Traveling across East Africa, particularly Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya, is easier than ever thanks to visa agreements and regional cooperation. Whether you’re planning a single-country safari or a multi-country journey, understanding visa requirements will help you avoid delays and extra costs.
The East Africa Tourist Visa
The East Africa Tourist Visa is the most convenient option for travelers visiting Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya on the same trip. It’s a single-entry visa valid for 90 days that allows you to move freely between the three countries without applying for separate visas.
You must apply through the country you enter first. For example, if you’re landing in Kigali, you apply through Rwanda’s immigration system. Once issued, you can use the visa to travel to Uganda and Kenya without extra paperwork, as long as you do not leave the region. If you exit East Africa (for instance, to Tanzania or South Sudan), the visa becomes void.
The cost of the East Africa Tourist Visa is $100.
Country-Specific Visa Policies
Each East African country also offers individual visas. These are useful if you plan to visit only one country or are entering the region from a country not covered under the East Africa Tourist Visa.
Uganda
Uganda requires a visa for most travelers, which can be obtained online through the official e-visa portal. The tourist visa is valid for 90 days and costs $50. You’ll need a passport with at least six months’ validity, a recent passport photo, proof of yellow fever vaccination, and a travel itinerary.
Rwanda
Rwanda offers several visa options, including the East Africa Tourist Visa and a standard single-entry visa for $50. Most travelers can apply online in advance or obtain a visa on arrival at Kigali International Airport and border crossings. Rwanda also offers a 30-day visa-free stay for citizens of African Union, Commonwealth, and La Francophonie countries.
Kenya
Kenya requires an e-visa for most visitors, which must be obtained before arrival. Applications are submitted online and processed within a few days. A single-entry tourist visa costs $50 and allows a stay of up to 90 days. Kenya also participates in the East Africa Tourist Visa program.
Tanzania
Tanzania is not part of the East Africa Tourist Visa agreement, so you must apply for a separate visa if you plan to visit. Most travelers can apply online or obtain a visa on arrival. The standard single-entry tourist visa costs $50. US citizens are required to apply for a multiple-entry visa, which costs $100.
South Sudan, Burundi, and Others
South Sudan and Burundi each have separate visa requirements. These countries are not part of the East African Community’s tourist visa arrangement, and entry usually requires an invitation letter or pre-approved clearance. It’s recommended to contact the relevant embassy or immigration authority for up-to-date application procedures.
Additional Considerations
Always check the latest visa policies on official immigration websites before you travel. Processing times, costs, and eligibility can change. While online visa applications are widely accepted, processing delays are possible during peak travel months.
Keep printed copies of your visa approval documents, passport bio page, vaccination certificates, hotel bookings, and return flight details, especially if you’re entering by land. Border officials may request to see them.
Travelers under 18 may be required to show additional documentation, including birth certificates and authorization letters if not traveling with both parents.
By choosing the right visa option and preparing the correct documents, you can travel across East Africa smoothly and focus more on your experience than paperwork.
