Visitors to African countries are required to bring a valid passport. Some African countries require passports to be valid 6 months after your arrival. You also may need a valid visa and health certificate. Visa regulations often change, so consult your nearest consulate or embassy for details. You can also visit the United States Department of State web site at www.travel.state.gov. Sample entry requirements are below.

PLEASE NOTE

IF SENDING YOUR PASSPORT INTO THESE EMBASSIES OR CONSULATES, WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND USING FEDEX, UPS OR OTHER SHIPPING COMPANIES THAT OFFER TRACKING AND PACKAGES TO BE SIGNED FOR. WE DO NOT RECOMMEND USING THE REGULAR US MAIL.

WHEN ACQUIRING VISAS IN-COUNTRY, MOST GOVERNMENTS REQUIRE EXACT USD IN NEW (2000 OR NEWER, CRISP BILLS)

Botswana

*Passport, onward/return ticket, and proof of sufficient funds required. Visa not required for stays up to 90 days. For further information, contact the Embassy of the Republic of Botswana, 1531 New Hampshire Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20036 (202/244-4990) or nearest Honorary Consulate: Los Angeles (213/626-8484) or Houston (713/680-1155).

Internet: www.botswanaembassy.org
Tourist Board: www.botswana-tourism.gov.bw

Kenya

*Passport, visa, and onward/return ticket required. Visas should be obtained in advance, although airport visas are available upon arrival. Travelers who opt to obtain an airport visa should expect delays upon arrival. Evidence of yellow fever immunization may be requested. Tourist visas require 1 application form, 2 photos, onward/return ticket, and $50 fee (money order or cashier's check only). Multiple-entry visas require a $100 fee (money order or cashier's check only). Airport departure tax is $20 which is often included in the cost of your airline ticket. 24-hour transit visas are available upon arrival for $20. For additional information, consult the Embassy of Kenya, 2249 R St., NW, Washington, DC 20008 (202/387-6101).

Internet: www.kenyaembassy.com
Tourist Board: www.magicalkenya.com

Malawi

*Passport required. U.S. passport holders do not require a visa to enter Malawi. Thirty-day visa, which can be extended up to an additional 60 days, issued at point of entry. There is a $30 airport departure tax which is often included in the cost of your airline ticket. (payable only in U.S. dollars). For further information, contact the Embassy of Malawi, 2408 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20008 (202/721-0274) or Malawi Mission to the U.N., 600 3rd Ave., New York, NY 10016 (212/949-0180).

Namibia

*Passport, onward/return ticket, and proof of sufficient funds required. Visa not required for tourist or business stay of up to 90 days. Person planning to work (this includes unpaid volunteers) in Namibia must obtain work and residency permits and/or visas from the Embassy of Namibia before traveling. Consult the Embassy of Namibia, 1605 New Hampshire Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20009 (202/986-0540) for further information.

Tourist Board: www.namibiatourism.com.na

Rwanda

*Passport required. Visa not required for a stay of up to 90 days. Departure tax is $20 which is often included in the cost of your airline ticket. For more information, contact the Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda, 1714 New Hampshire Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20009 (202/232-2882), or the Permanent Mission of Rwanda to the U.N., 124 East 39th St., New York, NY 10016 (212/696-0644/45/46), or the nearest Consulate General in Chicago (708/205-1188), or Denver (303/321-2400).

Tourist Board: www.rwandatourism.com

South Africa

*Passport, onward/return ticket, and proof of sufficient funds required. Passports must contain at least two blank visa pages. Tourist or business visa not required for stay of up to 90 days. For more information, contact the Embassy of South Africa's Consular Office, 3051 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20008 (202/232-4400) or the nearest Consulate in CA (323/651-0902), IL (312/939-7929), or NY (212/213-4880).

Internet: www.saembassy.org
Tourist Board: www.southafrica.net

Tanzania

*Passport, visa, proof of sufficient funds and onward/return ticket required. Single- and multiple-entry tourist visas are valid for 3 month stays. Tourist visa requires 1 application with valid passport (minimum 6 months validity), 1 recent passport sized photo, $100 fee for single, double & multiple entries (valid for 6 months after issuance). Visas should be obtained in advance, although airport visas are available upon arrival. For more information, consult Embassy of Tanzania, 2139 R St., NW, Washington, DC 20008 (202/939-6125) or Tanzanian Permanent Mission to the U.N., 205 East 42nd St., 13th Floor, New York, NY 10017 (212/972-9160).

Internet: www.tanzaniaembassy-us.org
Tourist Board: www.tanzaniatouristboard.com

Uganda

*Valid passport and visa required. Visa requires a passport (must be valid beyond the date of your trip), international yellow fever and cholera vaccination certificate, 1 application form, 2 passport sized photos (print name on back side of one), and appropriate fee. Visa fee is $50 single entry (3 months); $90 multiple entry (6 months). Express processing available for additional $10. Include SASE for the return of your passport. Visas should be obtained in advance, although airport visas are available upon arrival for $50. For other information, contact the Embassy of the Republic of Uganda, 5911 16th St., NW, Washington, DC 20011 (202/726-7100-02) or Permanent Mission to the U.N. (212/949-0110).

Internet: www.ugandaembassy.com
Tourist board: www.visituganda.com

Zambia

*Passport and visa required. Tourist/business multiple-entry visa, valid up to 3 years, requires $100 processing fee (no personal checks), passport, 2 application forms, and 2 photos. A visa may also be obtained at port of entry, the fee is $100. Visa fees for 3 day stays or longer can be waived, but not always guaranteed. For more information, consult the Embassy of the Republic of Zambia, 2419 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20008 (202/265-9717 or 19).

Internet: www.zambiaembassy.org
Tourist Board: www.zambiatourism.com

Zimbabwe

*Passport, visa, onward/return ticket and proof of sufficient funds required for a stay of up to 6 months. Visas issued upon arrival in Zimbabwe, $30 fee single entry, $45 double entry, and $55 multiple entry. To obtain visa before entry, submit 2 visa application forms, a valid passport and 2 passport photos. Visa fee (payable by money order or bank draft) $60 single entry and $75 double entry. If applying by mail include prepaid airway bill. Anti-malarial pills are recommended. $30 exit fee paid at airport. Visitors must declare currency upon arrival. For regulations, check with the Embassy of Zimbabwe, 1608 New Hampshire Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20009 (202/332-7100).

Internet: www.zimbabwe-embassy.us