Can I get a visa on arrival in East Africa?

Rwanda offers visa-on-arrival for most nationalities. Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania strongly prefer e-visas applied in advance. Visa-on-arrival is possible but expect long lines and potential complications.

Do I need yellow fever vaccination?

Required if you're coming from a yellow fever endemic country. Recommended for all travelers but not always checked. Get it 10+ days before travel for full protection.

What if my e-visa is rejected?

Common reasons: poor photo quality, missing documents, or passport validity issues. Fix the problem and reapply. The fee is usually non-refundable but some countries allow one free correction.

Can I extend my visa once I'm there?

Yes, most East African countries allow 30-day extensions through local immigration offices. Costs $50-100 and requires your passport, application form, and passport photos.

How to Get Your First East Africa Visa

Most East Africa countries offer e-visas that take 3-7 days to process. Apply for Kenya, Uganda, or Tanzania e-visas online with your passport, photo, and $50-100 fee. Rwanda offers visa-on-arrival for most nationalities.

Choose your entry country first. Decide which country you're flying into. Kenya and Tanzania are the most common entry points. If visiting multiple countries, start with the one requiring the longest visa processing time.
Check if you need a visa at all. Citizens of most African countries get free entry to Rwanda and some other East African states. Check your specific passport on the destination country's immigration website.
Apply for e-visas online. Kenya: evisa.go.ke, Tanzania: eservices.immigration.go.tz, Uganda: visas.immigration.go.ug. Upload passport photo page, recent passport photo, and travel itinerary. Pay by credit card.
Get your documents in order. You need: passport valid 6+ months, recent passport photo (white background), proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter), return flight ticket, yellow fever certificate if coming from endemic areas.
Pay the fees. Kenya single entry: $51, Tanzania: $50, Uganda: $50, Rwanda: $30. Some countries charge extra processing fees. Pay online with Visa/Mastercard.
Print your e-visa approval. Download and print the PDF approval when it arrives by email. Immigration officers want to see the physical printout at the airport, not just your phone screen.

Can I get a visa on arrival in East Africa?: Rwanda offers visa-on-arrival for most nationalities. Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania strongly prefer e-visas applied in advance. Visa-on-arrival is possible but expect long lines and potential complications.
Do I need yellow fever vaccination?: Required if you're coming from a yellow fever endemic country. Recommended for all travelers but not always checked. Get it 10+ days before travel for full protection.
What if my e-visa is rejected?: Common reasons: poor photo quality, missing documents, or passport validity issues. Fix the problem and reapply. The fee is usually non-refundable but some countries allow one free correction.
Can I extend my visa once I'm there?: Yes, most East African countries allow 30-day extensions through local immigration offices. Costs $50-100 and requires your passport, application form, and passport photos.