Can we apply for visas together as a married couple?

No, each person needs a separate visa application, even married couples. You'll pay individual fees and receive separate approval letters.

What if one person's visa is approved and the other's is denied?

This rarely happens if both applications are complete, but you can reapply for the denied visa or adjust travel plans. Contact the embassy if there's an error in the application.

Do we need yellow fever vaccination if we're only visiting cities?

Yes, yellow fever vaccination is typically required for entry regardless of whether you're visiting rural or urban areas. It's based on country requirements, not your specific itinerary.

Can we get visas on arrival instead of applying online?

Some East African countries offer visa-on-arrival, but it's slower, more expensive, and less reliable. E-visas are strongly recommended for couples to avoid airport delays.

How to Get Visas for East Africa as a Couple

Most couples visiting East Africa can use the East Africa Tourist Visa ($100 each) for Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, or get individual e-visas. Tanzania requires a separate visa ($50-100). Apply 2-4 weeks before travel and ensure both passports have 6+ months validity.

Determine which countries you're visiting. List your exact destinations. Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda share the East Africa Tourist Visa. Tanzania, Ethiopia, and other countries require separate visas. This determines your visa strategy.
Check passport validity for both travelers. Both passports need 6+ months remaining validity and at least 2-3 blank pages. Renew now if either passport expires within 6 months of travel.
Choose between East Africa Tourist Visa or individual e-visas. East Africa Tourist Visa ($100 each) covers Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda for 90 days with multiple entries between these three countries. Individual e-visas cost $50-51 each per country but offer more flexibility for single-country trips.
Gather required documents for both applicants. You'll each need: passport scan, recent passport photo (white background), flight itinerary, accommodation booking for first night, yellow fever certificate (required for most East Africa entry), and credit card for payment.
Apply online 2-4 weeks before departure. Submit separate applications for each person, even as a couple. Use official government portals: eac.gov.rw for East Africa Tourist Visa, or individual country e-visa sites. Save all confirmation numbers.
Handle Tanzania separately if visiting. Apply for Tanzania e-visas at eservices.immigration.go.tz. Single entry costs $50 for most nationalities, multiple entry $100. Process takes 7-10 business days.
Print all approvals and carry documents. Print visa approval letters for both travelers. Carry physical copies of yellow fever certificates, return flight tickets, and proof of accommodation. Immigration may ask to see these.

Can we apply for visas together as a married couple?: No, each person needs a separate visa application, even married couples. You'll pay individual fees and receive separate approval letters.
What if one person's visa is approved and the other's is denied?: This rarely happens if both applications are complete, but you can reapply for the denied visa or adjust travel plans. Contact the embassy if there's an error in the application.
Do we need yellow fever vaccination if we're only visiting cities?: Yes, yellow fever vaccination is typically required for entry regardless of whether you're visiting rural or urban areas. It's based on country requirements, not your specific itinerary.
Can we get visas on arrival instead of applying online?: Some East African countries offer visa-on-arrival, but it's slower, more expensive, and less reliable. E-visas are strongly recommended for couples to avoid airport delays.