If you’re planning a trip to East Africa, you may have heard of the East African Tourist Visa. This visa is a special travel document that allows visitors to explore three countries in the region with a single visa. 

The countries covered by this visa include Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda, which are popular tourist destinations known for their stunning landscapes, wildlife, and cultural attractions.

The East African Tourist Visa simplifies the visa process for visitors who want to explore all three countries, as it eliminates the need to apply for separate visas for each country. This can save time and money, and make it easier to plan your itinerary.

In this definitive guide to the East African Tourist Visa, we’ll take a closer look at everything you need to know about this special visa, including how to apply, the requirements, the costs, and the benefits. 

Whether you’re planning a safari in Kenya, visiting chimpanzees in Uganda, or visiting the gorillas in Uganda, this guide will help you make sure you can easily visit all of East Africa.

What Is The East Africa Tourist Visa

An East African Tourist Visa is a special travel document that allows visitors to travel to three East African countries with a single visa. The countries covered by this visa include Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. This visa is a great option for travelers who want to explore multiple countries in the region as it eliminates the need to apply for separate visas for each country.

Why Opt For An East Africa Tourist Visa?

Firstly, it simplifies the visa process as you only need to apply for a visa to cover all three countries. This can save time and money and make it easier to plan your itinerary. The visa to any individual country costs $55, while the East African Tourist Visa costs $100 for all three

Secondly, an East African Tourist Visa allows you to explore a diverse range of attractions and experiences in three different countries. Kenya is known for its wildlife safaris, stunning landscapes, and beaches. Uganda is famous for its gorilla trekking, national parks, and cultural experiences. Rwanda is a great destination for gorilla trekking, cultural tours, and adventure activities like hiking and kayaking.

Lastly, an East African Tourist Visa allows for more flexibility in travel plans as it is valid for multiple entries within 90 days from the date of issue. This means that you can easily travel between the three countries as many times as you like during the 90-day period

When Not To Get An East Africa Tourist Visa

If you are only visiting one country in the region:

If you are only planning to visit one of the three countries covered by the East African Tourist Visa, then it may not make sense to get the visa. In this case, you can simply apply for a single-entry visa for the specific country you are visiting.

If you plan to stay in one country for an extended period:

If you plan to stay in one country in the region for an extended period, such as more than 90 days, then an East African Tourist Visa may not be the best option. In this case, you may need to apply for a longer-term visa or a different type of visa that is specific to the country you are visiting.

If you plan to visit other countries outside of the region:

If you plan to visit other countries outside of the East African region during your trip, then an East African Tourist Visa may not be the most convenient option. Depending on the countries you are visiting, you may need to apply for separate visas, and an East African Tourist Visa may not be recognized in those countries.

Eligibility For An East African Tourist Visa

To be eligible for an East African Tourist Visa, you must be a foreign national who wants to visit Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda for tourism purposes. 

The visa is available to citizens of any country who meet the following requirements:

• Hold a valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months from the date of entry into the region.
• Have a return ticket or onward ticket to exit the region.
• Provide proof of sufficient funds to support your stay in the region.
• Not be a resident of any of the three countries covered by the visa.

It’s important to note that the visa is only available for tourism purposes, which means that you cannot use it for business or work-related activities. If you plan to engage in business or work-related activities during your trip, you may need to apply for a different type of visa.

How Do I Get An East Africa Visa?

1. Determine the entry point – You should determine which country you will enter first, as this will determine where you need to apply for the visa.
2. Gather the necessary documents – You will need to have a valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months from the date of entry into the region, a return ticket or onward ticket to exit the region, and proof of sufficient funds to support your stay in the region.
3. Apply for the visa – You can apply for the visa online through the official website of the country you will enter first, or through an embassy of any of the three countries covered by the visa. The application process may vary depending on the country you apply to.
4. Pay the visa fee – You will need to pay a fee for the East African Tourist Visa. The fee may vary depending on the country you apply to.
5. Wait for processing – After submitting your application and paying the fee, you will need to wait for the visa to be processed. Processing times may vary depending on the country you apply to.
6.  Collect your visa – Once your visa is approved, you can collect it from the embassy or upon arrival at the entry point in the region.

How Can I Apply For An East African Tourist Visa From Uganda?

The process is to use Uganda’s e-visa portal and complete the online visa application form. 

You can find the link to the application here.

How Can I Apply For An East African Tourist Visa From Rwanda?

Rwanda’s e-visa system is one of the simpler ones to use. 

You can find the link to the application here. 

How To Apply For An East African Tourist Visa From Kenya?

Getting the East African Tourist Visa through Kenya is also fairly easy.

Here is the link to their online portal. 

Processing Time For An East Africa Tourist Visa?

The processing times can vary, but it is often less than a week.

• Kenya: 1 business day
• Uganda: 3 business days
• Rwanda: 3 business days

Can I Get An East African Tourist Visa On Arrival?

In some instances, yes, but it is not a guarantee. It is much better to get your East African Tourist Visa before you travel. 

Do U.S. Citizens Need An East African Tourist Visa?

The visa requirements are the same for all nationalities, including U.S. citizens.

FAQs About Applying for an East Africa Tourist Visa

Can I use a credit card to get the East African Tourist Visa?

Yes, you can use a credit card to pay for the East African Tourist Visa when applying online. However, the accepted payment methods may vary depending on the country you apply to or the embassy where you apply.

Do I need a yellow fever vaccination?

Yes, you need a yellow fever vaccination to enter Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda, which are the three countries covered by the East African Tourist Visa. You will need to show proof of vaccination at the point of entry, so it’s important to make sure you get vaccinated well in advance of your trip.

How much longer does my passport need to be valid for?

Your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into the region in order to be eligible for the East African Tourist Visa. This means that if your passport is set to expire before that 6-month period, you should renew it before your trip.

Can you extend the East African tourist visa? 

Unfortunately, the East African Tourist Visa cannot be extended. The visa is valid for 90 days and allows multiple entries into Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda within that period. If you need to stay longer than 90 days, you will need to apply for a different type of visa or leave the region and re-enter with a new East African Tourist Visa.

Travel With Kikooko Africa Safaris To East Africa

Getting into and around East Africa is a whole lot simpler once you have the East African Tourist Visa. Planning the trip before you go? Figuring out the right combination of countries, like a Uganda-Rwanda primate tour, a Uganda-Kenya savannah safari, or some other mix, can be tricky!

If you’re still looking for some guidance on when to visit Uganda, where to go in East Africa, and what to do, be sure to contact our expert travel planning team at Kikooko Africa Safaris for a helping hand!