The East Africa Tourist Visa covers Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya (only). Your questions answered…
The idea of a single regional East Africa Tourist Visa is to make it easier – and more financially attractive – for tourists to visit the whole region.
You should be able to visit the three countries of Uganda + Rwanda + Kenya on a single visa – or so the theory goes. If you enjoy cross-border travel tips and stories, you might enjoy No hurry in Africa – the bus from Kigali to Kampala and The real ‘boda boda’ – Nagawa travels sidesaddle into Kenya.
In this blog post you will find details about the different East Africa Tourist Visa application processes for Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda. Although the three countries share a tourist visa, the application differs, according to the country where you start your East African travels.
Without an East Africa Tourist Visa, you may spend a minimum of $130 to visit the three countries: Kenya ($50) + Rwanda ($30) + Uganda ($50). These fees are ‘single entry’ only, meaning that a return visit to any of these countries means paying the visa fee again. The East Africa Tourism Visa is commonly available, although a few challenges remain.
“The holder of the East Africa Tourist Visa shall enter from the country that issued the visa and move within the two other countries without applying for another visa or paying for another visa fee.”
Doesn’t that sound good?
- Which countries does the East Africa Tourist Visa cover?
- How much is the East Africa Tourist Visa?
- How long is the East Africa Tourist Visa valid for?
- Is there a limit to the number of times you can visit each country?
- Can I extend my East Africa Tourist Visa?
- Can I work on an East Africa Tourist Visa?
- How do I apply for the East Africa Tourist Visa? Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda
- What is an Interstate Pass and how do I apply for it?
- Which other countries will join the East Africa Tourist Visa?
- Do you have any questions about the East Africa Tourist Visa?
I start by sharing the official information. Scroll further down the page for some practical travel tips. If you have any more visa or travel information to share, please add comments below this article or message me directly I will then update this page.
- Which countries does the East Africa Tourist Visa cover?
Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda – with more countries joining in the future.
- How much is the East Africa Tourist Visa?
100 USD for internationals.
The EATV is free of charge to foreign residents / expats (with valid work permits) in the three countries: Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda. For these kinds of travellers the EATV is issued in the form of an “interstate pass.”
Foreign residents and citizens of the three countries need to travel with a valid passport or National ID or Student ID and request an Interstate Pass at the border. (NOTE to East Africans: if you don’t have a passport, you may be asked to buy a Temporary Travel Document. In Uganda, this costs 10k UGX and can be bought at the border or at Uganda Immigration in Port Bell, Kampala).
- How long is the East Africa Tourist Visa valid for?
90 days
- Is there a limit to the number of times you can visit each country?
No. The East Africa Tourist Visa is a multiple entry visa.
According to Carmen Nibigira, Regional Coordinator, East Africa Tourism Platform, the East Africa Tourist Visa entitles the traveller to 90 days uninterrupted travel in and out of the three participating countries. NOTE: the East Africa Tourist Visa is only multiple entry only within the EATV zone. Once you leave the zone (e.g. go to Tanzania, which is not part of the EATV, even though it is an EAC country), you will need to apply for a new East Africa Tourist Visa.
- Can I extend my East Africa Tourist Visa?
No. You cannot extend the East Africa Tourist Visa. To get a new EATV, you need to exit the EATV zone and apply for a new one, as detailed below. (June 2018: feedback from several tourists is that you are now able to purchase an East Africa Tourist Visa when already in the zone e.g. on the road border between Uganda and Rwanda. This has not been publicised but seems fairly common practice).
- Can I work on an East Africa Tourist Visa?
Official line: “Work is prohibited.”
- How to apply for the East Africa Tourist Visa
It’s important to note that the process for purchasing the East Africa Tourist Visa differs according to the country you travel to first. October 2022: it is easy to get an East Africa Tourist Visa in all three countries. However: for Uganda and Kenya, you must apply online in advance for all visasa; for Rwanda, apply online in advnace or get visa on arrival.
The system has been computerised (hooray! no more forms to fill in). When you arrive at the airport / border, you will be asked how long you want to stay. You hand over your passport, they print a form with your details and you pay $100. You should get an East Africa Tourist Visa sticker in your passport. This is signed and stamped.
“For any questions, contact the diplomatic missions of the Republic of Kenya, Republic of Rwanda and Republic of Uganda before you travel.”
- How do I apply for the East Africa Tourist Visa if I’m entering Kenya first?
If Kenya is your first point of entry, contact your local Kenyan embassy for details on how to purchase your East Africa Tourist Visa before you start your trip. Alternatively, buy your East Africa Tourist Visa upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) or Mombasa.
eCitizen is Kenya’s Department of Immigration Services online portal for visa applications. Currently this is for single entry visas and transit visas only (NOT the EATV). (Checked again October 2022).
For further clarification before you travel to Kenya, contact eVISA Customer Care.
General queries: +254 202 222 022, +254 110 922 063, +254 110 922 064.
Payment queries: +254 110 922 062. Email: evisa@immigration.go.ke
The Muzungu’s recommendation: apply for an East Africa Tourist Visa at your nearest Kenyan Embassy, before you travel. (Note: this is an external site so I can’t confirm all the info is up to date).
- How do I apply for the East Africa Tourist Visa if I’m entering Rwanda first?
Since January 2018, Rwanda issues visas on arrival to all nationals. This includes East Africa Tourist Visas. However, you can also apply online in advance if you prefer.
If Rwanda is your first point of entry to the EATV zone, use the Rwanda Online Visa Application System to apply for the Class T12 East Africa Tourist Visa. Under “Type of Visa” select “East Africa Tourist Visa.” Here you will find an online application form and all the guidance necessary to apply for an East Africa Tourist Visa.
The Muzungu’s recommendation: if you have any flexibility in your itinerary, enter the East Africa Tourist Visa zone via Rwanda. They have the simplest application process with the best guidelines.
- How do I apply for the East Africa Tourist Visa if I’m entering Uganda first?
If Uganda is your first point of entry, you can request your East Africa Tourist Visa at your local Ugandan embassy. (Note: this is an external site so I can’t confirm all the info is uptodate).
October 2022 In theory, you can purchase your East Africa Tourist Visa in cash (US dollars/GBP/Euros) on arrival at Entebbe International Airport, but you may not be allowed to board the plane without your visa approval letter). Therefore, use the Uganda Electronic Visa/Permit Application System to purchase your East Africa Tourist Visa. Please read my blog NOW LIVE: apply for Ugandan tourist visas online, which I review frequently. (This includes info on Ugandan single entry tourist visas, East Africa Tourist Visas, business visas, transit visas, work permits, dependent’s pass and more).
The Muzungu’s recommendation: At Entebbe International Airport, immigration may insist you provide a copy of ‘an itinerary proving onward travel in East Africa.’ Strictly speaking, this is not a requirement of the East Africa Tourist Visa. However, don’t argue with immigration (like I have before, to my cost); they aways have the last word. You are advised to bring an itinerary with you, if you have one, or they may deny you an EATV (and simply issue you with a single entry Uganda tourist visa).
- What is an Interstate Pass and how do I apply for it?
Citizens of Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda can now travel between the three countries with ID cards instead of passports. No visas are needed and there is no charge for the Interstate Pass (a small slip of paper that is issued at the border / airport).
Expatriates with valid work permits can also travel with the ‘Interstate Pass,’ without needing to get a visa. Woop, woop! Make sure you keep the Interstate Pass safe with your passport as you may be asked to return it when you leave the country.
In both cases, nationals and expats are simply given an Interstate Pass document when they show their ID/passport and exit one of the three countries. This is free of charge and issued at the border.
March 2018: I travelled by road to Kenya with a Ugandan friend. She was travelling on her Ugandan ID card. Immigration insisted she purchase a Temporary Travel Document at Busia (cost 10k UGX) even though the East Africa Tourist Visa / Interstate Pass allows nationals to travel on their ID. At Busia, Interpol wanted to interview my friend. They were suspicious of a young Ugandan travelling on her ID card and explained that people traffickers are known to hold the young people’s passports for them at the other end of their journey. On our return bus journey, one vulnerable-looking young woman was intercepted by Interpol. It was clear she was being trafficked. The experience was sobering.
- Which other countries will join the East Africa Tourist Visa?
Tanzania
It was announced in 2014 that Tanzania would join the East Africa Tourist Visa but there is no information available online. [Checked again October 2022].
Burundi
Sadly, few people are travelling to Burundi currently because of the political situation. We hope life in Burundi improves quickly and that we can welcome them to the EATV party before too long.
South Sudan
One day, we hope…
DR Congo
In 2022, the Democratic Republic of Congo became the seventh member of the EAC but there is no news about it joining the East Africa Tourist Visa.
- The East Africa Tourist Visa. What is the situation on the ground?
(What the tour operators may not tell you)
Officially, you could only get the EATV when you first entered the EATV zone, either in advance online or at an embassy / diplomatic mission / on arrival at the airport (Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda).
These are the four (official) points of entry for the East Africa Tourist Visa but cross-country borders seem to issue the EATV now as well:
- Uganda – Entebbe International Airport
- Rwanda – Kigali International Airport
- Kenya – Nairobi, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA)
- Kenya – Mombasa, Moi International Airport and the Port of Mombasa.
The fact that you could only get an East Africa Tourist Visa when you first entered the EATV countries was a bit of a drawback for some people who may arrive in one country, without having made firm travel plans. It’s quite common for travellers to arrive without an itinerary. Someone may come to Uganda to track the gorillas, for example, and decide they want to travel to the Kenyan coast next.
Visas issued for specific countries can only be used for that particular country.
Notes from friends and family regarding the East Africa Tourist Visa
In its initial form, the EATV was not as flexible as it could be, particularly for backpackers and budget travelers who make up their travel plans as they go. I know people who arrived in Uganda on a single country tourist visa but who then decided to travel within East Africa. My friends’ experience was that when you are travelling by road, the situation was even less clear:
- Cyanika border (Rwanda / Uganda). Can you get an EATV when you cross into Rwanda by road here? You can certainly get one at Gatuna now (April 2018).
- Busia border (Uganda / Kenya). Can you get an EATV when you cross into Kenya by road? Yes, now you can.
Remember: At Entebbe International Airport, immigration may ask you to provide a copy of ‘an itinerary proving onward travel in East Africa.’ Strictly speaking, this is not a requirement of the East Africa Tourist Visa. However, you are advised to bring one with you, if you have one. Hotel bookings serve the same purpose.
Thanks for sharing! We’re heading to Rwanda (entering twice) + Uganda this fall so the EATV seems like a great option!
Hi Shannon, thanks for the message. If you are entering East Africa via Rwanda, then you will find that is currently the easiest country in which to get your East Africa Tourist Visa. East Africa looks forward to welcoming you 🙂
Hi, I am a backpacker, and I have a question that perhaps you may know the answer to: I understand that the EATV is only valid for 90 days without an extension. If I get individual visas for Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda, would I be permitted to stay, for example, in Kenya for 90 days, Uganda for 90 days, and then Rwanda for 30? I’d prefer to have more time available to spend in each country than to save $80.
Thanks in advance
Hello Monica
Sorry for slow reply, am up country, Kibale Forest to be precise.
For max no of days per country, go for single country visas, like you suggest.
However, do ask for 90 days, esp when asking for a Uganda tourist visa as sometimes immigration only want to give 30 days.
Once in country you can extend the visa if needed. You can extend up to six months in theory, although not always guaranteed.
Enjoy East Africa!
Hi, thank you for sharing. I have a question.
I’ve read that it’s possible to leave and reenter the East Africa visa zone, without incurring additional visa charges, provided that the visa still remains within the 90 days period.
But I thought it was not possible because it’s a single entry tourist visa for that zone.
Can you confirm this information?
Thank you very much
Hi Vanessa and Muzungu!
I am in the same situation here, purchased an EAT on arrival in Kenya and after gathering informations that confirmed I could leave the EAT zone and re-enter it without having to buy another Vida I went to Tanzania for 3 weeks.
I arrived yesterday at the Rwanda border and was forced to purchase a single entry visa for Rwanda, according to the immigration officer it is because I left the EAT zone for more than 5 days.
He told me I could contest this decision at the immigration head office in Rwanda where I am now. The officer there tells me because I exited the zone I had to purchase another visa, he doesn’t say anything about the 5 days stated by his colleague and refuse to show me the terms of the visa where he gets his information from. He just say that as an official this should be enough for me. But obviously it is not as different officers have different versions, and right now the problem isn’t really the $60 spent (me and my girlfriend) but more the $200 we would have to spend when arriving in Uganda in 2 weeks and in Kenya next month for our flight back.
Here are the visa terms found on internet which I believe prove what Vanessa and I believe:
Movement of persons: The holder shall also be allowed to move out of the Republic of Kenya, the Republic of Rwanda, and the Republic of Uganda and return without having to pay for another visa. This will only be applicable for the validity period of the visa (90 days from visa approval).
Dear Antoine
Thanks for taking the time to share your feedback. Useful information for many other people. I have passed your feedback to Carmen Nibigira, Coordinator for the East Africa Tourism Platform who is very grateful to receive it.
This is the official response below and thus supercedes any local information you have heard on the ground. (The process of sensitising immigration officials is an ongoing process).
The STV works only in three countries (Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda).
It is only used for multiple entry to and from those three countries. If one visits Tanzania and Burundi or outside these three countries and decide to come back, they will have to purchase another visa.
Once one exits the zone of the three countries, the visa becomes invalid.
As long as Tanzania and Burundi are out of this, unfortunately some tourists/visitors will be limited on the possibilities which come with a single visa for Destination East Africa.
Thank you for your help and response, at least we know we didn’t get screwed even if embassies say we did! Wish everyone would have the terms of the visa!
So it seems only Rwanda is the issue. I entered Uganda and them Kenya without any issue using my “invalid” EAT Visa.
Also went out again to Tanzania from Kenya and re-entered Kenya without any issue.
Not sure why the confusion but we are relieved to save so many $$$ we thought we would have to spend!
Happy to help.
And glad you have saved money.
The terms of the visa are circulating slowly. It’s very helpful to have feedback from like visitors from yourself so I do appreciate you sharing your latest update with everyone.
Can you confirm what you mean by ‘went out again to Tanzania from Kenya and re-entered Kenya without any issue.’ Which visa did you reenter Kenya on?
Hey again!
Of course this is why you made this super helpful page and I’m happy to share my experience!
I meant I came out of Kenya and re-entered with my East African TouristVisa , they didn’t seem to care I went out of the EAT zone.
I understand the rules of the visa and also that since It doesn’t seem all immigrations have the specific written details of the visa it gets confusing. Some Rwandan officicer said you could exit for 5 days, most others said you cannot, but at the end of the day for us it was just lucky or not! We had to buy twice a single entry for Rwanda but after that, even though we’ve exited the zone 2 more times, Ugandan and Kenyan immigration let us in with our EAT visa
Thanks very much Antoine for sharing your feedback, very helpful. I have passed on your comments to the East Africa Tourism Platform so they can continue to guide immigration officers on correct implementation of the EATV. Mpola, mpola “slowly by slowly” as we say…
Hey,I had a question.My EATV expires on 16th August,and I leave Uganda on 22nd august.So that’s 6 more days extra,do I need to apply for a new one at the immigration office,or do I have any other options cause I don’t wanna pay another 100 USD for 6 days.
Thank you.
Hi Tenzin,
You can’t extend an East Africa Tourist Visa.
I double checked with my immigration advisor and he confirmed you should buy a single entry Uganda tourist visa, now reduced to $50. Buy this at Immigration Office (Internal Affairs) Jinja Road, Kampala. When you overstay a visa, they may charge you up to $100 / day. Ow.
Hi, thanks for this information! I’m in a similar situation like Tenzin. Do you know what documents are required for this and how long it takes to receive a new visa?
@Tenzin: Did this work for you without problems?
Hi Sarah. Please see my Uganda visa blog https://www.muzungubloguganda.com/2016/05/east-africa-tourist-visa/ should take two to four days to get your visa approval letter via the online system
Hi, The Muzungu
Thank you for taking the time to write this information.
I woold like to ask you about ‘an itinerary proving onward travel in East Africa.’ when you enter thru Uganda. What is an accepted itinerary? flight booking from kampala to nairobi, for example? or it has to be an itinerary emitted by a travel agency?
Thank you very much for your help.
Martha
Hello Martha, “thanks for the appreciation” as we say in Uganda.
With the new online system for all visa applications, you should be able to get your visa approval letter for an East Africa Tourist Visa / or Uganda tourist visa, without having to prove onward travel plans. However, ‘asking for proof of onward travel’ is just one of Uganda immigration’s house rules it would seem, and not applied in every case.
You certainly don’t NEED to have a proper itinerary from a tour company, although obviously that would be good proof. Proof of a plane ticket to Rwanda or Kenya, or a lodge or hotel reservation there would be fine as well. Hopefully you will sale through immigration without any questions. My advice to carry some kind of proof of onward travel is based on friend and family experiences in March 2016. I understand from other travellers that it is becoming easier to get the East Africa Tourist Visa in Uganda without too much hassle. Hope that helps (a bit!)
Hello All! I will be entering Rwanda by way of transit in Niarobi Kenya. Will I also need a transit permit in Kenya? Will I need a transit permit prior to arrival?
Hi Rachael,
If you buy an East Africa Tourist Visa and first enter the EATV zone in Nairobi, then you do not need another visa to enter Rwanda. You will not need a transit visa in Kenya as your presence there is covered by the EATV.
http://www.kenya-evisa-online.com/typesofvisa/ this says transit visas are $100 (although https://www.kenyaembassy.com/dcservices/appforvisaonline.aspx I see they are $20, which is what I have paid previously).
I would tend to get the EATV $100 as then you know you are definitely covered. Must be purchased online in advance from the country you are entering first.
Hi,
I am flying from Nairobi to Kigali with a stop in Bujumbura (Kenya Airways 5th freedom flight). Does this count as leaving the zone?
A. Are you in transit?
B. Or are you spending time in Bujumbura?
I imagine the answer is:
A. Your actual destination is Rwanda so you’re not really leaving the EATV zone
B. To leave the airport you would have to pass through Burundi immigration control and you are therefore exiting the EATV zone.
I’m sure KQ can advise
Hi muzungu,
Thank you so much for sharing your insights and experience.
After all the craziness of covid has passed, I’m planning to visit Uganda-Rwanda-Kenya.
My questions are-
1. How soon can I apply for an online East African Visa with Uganda as my first port of entry? Can I apply as early as three months before my planned departure from my home country?
2. With Uganda as the port of entry, how high is the success rate in obtaining an East African visa online? If an application is denied, what are the usual reasons for denial?
Thanks again for your hardwork.
Hey Paolo, thanks for dropping by…
Let me advise you based on recent past knowledge. I spoke to someone in immigration today and I know things are working really slowly at the moment so we are all going to have to be patient (and bear in mind things may not work the way they were pre-pandemic).
1. Yes you can apply three months in advance. That is the maximum.
2. Regarding the success rate, I can’t give you a figure. I think it’s pretty straightforward to get it approved, in fact I haven’t met anyone whose application has been denied. Once upon a time, Uganda (for example) would ask you to prove that you were planning to visit Rwanda and Kenya and would ask for itineraries or hotel confirmations showing ‘onward travel’ but that has not been happening recently.
When things were working normally, it would be quick to get tourist visa approval online (within one week).
General reasons for a visa being declined are that you have not submitted all the forms that they have requested.
Hope that answers your questions. If not, ping me another message 🙂
Thank you so much. Keep safe.
Btw, I knew of your blog through Bradt Uganda which I’m currently reading and also in the lonely planet thorn tree forum.
Hi Paolo, happy to help. Interesting to hear where you first came across Diary of a Muzungu. I wrote a blog about the latest Bradt Uganda Guide incidentally…
Thanks for the feedback! 🙂
Hi! So glad I found this page – but still a little unclear. Here’s my plan
1) US to JKIA staying in Kenya then on to Uganda back to Kenya/Nairobi. I know all this is covered by the EATV – Correct?
2)back to JKIA to fly to Tanzania – Landing at JRO do I have to purchase a Tanzanian Visa at the airport? Do you know how much?
3)Finally, I will go back to JRO and fly to JKIA only to catch my flight back to the US. Will I have to purchase a Kenya Visa to catch my flight to US? I will not be leaving the airport.
Thanks so much for any insight you can give.
Hi Ginneen, glad to be of help.
1. Yes your trip Kenya / Uganda / Kenya will be covered by the EATV.
2. For information on purchasing tourist visas to Tanzania, I refer you to the Tanzania Tourist Board web site.
3. No need to purchase a visa if you are simply changing flights.
Another question:
I’m thinking that when I purchase my visa at the Tanzania airport upon arrival there, that I would automatically be allowed re-entry back into Kenya….so no need to get anymore visas since at that point I will be on the way back to U.S. and not leaving the airport.
Exactly – there will be no need to purchase a visa when you fly back through JKIA as you are simply changing flights. Safari njema – safe travels!
I am wondering what sort of documentation is needed to be uploaded where the Rwandan online application asks for a ‘letter of invitation.’ Is this just for the fun of it? What on earth might they want included there?
Thank you!
Hi Daniel, if you’re traveling with a tour operator, you can submit your tour itinerary, with dates and their company info. If you’re visiting a project or staying with friends or family in Rwanda, ask if they can write a letter outlining where they live, the dates the invitation covers, their address and contacts.
Hi there, Thanks for this helpful page! I’m wondering if you’d ever heard of the issuance of the visa taking longer than three days. I applied in late May and I haven’t heard anything back – just ‘status – received.” Mine is an Indian passport. Is this typical, or is something the matter?
Hi Kishen, it is peak season now so visa approvals will take longer. You can try contacting the immigration site /country where you applied, in case they are waiting for a document from you…
Hmm, Thanks. I have tried contacting Rwanda via email, via phone. Multiple times on each. No replies or anything. Its now been a month. I’ll probably just go to Uganda instead, since that’s on arrival, but I’m pretty frustrated that Rwanda took my $100 dollars and cant even give me the visa/tell me my status/reject me. I know you can’t help with this, but I know this page is popular so I’m posting it here so that people like me can be aware that the “3 day processing” might not apply to them.
Hi Kishen, sorry to hear about the problems you have been having. I imagine there must be a backlog of these applications right now considering we are now in peak season. In Uganda we advise people to leave one month to get their visa approval letter.
I really appreciate you sharing your feedback with me and my blog readers. Sorry I can’t help – still Rwanda’s loss seems to be Uganda’s gain on this occasion! 🙂 Safe travels
Very interesting! I do hope you’re right that this is just a backlog and its not just a failure to give me a visa because of my nationality. I’d be curious to know if others are facing the same – only an intellectual curiosity, though, since I’m out of time and I’ve now changed my ticket to Entebbe. Uganda wins! 🙂
Go, Uganda, go! 🙂
Update plus another question! Thanks, as always!!
Question:Timatic notes for visa on arrival you should have a local contact, a hotel, onward tickets, proof of funds, and proof of purpose of trip. I am wondering if I really need to compile such a dossier, either to board the flight or to get in. Have you ever heard of any of these things being demanded? What if I want to exit the region by road?
Update: Spoke to Rwanda. Not going to give me an EATV, even though lIl clearly met all stated requirements. Unless, if I understand correctly, I book a fully guided tour. Wish they could have informed me…so others, beware! Really hoping there’s nothing up Uganda’s sleeve now…
Karibu sana 🙂 – you’re welcome (in Swahili…)
It’s true. These are standard demands, which the average tourist will get round by having a pre-booked itinerary from a tour co and a return ticket. The most important thing is to have a return flight ticket, or proof of bookings at hotels, invitation letter(s) to stay with a host organisation / a volunteer org etc.
You’re dealing with an airport so I guess they only think of things in terms of air transport – you can exit by road of course, but then they may ask to see your bus ticket!
The ‘proof of funds’ is standard but have not heard of anyone in UG being asked to prove this for a tourist visa.
(FYI if I as a Brit apply for a tourist visa to Nigeria, I need all of the above and whole lot more!)
Thanks for feedback on Rwanda.
My wife and I are planning to Visit Kenya and Uganda in August. I visit kenya first and then to Uganda by Road. We have to come back to Nairobi to get our return flight to India. I spoke to Kenya High Commission in New Delhi for a EATV, but they say that they are not offering it at this point of time and have asked me to apply from Uganda embassy. To my question that Kenya is my entry point, they said it doesn’t matter. In other words, i can get a EATV from Uganda and enter through Kenya. Does this work? If yes, can i apply for EATV online on Uganda evisa Portal? Thank you.
I can confirm that you have to apply for the EATV from the country where you will first enter the EATV zone. This is what East Africa Tourism Platform tell all visitors. In your case this will be Kenya so you should apply via the KENYA immigration portal and then select the EATV option…
(In my experience, some of the High Commissions are not up to speed on visa advice).
Hi,
I applied for the EATV through the Kenya portal and now have an E-Visa with the number E-VISA
EATV… But when you look at the full document there is no mention of Uganda or Rwanda. It just states the below :
THE HOLDER OF THIS EVISA DESIRES TO TRAVEL TO THE THE REPUBLIC OF KENYA FOR THE PURPOSE OF TOURISM.
My trekking company Intrepid advised me that this looks like a Kenya only visa and I need to apply for Uganda separately.
Can you advise if this E-visa is Kenya only even though it states EATV in the visa.
Pls help if you are able to. I have emailed the contacts but been a few days and no reply.
Regards
Rom ( scheduled to visit on 7th Jan)
Hi Rom. As per our email conversation, my immigration advisor confirmed:
Thanks for sharing the following:
Another issue is that thru the Kenta EATV [online application] they do not ask for Yellow Fever vaccination certificate but the Uganda one is a mandatory so I had to run around and get vaccinated.
So potentially could have been a issue if I just sticked with the EATV and then at Uganda they wanted a vaccination certificate.
Diary of a Muzungu adds: you are correct in saying that you need to show proof of yellow fever vaccination in order to complete Uganda immigration’s online visa application. However, travellers to Kenya also need proof of yellow fever vaccination (even if it’s not a requirement of the visa application). I flew to Nairobi in December 2022, and it was part of the health checks at JKI Airport.
I have an East African visa obtained online from Uganda . Can I use that to enter Rwanda first at kigali airport or do I need to enter via Uganda first since that is who issued my visa ? Regards
Your EATV is valid for entry into the country where you got it from – so you need to enter the EATV zone via Uganda.
Hello! First thing- thank for the info and all the help! I have a question:
We already have a uganda visa (single enterance for 3 months) and we decided thqt we want to travel in Rwanda. I guess its not possible to come back (for the flight) with the visa we got so:
Is it possible to make an east african visa now? (If we already have uganda visa)
Is it possible to come back to uganda after we left beforeand buy a new visa even the first one didnt expired?
Hi Dan, you can buy an East African Tourist Visa (EATV) but you won’t get your money back on the Uganda one (if that was what you were hoping for?)
Note you apply for the EATV to the country where you enter the region first.
Not sure I understand second question? Why would you buy a new visa if the current one has not expired? It is possible to EXTEND a tourist visa, to a maximum of six months, but immigration usually only give an extra one or two months (on top of the original 90 days).
Dear Muzungu,
First of all thank you for your hard work!
I am sorry i am offtopic, but maybe you can help me. As i entered Uganda this month at the airport they stamped 30 days only. I hoped to get at least 90 days. Can i do something about that? I heard it is possible. Are there any “assistants” in Kampala who can do it for me for a modest fee. I greatly appreciate your answer. Paul.
Hello Paul. Happy to help.
For future reference, if you want 90 days, ask for it explicitly otherwise immigration will generally only give people 30 days. Even though you can extend your visa when you get here, it is time-consuming (and tedious!)
Please check your email for contact of an immigration adviser that I recommend in KLA.
Hi,
your blog have excellent info about travelling in east africa.
I have a question to ask. I have an east african visa and i entered uganda from rwanda on 20th july 2017. On immigration the guy asked me how many days i am gonna stay and i told him 3 weeks (my idea was just to stay one week but due to elections in kenya i had to overstay and now its been 4 weeks ). Now technically my visa is valid till 3rd september but i was allowed an entry till 10 august. would i b liable to pay extra charges.??
2. I want to get a new EAC visa. i am planning to go to Bukoba tanzania and come back. would it work? i need to go back to kenya to fly back.. and i have few things to do in uganda and rwanda as well. due to this mess up, i am really confused what to do. pls help
Hi Najam
Thanks for the positive feedback on my blog 🙂
1. If you have overstayed your visa, then yes you have to pay for those extra days. In theory this is $30/per day – sorry 🙁 – but you can usually negotiate. Although your visa approval letter may have stated 3rd Sept, I think immigration will go by the date of the visa stamp. That is the actual visa, isn’t it?
2. As far as I am aware, you can’t get a new EATV from within the EATV zone – UG, Rwanda, Kenya – you can apply for the new one when you’re in Tz. Remember that when you apply for the new EATV, you apply to the country where you will reenter the EATV zone. This is explained above.
3. Good luck!
Further afield…
“Ethiopia Launches Online Entry Visa Application and Issuance (E-Visa)
Ethiopian Airlines in coordination with the Ethiopian Immigration Services has New E-Visa Services to ETHIOPIA. Ethiopia has launched E-Visa service on June 12, 2017. Following the announcement Ethiopian Airlines has created a one stop shop for its customers by linking its website with the E-visa service.
Now customers can apply for their e-visa online here http://www.ethiopianairlines.com with various payment options available online.”
Hello there
I do not have an itinerary and I’ll go according to the trip. My plan is to start my trip in Tanzania and hoping I can get into Rwanda by land using the EATV which I’ll apply with the Rwanda Embassy and then Uganda and Kenya. Do you think I’ll be able to do that or I must enter through Kigali ? Thank you very much
Jaime
Hi Jaime, you have understood it correctly: if you enter Rwanda first, then you have to get your EATV via Rwanda immigration authorities. Yes you can then enter Rwanda by road border – you do not have to fly in via Kigali.
Thank you very much … cheers
How informative of this page, thanks the Muzungu and all!
I have a question: should I apply online for both East African visa + single Kenya visa?
My first entry country is Kenya (which unable to get EATV online), then travel by land to Uganda, Rwanda, and fly to Tanzania.
Any advise for better option? Thank you.
Happy to help:)
You do not need a single entry tourist visa for Kenya – you just need an EATV (which includes Kenya). Can you apply for an East Africa Tourist Visa via a Kenyan Embassy in your country? Otherwise, apply in person for your EATV when you enter Kenya, I know others have recently.
Interested to hear how you get on. Safari njema – travel well.
Thanks Muzungu for the advice.
At first, I think EATV is quite good and comfortable; but not at all. Only Rwanda & Uganda provide online application for EATV, but flying route to their first entry is pretty expensive in comparison to Kenya.
I don’t like to go to Kenyan Embassy with many queries and waiting time.
I am afraid the airline (Oman air from Kuala Lumpur) will not let me checkin if not showing them printed entry visa of the destination eventhough I am eligible to get Kenya visa on arrival, that is the reason I try to get online Kenyan visa first.
Yesterday, I was applying Kenyan single tourist visa online, unfortunately their website made me so frustrated, and still stuck their with payment procedure.
Marabaha – thank you.
Thanks for sharing your experience.
For info, you refer to ‘printed entry visa’ – you only get a visa approval letter online, not the actual visa. That you get at border.
I used the live chat service on the link you sent me to check re: the difference between pay online OR pay on arrival – if you pay in person, then you can pay with cash, but you’ll have to stand in line for longer. Pay online if you have a bank card and spend less time queuing at airport.
Hello, I saw the platform to apply EATV to Rwanda first: https://irembo.gov.rw/rolportal/web/dgie/east-africa-tourist-visa, and there are 2 options (pay online and pay on arrival). Which one do you recommend?
Thank
Just a update: I got my EATV visa from Rwanda platform Irembo within 3 processing days. Their staff chat is so helpful and quick. I chose ‘pay online’ option, it went through much more better than Kenyan platform (on which I applied single entry at first, but quit. Anyway, I haven’t paid yet).
Hi Thao, thanks for sharing your experience. Now you can plan the fun part of your travels! 🙂
Hi muzungu still Visa on arrival is available..
Thanks Oscar! Welcome to UG 🙂
Thanks for the blog post!
How large is the East Africa visa? Do you need two full pages to be free in your passport or will one suffice?
Hi Alex, it’s just one page for the visa sticker but you need minimum 6 months left on your passport. Have you left room for them to stamp you exiting the country as well?
Thank you for the informative sharing! It’s super helpful!!
I have a question regarding the staying period of East African Tourist Visa in each country – Is there any rule on how long I can stay in each country within the 90 days? For example, can I stay in Rwanda for 70 days, and Uganda and Kenya 10 days each? Thank you!
Hi Candice, thanks for the appreciation, as we say 🙂
Interesting question – no, there are no rules regarding how you split your time between the 3 countries. You can go in and out of the three countries non-stop for the whole 90 days or spend virtually all of your time in one country and just a day in each of the others. Sometimes people get the EATV and only end up visiting one or two of the three countries. The only thing to remember is that if you exit the EATV zone, you’ll need to get a new visa to reenter.
Hi I also would like to ask a queston. I am currently in Kenya ans have kenyan visitor visa which will be expiring by the time I will be in uganda. I was thinking if I could buy EATV before entering Uganda (when traveling from Kenya) and then these same EATV will be valid when returning back to Kenya. I will be traveling by bus Nairobi-Kampala, then Kampala Nairobi.
Thank you in advance!!
Lucia
Hi Lucia, you are correct that the EATV would allow you to travel on one visa between Uganda and Kenya.
However please note the following: I have researched the East Africa Tourist Visa extensively and even have it in writing that one is not supposed to be able to purchase the EATV when already travelling in Kenya, Rwanda or Rwanda… HOWEVER feedback from tourists now is that you CAN buy the EATV on some borders. For example, a friend of mine bought an East Africa Tourist Visa this week when travelling from Uganda to Rwanda via the Gatuna road border.
I am trying to get official confirmation regarding this change.
Hello, I have enjoyed looking over your blog. I have just completed my EATV. I am leading a team to Uganda next month. I don’t know if anyone can tell me do they still give the yellow fever vaccination at the airport in Entebbe. Thankfully last summer I was able to get mine in the airport for $50. There is a major shortage of the vaccinations here in the states or they are crazy expensive. I called the embassy and the lady whom I spoke with said it is mandatory to have the vaccination before applying for a visa. I asked about the airport option and was told they are fazing that out. Everyone is very stressed about this situation and was just wondering if anyone has any advice on the application process if you have not gotten the vaccination yet. We don’t have a lot of time. Thanks so much. Lori Ssebulime
Hi Lori, yes you can still get Yellow Fever vaccination on arrival at Entebbe Airport. I had not heard of the plan to phase it out but shall look into this.
Interesting to read you paid $50. Not $40?
Hi Mzungu,
My Ugandan friend travelled from Uganda to Kenya on a temporary permit which allows her to stay for 30 days. Is this permit extendable or can he use his Ugandan ID?
Hi Jotham
Is your friend traveling on an Interstate Pass or using a Temporary Travel Document?
An Interstate Pass lasts for 90 days.
For future reference, it’s better to travel on a passport if you have one, then you don’t have to get the Temporary Travel Document.
East Africa is definitely one of the best places to travel.
Thank you very much for your good article
Hi.
Please can you help with bus fare or cost of travelling from Rwanda to Uganda to kenya and then back..
Also whats the minimum cost of the lodging in hotel in the three countries.
Or better what is the minimum BTA that will cover all these as it will.help one to budget and plan
Hi Emmanuel
Depending on the bus company you use, expect to pay approx 30-40k ugx per bus journey e.g. I paid 40k ugx last night to travel Kampala to Kigali with Jaguar Executive Coaches. I paid around the same amount earlier this year to travel between Kampala and Nairobi with Mash.It’s very difficult to give ideas on accom costs as 1) it depends where you want to stay and 2) what kind of place you want.
For the best deals, try Air B n B, homestays, backpacker hostels (dorms are cheapest) etc. What facilities do you expect? You can certainly find cheap accommodation in towns. In tourist areas, you may need to camp or share a banda for best deals.
Which country are you coming from? Hard to advise more without some input from you on your interests, budget, no. of people, etc.
Hello,how long does it take for this visa to be approved online. I applied to enter via Entebbe international airport. It’s been 3 days now and no response from the Embassy.
Hi George
Normally you should have received approval by now. Try logging in and checking progress. If it says pending then you may have missed sending something in.
Uganda Immigration reply within 24 hours via Facebook. Don’t rely on email.
You can get visa on arrival at Entebbe so don’t sweat
Hi Muzungu,
I just bought an EATV for two upcoming trips, but after reading comments here, I’m not sure it’ll work for both. Here’s my story:
Trip One: Traveling from USA to Uganda and back, Dec. 12-17
Trip Two: Traveling from USA to Uganda, then on to Kenya, and back to USA, Jan. 10-27.
I thought I could use the EATV for both trips and save a bit of cost and hassle. But I’ll definitely be leaving the East African zone. Will this one visa work for both?
Thank you for any insight you can provide!
Hi Sandy. Unfortunately that won’t work as you have realised you will exit the EATV zone invalidating the visa.
I would get Uganda single entry visa for trip 1 and EATV for trip 2. However I imagine it’s too late for that.
You could try contacting Uganda Immigration via their Facebook page (link above in blog) to defer EATV until trip 2.
Or… use EATV when you fly in December and just stay! That way you’ll save on that second flight too 😉
Hi! Came across this blog and found it SO helpful. I’m currently in Uganda on an EATV, but I want to extend my stay by another 6 weeks or so. I’ve crossed the border into Rwanda once since I’ve arrived, but have mostly traveled throughout Uganda. I know you cannot apply to extend an EATV. What are my other options?
Hi JB, glad to be of assistance 🙂
If you leave Uganda again, you can come back on a new EATV or a single entry UG visa. If planning to stay in UG only, you can go to Immigration (e.g. Jinja Road) and purchase a (new) single entry tourist visa. This is issued for upto 90 days (if you specify that). After the 90 days, you can go back there and extend it for (in theory) another 90 days but they usually give max 90 + 60 days extension on one visa. Hope that helps!
Important note to everyone buying VISA ON ARRIVAL at Entebbe International Airport.
*Make sure you get your visa sticker at Immigration*
If you want to purchase visa on arrival, you have to pay in cash. It’s come to my attention that certain immigration officials are only stamping passports and are not issuing visa stickers. This will not affect your movements as a traveller but it does mean you will not get a receipt for your visa payment. More importantly for Uganda, your cash will not be accounted for. Tourism is our number one foreign exchange earner and receipts from visas are critical for us to invest in our tourism infrastructure. You are therefore strongly advised to make sure that you do get a visa sticker in your passport. Thank you.
This should not affect those who have applied online and have visa approval letters.
I got an EATV in Nairobi and came to Uganda after two weeks. I’m planning to spend two months or so in Uganda. But I just realized they scrawled “one month” or something (it’s illegible to me) under my passport stamp at Entebbe Airport. I only know this because my SIM was deactivated after one month and the clerk at the Airtel office said it’s because of whatever they scrawled beneath my stamp. She reactivated my SIM after I showed her the date on the EATV stamp.
My concern is that when I leave Uganda, Immigration might give me trouble. Could they be imposing a 30-day max per country with the EATV? Should I go to Immigration in Kampala or talk to a lawyer?
Hi John, probably best to go to immigration in Kampala.
Yes you are right that once a tourist visa or work permit expires, your local Sim card gets disconnected.
It’s common practice – whether you have a Uganda tourist visa or East African Tourist Visa – that they scribble the number of days entry that allows you, although in theory you can get a maximum of 90 days on one visa. It’s not just enough to get a visa, I always tell people to explicitly ask for the maximum number of days.
Best of luck. I don’t see you having a problem getting the East Africa Tourist Visa extended up to the 90 days and there should be no charge for that. Do note however that EATV cannot be extended beyond the 90 days.
Ok, thanks. What if I’m already a day or two past however many days they gave me, will they still give me the extension? I’m not sure if they gave me 30 days or one calendar month. My SIM expired after 28 days (starting in February) but maybe the Airtel guy didn’t count the days right…
I think you just explain things as you have here and you should be ok. Be polite and smile
Ok thanks. I went to Immigration. In the end, they gave the extension, but if anyone else ends up in this situation, they should know not to be discouraged even if immigration agents are adamant that they have no options to stay longer than whatever is scribbled on their passport. The first person I talked to said there was nothing to worry about and I didn’t need an extension, but I could confirm in another office. The guy standing in front of the other windows handing out passports told me that the secret of the EATV is each country only gives 30 days max… He said I could go to the Public Relations office and they would explain the rule to me, “but don’t think there is even a possibility of an extension. They are just going to explain why you can’t stay.” The PR guy sent me to his boss, who barely listened to me before saying to go to the window next door and ask for an extension, but in that window they said there are no extensions allowed for the EATV, even within the 90-day window… The first guy from Public Relations came over and tried to convince them, but they said no, so he sent me to the Commissioner’s office, which was a closed office inside of the first office I went to. I didn’t see the Commissioner, but the PR guy took my passport inside, came out a couple times to ask me questions about what I’m doing in Uganda etc., then we went back to the visa window to get an extension form, then to a back room where they process these things. It really didn’t take that long, though, because there were no lines.
Thanks for taking the time to share your feedback with us John, much appreciated. Well done for getting this sorted!
You do have to have when dealing with immigration or bureaucracy of any kind in Uganda. It always helps to know what you are entitled to before you start engaging with them because they can really confuse you!
I know from my conversations with the East Africa Tourism Platform that you cannot extend an East Africa Tourism Visa beyond the 90 days.
With a Uganda Tourist Visa, after your 90 days, you can in theory extend the same visa to stay in Uganda maximum six months on one tourist visa. However, there is the theory and there is the practice!
Hello. Pls i need ur help.
Im from ethiopia i came uganda last year crossing busia border they gave me tourist visa for 3 month then i lost my passport. becouse of that i overtay for 11 monthes. So i get it now and i want go back to my home. So what i have suppose to do to leave this country or to across border? will they ask me if i across border? Thank u
Hi Falme. My suggestion is that you go to Immigration on Jinja Road before you travel. You can contact them on Facebook but I think you will need to go in person.
They will want to understand why you overstayed and they may want to charge you for overstaying. It’s better to answer these questions here rather than at the border where you may get delayed. Good luck.
Thank you Muzungu. I have gone to immigration but they said you have to accross the border here we can not do any thing for you. but my fear is if i start traveling to acrossing busia border is it need to get to existing or only kenyan intarance visa i have it?
You might try to apply online for your Kenya tourist visa. If you get approved, you go to the border with your visa approval letter.
From my understanding of your first email, the bigger issue seems to be the fact you have overstayed your visa here in Uganda. In theory they can charge you $30 per day for every day that you overstay. However, if they have just told you to go to the border, perhaps they have decided not to charge you anything.
The fact that you have overstayed in Uganda may be of no interest to Kenya immigration but I can’t advise on that.
Do you know if you will get a stamp in each country you enter?
Ooooo passport stamps! 🙂
Yes, you generally get a stamp on entry and one on exit if you’re on a tourist visa. Safari njema!
Hello Muzungu. I have try to get kenya online tourist visa but i cant.
in kenyan border can i get a stamp on entry?
And for ugandan border to pass is it need to exit stamp?
Hi Falme, in theory yes you should be able to get a Kenya stamp (visa) on the border.
You will first need your exit stamp from Uganda – that is the one you might have a problem with since you overstayed.
Sorry I’m not qualified to answer all your questions because 1) I’m not an immigration expert and 2) I don’t know all the details of your immigration status.
I suggest you contact Kenya immigration in Kampala.
Hi,
do you have any new information about visa on arrival? I’m going to Uganda next week and planing to obtain visa at the airport.
Great blog by the way, lots of useful travel info! Thanks for your work on it.
Hi Endi, glad you’re finding my blog useful 🙂
You should be able to get visa on arrival next week. No changes reported…
I have a close Ugandan friend running a business in Uganda, can he apply for an East Africa Tourist Visa for me at the immigration office in Kampala? Is that possible? If so, how long does it take? Thanks!
Hi, I have applied online for my EA visa and it’s been approved. It says I should take all the usual documents plus a recent passport photo. Is this necessary and on arrival do I simply go to an immigration desk or do I have to go to a special visa counter?
Is there a limit to how close 2 EATVs can be issued? For example, if one left Uganda after the 3-months on the first EATV and wanted to come back for another 3-months on a new EATV after a few weeks, would that cause trouble?
I’m not aware of any such limitations. Up
I have applied for an east african visa. I will be entering through Nairobi, Kenya, then going to Tanzania. After Tanzania, I will be flying to Rwanda. Will this invalidate my East African visa because I am going out of one of the three countries?
Thanks
Yes when you leave Kenya for Tz you are exiting the East Africa Tourist Visa zone.
If possible, go to Tz at the end of your trip…
Hi there, do you know if its fine to apply for the EAV if I’m already in Uganda and planning to visit Kenya for the weekend?
Best wishes
Hi Emma, you won’t be able to get the East Africa Tourist Visa when travelling between Uganda and Kenya because you are already in the “EATV zone.” In theory you can only get the EATV when you first enter Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda. Having said all that, a friend of mine did manage to get an East Africa Tourist Visa when travelling between Uganda and Rwanda, so you can but ask!
Hi there,
I have an East African Visa expiring on the 21st of April 2020.
My return plane ticket to France is on the 19th of May.
Would you know if I can extend my stay in Uganda by asking for a simple Ugandan Tourist visa when my East African Visa will expire?
Thank you very much for your help.
KInd regards,
Victor
Hi Victor, yes you can get a single entry UG tourist visa to extend your stay in Uganda. Enjoy your trip!
Thank you very much for your fast reply.
I just need to go to the Immigration Offices in Kampala just before my East African Visa ends, right?
Thanks again
Happy to help
Yes go 2/3 days before. If you ‘overstay’ you may get charged $30 for every day you’re in country without valid visa.
Next week I’ll be publishing a Guest Blog entitled “How to renew your Uganda tourist visa.” You might find that useful. It’s based on real life experience.
Hello
How long does it take to get east african visa via Kenya online?
Hi Daria, thanks for your enquiry. I’m just checking with a Kenyan tour operator friend.
Hi Daria
Sorry I have delayed getting back to you. I could not find an exact answer to your question but I have been in contact with tour operator friends in Kenya who shared this:
Note that: “Kenyan immigration is advising that all passengers requiring visa to enter Kenya need to apply online. Visa application on arrival into Kenya will also be done online. Cash payments for visas on arrival will NOT be allowed. Visa cards will however be accepted.”
Kenya High Commission in the UK issued a Communique on the resumption of international air travel to Kenya on 1st August 2020.
It states “All arriving passengers on international flights whose body temperature is NOT above 37.5° C (99.5°F); do NOT have a persistent cough, difficulty in breathing or other flu-like symptoms; have negative PCR based COVID – 19 test carried out within 96 hours before travel and are from countries considered low to medium risk COVID – 19 transmission areas shall be exempt from quarantine.
The communique lists “countries from which travelers will be exempt from quarantine” but (how up to date is that list?) Note that “review of countries will be undertaken by Ministry of Health on day to day basis… the risk profile of any country could change and therefore the status with regard to these clarifications and directives could also change.”
I wish I had read this before I applied for my East African Tourist Visa online through Uganda’s electronic visa application system! I am flying from Brussels to Kigali first, then we are going to Uganda. Is there a way to get my visa personalized (not sure what this even means) in Brussels at the airport? Or in Rwanda at the airport? Or do I have to pay for another Rwanda visa and then get my Uganda visa personalized somewhere else? Kigali wasn’t an option in the dropdown menu on the Uganda site. I leave next Thursday from NY
Hi Shannon
Glad this is useful but sorry you are only finding it after purchasing a visa(s).
Please confirm what you have purchased:
1 UG tourist visa + 1 Rwanda tourist visa?
Once I know that, I shall get back to you / run your question past an immigration adviser.
Hello the Muzungu,
I am travelling to 4 east african countries in Sept-Oct this year.
I arrive in Nairobi, Kenya for safaris, then go through Tanzania to continur our safaris. I then fly to Rwanda for a brief stay before driving to Uganda to see the gorillas, then back to Rwanda again briefly before flying back to Kenya to catch my return flight home to Australia.
Can I apply for the East African Visa and get a separate visa for Tanzania? Or will my EAV be invalid the moment I enter Tanzania and will then have to re-purchase separate visas again for Rwanda and Uganda? Thank you!
Dear Isabella, what an exciting trip you have planned!
Firstly, I’m really sorry that I did not see your comment. I normally reply immediately to all comments (so will check out the settings on the blog dashboard).
Secondly, Tanzania is not part of the East Africa tourist visa. You’re right, the EATV will cease to be valid once you enter Tanzania.
Initially, the EATV covered three countries (Uganda Rwanda and Kenya). However, in 2024 Kenya is “visa free” but you do need to pay a digital tax.
As for Rwanda, you may not need a visa either, depending which passport you hold.
I need to update all my blog posts about visas…