East Africa Travel Becomes More Expensive as Kenya and Tanzania Impose New Charges

The governments of Kenya and Tanzania have decided to put in place fresh levies which are meant to enhance conservation and improve modern conveniences of travel. While the governments believe it is essential to get funding, travel and hospitality companies fear travel costs might make it less affordable to cross the borders.

Starting October 1, 2025, Kenya will apply new rates under the Wildlife Conservation and Management (Access, Entry and Conservation) (Fees) Regulations, 2025. This marks the first major fee adjustment in nearly two decades.

The new framework divides visitors into four categories: East African citizens, Kenyan residents, other African nationals, and non-residents. Fees vary widely:

Children and students will generally pay half price, while exemptions apply for children under five, seniors above seventy, persons with disabilities, and registered guides. Annual passes for frequent visitors will also be introduced, covering select national parks.

The Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority confirmed plans to introduce a mandatory travel insurance levy and a new aviation development charge on air tickets. These charges will apply from 2026.

The insurance scheme will cover health emergencies, medical or bodily repatriation, accidents, baggage delays, and theft. Citizens of the East African Community and the Southern African Development Community will be exempt.

Meanwhile, the aviation development charge will fund the installation of modern systems, including an Advance Passenger Information System and electronic border control technology. Authorities emphasise that the costs of maintaining such systems data protection, compliance, and cybersecurity cannot rely solely on government financing.

Tour operators estimate that the combination of Kenya’s revised fees and Tanzania’s new levies could increase the average cost of a holiday in East Africa by more than $200 compared to 2024. Rising expenses for entry permits, insurance, and tickets may place the region at a competitive disadvantage against other global destinations.

Concerns have also been raised about the short timeframes provided for implementation. Kenya Wildlife Service introduced the new pricing structure with only a two-day notice period, creating difficulties for both travel agents and travellers who had already booked packages.

In addition, Kenya has raised fees for a range of services including drone use, vehicle recovery, aircraft landings, and parking. Industry operators believe such rapid increases make planning harder and risk reducing demand.

Kenya’s Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife maintains that the fee adjustments followed an extended consultation process with conservation groups, communities, and tour operators. Officials argue that the funds will strengthen wildlife protection and reduce reliance on state subsidies.

In Tanzania, the Ministry of Finance confirmed that the travel insurance levy will provide coverage for emergencies and accidents, protecting tourists and reducing risks for the government. Authorities insist the levies are vital to upgrade aviation infrastructure and align with international safety standards.

For those planning to visit East Africa, the following points are critical:

Both governments are counting on taxes and levies to pay for the conservation and improvement of the travel infrastructure. Industry experts, on the other hand, warn that rising costs of doing business may jeopardize the growth of the region’s visitation. The challenge of financing East Africa’s sustainability while being affordable on a global scale will certainly remain the key to the region’s reputation as a prime safari and cultural experience.