Understanding New ETA Regulations for Africa Travel : What Travelers Must Know
Travel to Africa is more accessible than ever, but it also comes with new entry requirements that every traveler needs to understand. Electronic Travel Authorizations (ETAs) are becoming compulsory in a growing number of African countries. For tourists, business travelers, and adventurers planning a safari and beach holiday, these policies can affect your journey before you even board the plane.
At TravelSafe SOS, we cover 17 countries across Southern and East Africa, and many of these are rolling out or tightening ETA regulations. Staying informed is essential to avoid delays, penalties, or denied entry.
Kenya Leads the Way
Kenya has taken the lead with its fully digital ETA system. As of January 2024, all travelers, regardless of nationality, must apply online before arrival. Traditional visas are no longer issued at airports or borders. The application requires a passport, travel details, accommodation confirmation, and payment of a fee. Processing usually takes a few days, but delays can happen, so applying at least one week before departure is strongly advised.
Kenya’s shift to compulsory ETAs reflects a wider trend across the region, making digital pre-approval the standard for entry. For visitors planning a safari in the Maasai Mara or a beach holiday in Diani, this is now a non-negotiable requirement.
No Flight Boarding without required ETA
Airlines are now enforcing strict “no ETA, no boarding” policies across Africa, and this is catching many travelers off guard. If a destination such as Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Malawi, or Zambia requires an ETA, you must apply online in advance and present proof of approval before you can even check in for your flight.
Airlines are fined heavily for carrying passengers without valid travel authorization, so they will not issue a boarding pass if you lack the correct document. Even if your ticket is confirmed and paid for, you will be refused at the departure desk if the ETA is missing or incorrect. This means your entire holiday or business trip could be disrupted before it even begins. The safest approach is to apply well in advance and double-check details to avoid costly delays and cancellations.
Other Countries Requiring ETA's
Several other destinations in our 17-country network have introduced compulsory ETA systems, particularly for short-stay visitors:
• Zambia: Many travelers must secure an ETA before entry, particularly for tourism and business visits. This applies even for transits.
• Zimbabwe: Rolling out ETA systems for multiple nationalities, simplifying the process but making it mandatory to apply online.
• Malawi: Now requires ETAs for most foreign nationals, with online approval becoming the default.
• Rwanda: Has fully embraced the ETA system, streamlining arrivals at Kigali International Airport.
• Uganda: ETAs are compulsory for all foreign nationals, replacing the old visa-on-arrival system.
• Tanzania and Zanzibar: While some visas are still issued at entry points, the government strongly encourages travelers to apply for an ETA in advance, with growing pressure toward full compliance.
Other Countries Covered by TravelSafe SOS
In addition to Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, TravelSafe SOS also covers South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique, Lesotho, Eswatini (Swaziland), Mauritius, Madagascar, and Seychelles.
Not all of these countries require ETAs yet. For example, South Africa continues to issue visas traditionally, while Namibia, Botswana, and Mozambique maintain standard visa or visa-exempt entry for many nationalities.
However, the momentum toward digital entry systems means travelers should prepare for ETAs to expand across the region in coming years.
Why ETA's Matter for Travelers
For travelers, ETAs have clear benefits. They reduce paperwork at the airport, speed up border control, and allow governments to pre-screen visitors for security purposes. However, they also create new risks. Travelers who forget to apply, enter incorrect information, or face processing delays can be denied boarding or stranded upon arrival.
That is why planning and preparation are more important than ever. Tour operators and travel agents must keep clients informed, while individual travelers should confirm requirements weeks before departure.
How TravelSafe SOS Supports You
Unexpected travel challenges do not end at the border. Medical emergencies, security incidents, or getting lost in an unfamiliar city can turn a trip upside down. TravelSafe SOS is designed to protect travelers in these moments.
Our mobile app connects you directly to a 24/7 control center across all 17 covered countries. With one tap, your location is pinpointed, the nearest responders are dispatched, and your insurer, agent, and next of kin are alerted instantly. Whether you are on safari in Zambia, relaxing on a Mozambican beach, or navigating Nairobi, help is always within reach.
ETA - Now mandatory for travel to certain African countries
The rise of compulsory ETA’s in Africa highlights a new reality: preparation is key to safe and stress-free travel. From Kenya to Rwanda, Malawi to Uganda, travelers must adapt to digital entry systems to keep their journeys on track.
TravelSafe SOS ensures that, once you arrive, you are never alone in an emergency. Download the app today for complete peace of mind on your African adventure.
FAQs on New ETA Regulations
Do I still need an ETA if I am only transiting through Kenya for a few hours?
Can I apply for an ETA at the airport when I arrive in Uganda or Rwanda?
How long before my trip should I apply for an ETA to countries like Malawi or Zambia?
It is recommended to apply at least 7–10 days before travel. Although some approvals are processed quickly, delays can occur, and airlines may not allow boarding without an approved ETA. Applying early gives you enough time to correct errors, provide supporting documents if requested, and reduce the risk of last-minute stress. Many travelers underestimate processing times, but applying too late can result in cancelled flights and lost bookings.
If I already have a valid multi-entry visa for Tanzania, do I still need an ETA for Zanzibar?
No. Zanzibar is part of the United Republic of Tanzania, so one ETA or visa covers both destinations. Separate ETAs are not required. However, you must ensure your entry permit is valid for the full duration of your trip. Immigration officers in Zanzibar will check your visa or ETA status on arrival, and travelers with expired or invalid permits risk fines, deportation, or being turned away at the port of entry.
What happens if my ETA application is approved but the details do not match my passport or flight ticket?
Are children also required to have their own ETA when traveling to Kenya, Rwanda, or Uganda?
Yes. Every traveler, regardless of age, must hold an individual ETA. Parents or guardians must apply on behalf of children, even for infants. Immigration authorities treat children as separate travelers for security and record-keeping purposes. This means each child must have their own approved travel authorization linked to their passport. Without it, families risk being stopped at boarding, facing delays, and possibly having to cancel or postpone travel plans at the last minute.
Is an ETA a guarantee of entry into countries like Zimbabwe or Malawi?
No. An ETA is pre-travel authorization. Final entry approval is at the discretion of immigration officers upon arrival. Travelers must still meet all entry requirements. These may include proof of onward travel, accommodation details, and sufficient funds for your stay. Immigration has the right to refuse entry if documentation is incomplete or if concerns arise. An ETA makes arrival smoother but does not override the authority of border control officials, who make the final decision.
