Is Traveling To East Africa Safe?

The majority of East Africa is safe for tourists to visit, with the exception of South Sudan and Burundi, which currently have travel advisories due to ongoing conflicts. Mauritius, known as the ‘Pearl of the Indian Ocean’, tops the list as the safest African country in 2024 and 2023 with an overall score of 1.546 on the most recent Global Peace Index. This number also places this African nation as the 23rd safest country in the world.

The East African Tourist Visa allows for multiple entries to Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda, valid for 90 days. However, it is advised against travel to the Kenya-Somalia border counties and some coastal areas due to terrorism and kidnapping. Areas of Turkana County are also affected by crime. Reconsider travel to Nairobi and Mtwara Region in southern Tanzania due to the threat of terrorism.

Africa is diverse with tall mountain ranges, vast savannah, coastal regions, and lush rainforests. The government advises against all travel to the North, Far North, Northwest, and Southwest regions and parts of the East and Adamawa regions. Most of the rest of East Africa is safe to travel, with friendly people, unique foods, and wild animals. Most East African countries require full vaccinations or present a negative COVID test. Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania are arguably the safest safari destinations in East Africa due to their well-developed infrastructure, anti-poaching programs, and friendly people.

However, there have been a few political-related riots in Uganda and Kenya in recent months. Depending on your itinerary and personal health history, you may need vaccinations for diseases such as yellow fever, typhoid, hepatitis A and B. The Australian Government travel advice for Kenya is to exercise a high degree of caution due to the threat of terrorism and a high crime rate. East Africans can now drive private cars across borders and the entire EAC region, free of charge, for visits no longer than seven days.

Is East Africa safe for tourists?

Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania are considered the safest safari destinations in East Africa due to their well-developed infrastructure, anti-poaching programs, and friendly traditions. Kenya, the birthplace of the safari experience, is also considered one of the continent’s safest nations. Despite political tension, Kenya’s world-class highways and rail network transport over a million tourists annually to its wildlife parks and reserves. Nairobi, a top-tier city, is considered safe for tourists, and English is widely spoken for communication, adding an extra layer of security.

Is Uganda safe for whites?

The terror threat in Uganda is increasing, with attacks targeting foreign nationals and frequenting major cities and places. These include hotels, transport hubs, restaurants, bars, places of worship, shopping centers, major gatherings, government buildings, security installations, and national parks. To avoid such attacks, stay aware, follow local media reports, and follow the advice of local authorities. Consider whether locations have effective security arrangements, such as bag searches, physical security, and guards, and avoid large gatherings as they may be targets for an attack.

Is it safe to travel to Tanzania right now?

Tanzania is urging increased caution due to crime, terrorism, and LGBTI person targeting. The U. S. Embassy in Dar Es Salaam is providing emergency assistance. Tanzania, a constitutional republic in East Africa, has a stable economy, resource-rich economy, and a growing tourist industry. Tourist facilities are centered around the “northern and southern circuit” of National Parks, including the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Kilimanjaro, Arusha, Nyerere, and Ruaha, as well as the islands in the semi-autonomous Zanzibar archipelago. The Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Tanzania provides information on U. S.-Tanzania relations.

What part of Africa is safest for tourists?

Malawi, ranked 80 on the 2024 Global Peace Index, is one of the safest countries to visit in Africa. It sits between Nepal and Morocco. Other countries to consider include Tanzania, Namibia, Zambia, Ghana, Botswana, and Madagascar. African Budget Safaris identifies Malawi as one of the 10 safest countries to visit in 2024, based on the latest Global Peace Index rankings and government travel advisories from the UK, US, and Canada. Additionally, the company consulted top African travel experts to identify four of the safest African countries visited by millions of tourists annually.

Is Uganda safe to visit?

Due to the prevalence of terrorism, violent crime, and civil unrest, Uganda is currently experiencing a heightened state of caution, with elevated levels of vigilance observed in certain regions. In order to safeguard the security of foreign nationals, the security measures in place at public locations, including border crossings and international airports, have been reinforced.

Is Kenya safe for foreigners?

To ensure safety in Kenya, avoid areas prone to attacks and remain vigilant when visiting public areas. To enter Kenya, apply for an electronic travel authorization online. Exercise caution due to the high threat of terrorism and violent crime, especially during holiday periods. Incidents of armed robbery, carjacking, kidnapping, and muggings are possible in urban centers, coastal regions, North Eastern regions, and parts of North Rift and Central Rift regions.

Is Kenya or Tanzania safer?

Kenya and Tanzania are both safe and enjoyable countries to travel in, with friendly and warm locals. Standard precautions include taking taxis in the evening and being cautious with your belongings. If there is no safe in your accommodation, bring your most valuable items like a passport or your grandmother’s wedding ring. If necessary, bring your own padlock to keep your belongings safe. The locals are friendly and warm, and the Big Five are famous inhabitants in both countries.

Safaris in the Masai Mara (Kenya) and Serengeti (Tanzania) offer many highlights, including the annual wildebeest migration (‘The Great Migration’). The Serengeti is larger in area, but the Mara has a densely populated wildlife population, making it a clear tie for travelers to experience the same level of excitement and warmth as Freek Vonk.

Is Uganda safe for white tourists?

Uganda is a Level 3 destination for travelers due to its high risk of crime, terrorism, and anti-LGBTQI+ legislation. Numerous terrorist attacks have occurred in Uganda, including religious venues, schools, and tourist areas, resulting in the deaths of Ugandans and foreign visitors. U. S. citizens should remain alert and avoid large public gatherings. Violent crime, including armed robbery, home invasion, and sexual assault, poses a serious threat to those visiting and residing in Uganda, especially in larger cities like Kampala, Jinja, and Entebbe, the Karamoja region, and along Uganda’s western and northern borders. Local police may lack the resources to effectively respond to serious crime in most areas.

Is it safe to travel to Africa now?

South Africa is experiencing increased caution due to crime and civil unrest, with violent crimes such as armed robbery, rape, carjacking, mugging, and “smash-and-grab” attacks being common. GPS navigation can lead to unsafe routes, as it may suggest shortcuts through townships, increasing crime risks. In Cape Town, tourists using GPS apps have been routed through residential areas with high crime rates.

To return a rental car to Cape Town International Airport, take the N2 highway and follow signs to Airport Approach Rd (exit 16). Alternatively, request a rental car company to collect your vehicle and arrange an airport transfer from taxi companies or ridesharing services.

What is safer, Tanzania or Kenya?

Kenya and Tanzania are both safe and enjoyable countries to travel in, with friendly and warm locals. Standard precautions include taking taxis in the evening and being cautious with your belongings. If there is no safe in your accommodation, bring your most valuable items like a passport or your grandmother’s wedding ring. If necessary, bring your own padlock to keep your belongings safe. The locals are friendly and warm, and the Big Five are famous inhabitants in both countries.

Safaris in the Masai Mara (Kenya) and Serengeti (Tanzania) offer many highlights, including the annual wildebeest migration (‘The Great Migration’). The Serengeti is larger in area, but the Mara has a densely populated wildlife population, making it a clear tie for travelers to experience the same level of excitement and warmth as Freek Vonk.

Is Russia safe to visit?

Russian security services have arrested US citizens on false charges, denied fair treatment, and convicted them without credible evidence. They have also opened questionable investigations against US citizens engaged in religious activities. The Russian invasion of Ukraine has destabilized southwestern Russia, leading to martial law in border areas with Ukraine. Under martial law, authorities can set curfews, seize property, and restrict movement. U. S. citizens should avoid travel to these areas.

Russian authorities have questioned, detained, and arrested people for “acting against Russia’s interests”, targeting individuals for posting on social media or supporting anti-Russian groups. The current “LGBT propaganda” law bans discussion of LGBTQI+ related topics, and the Supreme Court labeled the “international LGBT movement” as extremist in November 2023.

Terrorists continue to plan attacks in Russia, targeting tourist areas, transport hubs, markets, government buildings, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, events, schools, and airports. U. S. government employees under Embassy security responsibility are not permitted to travel to the North Caucasus, including Chechnya and Mt. Elbrus.