What is the East Africa Tourist Visa?
The East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV) is a revolutionary travel document that allows tourists to explore three magnificent East African countries—Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda—with a single visa. This joint visa initiative promotes regional tourism and eliminates the hassle of applying for separate visas for each country.
Valid for 90 days from the date of entry, the East Africa Tourist Visa permits multiple entries within the three participating countries. This means you can freely move between Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda without needing additional visas, making it the perfect solution for travelers planning a comprehensive East African adventure.
The visa is specifically designed for tourism purposes only and does not permit any form of employment or business activities. It's ideal for wildlife enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and cultural explorers who want to experience the diverse landscapes, wildlife, and cultures of East Africa. If you're only visiting Uganda, you may want to consider the standard Uganda Tourist eVisa instead.
Why Choose the East Africa Tourist Visa?
At $100 USD, the East Africa Tourist Visa is more economical than purchasing separate visas for each country (which would cost $50 per country).
Travel freely between Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda as many times as you wish within the 90-day validity period.
Apply once through Uganda's online portal and gain access to three countries with a single application.
Countries Covered Under the East Africa Tourist Visa
Highlights:
- Mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
- Wildlife safaris in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Source of the Nile in Jinja
- Kidepo Valley National Park
Highlights:
- Maasai Mara National Reserve
- Big Five safaris
- Beautiful beaches in Mombasa
- Amboseli National Park with views of Mount Kilimanjaro
Highlights:
- Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
- Kigali Genocide Memorial
- Lake Kivu scenic beauty
- Nyungwe Forest National Park
East Africa Tourist Visa Requirements
Essential Documents
To apply for the East Africa Tourist Visa through Uganda, you need to prepare the following documents:
- Valid Passport: Must have at least 6 months validity from your date of entry and at least two blank pages for visa stamps
- Passport-Sized Photograph: Recent color photo with white background
- Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate: Mandatory for all travelers entering Uganda
- Travel Itinerary: Detailed plan showing your movements across the three countries
- Proof of Accommodation: Hotel bookings or safari package confirmation
- Return Ticket: Proof of onward or return travel
Important Notes
Before applying, please be aware of these critical requirements:
- First Entry Point: You must enter the East African region through Uganda when applying via Uganda's portal
- Tourism Only: The visa does not permit work or business activities
- Non-Extendable: The 90-day validity cannot be extended
- Non-Convertible: Cannot be converted to another visa type
- Validity Restriction: If you exit to a country not covered by the visa (e.g., Tanzania, Burundi, South Sudan), the visa becomes invalid
How to Apply for the East Africa Tourist Visa via Uganda
Step 1: Prepare Your Documents
Gather all required documents including your passport copy, recent photograph, yellow fever certificate, travel itinerary, and proof of accommodation. Ensure all documents are clear and meet the specified requirements.
Step 2: Complete Online Application
Visit the official Uganda eVisa portal and select the East Africa Tourist Visa option. Fill out the application form with accurate personal and travel information.
Step 3: Upload Documents & Pay Fee
Upload all required documents in the specified formats. Pay the visa fee of $100 USD using a credit card, debit card, or other accepted payment methods.
Step 4: Receive Approval Letter
After processing (typically 3-7 business days), you'll receive an approval letter via email. Print this letter and present it upon arrival in Uganda.
Processing Time & Fees
| Visa Type | Processing Time | Validity | Entries | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| East Africa Tourist Visa | 3-7 business days | 90 days | Multiple | $100 |
Note: Visa fees are non-refundable. Processing times may vary during peak seasons. Apply at least 2 weeks before your travel date.
Who Should Apply for the East Africa Tourist Visa?
The East Africa Tourist Visa is ideal for:
- Multi-Country Travelers: Tourists planning to visit at least two or all three participating countries (Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda)
- Wildlife Enthusiasts: Those eager to experience Big Five safaris, gorilla trekking, and diverse nature reserves across East Africa
- Adventure Seekers: Travelers exploring safaris, national parks, and cultural sites throughout the region
- Cultural Explorers: Visitors interested in experiencing the rich cultures and traditions of multiple East African nations
- Safari Tourists: Travelers with safari packages that include multiple countries
- Business Travelers: Those attending conferences or events in any of the three nations (tourism visa only, no work permitted)
Important: If you're only visiting one country, it's more economical to apply for a single-entry tourist visa for that specific country.
Essential Travel Tips for East Africa Visa Holders
- Apply at least 2 weeks before your departure date
- Ensure your passport has at least two blank pages
- Get your yellow fever vaccination at least 10 days before travel
- Print your visa approval letter and carry it with you
- Always carry a copy of your visa approval when traveling between countries
- Stay updated on COVID-19 travel restrictions and entry requirements
- Respect local cultures and traditions
- Be aware of currency exchange rates in each country
- Consider comprehensive travel insurance for safety and medical emergencies
- Consult the CDC for additional vaccine recommendations
- Carry sufficient cash as cards may not be widely accepted
- Keep emergency contact numbers handy
- Bring a high-quality camera to capture breathtaking wildlife and landscapes
- Respect photography restrictions at cultural and religious sites
- Consider bringing extra memory cards and batteries
- Share your experiences responsibly on social media
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the East Africa Tourist Visa can be obtained on arrival at international airports and major land borders in Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya. However, it is highly recommended to apply online in advance to avoid long queues, ensure guaranteed approval, and expedite the entry process.
No, the East Africa Tourist Visa cannot be extended beyond the 90-day validity period. It is also non-convertible to another visa type. If you need to stay longer, you must exit the countries and apply for a new visa.
The East Africa Tourist Visa does not include Tanzania, Burundi, or South Sudan. If you exit to any of these countries, your East Africa Tourist Visa becomes invalid, and you will need to apply for a new visa to re-enter Uganda, Kenya, or Rwanda. Tanzania requires a separate visa which can be obtained online or on arrival.
When applying for the East Africa Tourist Visa through Uganda's portal, Uganda must be your first point of entry into the East African region. After entering Uganda, you can freely travel to Kenya and Rwanda within the 90-day validity period.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for all travelers entering Uganda, regardless of their country of origin. The vaccination must be administered at least 10 days before travel and has lifetime validity according to WHO guidelines. You will not be allowed entry without this certificate.
The East Africa Tourist Visa costs $100 USD, which is more cost-effective than purchasing individual visas. A single-entry tourist visa for Uganda costs $50, Kenya costs $50, and Rwanda costs $50, totaling $150 if purchased separately. The East Africa Tourist Visa saves you $50 and provides the convenience of multiple entries.
East Africa Tourist Visa vs. Individual Country Visas
| Feature | East Africa Tourist Visa | Individual Country Visas |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $100 USD | $150 USD (3 x $50) |
| Countries Covered | Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda | One country per visa |
| Validity | 90 days | 90 days per visa |
| Entries | Multiple entries within 3 countries | Single or multiple per country |
| Application Process | One application | Three separate applications |
| Best For | Multi-country travelers | Single-country visitors |
Ready to Explore East Africa?
Apply for your East Africa Tourist Visa through Uganda and unlock access to three incredible countries with one simple application.
Apply Now for East Africa Tourist Visa