Can I get all East Africa visas on arrival?

No. Ethiopia requires advance e-visa application. The East Africa Tourist Visa must be applied for online in advance. Tanzania offers visa on arrival, but applying online beforehand saves time at borders.

How long does the East Africa Tourist Visa take?

2-4 business days for online processing. Apply at least one week before travel to allow for any issues. The visa is valid for 90 days from first entry and allows multiple entries between Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda.

Do I need yellow fever vaccination for East Africa?

Required if arriving from yellow fever endemic areas (most of Africa and South America). Recommended regardless for protection. You'll need the certificate at borders—no exceptions.

What if I want to extend my stay?

Most tourist visas can be extended once at immigration offices in major cities. Extensions typically cost $50-100 and add 30 days. Plan for 1-2 days processing time.

How to Get Visas for Backpacking East Africa

Most East African countries offer tourist visas on arrival or e-visas, but some require advance applications. The East Africa Tourist Visa covers Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda for $100 and 90 days. Ethiopia and Tanzania require separate visas, while most other countries offer visa-free entry or visas on arrival for short stays.

Check which countries you're visiting. List every country on your route. East Africa visa requirements vary significantly by country and your passport. The big ones for backpackers: Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, and sometimes Burundi or South Sudan.
Apply for the East Africa Tourist Visa if visiting Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. Apply online at https://www.migration.go.ug/visa/eastAfrica.page for $100. This single visa covers all three countries for 90 days. You must enter through your first designated country. Processing takes 2-4 business days.
Get your Ethiopia e-visa. Apply at https://www.evisa.gov.et at least 7 days before travel. Tourist visa costs $52 for 30 days or $72 for 90 days. Upload passport photo and copy. Processing takes 3-5 business days.
Handle Tanzania separately. Tanzania left the East Africa Tourist Visa program. Apply online at https://eservices.immigration.go.tz for $50 (most passports) or get visa on arrival at major entry points for the same price. Single entry, 90 days.
Arrange any advance-only visas. If visiting Sudan, South Sudan, or Eritrea, apply at embassies 4-6 weeks before travel. These require invitation letters or tour arrangements. Burundi offers visa on arrival for $90.
Prepare your documentation. Print all e-visa confirmations. Have yellow fever certificate ready—required for most countries if coming from infected areas. Carry 6 months minimum passport validity and proof of onward travel.

Can I get all East Africa visas on arrival?: No. Ethiopia requires advance e-visa application. The East Africa Tourist Visa must be applied for online in advance. Tanzania offers visa on arrival, but applying online beforehand saves time at borders.
How long does the East Africa Tourist Visa take?: 2-4 business days for online processing. Apply at least one week before travel to allow for any issues. The visa is valid for 90 days from first entry and allows multiple entries between Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda.
Do I need yellow fever vaccination for East Africa?: Required if arriving from yellow fever endemic areas (most of Africa and South America). Recommended regardless for protection. You'll need the certificate at borders—no exceptions.
What if I want to extend my stay?: Most tourist visas can be extended once at immigration offices in major cities. Extensions typically cost $50-100 and add 30 days. Plan for 1-2 days processing time.