East Africa Tourist Visa | Explore Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya with One Visa

Traveling across East Africa has never been easier or more seamless, thanks to the East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV) — a special multiple-entry visa that allows visitors to explore Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya on a single travel document. Designed to promote regional tourism and simplify border crossings, this visa is perfect for travelers embarking on cross-border safaris, business trips, or cultural tours across the three nations.

Whether you’re gorilla trekking in Uganda, visiting Kigali’s vibrant museums, or watching the Great Migration in Kenya, the East Africa Tourist Visa offers unmatched convenience and flexibility.

What Is the East Africa Tourist Visa?

The East Africa Tourist Visa is a joint initiative by Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya that enables visitors to travel freely between these countries without the need to apply for separate visas. It’s ideal for tourists who wish to combine multiple destinations in a single trip — a common choice for safari enthusiasts and regional explorers.

Once issued, the visa is valid for 90 days (three months) from the date of entry and allows multiple entries among the three participating countries. However, it becomes invalid once you leave the region (for example, if you travel to Tanzania or another country outside the bloc).

Key Features of the East Africa Tourist Visa

• Covers: Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya

• Validity: 90 days (3 months)

• Type: Multiple-entry visa (within the three countries)

• Cost: USD 100 per person

• Purpose: Tourism only (not valid for employment or business)

• Non-extendable: Once it expires, a new visa must be applied for

How to Apply for the East Africa Tourist Visa

You can apply for the East Africa Tourist Visa online or upon arrival, depending on your first point of entry. The visa must be issued by the country you first visit, and it will remain valid for travel within the other two.

1. Online Application

Each country has its own e-visa portal for online applications:

• Uganda: https://visas.immigration.go.ug

• Rwanda: https://irembo.gov.rw

• Kenya: https://evisa.go.ke

When applying online, select “East Africa Tourist Visa” as the visa type. The process usually takes 3 to 5 business days for approval.

2. Requirements

You will typically need to submit:

• A valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)

• Passport-size photo (digital)

• Travel itinerary or return ticket

• Accommodation details or safari booking confirmation

• USD 100 payment receipt (paid online or at the point of issue)

3. On Arrival

In some cases, travelers can obtain the visa on arrival at major international airports such as Kigali International Airport (Rwanda), Entebbe International Airport (Uganda), or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Kenya). However, online pre-approval is recommended to avoid delays.

Example Travel Itinerary Using the EATV

The East Africa Tourist Visa is especially popular among safari travelers and tour operators who organize multi-country itineraries. For example:

• Start in Rwanda — explore Kigali, trek golden monkeys or gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.

• Cross into Uganda — continue to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Queen Elizabeth National Park for wildlife safaris.

• End in Kenya — visit the Maasai Mara or relax on the beaches of Diani or Lamu.

The entire journey is smooth, with no additional visa applications required between borders. Travelers simply present their East Africa Tourist Visa at each crossing.

Border Crossings Covered by the EATV

Popular land border points where you can use your East Africa Tourist Visa include:

• Rwanda–Uganda: Cyanika, Gatuna/Katuna

• Uganda–Kenya: Busia, Malaba

• Rwanda–Kenya (via Uganda): Combined entry through land routes or air travel connections

The visa also covers air entry and exit points among the three countries, making it ideal for those combining short domestic flights with overland safaris.

Benefits of the East Africa Tourist Visa

1. Convenience: One visa for three countries saves time, paperwork, and costs.

2. Multiple Entries: Freely cross borders multiple times during your stay.

3. Value for Money: At USD 100, it’s more affordable than purchasing separate visas for each country.

4. Flexibility: Perfect for travelers following regional itineraries, overland safaris, or cross-border tours.

5. Ease of Planning: Encourages multi-destination tourism within East Africa’s leading safari nations.

Important Notes

• The visa is non-renewable and non-transferable. Once it expires, a new application must be made.

• It’s only valid for tourism purposes — travelers entering for business or work must apply for separate visas.

• Tanzania, Burundi, and South Sudan are not part of the East Africa Tourist Visa arrangement.

• Always carry printed copies of your visa approval and travel insurance documents for smooth border processing.

Who Should Apply for the EATV

The East Africa Tourist Visa is ideal for:

• Safari travelers visiting multiple parks across borders (e.g., Bwindi, Volcanoes, and Maasai Mara)

• Tourists exploring East African culture, lakes, and cities

• Families or groups on combined Rwanda–Uganda or Kenya–Uganda tours

• Photographers, bird watchers, and nature enthusiasts following regional wildlife routes

A Unified Gateway to East Africa

The East Africa Tourist Visa represents more than convenience — it symbolizes regional cooperation and the shared commitment of Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya to sustainable tourism. With a single visa, travelers can discover the gorillas of Bwindi, the savannahs of Maasai Mara, and the coffee hills of Rwanda — all in one unforgettable journey.

It’s the key to unlocking the best of East Africa — one adventure, three countries, endless memories.