East Africa Tourist Visa to Uganda Rwanda and Kenya. Traveling through East Africa offers an extraordinary opportunity to experience some of the continent’s most diverse and awe-inspiring destinations. Whether you’re gorilla trekking in Uganda, exploring the savannahs of Kenya, or visiting Rwanda’s vibrant capital Kigali, the East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV) simplifies your travel logistics by allowing you to explore three countries with just one visa.

This regional visa is a smart, cost-effective, and convenient option for tourists planning to visit Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya within a single trip. Here’s everything you need to know about the East Africa Tourist Visa and how it enhances your travel experience.

What is the East Africa Tourist Visa?

The East Africa Tourist Visa is a multiple-entry visa that allows foreign nationals to travel freely between Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya for tourism purposes. It’s valid for 90 consecutive days and is issued as a joint visa by the immigration authorities of the three countries.

With the EATV, you can cross borders multiple times within the validity period, as long as you remain within these three countries. It removes the need to apply for separate visas for each country, saving time and money while offering a smooth and flexible travel experience.

Benefits of the East Africa Tourist Visa

1. Convenience and Flexibility
   The biggest advantage of the EATV is that it allows travelers to move freely between Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya without having to apply for separate visas each time you enter a different country.

2. Cost-Effective
   The EATV costs USD 100, which is less expensive than getting three separate tourist visas (each costing around USD 50). It’s a great value for tourists planning a multi-country safari or overland adventure.

3. Multi-Entry Access
   You can cross the borders multiple times during the 90-day validity, making it ideal for travelers who want to explore more deeply or revisit favorite spots during their stay.

4. Streamlined Application
   The application process is straightforward and can often be done online or upon arrival, depending on your first point of entry.

How to Apply for the East Africa Tourist Visa

You must apply for the East Africa Tourist Visa through the country you intend to visit first. For example:

• If your trip starts in Uganda, apply through the Uganda Immigration Portal.

• If you’re landing first in Rwanda, apply via the Rwanda Directorate General of Immigration.

• If you’re beginning your trip in Kenya, apply through the eCitizen portal.

Make sure to apply in advance if you’re entering via an airport or border that does not issue visas on arrival. Here’s a general guide to the application process:

Requirements:

• A valid passport (with at least 6 months validity)

• A passport-sized photo

• Return or onward ticket

• Proof of accommodation or tour itinerary

• USD 100 visa fee (paid online or at point of entry)

Processing time may vary by country, but online applications are usually approved within 2–3 business days.

Entry Points for the EATV

You can use the East Africa Tourist Visa at major airports and border crossings in each of the three participating countries. Popular entry points include:

• Uganda: Entebbe International Airport, Cyanika border (Rwanda), Busia border (Kenya)

• Rwanda: Kigali International Airport, Cyanika border (Uganda), Gatuna border (Uganda)

• Kenya: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi), Busia border (Uganda), Namanga border (Tanzania – not included under EATV)

Note: You must not leave the three EATV countries during the 90 days. If you travel outside this zone (e.g., to Tanzania or South Sudan), the visa becomes invalid.

Top Destinations to Explore with the East Africa Tourist Visa

Uganda

Known as the “Pearl of Africa”, Uganda is home to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for gorilla trekking, Murchison Falls, the Nile River, and abundant wildlife in parks like Queen Elizabeth and Kidepo Valley. See our sample tour for Uganda, 18 Days Ultimate Uganda Safari

Rwanda

Rwanda offers a combination of natural beauty and compelling history. Trek the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, enjoy chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest, or take a relaxing city tour of the clean and modern capital, Kigali. See our 6 Days Gorilla, Chimpanzee Adventure

Kenya

Famous for its classic savannah safaris, Kenya boasts iconic parks like Masai Mara, Amboseli, and Tsavo, along with the beautiful coastal cities of Mombasa and Diani. Nairobi offers cultural attractions like the Giraffe Centre and Karen Blixen Museum. See our 10 Days Best of Kenya’s Big-5 Trip package.

With the EATV, you can seamlessly move from gorilla trekking in Uganda, to Kigali’s genocide memorial in Rwanda, and then on to a big-five safari in Kenya.

Important Tips for Travelers

• Always carry a copy of your visa and passport while traveling across borders.

• The visa is strictly for tourism purposes—not for business or work.

• Make sure your travel insurance covers all three countries.

• Book with registered tour operators, such as Kenlink Tours, who can help you plan your itinerary and assist with border transfers and visa guidance.

The East Africa Tourist Visa is a fantastic initiative that reflects the growing cooperation and regional integration of Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya. It simplifies travel for tourists and promotes regional tourism by encouraging exploration across borders. Whether you’re interested in gorillas, savannah safaris, cultural experiences, or scenic landscapes, the EATV makes it all accessible with just one visa.

For help planning your East Africa adventure, feel free to reach out to Kenlink Tours at:

📧 kenlinktours@gmail.com | info@kenlinktours.com
📞 +256 789 210067