilege is not offered to international tourists who are outside the EAC and these international tourists will have to get a good Tanzanian visa before they can enter.

Tourists have several categories of visas that they can use traveling to Tanzania and they include:

  • Tourist Visa: This is issued to recreational visitors who want to tour Tanzania.
  • Business Visa: Granted to those traveling for business purposes
  • Transit Visa: This is issued to those people traveling through Tanzania en route to a different destination.
  • eVisa: Similarly, Tanzania has an online eVisa application system which is convenient to include travelers who may be entering or leaving through Kenya
  • Multiple-Entry Visa: Designed for travelers who may want to travel in and out of Tanzania many times within a specified time of the year, usually considered by those people who travel frequently on business or stay in that country long.
  • Student/Research Visa: is granted to foreigners who come to Tanzania to study, get internship, academic research or any other educational activity.

2. The East African Community (EAC) and Its Role

Somalia was admitted into the EAC in late 2023, but the full implementation of visa-free movement for Somali citizens is still pending. EAC has achieved a lot in enhancing harmonization and integration among the member parties. There is no joint Kenya–Tanzania visa. Foreign nationals who are not EAC citizens must apply separately for a Tanzanian visa, even if they already hold a valid Kenyan visa

As an example, as a Kenyan citizen, when going to Tanzania, you do not require a visa to visit Tanzania and vice versa during short visits. Nevertheless, in case you are a foreign national and you are visiting Kenya, you should still apply to receive a Tanzanian visa in case you plan to visit Tanzania.

3. Visa Types to the Non-Citizens

  • As a non-citizen of any of EAC countries you will have to obtain Tanzanian visa in any of the following ways:
  • Visa on Arrival is available for many nationalities at airports and land borders, but not for all. Travelers should confirm eligibility or apply online through the Tanzanian eVisa system in advance to avoid issues.
  • eVisa: The government of Tanzania has also offered online visa application so that travelers can apply in advance; this is so far helping in simplifying the ease of getting a visa in advance before reaching the country. This has been quite convenient especially to the citizens of those countries qualifying to the eVisa system.

Visa through Tanzanian Embassies: Visa seekers whose countries are not on the list of visa-eligible countries must apply through Tanzanian embassies or consulates either in their home country or in a neighboring country.

4. Important Travel Considerations

There are some things that one should consider when he or she is planning to travel to Tanzania say while he or she is in Kenya:

  • Border Crossing: To move with a road trip between Kenya and Tanzania you must cross the border, which entails that you must carry your passport and any other documents that might be necessary including the Tanzanian visa.
  • Visa Processing Time: The processing of eVisas for Tanzania is normally fast  with applications processed within 2–10 business days. However, to avoid unexpected delays, it is strongly recommended to apply at least two weeks before your planned travel date
  • Health and Safety: Tanzania also has travel precautions like the mandatory presentation of certificates by travelers who have visited some countries such as Kenya. Health requirements such as proof of vaccination or COVID-19 testing are subject to change. Travelers should always verify the latest entry rules with the Tanzanian Immigration Department or Ministry of Health before traveling. These health requirements may change over time, thus it is necessary to establish the current rules of entry prior to moving.

Conclusion

To conclude, a Kenya visa does not enable you to go to Tanzania. A Tanzanian visa will be required to enter the country of Tanzania, whether by using eVisa or doing it at a Tanzanian embassy. Although these two nations are members of the East African Community, citizens of member states are the only individuals allowed to travel across the countries visa freely. When coming to Tanzania, ensure beforehand that you possess the right visa and documents in order not to face problems at the border.

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