Planning to explore East Africa?
From the beaches of Kenya and Tanzania to the wildlife of Uganda and Rwanda’s mountain landscapes, East Africa offers travellers a wide range of destinations to explore.
However, one important thing to understand before planning your trip is that there is no single visa covering every country in East Africa.
There is, however, an East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV) that allows eligible foreign tourists to travel between Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda for tourism.
The East Africa Tourist Visa costs US$100, is valid for 90 days, and allows multiple entries within the three participating countries. If you obtain the visa before travelling, your first entry must generally be through the country that issued the visa.
If you also plan to visit countries such as Tanzania, Ethiopia, Burundi, South Sudan or other destinations in the region, you should check their individual visa requirements.
This guide explains how to plan and apply for your East African trip.
What Is the East Africa Tourist Visa?
The East Africa Tourist Visa is a joint tourist visa designed for international visitors who want to visit:
- 🇰🇪 Kenya
- 🇷🇼 Rwanda
- 🇺🇬 Uganda
It is intended specifically for tourism.
The visa is:
- Valid for 90 days
- US$100
- Multiple-entry within Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda
- Not intended for employment
- Generally not renewable after expiry
- Automatically ceases to be valid if you leave the participating region, depending on the applicable rules.
For example, someone could plan a trip such as:
Kenya → Uganda → Rwanda → Kenya
without having to obtain three separate tourist visas, provided they meet the requirements of the EATV.
Which Countries Are Covered by the East Africa Tourist Visa?
The current EATV arrangement covers:
🇰🇪 Kenya
🇺🇬 Uganda
🇷🇼 Rwanda
It does not automatically cover Tanzania, Ethiopia, Burundi, South Sudan or other East African destinations.
If Tanzania is included in your itinerary, for example:
Kenya → Tanzania → Uganda → Rwanda
you should check Tanzania’s visa requirements separately.
Step 1: Determine Which Countries You Will Visit
Before applying for any visa, write down your complete itinerary.
For example:
Example 1
Kenya → Uganda → Rwanda
The East Africa Tourist Visa may be appropriate.
Example 2
Kenya → Tanzania
You will need to check Kenya’s entry requirements and Tanzania’s entry requirements separately.
Example 3
Uganda → Rwanda → Kenya → Tanzania
You may use the East Africa Tourist Visa for the Kenya/Uganda/Rwanda portion, but you must separately satisfy Tanzania’s entry requirements.
This is why it is important to plan your entire route before applying.
Step 2: Check Whether You Actually Need a Visa
Your passport nationality determines whether you need a visa.
Do not assume that every traveller needs the EATV.
Some nationalities have visa exemptions or other arrangements.
For example, Kenya currently exempts citizens of several East African Community partner states from obtaining its eTA for stays of up to 180 days, including citizens of Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda.
Rwanda also states that EAC citizens can receive a free pass/entry visa on arrival for up to six months.
Therefore, check your nationality before paying for a tourist visa.
Step 3: Check Your Passport
Your passport should meet the destination country’s validity requirements.
For the East Africa Tourist Visa, Rwanda’s official information states that applicants should have a genuine acceptable travel document valid for at least six months.
As a general preparation step, make sure your passport:
- Is valid for at least six months
- Has sufficient blank pages where required
- Is not damaged
- Contains your correct personal information
If you are travelling with children, check the requirements for each traveller individually.
Step 4: Prepare Your Travel Documents
Depending on your nationality and application route, you may need documents such as:
- Valid passport
- Recent passport photograph
- Travel itinerary
- Return or onward ticket
- Hotel reservation
- Proof of accommodation
- Travel insurance
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate where applicable
- Additional supporting documents if requested
Kenya’s current eTA application guidance, for example, asks travellers to have a passport valid for at least six months, a photograph/selfie, contact information, arrival and departure itinerary, accommodation confirmation and a payment method.
Requirements can differ between countries, so don’t assume that documents requested by Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda are identical.
Step 5: Decide Which Country Will Be Your First Entry Point
This is especially important if you are applying for the East Africa Tourist Visa before travelling.
If you obtain the EATV through Rwanda before your trip, Rwanda’s official guidance states that your first entry point must be Rwanda.
Likewise, the visa should generally be obtained through the country that will serve as your first entry point when applying before travel.
For example:
Applying through Rwanda → Enter Rwanda first → Travel to Uganda and Kenya
If your first destination is Kenya, you should use the appropriate Kenyan EATV application channel.
Step 6: Apply Through the Appropriate Official Channel
The application route depends on your first country of entry.
If Rwanda is your first entry point
Rwanda provides an online visa application system through its immigration services.
The official Rwanda information states that travellers can apply online, at the border or through Rwandan diplomatic missions, depending on the circumstances.
If Kenya is your first entry point
Kenya’s immigration system provides its official electronic travel authorisation and immigration services online.
Kenya’s current system states that visitors who require an eTA must obtain an approved eTA before beginning their journey.
If Uganda is your first entry point
Check Uganda’s official immigration portal for the applicable East Africa Tourist Visa application route and current requirements.
Step 7: Complete the Online Application
If applying online, enter your personal information exactly as it appears in your passport.
You may be asked for:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Nationality
- Passport number
- Passport issue date
- Passport expiry date
- Country of residence
- Email address
- Telephone number
- Travel dates
- Accommodation information
- Countries you intend to visit
Double-check your passport number and name before submitting the application.
Step 8: Upload Your Documents
Upload the required documents according to the instructions on the official portal.
Your passport copy should be:
- Clear
- Complete
- Readable
- Free from excessive glare
If a photograph is required, make sure it meets the specifications provided by the immigration authority.
Step 9: Pay the Visa Fee
The East Africa Tourist Visa currently costs US$100.
It provides 90 days of validity and multiple entries within Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda, subject to the applicable conditions.
Be careful when using third-party agents.
Rwanda’s immigration authority specifically warns that there is no single affiliated agent authorised to apply for the visa on behalf of applicants, and that such agents may charge more than the official visa fee.
Whenever possible, apply through the official government channel.
Step 10: Submit the Application
Review your application carefully before submitting it.
Check:
☐ Name
☐ Passport number
☐ Nationality
☐ Date of birth
☐ Travel dates
☐ First country of entry
☐ Supporting documents
☐ Email address
☐ Payment information
Once submitted, save your application confirmation and reference number.
Step 11: Wait for Your Visa Approval
Processing times can vary depending on the country, application channel and individual circumstances.
Do not assume that an application will be approved immediately.
Apply sufficiently early before your planned travel date.
If the immigration authority requests additional information, provide it as soon as possible.
Step 12: Check Your Approved Visa
Once your visa is approved, carefully check the details.
Verify:
- Your name
- Passport number
- Visa type
- Validity
- Number of entries
- Any conditions attached to the visa
If something is incorrect, contact the relevant immigration authority before travelling.
Step 13: Travel to East Africa
When travelling, carry:
- Passport
- Approved visa/eTA
- Flight or transport itinerary
- Accommodation confirmation
- Travel insurance
- Yellow fever certificate where applicable
- Return/onward ticket where required
Immigration officers may ask questions about your trip and supporting documents.
A visa does not necessarily guarantee admission. Final entry is determined by the relevant immigration authorities at the border.
Step 14: Travel Between Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda
If you have the East Africa Tourist Visa, you can travel between the participating countries for tourism without obtaining another tourist visa for each country, provided you remain within the terms of the EATV.
For example:
Kenya → Uganda → Rwanda
is covered by the EATV.
However, the visa is designed for tourism and does not authorise employment. Rwanda’s official guidance specifically states that the East Africa Tourist Visa should not be used for employment.
What Happens If You Leave Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda?
This is an important point.
The EATV is designed around travel within the three participating countries.
Rwanda’s official information states that the visa expires if the traveller goes outside the three countries.
Therefore, don’t assume that you can use the same EATV after travelling to another country and then returning to the region.
For example:
Kenya → Uganda → Tanzania → Kenya
requires careful checking because Tanzania is outside the EATV arrangement.
Popular East African Countries and Their Visa Links
🇰🇪 Kenya
Kenya has moved from its former eVisa system to an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) system for many international visitors.
Kenya’s official immigration website states that visitors who require an eTA must have an approved authorisation before starting their journey.
Official application:
Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation – Official Application
Before applying, check whether your nationality is exempt.
Kenya’s official eTA guidance also lists specific exemptions, including citizens of EAC partner states for qualifying stays.
🇺🇬 Uganda
Uganda is one of the three countries participating in the East Africa Tourist Visa arrangement.
If Uganda is your first destination, check Uganda’s official immigration system for the appropriate application process.
Official resource:
Uganda Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control
For an East Africa Tourist Visa, confirm the current application procedure through Uganda’s official immigration authorities before submitting your application.
🇷🇼 Rwanda
Rwanda is another major East African destination and one of the countries covered by the East Africa Tourist Visa.
Rwanda allows visitors to apply for visas online and also provides visa-on-arrival options for many travellers.
Official resources:
Rwanda Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration
If you want to visit Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda together, look specifically for the East Africa Tourist Visa (V11) when applying through the appropriate channel. Rwanda’s official visa information identifies V11 as the East Africa Tourist Visa.
🇹🇿 Tanzania
Tanzania is a popular destination for travellers visiting:
- Zanzibar
- Serengeti National Park
- Mount Kilimanjaro
- Arusha
- Dar es Salaam
- Ngorongoro Conservation Area
However, Tanzania is not currently part of the East Africa Tourist Visa arrangement covering Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda.
If Tanzania is on your itinerary, check Tanzania’s visa requirements separately.
Official resource:
Tanzania Immigration Services Department
Use the official Tanzanian immigration portal to determine whether you need a visa and whether you qualify to apply online.
🇪🇹 Ethiopia
Ethiopia is another major destination in the broader East African region, with Addis Ababa serving as an important regional aviation hub.
Visa requirements depend on nationality and purpose of travel.
Travellers should check the Ethiopian government’s official eVisa system before travelling.
Official resource:
Ethiopia eVisa – Official Portal
🇧🇮 Burundi
Burundi is also part of the East African Community.
However, being an EAC member does not mean that the East Africa Tourist Visa automatically covers Burundi.
The EATV currently applies to tourism between Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda.
Travellers planning to visit Burundi should check Burundi’s current entry requirements separately.
Official resource:
Burundi Ministry of Foreign Affairs
🇸🇸 South Sudan
South Sudan is an EAC partner state, but it is not one of the three destinations covered by the East Africa Tourist Visa.
Travellers should therefore check South Sudan’s individual visa and entry requirements.
Official resource:
South Sudan Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Example East Africa Itineraries
Itinerary 1: Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda
Best option: East Africa Tourist Visa, if you are eligible and require a visa.
Example:
Nairobi → Kampala → Kigali → Nairobi
Itinerary 2: Kenya and Tanzania
You need to check:
Kenya entry requirements + Tanzania visa requirements
The EATV does not replace Tanzania’s visa requirements.
Itinerary 3: Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya
The EATV may be suitable.
Example:
Kampala → Kigali → Nairobi
Make Uganda your first entry point if obtaining the visa through Uganda before travelling.
Itinerary 4: Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda
You need to plan for both systems.
For example:
Kenya → Tanzania → Uganda → Rwanda
You may need to satisfy:
Kenya entry requirements + Tanzania visa requirements + East Africa Tourist Visa requirements
depending on your nationality and how the trip is structured.
East Africa Visa Checklist
Before travelling, check the following:
☐ Passport valid for the required period
☐ Visa/eTA requirement confirmed
☐ Correct visa selected
☐ First country of entry confirmed
☐ Passport copy prepared
☐ Passport photograph prepared
☐ Accommodation confirmed
☐ Flight/onward ticket available
☐ Travel insurance arranged where required
☐ Yellow fever certificate checked
☐ Visa fee paid
☐ Visa approval received
☐ Visa details checked
☐ Copies of travel documents saved
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Thinking the EATV covers all of East Africa
It does not.
The current joint tourist visa covers Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda.
2. Forgetting about the first-entry rule
If you apply for the EATV before travelling, your first entry generally needs to be through the country that issued the visa.
3. Assuming EAC membership means everyone needs the same visa
EAC citizens can benefit from different visa-free/pass arrangements.
Always check your nationality.
4. Applying through an unofficial website
Use government immigration websites whenever possible.
5. Booking your entire trip before checking visa requirements
Check visa and entry requirements before paying for non-refundable flights and hotels.
6. Assuming visa-free means no documents are required
Even where a visa is not required, you may still need a valid passport, health documentation, proof of accommodation or other entry documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an East African visa?
Yes. The East Africa Tourist Visa is a joint tourist visa for Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda.
It is not a visa covering every country in East Africa.
How much does the East Africa Tourist Visa cost?
The EATV costs US$100 and is valid for 90 days.
How long is the East Africa Tourist Visa valid?
It is valid for 90 days and allows multiple entries within Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda, subject to the visa conditions.
Can I work with an East Africa Tourist Visa?
No.
The EATV is for tourism. Rwanda’s official immigration information specifically states that employment is not permitted under the EATV.
Does the East Africa Tourist Visa cover Tanzania?
No.
Tanzania has its own immigration and visa requirements.
Does the East Africa Tourist Visa cover Ethiopia?
No.
Ethiopia has its own visa system.
Can I visit Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda with one visa?
For eligible foreign tourists who require a visa, yes. The EATV is specifically designed to allow tourism across the three participating countries.
Final Advice for Travellers
The easiest way to avoid visa problems is to plan your entire East African itinerary before applying.
Start by identifying:
1. Your nationality
2. Every country you intend to visit
3. Your first country of entry
4. The purpose of your trip
5. How long you intend to stay
Then check the official immigration requirements for each country.
If your trip is limited to Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda, the East Africa Tourist Visa can make the journey much simpler because you can use one joint tourist visa for the three participating countries instead of applying separately for each one.
However, if your itinerary includes Tanzania, Ethiopia, Burundi, South Sudan or another country outside the EATV arrangement, check that country’s visa requirements separately.
Disclaimer: OpportunityShape is an independent information platform and is not affiliated with the East African Community (EAC), the governments of Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Burundi, South Sudan or any other immigration authority, embassy or visa-issuing agency mentioned in this article.
This article is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. Visa requirements, fees, processing times, entry conditions and immigration policies can change without notice.
While we make reasonable efforts to keep our information accurate and up to date, OpportunityShape does not guarantee that the information provided will remain current.
Always verify the latest requirements directly with the official immigration authority, government website, embassy or consulate of the country you intend to visit before applying or making travel arrangements.
OpportunityShape does not issue visas, guarantee visa approval or provide immigration or legal advice. We are not responsible for visa refusals, delays, additional charges, changes in immigration requirements or decisions made by immigration authorities.
