What is the East African Tourist Visa?
The East African Tourist Visa is a revolutionary travel document that allows you to explore three spectacular countries—Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda—with a single visa application. This innovative visa system provides seamless travel across East Africa's most incredible destinations, making it easier than ever to experience the unique offerings of each country without the hassle of multiple visa applications.
Whether you're planning to trek with mountain gorillas in Uganda, witness the Great Migration in Kenya's Maasai Mara, or explore Rwanda's vibrant culture and clean cities, the East African Tourist Visa simplifies your journey. Valid for 90 days with multiple entry privileges, this visa is designed specifically for tourists who want to maximize their East African adventure.
Why Choose the East African Tourist Visa?
Exceptional Value and Convenience
The East African Tourist Visa offers exceptional value by allowing multiple entries for a single fee of $100, compared to $225 if you were to obtain individual visas for each country. This represents significant savings while providing maximum flexibility for your travel plans.
- Cost-Effective - Save money with one visa covering three countries
- Multiple Entries - Unlimited movement between Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda
- 90-Day Validity - Plenty of time to explore all three destinations
- Streamlined Process - Single application for three countries
- No Additional Fees - Simplified border crossings with no extra charges
Countries Covered by the East African Tourist Visa
The East African Tourist Visa provides access to three amazing countries, each offering unique experiences and attractions:
Uganda
The Pearl of Africa - Home to mountain gorillas, diverse wildlife, and the source of the Nile. Experience gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and adventure activities in Jinja.
Uganda eVisa InfoKenya
Safari Paradise - Famous for the Maasai Mara, stunning coastlines, and vibrant culture. Witness the Great Migration and explore beautiful beaches along the Indian Ocean.
Learn MoreRwanda
Land of a Thousand Hills - Known for clean cities, rich culture, and mountain gorillas. Visit Volcanoes National Park and experience Kigali's modern African city life.
Discover RwandaImportant Note: Tanzania, Burundi, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo are not currently part of the East African Tourist Visa arrangement.
East African Tourist Visa Requirements
Basic Requirements
To apply for the East African Tourist Visa, you'll need to provide the following essential documents:
- Valid Passport - Must have at least 6 months validity from your date of entry
- Recent Passport Photograph - Meeting standard passport photo specifications
- Completed Application Form - Filled out accurately with all required information
- Yellow Fever Certificate - Mandatory vaccination proof for all travelers
Enhanced Requirements
For multi-country access, additional documentation is required:
- Three-Country Itinerary - Detailed travel plans for Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda
- Proof of Accommodation - Hotel bookings or reservation confirmations for all countries
- Return or Onward Tickets - Flight confirmations showing your departure plans
- Regional Travel Insurance - Coverage valid across all three countries
How to Apply for the East African Tourist Visa
The application process is straightforward and can be completed online through the official portal of your first country of entry:
Step 1: Choose Entry Point
Apply through the official portal of the country you'll enter first (Uganda, Kenya, or Rwanda). The issuing country must be your first entry point.
Step 2: Complete Application
Fill out the online application form with your personal details, travel information, and upload all required documents including your itinerary.
Form Guide →Step 3: Pay Visa Fee
Pay the non-refundable fee of $100 USD securely online using a credit or debit card through the official payment gateway.
Fee Details →Step 4: Receive Approval
Wait for approval, which typically takes 6-9 working days. You'll receive your visa approval via email once processing is complete.
Check Status →Processing Time and Visa Validity
Processing Timeline
The East African Tourist Visa processing involves multiple stages to ensure proper verification across all three countries:
- Initial Review (2-3 days) - Your application and documents are reviewed for completeness
- Multi-Country Verification (3-5 days) - Coordination between Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda immigration authorities
- Final Approval (1-2 days) - Final checks and visa issuance
Total Processing Time: 6-9 working days
We recommend applying at least 2-3 weeks before your planned travel date to allow for any additional document requests or processing delays.
More on Processing TimesValidity and Duration
Understanding your visa's validity is crucial for planning your East African adventure:
- Validity Period: 90 days from the date of issue
- Stay Duration: Up to 90 days within the validity period
- Entry Type: Multiple entries allowed
- Movement: Unlimited travel between the three countries
- Extension: Cannot be extended beyond 90 days
Important: Once you exit the East African region (Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda) to a non-member country, you must obtain a new visa to re-enter, even if your original visa is still valid.
Entry Procedure and Border Crossings
Upon Arrival in Your First Country
When you arrive at your first entry point (Uganda, Kenya, or Rwanda), follow these steps:
- Present your eVisa approval letter (printed or digital copy)
- Show your valid passport with at least 6 months validity
- Provide your Yellow Fever vaccination certificate
- Complete standard immigration procedures at the border
- Declare your intention to travel to multiple countries within the region
Border Crossings Between Countries
Moving between Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda is simplified for East African Tourist Visa holders:
- Simplified Procedures - Faster processing at border crossings for visa holders
- Proper Documentation - Always carry your passport and visa approval letter
- Exit and Entry Stamps - You may need to obtain stamps when crossing borders
- No Additional Fees - No extra charges for crossing between the three countries
Main Entry Points
Air Entry Points:
- Entebbe International Airport (Uganda)
- Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi (Kenya)
- Kigali International Airport (Rwanda)
Common Land Borders:
- Katuna/Gatuna Border (Uganda-Rwanda)
- Busia Border (Uganda-Kenya)
- Malaba Border (Uganda-Kenya)
Sample 4-Week East Africa Itinerary
Here's an example of how you can maximize your East African Tourist Visa:
Week 1: Kenya
- Arrive in Nairobi, explore the city
- Maasai Mara safari experience
- Cultural experiences with Maasai communities
- Return to Nairobi for shopping and dining
Week 2: Uganda
- Cross to Uganda via Busia or Malaba
- Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
- Nile activities in Jinja (rafting, bungee jumping)
- Queen Elizabeth National Park safari
Week 3: Rwanda
- Cross to Rwanda via Katuna/Gatuna border
- Volcanoes National Park gorilla trekking
- Nyungwe Forest chimpanzee tracking
- Kigali cultural sites and genocide memorial
Week 4: Return to Kenya
- Return to Kenya
- Amboseli National Park (views of Mt. Kilimanjaro)
- Shopping for souvenirs in Nairobi
- Departure from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the East African Tourist Visa cannot be extended beyond the 90-day validity period. If you wish to stay longer in the region, you must exit the East African zone and apply for a new visa. In exceptional circumstances, Rwanda has indicated that extensions may be possible, but this is not guaranteed and should not be relied upon.
No, the East African Tourist Visa is strictly for tourism purposes, and working on this visa is prohibited. Short-term volunteering (less than 90 days) through licensed tour or community organizations is allowed, but any form of paid employment requires a separate work visa specific to the country where you intend to work.
If you exit the East African Tourist Visa zone (Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda) to travel to a non-member country such as Tanzania or Ethiopia, your visa becomes invalid. You will need to apply for a new East African Tourist Visa to re-enter the region, even if your original 90-day validity period has not expired.
No, there is no limit to the number of times you can visit each country within the East African Tourist Visa zone. The visa allows multiple entries, meaning you can move freely between Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda as many times as you wish during the 90-day validity period.
You should apply through the official portal of the country you will enter first. For example, if you're flying into Entebbe, Uganda, apply through the Uganda eVisa portal. If entering through Nairobi, Kenya, apply through Kenya's portal. The issuing country must be your first point of entry into the East African region. For detailed guidance, visit our application guide.
When crossing borders between Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda, always carry your valid passport, East African Tourist Visa approval letter, and Yellow Fever vaccination certificate. You may also want to have copies of your accommodation bookings and travel itinerary readily available. Learn more about required documents.
East African Tourist Visa vs. Individual Country Visas
| Feature | East African Tourist Visa | Individual Country Visas |
|---|---|---|
| Countries Covered | Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda | One country per visa |
| Total Cost | $100 USD | $225 USD ($75 × 3 countries) |
| Validity Period | 90 days | 90 days per visa |
| Entry Type | Multiple entries across all 3 countries | Single or multiple per country |
| Processing Time | 6-9 business days | 2-5 business days per visa |
| Application Process | One application | Three separate applications |
| Border Crossing | Simplified procedures | Standard procedures |
| Best For | Multi-country travelers | Single-country visits |
The East African Tourist Visa offers significant savings and convenience for travelers planning to visit multiple countries in the region.
Important Tips for East African Tourist Visa Applicants
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying through unofficial websites - Always use the official government portal to avoid scams and inflated fees
- Applying to the wrong country - Ensure you apply through the portal of your first entry country
- Missing Yellow Fever certificate - This is mandatory and you may be denied boarding without it
- Incomplete documentation - Ensure all required documents are uploaded before submission
- Confusing with single-entry visa - The East African Tourist Visa allows multiple entries within the three countries
Pro Tips for a Smooth Application
- Apply early - Submit your application at least 2-3 weeks before travel
- Prepare detailed itinerary - Include specific dates, locations, and accommodation details for all three countries
- Keep digital and physical copies - Save all documents and approval letters in multiple formats
- Check passport validity - Ensure at least 6 months validity before applying
- Get Yellow Fever vaccination early - Allow at least 10 days before travel for the certificate to be valid
- Monitor application status - Regularly check your email and application portal for updates
Ready to Explore Uganda, Kenya & Rwanda?
Apply for your East African Tourist Visa today and unlock seamless travel across three incredible countries. Save money, save time, and maximize your East African adventure with a single visa application.
Apply for East African Visa NowNeed help? Check our FAQ section or learn about eligible countries.