Traveller's Guide to Best Practices:
Passports, Visas & Travel Documents

for Visiting Africa

Traveling to Africa is an enriching experience filled with diverse cultures, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable wildlife. To ensure your journey is seamless from arrival to departure, it's essential to prepare your travel documents meticulously. Here’s our recommended guide to best practices when it comes to passports, visas, and health formalities.

Passport Validity & Entry Requirements

• Minimum Validity: Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months after your return date from Africa. This is a widely observed requirement across the continent.
• Blank Pages: Ensure your passport has at least 2 consecutive blank pages per country visited. African immigration officials love a good visa sticker, and border crossings often require a full page for entry or exit stamps.
• Condition Matters: Avoid traveling with damaged passports. Torn, faded, or heavily worn documents can be rejected by immigration officials.

Visas & Electronic Travel Authorizations (eTA)

• Apply Early: Many African countries now offer eVisas or Electronic Travel Authorizations (eTAs). We strongly advise applying well in advance to avoid last-minute stress or delays.
• Beware of Fake Websites: Unfortunately, scam websites are common. Only use official government portals, which we will link directly for each country below. If you're unsure, ask us—we’re here to help.
• Printed Copies Are Still King: Africa still favors physical documents and remember that your smartphone or digital supporting tool can let you down. Always travel with printed copies of:

1. Your passport
2. Visa/eTA approval
3. Flight tickets
4. Travel insurance
5. Accommodation bookings
6. Travel itinerary
7. Any documents showing your intention to return home

• Being able to present these on request—more specifically in remote areas—can save time and complications.

Vaccination & Health Documentation

• Yellow Fever: This is the only commonly required vaccination and is mandatory for entry into several African countries, especially if arriving from a region with Yellow Fever risk.

1. Must be documented in your Yellow Vaccination Card (International Certificate of Vaccination).
2. It is now considered a lifelong vaccine—no boosters needed if valid documentation is presented.

• Tetanus: We highly recommend keeping your tetanus vaccination up to date.
• Other Optional Vaccinations:

1. Hepatitis A and B
2. Typhoid
3. Cholera (for high-risk or off-grid areas)
4. Rabies (for extended rural stays or wildlife workers)
5. Meningitis (seasonal in parts of West and Central Africa)

• Malaria prophylaxis may also be advised—check with your travel clinic.
• Your vaccination needs depend on the regions visited and the comfort level of your accommodations. Consult your local travel clinic 6–8 weeks before departure.

Stay Informed: TravelDoc & Airline Resources

• Airlines use reliable systems to ensure compliance with international travel regulations. One of the most accurate and trusted sources is:
  👉 https://www.traveldoc.aero
  This platform, maintained by Air France, KLM, and Delta, allows you to check:

1. Visa requirements
2. Vaccination rules
3. Entry protocols for each country

• We recommend reviewing this site before each major trip or connection, especially in multi-country itineraries.

General Tips for Hassle-Free Entry

• Double-check your visa requirements for each country you plan to visit.
• Carry backup copies of all travel documents in a separate bag (or store digitally on a secure cloud).
• Know your embassy contacts in each country, just in case.
• Don’t overstay visas—some African countries impose stiff penalties or blacklists.
• Respect immigration procedures & be a master of "Zen"—many border agents are efficient and welcoming, but some borders may take time. Patience ... lots of patience sometimes ... and preparation go a long way.

Final Word

Africa is wonderfully diverse—and so are its border policies. With the right preparation, your journey can be as smooth as it is inspiring. And remember, we're here to assist you before and during your travels to ensure you’re equipped, informed, and excited.

Destination Entry Guide for Tourism Visitors

Ease of Entry: Our Destination Entry Guide & Rankings

Structure of our Country-Specific Visa & Entry Guide to Africa

Below you will find our Country-Specific Visa & Entry Guide for travelers to Africa. We have structured it in a clear, scannable format with three consistent sections per country:

• Official eVisa/eTA Portal
  
  
• Standard Visa Entry Rules
  
  
• Traveler Friendliness Score – Our assessment of how traveler-friendly each immigration process is and a candid summary of the visitor experience, especially relevant to North and South American and European tourists.

⚠️ Always Verify Before You Travel!!!

The information provided in this guide offers a general overview of visa and entry conditions for travelers to African destinations. While we strive to keep it accurate and up to date, immigration policies can change without notice. It is essential to double-check the current requirements for your specific nationality before traveling.

We strongly recommend verifying entry rules through the official government website of your destination. For reliable, up-to-date information used by airlines, consult:
🔹 TravelDoc
🔹 IATA Travel Centre

These sources reflect the latest airline and border control regulations—and help ensure you travel with confidence.

Traveler Friendliness Score Legend

🔴🔴 Extremely Low

Complex visa process, high costs, heavy paperwork, and an unwelcoming or even hostile entry experience. Best avoided unless the destination is absolutely on your radar.

🔴 Low

Visa required with difficult or outdated systems, high fees, slow processing, and cold, unwelcoming or inefficient arrival procedures.

🟠 Low–Moderate

Visa access available but comes with unclear requirements, inconsistent online systems, or frustrating or rude arrival formalities. Entry is not smooth.

🟡 Moderate

Entry is manageable with some planning. eVisas may exist but are slow or unreliable. Immigration is professional but not especially warm or efficient.

🟢 High

Visa-free or efficient eVisa access. Reasonable fees, clear procedures, and a generally smooth and friendly immigration experience.

🟢🟢 Very High

Visa-free or simple eVisa, fast processing, low to no fees, and a warm, efficient, welcoming atmosphere on arrival. A model of tourist-friendly immigration.

Algeria (DZ)

1. Official eVisa Portal:
Currently, Algeria does not offer an official eVisa or eTA portal for most travelers. Visa applications must be made in person via an Algerian embassy or consulate.

2. Visa Entry Rules:

• A visa is required for most travelers, including U.S., Canadian, UK, and EU citizens.
• Applications typically require hotel bookings, an invitation letter, and proof of travel insurance.
• Processing can take 1–3 weeks.

3. Traveler Friendliness Score for Visa and Entry:

🔴 Low friendliness score

Algeria has a strict and bureaucratic visa process, with no online issuance or visa-on-arrival for most nationalities. Consular appointments are slow and documents required are extensive. Immigration on arrival can be slow and not always welcoming. Not ideal for spontaneous travelers.

Angola (AO)

1. Official eVisa Portal:
 https://www.sme.gov.ao (Government immigration portal)

2. Visa Entry Rules:

• Angola offers eVisa-on-arrival for many nationalities including EU, UK, and USA (must apply online before travel).
• The eVisa approval is presented at entry where the visa is granted.
• A valid passport, hotel confirmation, return ticket, and proof of funds are required.

3. Traveler Friendliness Score for Visa and Entry:

🟡 Moderate friendliness score

The eVisa system works, but can be slow or inconsistent. Fees are reasonable, but queues at Luanda airport can be long and chaotic. Visa policy has improved, but still involves paperwork and patience.

Botswana (BW)

1. Official eVisa Portal:
https://evisa.gov.bw

2. Visa Entry Rules:

• Visa-exempt for most Western passport holders (including USA, UK, EU, Canada, Australia).
• For other nationalities, an online eVisa is available.

3. Traveler Friendliness Score for Visa and Entry:

🟢🟢 Very high friendliness score

Botswana is one of the most visitor-friendly countries in Africa. Smooth immigration, no visa fees for many, efficient airport procedures, and friendly officials. Great for tourists seeking luxury safaris and well-run experiences.

Cape Verde (CV)

1. Official eVisa/Pre-Registration Portal:
https://www.ease.gov.cv

2. Visa Entry Rules:

• EU, UK, and USA citizens can pre-register online rather than apply for a visa.
• Visa-free for stays under 30 days for many countries.
• Small airport tax may apply upon arrival.

3. Traveler Friendliness Score for Visa and Entry:

🟢 High friendliness score

Cape Verde is welcoming, with relaxed policies, a user-friendly pre-registration system, and efficient processing. Officials are generally helpful and the experience is smooth, especially for beach and island travelers.

Republic of the Congo (CG)

1. Official eVisa Portal:
https://evisa.gouv.cg

2. Visa Entry Rules:

• Most travelers, including U.S., UK, EU, and Canadian citizens, require a visa.
• The eVisa must be applied for online prior to travel and collected at Brazzaville or Pointe-Noire airports. Note that the eVisa that must be applied for well in advance, and approval is not always guaranteed.
• The process typically demands an invitation letter, confirmed hotel reservations, proof of return flights, etc.
• Important: The visa process is complex, bureaucratic, and slow, even via the eVisa portal.
• Visa fees are high!
• It might be wise to process your application via a specialized agency that will apply on your behalf through the Embassy.
• Yellow Fever certificate is mandatory

3. Traveler Friendliness Score for Visa and Entry:

 🔴🔴 Very low friendliness score

The eVisa system exists but can be slow and inconsistent. The Republic of the Congo is not a tourist-friendly country. The visa process is lengthy, paper-heavy, and difficult, and the arrival experience is often confusing and unfriendly. Airport infrastructure is outdated, and immigration officials are not welcoming. While the destination may appeal to niche travelers, it is not suited to casual or leisure tourists without considerable advance planning and patience. However, once cleared, the country offers very rewarding off-the-beaten-track experiences.

Democratic Republic of the Congo (CD)

1. Official eVisa Portal:
https://evisa.gouv.cd

2. Visa Entry Rules:

• A visa is mandatory for all travelers and must be obtained in advance—either via the eVisa system or at an embassy.
• Applications require a long list of documents, including a formal letter of invitation, travel itinerary, Yellow Fever certificate, return tickets, and sometimes a police clearance.
• Important: The visa application is not traveler-friendly, and processing delays are common. Entry without complete documentation will result in refusal or deportation.
• The visa fees are high!
• It might be wise to process your application via a specialized agency that will apply on your behalf through the Embassy.

3. Traveler Friendliness Score for Visa and Entry:

🔴🔴 Very low friendliness score

The DRC is one of the least tourist-friendly destinations in Africa. The visa process is highly bureaucratic and unpredictable, requiring extensive paperwork and high fees. Immigration halls are uncomfortable, queues can be long, and officials often appear unhelpful or suspicious of travelers. Unless you're traveling for a highly specialized purpose, the experience is more effort than reward for most leisure visitors. Said differently, entering the country is already an experience by itself.

Djibouti (DJ)

1. Official eVisa Portal:
https://www.evisa.gouv.dj

2. Visa Entry Rules:

• eVisa required for most foreign nationals, including U.S., UK, EU, and Canadian citizens.
• Application must be submitted online before travel and processed in 2–5 business days.
• Entry requires proof of accommodation and return tickets.

3. Traveler Friendliness Score for Visa and Entry:

🟡 Moderate friendliness score

The eVisa system works efficiently, and processing time is reasonable. However, on-the-ground immigration can be slow, and the arrival experience lacks polish. Still, Djibouti welcomes tourists interested in unique desert and marine experiences.

Egypt (EG)

1. Official eVisa Portal:

https://www.visa2egypt.gov.eg

2. Visa Entry Rules:

• eVisa available for most Western passport holders including USA, UK, Canada, and the EU.
• Valid for tourism purposes; must apply a few days before travel.
• Visa-on-arrival is still offered to many at major airports (Cairo, Sharm El Sheikh, etc.).
• Please note that it is not allowed to bring drones or binoculars into Egypt.

3. Traveler Friendliness Score for Visa and Entry:

🟢 High friendliness score

Egypt offers a flexible visa policy with both eVisa and visa-on-arrival options. Immigration is generally fast at main tourist hubs, and officials are experienced with foreign travelers. Cairo airport can be busy, but overall entry is efficient.

Eswatini (SZ)

1. Official eVisa Portal:

No eVisa platform currently available. Check with the Ministry of Home Affairs or your local Eswatini embassy.

2. Visa Entry Rules:

• Visa-free for most Western passport holders (USA, UK, EU, Canada, Australia).
• Others may need to apply in advance via embassies.
• Entry usually requires a passport valid for 6 months, proof of onward travel, and accommodation.

3. Traveler Friendliness Score for Visa and Entry:

🟢🟢 Very high friendliness score

Eswatini is small, efficient, and very tourist-friendly. Border crossings are often quick and easy, and visa-free access for many makes it an attractive, low-hassle destination—especially as a combo with South Africa. Should you self-drive into Eswatini by road coming from South Africa, please remember to get a border crossing authorization from the rental car company.

Ethiopia (ET)

1. Official eVisa Portal:

https://www.evisa.gov.et

2. Visa Entry Rules:

• eVisa required for most nationalities, including U.S., UK, EU, and Canadian passport holders.
• Must apply online before travel.
• Visa-on-arrival is no longer widely available.
• Visa fees are rather high.
• Requirements include a passport valid for 6+ months and proof of onward travel.
• Please note that it is not allowed to bring drones or binoculars into Ethiopia.

3. Traveler Friendliness Score for Visa and Entry:

🟡 Moderate friendliness score

The eVisa platform is relatively efficient, but occasional technical issues occur. Immigration at Bole International Airport can be slow, especially at peak times. While the visa process is simple online, the airport experience is mixed—with staff sometimes appearing indifferent and queues forming unexpectedly.

Kenya (KE)

1. Official eVisa Portal:

https://www.etakenya.go.ke

2. Visa Entry Rules:

• As of 2024, Kenya has transitioned to a mandatory eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) system for all travelers, including those previously visa-exempt.
• All visitors must apply for an eTA before travel.
• Processing usually takes 2–3 business days and is straightforward.
• Visa fees or eTA fees are a bit steep!

3. Traveler Friendliness Score for Visa and Entry:

🟢 High friendliness score

Kenya remains one of East Africa’s most welcoming and organized destinations. The new eTA system is streamlined, and Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta Airport has improved immigration flow in recent years. Tourist support services are strong, and staff are typically helpful, especially in safari gateways like Nairobi and Mombasa.

Lesotho (LS)

1. Official eVisa Portal:

https://evisalesotho.gov.ls

2. Visa Entry Rules:

• Visa-exempt for most Western passport holders (U.S., UK, EU, Canada, Australia).
• Other nationalities can apply for an eVisa online.
• Entry requires standard documentation: passport valid for 6+ months, proof of accommodation, and return travel.

3. Traveler Friendliness Score for Visa and Entry:

🟢🟢 Very high Friendliness score

Lesotho is small but efficient, offering visa-free or eVisa entry with little hassle. Border crossings from South Africa are generally smooth. Immigration is welcoming, and infrastructure is modest but functional—ideal for nature lovers and cultural travelers.

Madagascar (MG)

1. Official eVisa Portal:

https://evisamada.gov.mg

2. Visa Entry Rules:

• eVisa available for most travelers, including U.S., UK, EU, and Canadian citizens.
• Valid for 15, 30, or 60 days, with fees depending on stay duration.
• Must apply online or pay on arrival at Ivato International Airport.
• The fees are affordable

3. Traveler Friendliness Score for Visa and Entry:

🟢 High Friendliness score

Madagascar offers both eVisa and visa-on-arrival options, which are straightforward and affordable. Immigration staff are generally polite and helpful. The arrival process is smooth by regional standards, especially if flying into Antananarivo.

Malawi (MW)

1. Official eVisa Portal:

https://www.evisa.gov.mw

2. Visa Entry Rules:

• As of 7 February 2024, Malawi has waived visa requirements for nationals of 79 countries, including the U.S., UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, and most EU, SADC, and COMESA member states. Eligible travelers can now enter Malawi visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes.
• For travelers not covered by the visa exemption, Malawi offers a fully digital eVisa system. Applications can be submitted online via the official portal, with processing times typically within a few days.
• The eVisa fees are relatively high compared to regional standards, and travelers are advised to apply well in advance of their trip.

3. Traveler Friendliness Score for Visa and Entry:

🟡 Moderate friendliness score

While Malawi has made significant strides in improving visa accessibility through its eVisa system and recent visa exemptions, the arrival experience at airports and border crossings can be inconsistent. Despite the country's moniker as the "Warm Heart of Africa," travelers often report that immigration officials are formal and not particularly welcoming. Overall, with proper preparation, entry into Malawi is easily manageable, but visitors should remember that the country's warm hospitlity starts once beyond the border formalities.

Mauritania (MR)

1. Official eVisa Portal:

No eVisa portal currently in operation.
Visas are issued on arrival at Nouakchott International Airport for many nationalities (including U.S., UK, and EU).

2. Visa Entry Rules:

• Visa-on-arrival available at main international airports only.
• Fee is paid in cash (USD or Euros preferred).
• Requires valid passport, accommodation proof, and Yellow Fever certificate if coming from a risk area.

3. Traveler Friendliness Score for Visa and Entry:

🟡 Moderate friendliness score

Mauritania has a straightforward visa-on-arrival process for eligible travelers, but airport infrastructure is basic, and the arrival experience is not particularly tourist-focused. Officials are generally professional but not especially warm, and communication can be a challenge. Border entry by land is significantly more complicated than by air.

Morocco (MA)

1. Official eVisa Portal:

No eVisa system for most travelers. Visa-free entry or embassy-issued visa depending on nationality.
Info portal: https://www.consulat.ma

2. Visa Entry Rules:

• Visa-free for up to 90 days for U.S., UK, EU, Canadian, Australian, and many other passport holders.
• Others must apply for a visa via Moroccan consulates or embassies.
• Passport must be valid for at least 6 months on entry.

3. Traveler Friendliness Score for Visa and Entry:

🟢🟢 Very high friendliness score

Morocco is extremely visitor-friendly, especially for Western travelers. Entry is fast, visa-free for many, and immigration is efficient at major airports like Casablanca and Marrakech. Tourist infrastructure is well-developed, and airport staff are generally courteous and helpful.

Mozambique (MZ)

1. Official eVisa Portal:

https://evisa.gov.mz

2. Visa Entry Rules:

• As of 2023, eVisa is required for many travellers. Apply online at least 7 days before travel.
• Visa Exemption: As of May 2023, nationals from 29 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany, and others, can enter Mozambique visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism or business purposes.
• Mandatory ETA Registration: Despite the visa exemption, travelers from these countries must complete a mandatory Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) registration at least 48 hours before departure.
• Visa Fees: For travelers not eligible for visa exemption, the tourist visa fee has increased to an insane $160 USD.
• Yellow Fever certificate required if arriving from endemic countries.

3. Traveler Friendliness Score for Visa and Entry:

🟡 Moderate friendliness score

Mozambique has made strides in simplifying entry for many travelers through visa exemptions and the introduction of the eVisa system. However, the mandatory ETA registration, even for visa-exempt nationals, adds an extra step that requires advance planning. Additionally, the increased visa fees for non-exempt travelers can be a deterrent. While the overall process is more streamlined than in the past, travelers should ensure all requirements are met to avoid complications upon arrival.

Namibia (NA)

1. Official eVisa Portal:

https://eservices.mha.gov.na/

2. Visa Entry Rules:

• As of 2024, all travelers requiring a visa must now apply online in advance via Namibia’s eVisa system — including for what they call a "Visa on Arrival", which is in fact pre-approval and not automatic.
• The portal is a bit confusing, with unclear categories between "Holiday Visa" and "Visa on Arrival," leading to misunderstanding.
• The process is time-consuming and costly: standard tourist visas are priced above USD 80.
• Immigration at key airport is disorganized and chaotic; officials being disinterested and even a bit rude to visitors.
• All travelers must have a passport valid for at least 6 months with two blank pages.

3. Traveler Friendliness Score for Visa and Entry:

🟠 Low-Moderate friendliness score

Namibia, once known for its exceptionally welcoming and easy entry process, has unfortunately taken a step backward. The new visa system is bureaucratic, unclear, and expensive.
Immigration at Windhoek International Airport is now slow, disorganized, and unfriendly, with long queues and a noticeable lack of clear communication. This shift has added unnecessary burden to otherwise high-quality travel experiences in the country. Until improvements are made, Namibia’s entry process now ranks among the least visitor-friendly in Southern Africa.

Rwanda (RW)

1. Official eVisa Portal:

https://irembo.gov.rw

2. Visa Entry Rules:

• Visa on arrival or eVisa available for nearly all nationalities.
• Option for an East Africa Tourist Visa (valid for Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda).
• Application requires basic details and confirmation documents.

3. Traveler Friendliness Score for Visa and Entry:

🟢🟢 Very High friendliness score

Rwanda is one of Africa’s most efficient and traveler-friendly countries. The visa process is easy, fast, and affordable. Immigration at Kigali is professional, courteous, and well-organized. The government has made tourism a top priority and it shows in the visitor experience.

São Tomé & Príncipe (ST)

1. Official eVisa Portal:

https://www.smf.st

2. Visa Entry Rules:

• Visa-free for EU, U.S., Canada, UK, and many other countries for stays up to 15–30 days.
• For other nationalities, apply online for an eVisa.
• Proof of accommodation and onward travel may be requested.

3. Traveler Friendliness Score for Visa and Entry:

🟢 High friendliness score

São Tomé & Príncipe is a charming, low-hassle island destination. Immigration is smooth, and visa-free policies for many nationalities make it easy to enter. Airport staff are polite and procedures are straightforward. The airport infrastructure is a bit "vintage". Otherwize: a hidden gem with friendly vibes all around.

South Africa (ZA)

1. Official eVisa Portal:

https://ehome.dha.gov.za/

2. Visa Entry Rules:

• Visa-free for up to 90 days for most Western passport holders (U.S., UK, EU, Canada, Australia, etc.).
• For nationalities requiring a visa, South Africa offers an online eVisa system—currently limited to selected countries.While the eVisa platform is accessible and functional, numerous applicants have reported issues such as:

1. Extended processing times, often exceeding the advertised 5–10 working days.
2. Lack of communication or updates during the application process.
3. Technical glitches, including difficulties in uploading documents and accessing decision outcomes.
4. Uncertainty regarding eligibility, as the list of countries eligible for eVisas is not consistently updated or clearly communicated.c

• Due to the aforementioned issues, many travelers needing a visa still opt to apply for visas through South African embassies or consulates. This traditional method, while more time-consuming, is often perceived as more reliable. However, it's important to note that visa applications at embassies are strictly by appointment, and walk-ins are not accommodated.
• Passport must be valid for 30+ days after departure and contain at least 2 blank pages.

3.  Traveler Friendliness Score for Visa and Entry:

🟢 High friendliness score except when you need a visa

South Africa offers a generally seamless and professional immigration experience, particularly for visa-exempt travelers. Major airports like Johannesburg and Cape Town are efficient, and staff are well-trained and courteous. While the eVisa system is still rolling out fully, most leisure travelers from North America and Europe enjoy visa-free entry and smooth arrivals. For those nationals requiring a visa in advance, be prepared to face South Africa's somewhat rough and unefficient administration.

Tanzania (TZ)

1. Official eVisa Portal:

https://visa.immigration.go.tz

2. Visa Entry Rules:

• eVisa required for most travelers, including U.S., UK, EU, and Canada.
• Visa-on-arrival is technically still available, but pre-applying online is strongly recommended to avoid delays and complications.
• Yellow Fever certificate required if arriving from an endemic area.
• Although geographically part of East Africa, Tanzania has consistently opted to operate independently in regional tourism collaboration. It has never joined the East Africa Tourist Visa initiative shared by Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, which allows seamless travel across those three countries.
• In addition, several logical and potentially important border crossings between Kenya and Tanzania remain closed, limiting ease of movement and regional integration for travelers.

Note on Zanzibar:
While Zanzibar is part of Tanzania, it operates with its own set of travel rules and requirements. Travelers planning to visit Zanzibar should be aware of the Zanzibar Mandatory Travel Insurance, which is available through the official portal at https://visitzanzibar.go.tz. This mandatory insurance adds extra costs, while being a totally usueless travel insurance outside the territory of Zanzibar.

3.  Traveler Friendliness Score for Visa and Entry:

🟡 Moderate friendliness score

While Tanzania’s eVisa platform is operational, processing times are often longer than expected, and the interface lacks clarity. Visa-on-arrival remains an option but is best avoided. On arrival, immigration at airports like Dar es Salaam and Kilimanjaro can be slow and disorganized, especially during peak hours. The extra insurance requirement in Zanzibar adds cost and confusion, particularly for well-prepared travelers. Overall, entry into Tanzania requires patience—worth it for the destination, but not the smoothest start.

Uganda (UG)

1. Official eVisa Portal:

https://visas.immigration.go.ug

2. Visa Entry Rules:

• eVisa required for most travelers. No longer offering visa-on-arrival.
• Visitors can apply for a single-entry Uganda visa or a multi-country East Africa Tourist Visa (valid for Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya).
• Yellow Fever vaccination is mandatory.
• The visa fees are a bit high.

3. Traveler Friendliness Score for Visa and Entry:

🟢 High friendliness score

Uganda’s eVisa platform is clear, affordable, and reliable, with turnaround times typically under a week. Entry procedures are organized and professional, especially at Entebbe International Airport. Staff are generally courteous, and the East Africa visa option adds flexibility for regional travelers.

Zambia (ZM)

1. Official eVisa Portal:

https://evisa.zambiaimmigration.gov.zm

2. Visa Entry Rules:

• As of 2023, visa-free entry for nationals of many countries including the U.S., UK, EU, Canada, and others.
• For non-exempt countries, an eVisa is available online.
• Visitors may also consider the UNIVISA, valid for both Zambia and Zimbabwe (see below).

3. Traveler Friendliness Score for Visa and Entry:

🟢🟢 Very High friendliness score

Zambia has taken major steps to simplify and encourage tourism, especially with the expansion of visa-free entry. Immigration is fast, friendly, and efficient, particularly at Livingstone and Lusaka airports. The country offers a smooth and welcoming arrival experience, in line with its strong safari and adventure tourism profile.

Zimbabwe (ZW)

1. Official eVisa Portal:

https://www.evisa.gov.zw

2. Visa Entry Rules:

• Many Western travelers (U.S., UK, EU, Canada) are visa-eligible on arrival or can apply via the eVisa portal.
• To streamline the border experience, Zimbabwe now requires all visitors to complete their visa application online in advance. Pre-applying through the official eVisa system ensures a faster, smoother, and more predictable entry process.
• The cost of the visa is affordable.
• The KAZA UNIVISA, available at major ports of entry, allows entry into both Zimbabwe and Zambia for a single fee ... but has become a obsolete since Zambia exempted many visitors of the need for a tourism visa.
• Yellow Fever vaccination required if arriving from endemic countries.

3. Traveler Friendliness Score for Visa and Entry:

🟢 High friendliness score

The availability of multiple visa options (eVisa, visa-on-arrival, and UNIVISA) makes Zimbabwe flexible for travelers. However, airport procedures can be slow, especially at Victoria Falls and Harare. Immigration staff are variable—some welcoming, others formal. Still, Zimbabwe remains a popular and accessible destination for safari and adventure travel.