Travel Information For East African Residents
Traveling within East Africa has never been easier. As a citizen of the East African Community (EAC), you enjoy visa-free access across Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and the DRC.
With simplified entry, shared culture, and strong transport links, exploring the region feels seamless. This guide brings together everything you need to know to experience the best of East Africa as a regional traveler.
If you are not an East African Resident , We have a separate guide for you.
Tanzania and Zanzibar
To travel to Tanzania, you won’t need a visa. Just carry your passport or an EAC travel document to cross the border smoothly. Some land borders may even accept a national ID, but a passport is the most reliable.
If your trip includes Zanzibar, be prepared for a small extra step. All non-Tanzanian visitors, including EAC citizens, must pay a $44 travel insurance fee upon arrival, which covers emergencies and other risks.
Tanzania is at its best during the dry season from June to October, when safaris are easiest and wildlife gathers around waterholes. If you’re planning to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, the ideal times are January to March and June to October. Zanzibar, on the other hand, offers warm beach weather year-round, with the exception of April and May when the long rains make travel less ideal.
Health rules are easy too. A yellow fever certificate is needed if you’re traveling from within the EAC. Malaria precautions are recommended. For spending, the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) is the local currency, and mobile money services like Vodacom M-Pesa, Airtel Money, and Tigo Pesa are widely used. Still, it’s smart to carry some cash for markets and smaller towns
Uganda
For Uganda, East Africans also enjoy visa-free entry. You can use your passport, EAC passport, or even a national ID card at many border posts to gain entry. If you’re planning something special, like gorilla trekking, remember that permits must be arranged in advance. They are essential for access to national parks and protected areas. Health checks are minimal bur you still need a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Malaria, however, is common, so repellents and, where possible, preventative medication are good to have on hand.
Uganda’s best seasons for travel are the dry months of December to February and June to August, which are ideal for gorilla trekking and safaris. Trails are less muddy, making hikes through the forest more manageable, though some rainfall can happen year-round. Uganda’s local currency is the Ugandan Shilling (UGX), but mobile money services such as MTN and Airtel make payments convenient throughout the country.
Kenya
If you’re an East African Community (EAC) citizen, traveling to Kenya is simple. You don’t need a visa or eTA. Just bring your passport, EAC passport, or in some cases, your national ID (though a passport is always the safest option). Border officers may occasionally ask for details of your stay, so it helps to have your accommodation or host contact handy. A yellow fever certificate is needed if you’re coming from within the EAC. It’s also wise to stay on top of malaria prevention and routine vaccinations.
Kenya is a year-round destination, but the dry seasons from June to October and January to February are the best for safaris. If you want to catch the Great Migration in the Maasai Mara, plan your trip between July and September. The coast, including Mombasa and Diani, stays warm and sunny most of the year, though April and May can be rainy.
When it comes to money, Kenya uses the Kenyan Shilling (KES), but thanks to M-Pesa, mobile payments are accepted almost everywhere, making travel even easier.