By Planning a trip to East Africa can be exciting, but dealing with visa requirements can be frustrating. If you want to track gorillas in Rwanda, go on a safari in Kenya, and see the source of the Nile in Uganda, buying separate visas for each country will waste your time and money.
Luckily, there is a better option.
The East African Tourist Visa (EATV) lets you travel to Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda with a single visa. This multiple-entry visa is valid for 90 days and makes travel easier. In this 2026 guide, we explain who can apply, how much it costs, and the steps to apply online. This way, you can avoid the paperwork and focus on enjoying your trip.
Who Can Get the East African Visa?
The East African Tourist Visa is open to almost all foreign travelers who want to visit the region for tourism. This includes solo backpackers, families on vacation, and digital nomads exploring the continent.
Please note: This visa is only for tourism purposes. You cannot use it for jobs or business activities. If you are a citizen of an East African Community (EAC) country, you do not need this visa at all!
How Much Does the Visa Cost and How Long is it Valid?
The Cost: The East African Tourist Visa costs $100 USD. While that might seem like a lot at first, it actually saves you money. If you buy a separate tourist visa for Uganda ($50), another for Rwanda ($50), and pay the eTA fee for Kenya (at least $30), you will spend over $130. By getting the joint visa, you save money and avoid the stress of filling out three different applications.
The Validity: This visa is valid for 90 days (three months) from the day you enter. During those 90 days, it works as a “multiple-entry” visa. This means you can cross the borders between Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda as many times as you want without paying extra fees.
The Golden Rule You Must Follow
Remember these two important rules to keep your visa valid:
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Tanzania is NOT included: Your visa only works for Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. If you plan to visit Tanzania (like Zanzibar or the Serengeti), you need to get a separate visa for Tanzania.
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Do not leave the zone: If you leave Kenya, Rwanda, or Uganda—like flying to South Africa or crossing into Tanzania—your East African Tourist Visa will expire right away. If you want to return to Kenya, Rwanda, or Uganda, you will have to buy a new visa.
The “First Entry” Principle: How to Apply Online
The most important step in applying is knowing where to apply. You must apply through the official website of the country you are flying into first. If you apply through Rwanda but your flight lands in Kenya, the border guards in Kenya might reject your visa! Here is where to apply based on your first destination:
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Starting in Kenya: If you are landing in Nairobi or Mombasa first, you must apply through the Kenya eCitizen Immigration Portal.
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Starting in Rwanda: If you are landing in Kigali first, you must apply through the Rwanda Irembo Portal.
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Starting in Uganda: If you are landing in Entebbe first, you must apply through the Uganda Electronic Visa/Permit Portal.
Required Documents for Your Application
The application process is 100% online. Before you sit down at your computer to apply, make sure you have digital copies (PDFs or clear photos) of the following documents:
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A Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you plan to arrive, and it must have at least one blank page.
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A Passport Photo: A recent, color photo of your face with a plain background.
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Travel Itinerary: A basic plan of what you are doing (like a tour confirmation from your safari company).
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Return Flight Ticket: Proof that you have a flight booked to leave East Africa within 90 days.
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Yellow Fever Certificate: Depending on where you are traveling from, you may need to show proof that you are vaccinated against Yellow Fever.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does it take to get the visa approved? Usually, it takes about 3 to 5 business days. However, to be safe, we highly recommend applying at least two weeks before your flight.
Can I extend the East African Tourist Visa? No. The visa is strictly limited to 90 days and cannot be extended. If you want to stay longer, you must leave the region and apply for a new one.
Do I need to print the visa? Yes! Even though the application is digital, you should always print out the colored approval document and keep it inside your passport. You will need to show it to the immigration officers at the airport and at the land borders.
Start Your East African Adventure
To explore Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda easily, get the East African Tourist Visa. This visa helps you skip the hassle at the borders. Apply for it based on where you first enter. Be sure to gather your digital documents and keep your printed approval safe!
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