{"guides":[{"url":"https://walkinpassport.com/travel/","slug":"travel/","short":"Travel","title":"Travel Guides: New York, California, U.S. Parks & African Safaris","h1":"Travel guides: U.S. trips and African safaris","description":"Practical, source-checked travel guides for New York City, New York State, California, top U.S. destinations, Africa travel and safari planning, with the passport steps to sort out first.","lede":"Planning guides for first trips to New York and California, the best-known U.S. national parks, and safaris in Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa and Botswana. Each guide starts with the documents you need and links to the official source for every fee, rule and advisory.","faq":[["Do I need a passport to travel inside the United States?","No. For domestic flights, TSA accepts a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state ID, a U.S. passport book or a U.S. passport card, among other documents. A passport is only required for international travel. See our [top U.S. destinations guide](/travel/top-usa-destinations/) for details on REAL ID."],["How long before an Africa trip should I check my passport?","As soon as you start planning. Kenya, Tanzania and Botswana require at least six months of validity, Botswana asks for at least three unused pages, and South Africa asks for two consecutive blank visa pages. Routine passport processing takes weeks, not days, so a renewal can be the slowest step of the whole trip."],["Can I use a passport card to fly to Africa or Europe?","No. The passport card is valid only for land and sea crossings from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda, and as ID for domestic flights. Any international flight requires a passport book."],["Are these guides written by a travel agency?","No. Walk-In Passport is an independent guide. We do not sell trips, tours or visas, and the facts on these pages come from government and park sources linked on each page. One link on these pages is a travel-insurance affiliate link, which is labeled and explained on our [how we make money](/how-we-make-money/) page."]],"sources":[{"name":"U.S. Department of State: Passports","url":"https://travel.state.gov/en/passports.html"},{"name":"U.S. Department of State: Travel Advisories","url":"https://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel/travel-advisories.html"},{"name":"Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)","url":"https://step.state.gov/"},{"name":"TSA: REAL ID","url":"https://www.tsa.gov/realid"},{"name":"CBP: Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative","url":"https://www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/western-hemisphere-travel-initiative"},{"name":"CDC Travelers' Health: Travel Notices","url":"https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices"},{"name":"National Park Service: Entrance Passes","url":"https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm"}],"checked":"2026-10-27","headings":["Choose a guide","Which ID do you need?","Passport timing for international trips","Safety and health resources worth bookmarking","How these guides are written"]},{"url":"https://walkinpassport.com/travel/new-york-city-first-trip/","slug":"travel/new-york-city-first-trip/","short":"New York City first trip","title":"New York City First Trip Guide 2026: Subway, Statue of Liberty, Airports","h1":"New York City for first-timers: a practical guide","description":"A practical first-timer's guide to New York City: how the $3 subway fare and weekly cap work, Statue of Liberty tickets, the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, the Met, and getting in from JFK, LaGuardia and Newark.","lede":"How to get around, what to book ahead and what you can skip paying for on a first trip to New York City, with current fares and ticket rules from the MTA, the National Park Service and the attractions themselves.","faq":[["How much is the New York City subway in 2026?","The base subway and local bus fare is $3.00, effective January 4, 2026. If you tap the same contactless card, phone or OMNY card, rides are free for the rest of a seven-day period once you have paid $35, starting from your first tap. A single-ride ticket costs $3.50."],["Where do I buy Statue of Liberty tickets?","Only from Statue City Cruises, which the National Park Service names as the only authorized ticket seller and the only ferry that lands on Liberty and Ellis Islands. Ferries leave from The Battery in Manhattan and Liberty State Park in New Jersey. Pedestal and crown tickets are limited and sold online only."],["Is the 9/11 Memorial free?","Yes. The outdoor Memorial is free and open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The 9/11 Museum is ticketed, requires advance tickets and is open Wednesday to Monday, plus select Tuesdays, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. with last entry at 5:30 p.m."],["What is the cheapest way from JFK to Manhattan?","Take the AirTrain JFK ($8.75, paid when you exit at Jamaica or Howard Beach) and transfer to the subway ($3.00), or to the Long Island Rail Road at Jamaica for a faster ride to Penn Station or Grand Central."],["Do I need a passport to visit New York City?","Not if you are flying from elsewhere in the U.S. You need a REAL ID-compliant license or another TSA-accepted ID, such as a passport book or passport card. International visitors need a passport."]],"sources":[{"name":"MTA: Tap and ride (OMNY fares and fare cap)","url":"https://www.mta.info/fares-tolls/subway-bus/tap-and-ride"},{"name":"National Park Service: Statue of Liberty, plan your visit","url":"https://www.nps.gov/stli/planyourvisit/index.htm"},{"name":"9/11 Memorial & Museum: Visit","url":"https://www.911memorial.org/visit"},{"name":"The Metropolitan Museum of Art: Plan your visit","url":"https://www.metmuseum.org/plan-your-visit"},{"name":"JFK Airport: AirTrain","url":"https://www.jfkairport.com/transportation/airtrain"},{"name":"LaGuardia Airport: Public transportation","url":"https://www.laguardiaairport.com/transportation/public-transport"},{"name":"Newark Airport: AirTrain","url":"https://www.newarkairport.com/transportation/airtrain"},{"name":"NYC DOT: Staten Island Ferry","url":"https://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/ferrybus/staten-island-ferry.shtml"},{"name":"TSA: REAL ID","url":"https://www.tsa.gov/realid"}],"checked":"2026-10-27","headings":["Documents first","Getting around: the subway and buses","Airports: getting into the city","The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island","9/11 Memorial and Museum","Museums: the Met and others","Free and low-cost things to do","Safety and common sense","A simple first-trip outline","Going further"]},{"url":"https://walkinpassport.com/travel/new-york-state-beyond-nyc/","slug":"travel/new-york-state-beyond-nyc/","short":"New York State beyond NYC","title":"New York State Travel Guide: Niagara Falls, Hudson Valley, Adirondacks","h1":"New York State beyond the city: Niagara, the Hudson Valley and the Adirondacks","description":"Where to go in New York State beyond the city: Niagara Falls (and the passport you need to cross to Canada), the Hudson Valley, Watkins Glen and the Finger Lakes, Adirondack hiking reservations and Fire Island.","lede":"Most of New York State is mountains, lakes, farmland and small towns. This guide covers the best-known places to visit, the seasonal dates and reservation rules that trip up visitors, and the documents you need if Niagara Falls tempts you across the border to Canada.","faq":[["Do I need a passport to see Niagara Falls?","Not for the U.S. side. Niagara Falls State Park is in New York and open year-round. To walk or drive across to the Canadian side, U.S. citizens need a WHTI-compliant document to re-enter the United States by land: a passport book, passport card, enhanced driver's license, or a NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST card. U.S. citizen children under 16 can show a birth certificate at land and sea crossings."],["When does the Maid of the Mist run?","The Maid of the Mist boat tour operates seasonally; the Niagara Falls State Park site lists the 2026 season running through November 8, 2026. The Cave of the Winds is open year-round with a reduced winter experience."],["Is the Watkins Glen Gorge Trail open all year?","No. The Gorge Trail is seasonal; in 2026 it was open from May 9 to October 25. The rim trails above the gorge stay open year-round. Check New York State Parks before you go, as dates depend on conditions."],["Do I need a reservation to hike in the Adirondacks?","For trailheads on the Adirondack Mountain Reserve (AMR) near St. Huberts and Keene Valley, yes: free parking reservations are required from May 1 to October 31 at hikeamr.org, and walk-ins are not allowed. Most other Adirondack trailheads do not use reservations, but popular lots fill early."],["Can I reach the Hudson Valley without a car?","Partly. Metro-North's Hudson Line runs from Grand Central to Poughkeepsie, and the Walkway Over the Hudson is about 0.7 miles from the Poughkeepsie station. Amtrak also serves Hudson Valley stations. A car makes it much easier to combine sites."]],"sources":[{"name":"New York State Parks: Niagara Falls State Park","url":"https://parks.ny.gov/visit/state-parks/niagara-falls-state-park"},{"name":"Niagara Falls State Park (official park site)","url":"https://www.niagarafallsstatepark.com/"},{"name":"New York State Parks: Watkins Glen State Park","url":"https://parks.ny.gov/visit/state-parks/watkins-glen-state-park"},{"name":"Walkway Over the Hudson: Visit","url":"https://walkway.org/visit/"},{"name":"Adirondack Mountain Reserve hiker parking reservations","url":"https://www.hikeamr.org/"},{"name":"NYS DEC: Adirondack hiking","url":"https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/hiking"},{"name":"National Park Service: Fire Island National Seashore, plan your visit","url":"https://www.nps.gov/fiis/planyourvisit/index.htm"},{"name":"National Park Service: Home of FDR, plan your visit","url":"https://www.nps.gov/hofr/planyourvisit/index.htm"},{"name":"CBP: Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative","url":"https://www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/western-hemisphere-travel-initiative"}],"checked":"2026-10-27","headings":["Getting around the state","Niagara Falls","The Hudson Valley","The Finger Lakes and Watkins Glen","The Adirondacks","Long Island and Fire Island","The Catskills","Planning by season"]},{"url":"https://walkinpassport.com/travel/california-road-trip/","slug":"travel/california-road-trip/","short":"California road trip","title":"California Road Trip Guide 2026: Big Sur, Yosemite, San Francisco","h1":"California road trip: Big Sur, Yosemite and the coast","description":"Plan a California road trip with current official information: Highway 1 through Big Sur after its 2026 reopening, Yosemite entry rules and fees, Muir Woods and Alcatraz bookings, Joshua Tree and the desert parks.","lede":"California is built for driving, but the classic routes have rules that change from year to year: Highway 1 through Big Sur has spent years closing and reopening, Muir Woods needs a reservation, and Yosemite's entry system changes by season. Here is what applies in 2026.","faq":[["Is Highway 1 through Big Sur open in 2026?","Yes. Caltrans reopened Highway 1 at Regent's Slide on January 14, 2026, restoring through travel between Carmel and Cambria. Construction still causes delays: in fall 2026 Caltrans listed one-way traffic control at the Rocky Creek and Torre Canyon bridges. Check Caltrans road information (roads.dot.ca.gov) on the day you drive."],["Do I need a reservation to enter Yosemite in 2026?","The National Park Service says Yosemite has no timed-entry reservation system in 2026. You still need an entrance pass: $35 per private vehicle, valid for seven days, and the park is cashless. Non-U.S. residents age 16 and older pay an additional $100 per person unless they have an annual or America the Beautiful pass."],["Do I need a reservation for Muir Woods?","Yes. All vehicles need a parking reservation, or you need a shuttle reservation, booked through GoMuirWoods.com before you arrive. The National Park Service advises downloading or printing your reservation because cell service is limited."],["How do I get to Alcatraz?","Only by Alcatraz City Cruises, the only ferry the National Park Service authorizes to land passengers on the island. Buy tickets directly from Alcatraz City Cruises well in advance; resellers and harbor cruises that only circle the island are not the same thing."],["What is the best time of year for a California road trip?","Spring and fall are the most comfortable overall. Summer is busiest in Yosemite and along the coast and very hot in the deserts; winter is the best season for Joshua Tree and Death Valley, but Yosemite's high-country roads close for the season."]],"sources":[{"name":"Caltrans District 5: Highway 1 reopens at Regent's Slide (Jan 14, 2026)","url":"https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-5/d5-news/d5-news-1-14-26"},{"name":"Caltrans: current highway conditions, Route 1","url":"https://roads.dot.ca.gov/?roadnumber=1"},{"name":"National Park Service: Yosemite reservations","url":"https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/reservations.htm"},{"name":"National Park Service: Yosemite fees and passes","url":"https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/fees.htm"},{"name":"National Park Service: Joshua Tree fees and passes","url":"https://www.nps.gov/jotr/planyourvisit/fees.htm"},{"name":"National Park Service: Muir Woods, know before you go","url":"https://www.nps.gov/muwo/planyourvisit/know-before-you-go.htm"},{"name":"GoMuirWoods.com (official reservation site)","url":"https://gomuirwoods.com/"},{"name":"National Park Service: Alcatraz Island fees and passes","url":"https://www.nps.gov/alca/planyourvisit/fees.htm"},{"name":"National Park Service: Entrance passes","url":"https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm"},{"name":"TSA: REAL ID","url":"https://www.tsa.gov/realid"}],"checked":"2026-10-27","headings":["Documents for the trip","Route 1: San Francisco to Los Angeles via Big Sur","Route 2: Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada","Route 3: The desert parks","Should you buy a national parks pass?","Driving tips for California"]},{"url":"https://walkinpassport.com/travel/top-usa-destinations/","slug":"travel/top-usa-destinations/","short":"Top U.S. destinations","title":"Top U.S. Travel Destinations 2026: National Parks, REAL ID & Passport Cards","h1":"Top U.S. destinations: national parks, cities and the ID you need","description":"Plan a U.S. trip with current official rules: REAL ID and TSA ID requirements, when a passport card is worth it, national park passes and the $100 non-resident fee, and 2026 reservation systems at Rocky Mountain, Glacier, Arches and more.","lede":"The best-known American trips, from the Grand Canyon to Hawaii, with the 2026 rules that matter: which parks need reservations, what passes cost, and what ID gets you through airport security now that REAL ID is enforced.","faq":[["Is a passport card accepted at TSA checkpoints?","Yes. TSA lists the U.S. passport and the U.S. passport card among acceptable IDs at airport security, and both satisfy REAL ID requirements. The passport card cannot be used for international flights."],["What happens if I fly without a REAL ID?","REAL ID has been enforced at TSA checkpoints since May 7, 2025. Since February 1, 2026, travelers without an acceptable ID can pay a $45 TSA ConfirmID fee, after which TSA attempts to verify their identity. TSA suggests paying online before you go to the airport. Carrying a passport book or passport card avoids this."],["Which national parks charge the $100 non-resident fee?","From the National Park Service's passes page: Acadia, Bryce Canyon, Everglades, Glacier, Grand Canyon, Grand Teton, Rocky Mountain, Sequoia and Kings Canyon, Yellowstone, Yosemite and Zion. It applies per person to non-U.S. residents 16 and older unless they hold an annual or America the Beautiful pass."],["Do I need a reservation for Rocky Mountain National Park?","In 2026, yes, between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. daily from May 22 through October 12. You can enter before 9 a.m. or after 2 p.m. without one. Access to the Bear Lake Road corridor uses a separate reservation option."],["Do I need a passport to go to Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands?","No, U.S. citizens flying directly from the mainland do not need a passport for these U.S. destinations; a REAL ID-compliant license or other TSA-accepted ID works. Driving to Alaska through Canada is different: you will cross an international border twice and need a WHTI-compliant document such as a passport book or passport card."]],"sources":[{"name":"TSA: REAL ID","url":"https://www.tsa.gov/realid"},{"name":"TSA: Acceptable identification at the checkpoint","url":"https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification"},{"name":"CBP: Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative","url":"https://www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/western-hemisphere-travel-initiative"},{"name":"U.S. Department of State: Passport card","url":"https://travel.state.gov/en/passports.html"},{"name":"National Park Service: Entrance passes","url":"https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm"},{"name":"National Park Service: Grand Canyon fees","url":"https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/fees.htm"},{"name":"National Park Service: Rocky Mountain timed entry","url":"https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/timed-entry-permit-system.htm"},{"name":"National Park Service: Glacier vehicle reservations in 2026","url":"https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/vehicle-reservations.htm"},{"name":"National Park Service: Arches lifts entry reservation requirement for 2026 (Feb 18, 2026)","url":"https://www.nps.gov/arch/learn/news/news02182026.htm"},{"name":"National Park Service: Haleakalā sunrise reservations","url":"https://www.nps.gov/hale/planyourvisit/sunrise.htm"},{"name":"Recreation.gov: Haleakalā summit sunrise reservations","url":"https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/facility/253731"},{"name":"National Park Service: Zion fees","url":"https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/fees.htm"},{"name":"Recreation.gov","url":"https://www.recreation.gov/"}],"checked":"2026-10-27","headings":["REAL ID: what you need at the airport","The passport card: a cheap backup ID","National parks: passes and fees in 2026","Parks with reservations or timed entry in 2026","The big national parks","Cities","Before you book: a quick checklist"]},{"url":"https://walkinpassport.com/travel/africa-travel-tips/","slug":"travel/africa-travel-tips/","short":"Africa travel tips","title":"Africa Travel Tips for Americans (2026): Passports, Visas, Vaccines, Safety","h1":"Africa travel tips for U.S. travelers","description":"Practical Africa travel tips for U.S. travelers from official sources: passport validity and blank-page rules, visas and eTAs for Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa and Botswana, yellow fever and malaria, travel advisories and why medical evacuation insurance matters.","lede":"The paperwork, health preparation and safety basics for a first trip to East or Southern Africa, drawn from the State Department, CDC and the destination governments. Most problems on these trips start before departure, with a passport that has too few pages or a vaccine left too late.","faq":[["Do Americans need a visa for Africa?","It depends on the country. Of the main safari countries, South Africa and Botswana do not require a visa for U.S. tourists staying up to 90 days. Kenya requires an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) applied for online before travel, and Tanzania requires a visa, available as an eVisa or on arrival. Rules change, so check the State Department country page and the government's official site, and avoid look-alike visa websites that charge extra."],["How long does my passport need to be valid for Africa?","Kenya, Tanzania and Botswana require at least six months of validity. South Africa requires the passport to be valid for at least 30 days after you leave. Airlines can refuse boarding if you do not meet the destination's rule, so renew early if you are close."],["Do I need a yellow fever vaccine for a safari?","For direct travel from the U.S., Tanzania, South Africa and Botswana do not require proof of yellow fever vaccination, but they do require it from travelers age 1 and older arriving from countries with yellow fever risk, including (for these three) transits of more than 12 hours in such countries. CDC recommends the vaccine for most travel in Kenya. Talk to a travel-medicine provider about your exact route."],["Is malaria a risk on safari?","In many safari areas, yes. CDC lists malaria risk in all areas of Kenya below 2,500 meters, including game parks, all of Tanzania below 1,800 meters, Kruger National Park and parts of northeastern South Africa, and northern Botswana including Chobe and the Okavango. A doctor can prescribe preventive medication; bite prevention matters too."],["Why do travel advisories mention medical evacuation?","Serious injuries and illnesses often cannot be treated near safari areas. The State Department notes that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas, that many providers want cash or payment up front, and it strongly recommends supplemental insurance that covers medical evacuation for Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa and Botswana."]],"sources":[{"name":"U.S. Department of State: Travel Advisories","url":"https://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel/travel-advisories.html"},{"name":"U.S. Department of State: Kenya travel advisory and country information","url":"https://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel/travel-advisories/kenya.html"},{"name":"U.S. Department of State: Tanzania travel advisory and country information","url":"https://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel/travel-advisories/tanzania.html"},{"name":"U.S. Department of State: South Africa travel advisory and country information","url":"https://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel/travel-advisories/south-africa.html"},{"name":"U.S. Department of State: Botswana travel advisory and country information","url":"https://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel/travel-advisories/botswana.html"},{"name":"CDC Travelers' Health: Travel notices","url":"https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices"},{"name":"CDC Travelers' Health: Kenya","url":"https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/kenya"},{"name":"CDC Travelers' Health: Tanzania","url":"https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/tanzania"},{"name":"CDC Travelers' Health: South Africa","url":"https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/south-africa"},{"name":"CDC Travelers' Health: Botswana","url":"https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/botswana"},{"name":"Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization (official)","url":"https://www.etakenya.go.ke/"},{"name":"Tanzania Immigration: eVisa (official)","url":"https://visa.immigration.go.tz/"},{"name":"Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)","url":"https://step.state.gov/"},{"name":"IEC World Plugs (plug types and voltage by country)","url":"https://www.iec.ch/world-plugs"}],"checked":"2026-10-27","headings":["Passports: validity and blank pages","Visas and eTAs: use the official sites","Health: see a travel clinic at least a month ahead","Safety","Money","Electricity and phones","Insurance and emergencies"]},{"url":"https://walkinpassport.com/travel/safari-planning-guide/","slug":"travel/safari-planning-guide/","short":"Safari planning guide","title":"Safari Planning Guide 2026: When to Go, Park Fees, Operators & Safety","h1":"Safari planning guide: when to go, what it costs and how to choose","description":"How to plan an African safari: comparing Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa and Botswana, the best seasons, official park fees for the Maasai Mara, Tanzania's parks and Kruger, choosing an operator, safety rules in the bush, and medical evacuation cover.","lede":"A step-by-step guide to planning a first safari, from choosing a country and season to checking park fees, vetting operators and packing for small planes. Fees and seasons below come from the park authorities; everything else is practical planning advice, not a sales pitch.","faq":[["What is the best month for a safari?","It depends on where you go. In Tanzania's Serengeti, the park authority says June to October, the dry season, is best for the wildebeest migration, while January and February are the calving season in the south. In Southern Africa, the dry winter months generally make wildlife easier to spot. Many lodges charge less in the rainy or shoulder seasons."],["How much are safari park fees?","Park fees are set by each authority and are usually charged per person. Examples: the Maasai Mara National Reserve charges non-resident adults $200 from July to December and $100 from January to June (Narok County 2025/26 schedule); Kruger National Park charged international adults R602 per day for 1 November 2025 to 31 October 2026; check SANParks for the rates that apply after that; Tanzania National Parks fees include 18% VAT and are valid for 24 hours from entry. Ask your operator whether their price includes park fees."],["Is a self-drive safari possible?","In some places. South Africa's Kruger National Park has paved and gravel roads and rest camps that many visitors explore in their own rental car, following park rules. In Kenya, Tanzania and much of Botswana, most visitors use a guided safari with a driver-guide, and remote areas need 4x4 experience and careful planning."],["Do I need travel insurance for a safari?","It is not usually a legal requirement, but the State Department strongly recommends supplemental insurance covering medical evacuation for Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa and Botswana, because serious medical care is often far from safari areas and many providers require payment up front."],["Can I bring a drone on safari?","Do not assume so. Drone rules are set by each country's aviation authority and park authority, and many parks restrict or ban drones without a permit. Check before you pack one, as it may be confiscated at the airport."]],"sources":[{"name":"Narok County: Maasai Mara National Reserve 2025/26 park fees and charges (PDF)","url":"https://www.narok.go.ke/"},{"name":"Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA): tariffs","url":"https://www.tanzaniaparks.go.tz/"},{"name":"Tanzania National Parks: Serengeti National Park","url":"https://www.tanzaniaparks.go.tz/en/serengeti"},{"name":"SANParks: Kruger National Park rates and entry fees","url":"https://www.sanparks.org/parks/kruger/rates-entry-fees"},{"name":"Kenya Wildlife Service","url":"https://www.kws.go.ke/"},{"name":"U.S. Department of State: Kenya country information","url":"https://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel/travel-advisories/kenya.html"},{"name":"U.S. Department of State: Botswana country information","url":"https://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel/travel-advisories/botswana.html"},{"name":"CDC Travelers' Health: Travel notices","url":"https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices"}],"checked":"2026-10-27","headings":["Step 1: Choose a country","Step 2: Choose a season","Step 3: Understand park fees","Step 4: Choose a style and an operator","Step 5: Safety in the bush","Step 6: Pack for the bush","Step 7: Paperwork and money"]},{"url":"https://walkinpassport.com/travel/kenya/","slug":"travel/kenya/","short":"Kenya","title":"Kenya Travel Guide for Americans (2026): eTA, Safety, Maasai Mara Fees","h1":"Kenya travel guide for U.S. travelers","description":"Planning a trip to Kenya from the U.S.: the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) and its fees, passport rules, the current State Department advisory and CDC Ebola notice, yellow fever and malaria, Maasai Mara park fees, money, road safety and emergency numbers.","lede":"What you need to enter Kenya, where the official warnings apply, and how to plan a Maasai Mara or national-park safari, with facts from the State Department, CDC, Kenya's eTA system and Narok County. Kenya's advisory changed in October 2026, so read the safety section before you book.","faq":[["Do U.S. citizens need a visa for Kenya?","Kenya requires all visitors to get an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before travel, applied for only at etakenya.go.ke. According to Kenya's eTA system and civil aviation notice, a standard single-entry eTA costs $30, U.S. citizens can choose a five-year multiple-entry eTA for $185, processing takes up to three business days, and an approved eTA must be used to enter within 90 days."],["Is it safe to travel to Kenya right now?","On October 19, 2026, the State Department raised Kenya to Level 3, Reconsider Travel, citing health risks after imported and linked Ebola cases in Nairobi, alongside crime, terrorism, civil unrest and kidnapping. Several border and coastal areas are Do Not Travel. Read the full advisory and the CDC notice before you book and again before you go."],["How much is the Maasai Mara entry fee?","Narok County's 2025/26 schedule lists non-resident adults at $200 per person from July to December and $100 from January to June, children 9 to 17 and students at $50, and children 8 and under free. Ask your operator how many days of fees your quote includes."],["What are the emergency numbers in Kenya?","The State Department lists 999, 112 or 911 for police. The U.S. Embassy in Nairobi can be reached at +254 (0) 20-363-6451 during business hours and +254 (0) 20-363-6000 after hours. Outside Nairobi and a few cities, ambulances are unreliable."],["Do I need a yellow fever vaccine for Kenya?","Kenya asks for proof of yellow fever vaccination if you arrive from a country where the disease is endemic. CDC recommends the vaccine for most travelers to Kenya age 9 months and older, except for travel limited to Nairobi, the former North Eastern Province and most of the coast. Kenya is itself a yellow fever risk country, which matters if you continue to Tanzania or South Africa."]],"sources":[{"name":"U.S. Department of State: Kenya travel advisory and country information","url":"https://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel/travel-advisories/kenya.html"},{"name":"U.S. Embassy in Kenya","url":"https://ke.usembassy.gov/"},{"name":"Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization (official)","url":"https://www.etakenya.go.ke/"},{"name":"CDC Travelers' Health: Kenya","url":"https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/kenya"},{"name":"CDC Travelers' Health: Travel notices","url":"https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices"},{"name":"Narok County Government (Maasai Mara National Reserve fees)","url":"https://www.narok.go.ke/"},{"name":"Kenya Wildlife Service","url":"https://www.kws.go.ke/"},{"name":"IEC World Plugs: Kenya","url":"https://www.iec.ch/world-plugs"}],"checked":"2026-10-27","headings":["Safety: what the advisory says","Entry requirements","Health","Safaris and parks","Getting around","Money and practical tips","Emergency contacts"]},{"url":"https://walkinpassport.com/travel/tanzania/","slug":"travel/tanzania/","short":"Tanzania","title":"Tanzania Travel Guide for Americans (2026): Visa, Serengeti, Zanzibar, Safety","h1":"Tanzania travel guide for U.S. travelers","description":"Planning a Tanzania trip from the U.S.: the one-year tourist visa and official eVisa site, passport rules, yellow fever and malaria, Serengeti seasons and how TANAPA park fees work, Zanzibar ferries, Kilimanjaro altitude, local laws, road safety and emergency contacts.","lede":"Entry rules, health preparation and safari planning for Tanzania's northern circuit, Zanzibar and Kilimanjaro, using the State Department, CDC, Tanzania's immigration service and Tanzania National Parks as sources. Tanzania has several local laws that catch visitors out; they are listed below.","faq":[["Do Americans need a visa for Tanzania?","Yes. The State Department says U.S. tourists must get a one-year multiple-entry visa for $100. You can apply online for an eVisa through Tanzania's official immigration site, visa.immigration.go.tz, and present the emailed grant notice on arrival, or get a visa on arrival."],["When is the best time to visit the Serengeti?","Tanzania National Parks says the dry season, June to October, is best for watching the great wildebeest migration, and January to February is calving season in the southern Serengeti. The park is open all year."],["How do park fees work in Tanzania?","Tanzania National Parks fees include 18% VAT, are valid for 24 hours from the time of entry, are free for children under 5, and use child rates for ages 5 to 15. They are paid through the government's electronic payment system, online or by Visa or Mastercard at park gates. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is run by a separate authority with its own fees."],["Do I need a yellow fever vaccine for Tanzania?","Not if you fly directly from the U.S. Tanzania requires proof of vaccination from travelers arriving from countries where yellow fever is endemic, including airport transits of 12 hours or more. That includes coming from Kenya."],["What are the emergency numbers in Tanzania?","The State Department lists 111, 112 and +255 787 668 306, but warns response can be slow and unreliable. The U.S. Embassy in Dar es Salaam is at +255 22-229-4000; after hours, dial 1 for the emergency operator."]],"sources":[{"name":"U.S. Department of State: Tanzania travel advisory and country information","url":"https://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel/travel-advisories/tanzania.html"},{"name":"U.S. Embassy in Tanzania","url":"https://tz.usembassy.gov/"},{"name":"Tanzania Immigration Services: official eVisa portal","url":"https://visa.immigration.go.tz/"},{"name":"Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA)","url":"https://www.tanzaniaparks.go.tz/"},{"name":"Tanzania National Parks: Serengeti National Park","url":"https://www.tanzaniaparks.go.tz/en/serengeti"},{"name":"CDC Travelers' Health: Tanzania","url":"https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/tanzania"},{"name":"CDC Travelers' Health: Travel notices","url":"https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices"},{"name":"IEC World Plugs","url":"https://www.iec.ch/world-plugs"}],"checked":"2026-10-27","headings":["Safety: the current advisory","Entry requirements","Health","Safaris: parks, seasons and fees","Zanzibar","Local laws that affect visitors","Getting around","Practical tips","Emergency contacts"]},{"url":"https://walkinpassport.com/travel/south-africa/","slug":"travel/south-africa/","short":"South Africa","title":"South Africa Travel Guide for Americans (2026): Entry Rules, Kruger, Safety","h1":"South Africa travel guide for U.S. travelers","description":"Planning a South Africa trip from the U.S.: passport validity and the two consecutive blank pages rule, no visa for stays under 90 days, documents for children, Kruger National Park fees and self-drive safety, crime precautions, load shedding, health and U.S. consulate contacts.","lede":"South Africa combines city trips to Cape Town with safaris in Kruger National Park and private reserves, and many visitors can rent a car and drive themselves. Its entry rules are strict about passport pages, and crime precautions matter. Everything below comes from the State Department, CDC, SANParks and South Africa's Department of Home Affairs.","faq":[["Do Americans need a visa for South Africa?","No, not for tourist stays of less than 90 days, according to the State Department. Your passport must be valid for at least 30 days after you leave South Africa and have two consecutive completely blank visa pages for each entry, not counting endorsement pages."],["What documents do children need to enter South Africa?","South Africa has special requirements for minors traveling through its ports of entry, and the Department of Home Affairs publishes the current rules. In many cases officials may ask for the child's birth certificate showing both parents and, if a parent is not traveling, that parent's consent affidavit and a copy of their ID. Check Home Affairs before you travel and carry the documents to be safe."],["Is it safe to drive myself around Kruger and South Africa?","Many visitors do. The State Department says road conditions are good but traffic deaths are much higher than in the U.S. It advises avoiding driving at night, watching for smash-and-grab thefts at traffic lights and ramps, and treating broken traffic lights as four-way stops. In game parks, it is dangerous to leave your vehicle outside marked areas."],["How much is Kruger National Park entry?","SANParks listed a daily conservation fee for international visitors of R602 per adult and R300 per child aged 2 to 11 for the period 1 November 2025 to 31 October 2026. Check SANParks for the rates that apply after that date."],["What is the emergency number in South Africa?","The State Department says to dial 10111 for emergencies. After calling local authorities, U.S. citizens can contact the U.S. Embassy in Pretoria at 012-431-4000, or the consulates general in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban."]],"sources":[{"name":"U.S. Department of State: South Africa travel advisory and country information","url":"https://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel/travel-advisories/south-africa.html"},{"name":"U.S. Embassy and Consulates in South Africa","url":"https://za.usembassy.gov/"},{"name":"South Africa Department of Home Affairs","url":"https://www.dha.gov.za/"},{"name":"South African Government: What are the requirements for travelling with children?","url":"https://www.gov.za/faq/travel-tourism/what-are-requirements-travelling-children"},{"name":"SANParks: Kruger National Park rates and entry fees","url":"https://www.sanparks.org/parks/kruger/rates-entry-fees"},{"name":"CDC Travelers' Health: South Africa","url":"https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/south-africa"},{"name":"IEC World Plugs","url":"https://www.iec.ch/world-plugs"}],"checked":"2026-10-27","headings":["Entry requirements","Safety","Kruger National Park and safaris","Driving","Load shedding and utilities","Health","Practical tips","Emergency contacts"]},{"url":"https://walkinpassport.com/travel/botswana/","slug":"travel/botswana/","short":"Botswana","title":"Botswana Travel Guide for Americans (2026): Entry, Okavango, Chobe, Safety","h1":"Botswana travel guide for U.S. travelers","description":"Planning a Botswana safari from the U.S.: passport validity and the three unused pages rule, visa-free stays up to 90 days, documents for children, Okavango Delta and Chobe planning, wildlife-product laws, driving, health, malaria and U.S. Embassy contacts.","lede":"Botswana is known for the Okavango Delta, Chobe and remote camps reached by small plane. Entry is visa-free for Americans, but its passport-page and children's-document rules are stricter than most, and its wildlife laws are strictly enforced. Facts below come from the State Department and CDC.","faq":[["Do Americans need a visa for Botswana?","Not for tourism. The State Department says U.S. citizens can stay up to 90 days in total within a 12-month period without a visa, though the stay granted is written on your entry stamp and may be shorter. Your passport needs at least six months of validity. Travelers with a temporary (emergency) passport need a visa in advance, which cannot be obtained on arrival."],["How many blank passport pages do I need for Botswana?","The State Department lists three or more unused pages, with one blank page per entry. Most travelers reach Botswana through Johannesburg, and South Africa separately requires two consecutive blank visa pages per entry, so a combined trip can use several pages."],["What do children need to enter Botswana?","According to the State Department, Botswana requires a certified copy of the child's unabridged birth certificate, a valid passport with at least one blank page per entry, and a consent form from any parent not traveling with the child. Transiting South Africa adds that country's rules."],["Is there malaria in Botswana?","Yes, in the north. CDC lists malaria risk in northern districts including Chobe and the Okavango Delta area, and no risk in Gaborone. Ask your doctor about preventive medication if your safari goes north."],["What are the emergency numbers in Botswana?","The State Department lists 999 for police, 998 for fire and 992 for ambulance. The U.S. Embassy in Gaborone is at +267 395-3982, with an after-hours emergency line of +267 373-2222."]],"sources":[{"name":"U.S. Department of State: Botswana travel advisory and country information","url":"https://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel/travel-advisories/botswana.html"},{"name":"U.S. Embassy in Botswana","url":"https://bw.usembassy.gov/"},{"name":"Botswana Tourism Organisation","url":"https://www.botswanatourism.co.bw/"},{"name":"CDC Travelers' Health: Botswana","url":"https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/botswana"},{"name":"U.S. Department of State: South Africa country information (transit rules)","url":"https://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel/travel-advisories/south-africa.html"},{"name":"IEC World Plugs","url":"https://www.iec.ch/world-plugs"}],"checked":"2026-10-27","headings":["Entry requirements","Safety","Planning a safari","Wildlife laws: do not buy souvenirs made from animals","Driving","Health","Practical tips","Emergency contacts"]}]}