Tanzania & Kenya visa, passport & money advice
When travelling to Tanzania and Kenya it is important to know about visa, passport and money matters. We have compiled the most important, up-to-date information on one page so you don’t need to search for hours and can be well prepared for your holiday.
Visa & passports
Tanzania & Zanzibar: If you are a British passport holder, you need to apply for a visa to visit Tanzania. You should apply for your visa online before departure and it is valid for 3 months from the date of issue. Apply here. You can also apply for a single entry visa on arrival at the main ports of entry. If you plan to visit Zanzibar you are required to take out local travel insurance which can be organised via the Visit Zanzibar website.
Your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months on your date of entry to Tanzania and have at least one blank page.
Kenya: If you are a British passport holder, you need to apply for a visa to visit Kenya. You should apply for your visa online before departure by visiting this website. We recommend you apply at least 2 weeks in advance of travel.
Your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months on your date of entry to Kenya and have at least two blank pages.
Yellow Fever Vaccination? To enter Tanzania or Kenya you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination, but only if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk
Local currency
Tanzania: The local currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS), and US dollars (USD) are also widely accepted, especially in tourist areas, lodges, and for activities like safaris. However, for local markets, public transport, and smaller establishments, it’s best to have Tanzanian Shillings on hand.
ATMs are available in major cities and towns, and credit cards are accepted in some hotels and larger businesses, but cash is preferred in more rural or remote areas. Inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid any issues.
Kenya: The local currency is the Kenyan Shilling (KES), and while US dollars (USD) are accepted in some tourist areas, lodges, and for activities like safaris, you’ll need Kenyan Shillings for things like local markets, public transport, and smaller shops or restaurants.
ATMs are widely available in cities and larger towns, and credit cards are accepted in many hotels and bigger establishments. That said, cash is still king in more remote areas, so it’s handy to carry some local currency. Let your bank know you’re travelling to avoid any card issues.
Tipping
In both Tanzania and Kenya, tipping is customary whenever you use a service such as guides, drivers, and in restaurants. It’s a way to show appreciation for good service. We recommend tipping 10% as standard in restaurants and suggest tipping safari guides around $10-$20 per person per day and drivers/guides between $5-$10 per person per day.
