How to Use the East Africa Tourist Visa for Multiple Countries
The East Africa Tourist Visa costs $100 and allows 90-day travel across Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda with a single application. Apply online before travel or get it on arrival at major airports and land borders.
- Check Your Eligibility. Confirm your nationality is eligible for the East Africa Tourist Visa. Most Western countries, Asian countries, and many others qualify. Check the official immigration websites of Kenya, Rwanda, or Uganda for the current eligible nationality list.
- Apply Online (Recommended). Go to the official East Africa e-Visa portal. Upload a passport photo, passport bio page scan, and travel itinerary. Pay $100 USD by credit card. Processing takes 3-5 business days. Print your approval letter.
- Alternative: Get Visa on Arrival. Available at Kigali Airport, Entebbe Airport, Jomo Kenyatta Airport, and major land borders like Busia and Malaba. Bring $100 cash (USD), passport photos, and proof of onward travel. Allow 30-60 minutes for processing.
- Enter Through Any of the Three Countries. Your first entry can be Kenya, Rwanda, or Uganda. Immigration will stamp your passport and activate your 90-day period. Keep your approval letter and any receipts.
- Cross Borders Freely. Move between the three countries without additional visas or fees. Present your passport at borders - they'll check your East Africa visa stamp. Keep border crossing stamps as proof of movement.
- Track Your 90 Days. Your 90 days start from first entry, not each country entry. If you leave the region (to Tanzania, Ethiopia, etc.) and return, you'll need a new visa unless you have a multiple-entry arrangement.
- Can I extend the East Africa Tourist Visa?
- No, the 90-day period cannot be extended. You must exit the region and apply for a new visa if you want to return.
- Does this visa work for business travel?
- No, this is strictly for tourism. Business travelers need separate business visas for each country.
- What if I only want to visit one country?
- You can still get the East Africa visa, or apply for individual country visas which are often cheaper ($50-75). The multi-country visa only makes financial sense if visiting at least two countries.
- Can I fly directly between countries without going through immigration?
- No, you must clear immigration at each border crossing, but you won't need additional visas or pay extra fees with the East Africa Tourist Visa.