Home Arrow FAQs Arrow Can I travel to Tanzania with a Kenyan ID?

Can I travel to Tanzania with a Kenyan ID?

Yes, Kenyan citizens may enter Tanzania using a valid Kenyan national ID under East African Community (EAC) arrangements, subject to specific conditions and limitations. Although regional agreements allow this form of travel, not every travel situation is suitable for using a national ID instead of a passport.

Kenya and Tanzania belong to the East African Community (EAC), which promotes the free movement of people within the region. Under East African Community (EAC) agreements, Kenyan citizens are permitted to enter Tanzania for short-term visits using a national ID card.

This arrangement generally applies to short-term visits such as tourism, family visits, and limited business activities that do not involve employment, as well as regional travel within the EAC.

Under these regional agreements, Kenyan citizens are visa-exempt for short stays in Tanzania under EAC rules, subject to approval by Tanzanian immigration authorities upon entry.

Where a Kenyan ID Is Commonly Accepted

 Generally, the following are accepted as a valid Kenyan national ID:

  • At land border crossings between Kenya and Tanzania.
  • Some regional airlines may allow travel on direct Kenya–Tanzania routes using a national ID; however, this is determined by airline policy rather than immigration law.

However, acceptance of a national ID for air travel is determined by the airline. There are cases where some of the regional airlines will permit someone to board with a Kenyan ID when flying direct between Kenya and Tanzania, and there are cases where they will demand a passport. Before booking or before leaving an airport, travelers should always ensure that they have confirmed with their airline that they have accepted their ID.

Traveling to Zanzibar With a Kenyan ID

Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous region of Tanzania and follows the same immigration rules for EAC citizens. In principle, Zanzibar follows the same EAC immigration framework for Kenyan citizens; however, in practice, most air travel to Zanzibar requires a passport, and acceptance of a national ID is not guaranteed.

However, travelers must still comply with Zanzibar-specific entry requirements, such as mandatory inbound travel insurance provided by the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC). This requirement applies regardless of whether a national ID or a passport is used.

Important Limitations to Be Aware Of

Although using a Kenyan national ID is legally permitted, several practical limitations apply.

  • The ID has to be original, valid, and in good physical condition.
  • This allowance is limited to temporary visits only.
  • One cannot use a national ID for employment, study, or permanent residence.
  • Transit or connecting flights to other destinations outside East Africa always need a passport.

For these reasons, there still may be situations when border officials or airlines recommend that travelers carry a passport.

Conclusion

Within the East African Community, Kenyan citizens are allowed to visit Tanzania and Zanzibar using their Kenyan national ID on a short-term basis. This option is most suitable for simple, direct travel within the region.

A passport remains the safest and most reliable option, as it offers greater flexibility, acceptability by the airline, and allows traveling abroad. Before getting on the plane, travelers need to make sure they check the current rules of entry and airline policies in order to prevent unforeseen difficulties.

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