How to Get the East Africa Tourist Visa

The East Africa Tourist Visa is a single visa that allows travel between Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda for up to 90 days. It costs $100 USD, requires an online application, and you can enter through any of the three countries. Apply 2-4 weeks before travel through the official portal.

  1. Check your eligibility. Confirm your nationality is eligible for the East Africa Tourist Visa. Most countries qualify, but a few require individual country visas instead. Check the official list on the Kenya eVisa portal.
  2. Gather required documents. You need a passport valid for at least 6 months, recent passport photo, completed application form, travel itinerary showing movement between the three countries, proof of accommodation, and return flight ticket.
  3. Apply online. Submit your application through the official Kenya eVisa portal (evisa.go.ke). Choose 'East Africa Tourist Visa' from the visa types. Upload all documents as PDF or JPEG files under 300KB each.
  4. Pay the visa fee. Pay $100 USD online using a credit or debit card. The payment is processed immediately, and you'll receive a confirmation email.
  5. Wait for processing. Processing typically takes 2-5 business days. You'll receive the approved visa via email as a PDF. Print this document and carry it with your passport.
  6. Enter any of the three countries. You can enter through Kenya, Uganda, or Rwanda. Present your printed visa approval, passport, and return ticket at immigration. The 90-day period starts from your first entry.
Can I enter Tanzania with the East Africa Tourist Visa?
No. This visa only covers Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. You need a separate visa for Tanzania, which costs $50 USD for most nationalities.
What if I only want to visit one country?
Consider individual country visas instead. Kenya and Uganda charge $50 each, Rwanda charges $30. The East Africa visa only makes sense if you're visiting at least two countries.
Can I extend the East Africa Tourist Visa?
No extensions are possible. You must exit the region before the 90-day validity expires, then apply for a new visa if you want to return.
Which airport should I fly into?
Any international airport in the three countries works: Nairobi (Kenya), Entebbe (Uganda), or Kigali (Rwanda). Your 90-day count starts from whichever country you enter first.
What happens if my application is rejected?
Rejections are rare but usually due to incomplete documents or insufficient travel itinerary. The $100 fee is non-refundable, so double-check all requirements before applying.