Can I get visas on arrival everywhere?

No. Kenya requires e-visa for all tourists as of 2024. Tanzania and Uganda offer visa on arrival at major entry points, but e-visa is more reliable. Rwanda and Ethiopia require advance e-visa applications.

Is the East Africa Tourist Visa worth it?

Yes, if you're visiting all three countries (Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda). You save money ($100 vs $153 for individual visas) and skip visa applications for the second and third countries.

What if my e-visa is delayed?

Contact the embassy immediately if processing exceeds stated timeframes. For Tanzania and Uganda, you can use visa on arrival as backup. For Kenya, Rwanda, and Ethiopia, delayed e-visas mean delayed travel.

Do I need yellow fever vaccination for a direct flight?

Check each country's specific requirements. Some require vaccination regardless of travel route. Others only require it if coming from endemic areas. When in doubt, get vaccinated - it's required for most African travel anyway.

How to Get Visas for East Africa as a First-Timer

Most East African countries offer e-visas that take 3-7 days to process, with some allowing visa on arrival. Apply for e-visas 2-4 weeks before travel to avoid delays. The East Africa Tourist Visa covers Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda for $100 and 90 days.

Check if you need a visa. US, UK, EU, Canadian, and Australian citizens need visas for most East African countries. South Africans get visa-free access to some countries. Check each country's embassy website for your specific nationality.
Consider the East Africa Tourist Visa. If visiting Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda, get the joint East Africa Tourist Visa for $100. Valid for 90 days, allows multiple entries between the three countries. Apply through any of the three countries' e-visa systems.
Apply for e-visas 2-4 weeks ahead. Kenya: apply at evisa.go.ke, $51, 2-7 days. Tanzania: apply at eservices.immigration.go.tz, $50, 3-10 days. Uganda: apply at visas.immigration.go.ug, $50, 3-5 days. Ethiopia: apply at evisa.gov.et, $52, 3-5 days.
Prepare required documents. You need: passport valid 6+ months, digital passport photo, flight itinerary, accommodation bookings, yellow fever certificate (if coming from endemic areas), and credit card for payment.
Print everything. Print your e-visa approval, yellow fever certificate, and boarding passes. Immigration officers prefer physical documents. Save digital copies to your phone as backup.
Know the visa on arrival options. Tanzania and Uganda offer visa on arrival at major airports and border crossings for $50. Bring exact cash in USD. Processing takes 30-60 minutes. E-visa is faster and more reliable.

Can I get visas on arrival everywhere?: No. Kenya requires e-visa for all tourists as of 2024. Tanzania and Uganda offer visa on arrival at major entry points, but e-visa is more reliable. Rwanda and Ethiopia require advance e-visa applications.
Is the East Africa Tourist Visa worth it?: Yes, if you're visiting all three countries (Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda). You save money ($100 vs $153 for individual visas) and skip visa applications for the second and third countries.
What if my e-visa is delayed?: Contact the embassy immediately if processing exceeds stated timeframes. For Tanzania and Uganda, you can use visa on arrival as backup. For Kenya, Rwanda, and Ethiopia, delayed e-visas mean delayed travel.
Do I need yellow fever vaccination for a direct flight?: Check each country's specific requirements. Some require vaccination regardless of travel route. Others only require it if coming from endemic areas. When in doubt, get vaccinated - it's required for most African travel anyway.