How to Get or Apply for the East Africa Tourist Visa in 2025: Complete Step by Step Guide
The East Africa Tourist Visa is a joint visa which allows you to travel across Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda for 90 days with multiple entry in each of the countries. Instead of paying $130 for three separate visas, you pay just $100 for one visa that covers all three countries.
What is the East Africa Tourist Visa?
The East African Tourist Visa is a multi-country visa issued jointly by Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya. Key things to note about this visa include:
- Duration: 90 days from date of issue
- Type: Multiple entry within the three countries(Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda) only
- Purpose: Tourism only - cannot be used for employment
- Cost: $100 USD (non-refundable)
- Validity: Cannot be renewed after expiry or if you exit the region
Important: Your first entry point MUST be the country through which you applied for the visa. For example, if you applied for the East Africa Tourist Visa through the Ugandan immigration portal, Uganda should be the first country you visit, not Kenya or Rwanda. The same applies for Kenya and Rwanda.
Why choose the East Africa Tourist Visa over Individual country visas?
Cost Comparison between Individual Country Visas and the East Africa Tourist Visa
| Visa Type | Cost | Entry Type |
|---|---|---|
| Uganda Single Entry Visa | 50$ | Single Entry |
| Rwanda Single Entry Visa | 50$ | Single Entry |
| Kenya Single Entry Visa | 30$ | Single Entry |
| Total for 3 seperate visas | 130$ | Single Entry |
| East Africa Tourist Visa | 100$ | Multiple Entry |
For those planning to visit Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda, with the East Africa Tourist Visa you get multiple entry into each of these countries at a whooping 100$, saving you 30$.
Who should apply for the East Africa Tourist Visa?
You should apply for the East Africa Tourist Visa if you:
- Plan to visit all three countries (Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda)
- Want to cross borders multiple times during your trip
- Have a confirmed travel itinerary with a licensed tour operator
- Are staying in the region for up to 90 days
Browse our list of available itineraries throughout Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda.
Do NOT apply for the East Africa Tourist Visa if you’re only visiting one country. Instead get that country’s individual visa.
How to get or apply for the East Africa Tourist Visa through Uganda Immigration Portal: Step by Step process.
Applications for the East African Tourist Visa are handled online via the individual country’s immigration portal.
Step 1: Choose Your Application Portal
Apply through the country where you’ll make your first entry. Each country has its own online immigration portal:
- Uganda: Uganda East Africa Tourist Visa Application Portal
- Rwanda: Rwanda East Africa Tourist Visa Application Portal
- Kenya: Check official Kenya immigration website for latest portal
Important: If you apply through Uganda’s Immigration portal, Uganda MUST be your first entry point. Same applies for Rwanda and Kenya.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
Before starting your application, prepare these documents in PDF, JPG, or Word format:
- Passport bio-data page (must be valid for at least 6 months)
- Recent passport-sized photograph
- Yellow Fever vaccination certificate (mandatory)
- Return flight ticket
- Detailed travel itinerary showing your tour plan
- Payment method: Visa or Mastercard (3% surcharge applies)
All documents must be in English. If originals are in another language, provide certified translations.
Step 3: Complete Online Application (Uganda Portal Example)
- Go to the Official Uganda Immigration Portal
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Click “Start New Application”
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Accept the Terms and Conditions plus the Disclaimer.
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Select visa type: “East African Tourist Visa” (Category V11)
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Fill out the complete application form with accurate and up-to-date information
- Upload all required documents(marked as step 3 in the application system)
- The system generates a 6-digit application ID (save this!)
Step 4: Make Payment
- Visa Fee: $100 USD (non-refundable)
- Accepted cards: Visa, Mastercard, debit/credit cards
- Additional 3% processing fee applies
Important: The visa fee is non-refundable even if the visa application is denied or cancelled
Step 5: Wait for Approval
- Processing time: 3-14 business days
- Check your email regularly for updates including your spam folder
- Immigration officers may request additional documents before making a final decision for your application. You can provide these to them via the immigration portal you used to apply initially.
- You’ll receive an approval letter via email
Step 6: Arrival Procedure
When you arrive at the border/airport:
- Bring your printed approval letter
- Bring your original passport
- Bring all uploaded documents (physical copies)
- Report to immigration office for biometric capture
- Present payment receipts
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
What is the processing time for the East Africa Tourist Visa?
Most applications are processed within 3-7 business days, but can take up to 14 days depending on your case.
What is the price of the East Africa Tourist Visa?
The East Africa Tourist Visa costs 100$.
Is the East Africa Tourist Visa multiple entry?
Yes. The East Africa Tourist Visa allows multiple entry into Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda for tourism purposes.
What is the validity of the East African Tourist Visa?
The East African Tourist Visa is valid for 90 days.
How can I get the East Africa Tourist Visa?
You can get the East Africa Tourist Visa by applying through the Official Ugandan Immigration Website OR the Official Rwanda Immigration Website
Which countries are covered by the East Africa Tourist Visa?
The East Africa Tourist Visa allows multiple entry into Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda
What are the rules of the East Africa Tourist Visa?
Your country of application should be your point of Entry. The East Africa Tourist Visa is only valid for 90 days and can’t be used for employment purposes.
What are the requirements to apply for the East Africa Tourist Visa?
To apply you’ll require the following: Copy of passport bio-data page(valid for atleast 6 months), Yellow fever vaccination certificate, Copy of recent Passport sized photograph, Return ticket, Detailed travel itinerary, Any other additional documents as required by the immigration officers.
Can I apply for the East Africa Tourist Visa through Kenya, Rwanda, or Uganda - does it matter?
Yes, it matters! You must enter through the country whose portal you used for the application.
What if I want to visit Tanzania too?
The East African Tourist Visa does NOT include Tanzania. You’ll need a separate Tanzanian visa.
Is the East Africa Tourist Visa fee refundable?
No. The $100 fee is non-refundable even if your application is denied or you cancel.
Can I work with the East Africa Tourist Visa?
No. The East Africa Tourist Visa is strictly for tourism purposes. Employment is prohibited.
Can I extend the East Africa Tourist Visa while in the region?
No. The visa cannot be extended or renewed once issued. It’s valid for exactly 90 days.
What happens to my East Africa Tourist Visa if I leave the region (e.g. fly to Europe)?
Your visa becomes invalid immediately. You cannot re-enter using the same visa.
Do I need a tour company to apply for the East Africa Tourist Visa?
No, but you must provide a detailed travel itinerary showing your planned activities and accommodations.
Can someone apply for the East Africa Tourist Visa on my behalf?
There are no officially authorized agents. Be wary of third parties charging extra fees - you can apply directly yourself.
Which credit cards are accepted when applying for the East Africa Tourist Visa?
Visa and Mastercard credit/debit cards. A 3% processing fee is added.
Can I modify my East Africa Tourist Visa application after submission?
No modifications are allowed once the application has been submitted, unless immigration officers request additional information.
What if my documents aren’t in English?
All documents must be in English. Provide certified translations for documents in other languages.
Visa-Exempt Nationalities for Uganda
If you’re a citizen of these countries, you don’t need a visa for Uganda (but check requirements for Kenya and Rwanda separately): Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi, Ghana, Angola, Zimbabwe, Cyprus, Eritrea, Malawi, Antigua, Barbados, Fiji, Eswatini, Zambia, Comoros, Mauritius, Madagascar, Seychelles, Grenada, Lesotho, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, St. Vincent, Tonga, The Grenadines, Vanuatu, Bahamas, Belize, Gambia, Jamaica, Malta, Singapore
Important Reminders
- Apply at least 2 weeks before travel
- First entry must be through your application country
- Keep multiple copies of approval letter
- Ensure passport validity of 6+ months
- Yellow Fever vaccination is mandatory
- Visa expires if you leave East Africa
- Multiple entries only within Uganda/Kenya/Rwanda
Application Troubleshooting
Problem: Application rejected
Solution: Ensure all documents are clear, in English, and meet the 6-month passport validity requirement. Common rejection reasons include incomplete itineraries or invalid vaccination certificates.
Problem: Payment not processing
Solution: Use Visa or Mastercard with international transactions enabled. Contact your bank if declined.
Problem: Not receiving approval email
Solution: Check spam/junk folders. Contact immigration directly with your application ID if no response after 14 days.
Need More Help?
- Uganda Immigration Help Center: Official Uganda Immigration Website Help Page
- Rwanda Immigration: Official Rwanda Immigration Website
- Kenya Immigration: Check official government website
Final Thoughts
The East African Tourist Visa saves you money ($30) and hassle (multiple applications) when visiting Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda. The application process takes 3-14 days and costs $100. Make sure to apply through the portal of your first entry country and have all documents ready in English. Ready to apply? Choose your entry country portal above and start your application today!
For more essential travel information, check out our other travel guides:
- Everything You Need to Know When Applying for the Ugandan Travel Visa
- Where is Uganda Located in Africa
- What Language Do They Speak in Uganda
- What Currency is used in Uganda
- History, Design and Meaning behind the Uganda Flag
- History, Design and Symbolism behind the Uganda Coat of Arms
- A Guide to the Composition and Structure of the Uganda Nationa Anthem
- Complete Guide to Ugandan Time, Timezone and comparison with major cities around the world
Planning Your Trip to Uganda?
Now that you understand all there is to know about the East Africa Tourist Visa, you’re better suited for a visit to Uganda. Browse our itineraries or contact us to start planning your adventure to Uganda.