Can I get all East Africa visas on arrival?

Not all. Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania offer visa on arrival for most nationalities. Rwanda and Ethiopia prefer e-visas. Check embassy websites for your specific passport.

Is the East Africa Tourist Visa worth it?

Yes, if visiting Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. At $100 for 90 days across three countries, it's cheaper than individual visas ($51 + $50 + $30 = $131).

Do I need yellow fever vaccination for all East African countries?

Required if arriving from yellow fever areas or certain transit situations. Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Ethiopia all require it under specific circumstances. Get vaccinated to avoid entry problems.

How long do e-visas take to process?

Kenya: 2-7 days. Rwanda: 3-5 days. Ethiopia: 3-5 days. Tanzania: 5-10 days. Apply at least 2 weeks before travel to account for delays.

What if my e-visa application is rejected?

You can usually reapply with corrected information or apply for visa on arrival if your nationality allows. Keep rejection emails as some embassies want to see previous attempts.

How to Get Visas for Your First Trip to East Africa

Most East Africa countries offer e-visas or visas on arrival for tourists. Apply for e-visas 2-3 weeks before travel when possible. Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda have a joint East Africa Tourist Visa for $100 that covers all three countries for 90 days.

Check which countries you're visiting. List your exact destinations. Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Ethiopia have different requirements. If visiting Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda, the East Africa Tourist Visa covers all three for $100.
Verify your passport validity. Your passport needs 6 months validity from entry date and at least 2-3 blank pages. Some countries require specific page types - check embassy websites for your nationality.
Apply for e-visas first. Kenya: evisa.go.ke ($51). Rwanda: irembo.gov.rw ($30). Ethiopia: evisa.gov.et ($52). Tanzania: eservices.immigration.go.tz ($50). Apply 2-3 weeks before travel.
Get yellow fever vaccination. Required for entry if coming from yellow fever areas or if staying more than 12 hours in transit. Get vaccinated at least 10 days before travel. Carry the yellow card with you.
Prepare visa on arrival documents. If e-visa isn't available for your nationality, bring: completed application form, passport photos (2-3), return ticket, hotel booking, and exact cash in USD. Uganda charges $50, Kenya $51.
Download and print everything. Print e-visa approvals, vaccination certificates, and flight confirmations. Immigration officers often want physical copies even if you have digital versions.

Can I get all East Africa visas on arrival?: Not all. Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania offer visa on arrival for most nationalities. Rwanda and Ethiopia prefer e-visas. Check embassy websites for your specific passport.
Is the East Africa Tourist Visa worth it?: Yes, if visiting Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. At $100 for 90 days across three countries, it's cheaper than individual visas ($51 + $50 + $30 = $131).
Do I need yellow fever vaccination for all East African countries?: Required if arriving from yellow fever areas or certain transit situations. Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Ethiopia all require it under specific circumstances. Get vaccinated to avoid entry problems.
How long do e-visas take to process?: Kenya: 2-7 days. Rwanda: 3-5 days. Ethiopia: 3-5 days. Tanzania: 5-10 days. Apply at least 2 weeks before travel to account for delays.
What if my e-visa application is rejected?: You can usually reapply with corrected information or apply for visa on arrival if your nationality allows. Keep rejection emails as some embassies want to see previous attempts.