Can we get visas on arrival with children?

Yes, most East African countries offer visas on arrival, but online applications are faster and avoid airport delays with tired kids. Tanzania specifically recommends online applications for families.

What if our child doesn't have their own passport?

Every family member needs their own passport, including infants. Children cannot be added to parent passports for East African travel.

How long do family visas take to process?

East African Tourist Visas typically process in 3-5 business days. Tanzania eVisas take 5-10 business days. Apply at least 2 weeks before travel to allow for delays.

Do grandparents need special documentation when traveling with grandchildren?

Yes, grandparents need notarized consent letters from both parents, copies of parents' IDs, and birth certificates proving the family relationship.

How to Get Visas for Family Travel to East Africa

Most East African countries offer family-friendly visa options including the East African Tourist Visa covering Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda for $100 per adult. Tanzania requires separate visas at $50-100 per person. Apply online 2-4 weeks before travel, and children under 16 often get free or discounted rates.

Check which countries you're visiting. The East African Tourist Visa covers Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda only. If you're including Tanzania, Ethiopia, or others, you'll need separate visas for each country.
Gather family documents. You'll need passports with 6+ months validity and 3+ blank pages for each family member. Get passport photos (2x2 inches, white background) for everyone. For children, bring birth certificates and consent letters if one parent is traveling alone.
Apply for the East African Tourist Visa online. Visit the official East African Community portal. Create one application and add all family members. Upload documents for each person. Pay $100 per adult, $50 per child (5-15 years), free for children under 5.
Handle Tanzania separately if needed. Apply through Tanzania's eVisa portal or at the airport. Costs $50 for most nationalities, $100 for US citizens. Children under 5 travel free, 5-15 years pay half price.
Plan for arrival. Print all visa confirmations and keep them with passports. Arrive at your first East African Tourist Visa country to activate it. Have proof of onward travel and yellow fever vaccination certificates ready.

Can we get visas on arrival with children?: Yes, most East African countries offer visas on arrival, but online applications are faster and avoid airport delays with tired kids. Tanzania specifically recommends online applications for families.
What if our child doesn't have their own passport?: Every family member needs their own passport, including infants. Children cannot be added to parent passports for East African travel.
How long do family visas take to process?: East African Tourist Visas typically process in 3-5 business days. Tanzania eVisas take 5-10 business days. Apply at least 2 weeks before travel to allow for delays.
Do grandparents need special documentation when traveling with grandchildren?: Yes, grandparents need notarized consent letters from both parents, copies of parents' IDs, and birth certificates proving the family relationship.