Can I extend the East Africa Tourist Visa?

No, the EAC visa cannot be extended. You must exit the region and reapply if you want to return for another 90 days.

What if my visa application is rejected?

Rejections are rare but usually due to incomplete documents. Reapply with corrected information or try visa-on-arrival if your nationality qualifies.

Do I need proof of onward travel?

Yes, immigration may ask for flight tickets out of the region. A refundable ticket or bus ticket to another country works.

Can I work with a tourist visa?

No, tourist visas prohibit employment. Volunteering may require separate permits depending on the country and organization.

How to Handle Visas for Solo Travel in East Africa

Get an East Africa Tourist Visa ($100) for Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda if staying under 90 days total. Tanzania requires a separate visa ($50-100). Apply online 2-4 weeks before travel, carry yellow fever vaccination proof, and keep $200+ cash for visa-on-arrival backup options.

Check if you need the East Africa Tourist Visa. The EAC Tourist Visa covers Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda for 90 days total ($100 USD). You can enter through any of these three countries and move freely between them. If you're only visiting one country or staying less than 30 days, individual country visas may be cheaper.
Apply for Tanzania separately. Tanzania is not part of the EAC visa. Americans pay $100, most Europeans pay $50. Apply online via eservices.immigration.go.tz or get visa-on-arrival. Processing takes 5-10 business days online.
Get yellow fever vaccination 10+ days before travel. Required for entry if coming from yellow fever areas, but recommended regardless. Many East African countries require proof at borders. Get vaccinated at a travel clinic and keep the yellow card with your passport.
Apply online 2-4 weeks before departure. Use official government websites only. Kenya: evisa.go.ke, Uganda: visas.immigration.go.ug, Rwanda: irembo.gov.rw. Upload passport photos, flight details, and accommodation info. Pay with credit card and print approval letters.
Prepare backup cash for visa-on-arrival. Bring $200+ USD in clean bills (printed after 2013) in case online systems are down or you need extensions. Some border posts still prefer cash payments.
Download offline copies of all documents. Save visa approvals, vaccination certificates, and passport photos to your phone. Internet can be spotty at border crossings. Print physical copies as backup.

Can I extend the East Africa Tourist Visa?: No, the EAC visa cannot be extended. You must exit the region and reapply if you want to return for another 90 days.
What if my visa application is rejected?: Rejections are rare but usually due to incomplete documents. Reapply with corrected information or try visa-on-arrival if your nationality qualifies.
Do I need proof of onward travel?: Yes, immigration may ask for flight tickets out of the region. A refundable ticket or bus ticket to another country works.
Can I work with a tourist visa?: No, tourist visas prohibit employment. Volunteering may require separate permits depending on the country and organization.