Can I work on the East African Tourist Visa?

No. The EAC tourist visa is strictly for tourism. Any paid work, volunteering, or business activities require separate work permits or business visas from each country.

Which countries does the East African Tourist Visa cover?

Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda only. It does not cover Tanzania, Ethiopia, or other East African countries. You need separate visas for those.

How long do work permit applications take?

30-90 days typically, but can take up to 6 months during busy periods. Kenya and Rwanda are generally faster (30-45 days) while Tanzania and Uganda can take 60-90 days.

Can I extend the East African Tourist Visa?

No, the 90-day EAC visa cannot be extended. You must leave the region and reapply. However, you can apply for individual country visa extensions instead.

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

Yes, yellow fever certificate is required for Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Ethiopia. Some countries may waive it if you're coming from a non-endemic country, but most require it regardless.

How to Get Long-Term Visas for East Africa

East Africa offers several long-term visa options including the East African Tourist Visa (90 days for Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda), individual country work permits, and the new East African Community Common Market protocols for certain nationals. Start applications 2-3 months before travel as processing times vary significantly between countries.

Choose your visa strategy. Decide between the 90-day East African Tourist Visa (covers Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda), individual country long-term visas, or a combination approach. The EAC visa costs $100 and allows multiple entries but is tourism-only. Work permits and residency visas are country-specific.
Gather base documents. You need: passport with 6+ months validity and 3+ blank pages, 2 passport photos, bank statements showing $2,000+ balance, return ticket or onward travel proof, yellow fever certificate (mandatory for most East African countries), and travel insurance covering medical evacuation.
Apply for country-specific visas. Kenya: Apply online via eCitizen portal. Tanzania: Use online system or embassy application. Uganda: Apply through embassy or online. Rwanda: Online application via irembo.gov.rw. Ethiopia: Embassy application required for most long-term visas. Processing takes 5-15 business days.
Submit work permit applications if needed. For employment: Submit job offer letter, employer registration documents, academic certificates, police clearance, and medical certificate. Kenya Class B permit costs $2,000. Uganda work permit is $1,500. Tanzania Class A permit is $2,000. Processing takes 30-90 days.
Plan visa extensions on arrival. Most tourist visas can be extended once in-country. Kenya extensions cost $50 for 30 days at Immigration headquarters in Nairobi. Tanzania extensions are $50 at Immigration offices. Uganda tourist visa extensions cost $50. Apply before your current visa expires.
Cross borders strategically. With the EAC tourist visa, you can freely move between Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda for 90 days total. Exiting to Tanzania or Ethiopia resets some visa clocks. Keep all entry/exit stamps as proof of legal status.

Can I work on the East African Tourist Visa?: No. The EAC tourist visa is strictly for tourism. Any paid work, volunteering, or business activities require separate work permits or business visas from each country.
Which countries does the East African Tourist Visa cover?: Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda only. It does not cover Tanzania, Ethiopia, or other East African countries. You need separate visas for those.
How long do work permit applications take?: 30-90 days typically, but can take up to 6 months during busy periods. Kenya and Rwanda are generally faster (30-45 days) while Tanzania and Uganda can take 60-90 days.
Can I extend the East African Tourist Visa?: No, the 90-day EAC visa cannot be extended. You must leave the region and reapply. However, you can apply for individual country visa extensions instead.
Do I need yellow fever vaccination for all East African countries?: Yes, yellow fever certificate is required for Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Ethiopia. Some countries may waive it if you're coming from a non-endemic country, but most require it regardless.