Travel Information For East African Residents
Important Things to Know When Traveling as an East African Resident
Traveling within East Africa has become 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 is 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 travel requirements: Zanzibar included
When you travel to Tanzania as an East African resident, you don’t need a visa, just bring your passport or an EAC travel document to cross the border smoothly. At some land borders, officials may accept a national ID, but your passport works best.
If your trip takes you to Zanzibar, expect one small extra step. Every non-Tanzanian visitor, including EAC citizens, pays a $44 travel insurance fee on arrival. This covers emergencies and keeps you protected during your stay.
Tanzania shines in the dry season from June to October, when wildlife crowds around waterholes and safaris feel effortless. If you’re planning to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, the best months are January to March or June to October. Zanzibar is warm all year, though April and May bring heavy rains that make travel less ideal.
Health rules stay simple. You need a yellow fever certificate if you’re arriving from another EAC country, and it’s smart to take malaria precautions. For money, the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) is the main currency. Mobile money services like Vodacom M-Pesa, Airtel Money, and Tigo Pesa work almost everywhere, but carrying a little cash helps in markets and smaller towns.
Uganda Travel Requirements
As an East African resident, you enjoy visa-free entry into Uganda. At many border posts, you can simply use your passport, an EAC passport, or even your national ID card to get in with ease.
If you’re planning something special, like gorilla trekking, make sure to book your permits in advance. These permits are essential for accessing national parks and protected areas, and they often sell out quickly.
Health checks stay minimal, but you still need a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Malaria is common, so carry repellent and consider preventive medication to stay safe.
Uganda’s best travel seasons fall between December and February, and June to August. These dry months make gorilla trekking and safaris easier, with trails less muddy and forests more accessible, though you can expect occasional showers year-round.
For money, the Ugandan Shilling (UGX) is widely used, but you’ll find mobile money services like MTN and Airtel convenient across the country, even in smaller towns.
Kenya Travel Requirements
If you’re an East African Community (EAC) citizen, traveling to Kenya feels seamless. You don’t need a visa or eTA. Just carry your passport, EAC passport, or in some cases your national ID. Though a passport is always the most reliable.
Border officers may sometimes ask about your stay, so it’s helpful to have your accommodation details or host’s contact ready.
Health requirements are simple. You’ll need a yellow fever certificate if you’re coming from another EAC country. Malaria prevention is also a good idea, along with staying updated on routine vaccinations.
Kenya is a year-round destination, but the dry seasons (June to October and January to February) make safaris especially rewarding. For the famous Great Migration in the Maasai Mara, plan your trip between July and September. On the coast, places like Mombasa and Diani stay sunny and warm for most of the year, with April and May bringing heavier rains.
Money is straightforward too. Kenya uses the Kenyan Shilling (KES), but mobile payments through M-Pesa work almost everywhere, making day-to-day travel easy and convenient.
Ready for your next adventure?
We have curated trips and safari tours for East African Residents who would like to visit Tanzania, Kenya or Uganda.