Africa Visa and Travel News
As of October 17, 2026, all travelers entering mainland Tanzania are required to complete an online health declaration, regardless of where they are traveling from. Introduced amid growing concerns over Ebola cases in East Africa, the new requirement comes alongside tighter health screening measures at the country’s borders. Here’s what travelers need to know and how to complete the form.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is moving forward with plans to introduce an electronic visa (e-Visa) system. On October 14, 2026, the country’s foreign affairs and digital economy ministers met in Kinshasa to discuss the development of an integrated digital platform aimed at modernizing consular services and simplifying visa procedures for international travelers.
The Republic of the Congo is preparing to introduce an electronic visa (e-Visa) and an electronic travel authorization (ETA). A test platform uncovered by VisasNews offers an early look at both systems, one of which could be linked to a visa waiver for African travelers scheduled to take effect in 2027.
Since October 5, 2026, many foreign travelers visiting Kenya have been required to obtain a specific travel health insurance policy. How much does it cost? Who needs to buy it? Can US or other foreign travel insurance be used instead? Who is exempt? What does the policy cover, and how is it checked? VisasNews breaks down the new requirement.
Kenya’s mandatory travel health insurance can now be purchased separately through eCitizen before applying for an ETA. Tests conducted by VisasNews and Action-Visas show that coverage purchased this way is then automatically detected by the electronic travel authorization portal. Meanwhile, the High Court has dismissed the challenge that led to the scheme being temporarily suspended in late August.
Since October 6, 2026, Kenya’s official ETA application portal has been preventing applicants from completing their requests when no travel insurance coverage is detected. Travelers are then prompted to purchase health insurance directly through the platform for $44. The rollout comes even though implementation of the mandatory insurance requirement was suspended by a Kenyan court in late August.
Travelers heading to Uganda no longer need to present a yellow fever vaccination certificate upon entry. Ugandan immigration authorities have now officially confirmed the removal of the requirement, which has also disappeared from the documentation needed for a tourist visa.
Launched in December 2024 and made the mandatory channel for visa applications in May 2026, Chad’s e-Visa platform now processes more than 100 applications a day. Chad’s National Police has provided new details on how the system works, processing times and security checks, three months before the country is due to waive entry visa requirements for all African nationals.
Mandatory travel insurance takes effect in mainland Tanzania on October 1, 2026. The National Insurance Corporation (NIC) and Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC) have confirmed that travelers visiting both the mainland and Zanzibar only need one policy. Reduced rates for children and groups, the validity of previously purchased policies, and round-the-clock assistance are among the key details clarified by the two insurers.
Tanzania has set October 1, 2026 as the effective date for its mandatory travel insurance requirement for foreign visitors entering the country through Mainland Tanzania. Priced at $44, the policy can be purchased online before departure or upon arrival and will remain valid for up to 92 days.
Ghana has expanded where its electronic visa can be used. While the e-Visa application previously listed only seven airports, travelers can now select from 48 ports of entry, including numerous land border crossings and several maritime entry points.
Egypt’s entry visa fee will increase by $3 starting January 1, 2027. A new circular from the Egyptian Travel Agents Association confirms a $33 fee for a single-entry visa. In Cairo, the digital visa on arrival is expected to cost $39 including service fees.
Tanzania has taken another step toward introducing mandatory travel insurance for foreign visitors. Regulations published on September 4, 2026 set the price at $44, establish a maximum validity of 92 days, and define the minimum coverage required. However, the authorities have not yet announced when the scheme will actually take effect.
Processing delays, failed payments and no manual backup: Eswatini’s prime minister has acknowledged problems with the country’s electronic visa platform. Speaking at the Tourism Nkwe Indaba conference, he pledged urgent action but offered no specific timeline.
Benin’s Ministry of Health has confirmed that vaccination certificates, including those for yellow fever, are not checked at the country’s entry points. The policy covers arrivals by air, sea, and land. Health authorities continue to recommend vaccination, however.
