East Africa Tourist Visa Guide: Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda eVisa Eligibility Checker

The East Africa Tourist Visa is a regional tourist visa for travelers who want to visit Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda on one trip. It allows multiple movements inside the three-country zone during its validity, but it is not a work permit, residence permit or visa for all East African countries.

Use the checker to confirm whether your passport, first-entry country and travel purpose fit the East Africa Tourist Visa route, or whether you should use Kenya eTA, Rwanda visa on arrival/eVisa, Uganda eVisa, visa-free entry or a separate national visa.

Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda onlyUSD 100 government fee90-day regional validityTourism onlyFirst entry must match issuing country

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Africa Tour Visa is a private assistance service. Official approval, fee collection and entry decisions are made by the immigration authorities of Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda.

Check East Africa Visa Route

Select your passport, first-entry country and purpose. The result explains whether the East Africa Tourist Visa is the right option or whether a national visa, eTA, exemption or permit is safer.

Select your passport country and first-entry country.

Your result will show whether East Africa Tourist Visa, Kenya eTA, Rwanda visitor route, Uganda eVisa, visa-free entry or a separate visa is likely required.

Guide index

Plan one regional trip without choosing the wrong visa

The East Africa Tourist Visa is useful for multi-country safaris and leisure travel, but it has strict limits. It is valid only inside Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda, and the country that issues it should be the first country you enter.

Visa overviewWhat the EATV does and who it is for.Key rulesFirst entry, validity, exit from the region and non-extension.Covered countriesKenya, Rwanda, Uganda and countries not covered.DocumentsPassport, photo, itinerary, ticket, Yellow Fever and accommodation.FeesUSD 100 government fee and payment cautions.How to applyKenya, Rwanda and Uganda first-entry routes.ArrivalBorder crossings, immigration checks and regional movement.FAQAnswers before you book your safari.

East Africa Tourist Visa overview

What is the East Africa Tourist Visa?

The East Africa Tourist Visa, often shortened to EATV, is a joint regional tourist visa used by Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda. It is designed for foreign travelers who want to visit two or three of these countries during one trip without buying separate tourist visas for each country.

The visa is normally issued for tourism, holidays, safaris, gorilla trekking, cultural visits and short family or private visits. During its validity, travelers may move between Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda multiple times, provided they do not leave the three-country visa zone. Once a traveler exits the zone to a non-participating country, the same authorization may no longer support re-entry.

The East Africa Tourist Visa is not a continent-wide African visa and not an East African Community residence right. It does not cover Tanzania, Burundi, South Sudan, Somalia, Ethiopia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo or any country outside Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda.

Important first-entry rule

You should apply through the country where you will first enter the East Africa Tourist Visa zone. If your first arrival is Nairobi, your route starts with Kenya. If your first arrival is Kigali, use the Rwanda route. If your first arrival is Entebbe, use Uganda.

Validity and conditions

East Africa Tourist Visa rules at a glance

Before applying, confirm that the regional visa matches your itinerary, nationality and purpose of travel. If one part of the trip is for work, residence, paid activity, study, journalism or long-term volunteering, a national permit may be required instead.

East Africa Tourist Visa core conditions
Feature	Rule	Traveler note
Participating countries	Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda.	No other country is covered.
Purpose	Tourism and short leisure travel.	Not for employment, residence, study or regulated work.
Government fee	USD 100.	Payment terms and bank charges depend on the issuing authority.
Validity	Usually 90 days.	Count travel carefully from issue or entry instructions shown on the approval.
Entries	Multiple movement within Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda.	Leaving the bloc can end practical use of the visa.
Extension	Generally not extendable.	Apply for the correct national route if you need a longer stay.
First entry	Must normally be the issuing country.	Apply through the country where your trip begins.

Countries covered

Where the East Africa Tourist Visa works — and where it does not

The regional visa is narrow by design. It simplifies tourist movement between three destinations, but it should not be confused with all East Africa travel or the wider East African Community.

Covered by the EATV

Kenya: Nairobi, Maasai Mara, Amboseli, Diani, Mombasa, Lake Nakuru and national parks.
Rwanda: Kigali, Volcanoes National Park, Akagera, Nyungwe and Lake Kivu.
Uganda: Entebbe, Kampala, Bwindi, Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls and Lake Victoria.

Not covered by the EATV

Tanzania and Zanzibar require separate Tanzania entry rules.
Burundi, South Sudan, Somalia and Ethiopia are not part of this visa.
Democratic Republic of the Congo requires separate entry permission.
Leaving to any non-participating country may stop you from using the same EATV again.

Kenya eTA interaction

Kenya now operates an Electronic Travel Authorization system for many travelers instead of a traditional tourist visa. If Kenya is your first entry point and your itinerary includes Rwanda or Uganda, follow the current instructions shown by Kenya’s official immigration platform for the correct authorization route.

Eligibility by passport

Who should use the East Africa Tourist Visa?

The EATV is mainly for foreign tourists who need authorization to visit Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda together. Some travelers do not need it because they are citizens of East African Partner States, qualify for visa-free entry, or only plan to visit one country.

East Africa Tourist Visa eligibility profiles
Traveler profile	Likely route	Reason
Tourist visiting Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda in one trip	East Africa Tourist Visa may be suitable.	One regional visa can simplify multi-country tourism.
Tourist visiting only Kenya	Kenya eTA or exemption route.	A regional visa may be unnecessary.
Tourist visiting only Rwanda	Rwanda visitor visa, visa on arrival or exemption route.	Rwanda has broad visitor arrangements.
Tourist visiting only Uganda	Uganda eVisa or visa-exempt route.	A single-country Uganda visa is normally cheaper than EATV.
EAC citizen	Regional citizen/free-movement route.	EAC citizens generally should not need the tourist visa for ordinary short entry.
Work, study, residence or paid activity	National permit route.	EATV cannot be used as work or residence authorization.
Refugee, stateless or emergency travel document holder	Special verification.	Document acceptance must be checked before travel.

Required documents

East Africa Tourist Visa requirements

Documents should be clear, consistent and in the language required by the issuing authority. If the first-entry country requests extra files, upload those documents even if another participating country would not ask for them.

Common East Africa Tourist Visa document checklist
Document	Usually required?	Guidance
Passport	Yes	Valid for at least six months, with enough blank pages for regional entry and exit stamps.
Passport bio page scan	Yes	Clear color scan showing all identity data and passport validity.
Passport photograph	Yes	Recent color passport-style photo on a plain background.
Travel itinerary	Yes	Show intended travel within Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda.
Return or onward ticket	Yes	Evidence that you will leave the region before your authorization expires.
Accommodation	Yes	Hotel bookings, lodge confirmations, tour itinerary or host invitation.
Yellow Fever certificate	Where required	May be required based on country rules, age and travel history; Uganda commonly requires it for EATV applications.
Proof of funds	May be requested	Bank card, statement, sponsor evidence or travel package confirmation.
Minor documents	Children	Birth certificate, parental consent and parent passport copies may be requested.

Fees and processing

East Africa Tourist Visa fee, payment and processing time

The standard government fee is USD 100. Government fees are generally non-refundable once paid, even if the application is refused or the traveler later changes plans.

Fee and timing guide
Item	Amount or timing	Notes
East Africa Tourist Visa government fee	USD 100	Bank charges or online payment charges may apply.
Standard processing	Often 3–7 working days	Allow more time during holidays, system maintenance or document review.
Recommended application time	2–3 weeks before travel	Do not wait until the day before departure.
Separate Tanzania visa	Not included	Required separately if your itinerary includes Tanzania or Zanzibar.
Private assistance service fee	Separate, if selected	Private services are not government fees.

Processing times are estimates, not guarantees. Applications can be delayed by unclear passport scans, inconsistent travel dates, missing Yellow Fever certificates, unverified accommodation, duplicate applications or payment problems.

Application process

How to apply for the East Africa Tourist Visa

The correct application route depends on where you will first enter the EATV zone. Your first port of entry should match the country that issues or processes your regional visa authorization.

Application route by first-entry country
First entry	Application route	Important note
Kenya	Follow current Kenya immigration/eTA guidance for regional tourist travel.	Kenya’s eTA system has changed how many visitors submit pre-travel information.
Rwanda	Apply through Rwanda immigration or Irembo services where available.	Select the East Africa Tourist Visa when that is the correct category.
Uganda	Apply through Uganda’s electronic visa portal.	Uganda lists the East Africa Tourist Visa as an online visa category.
Tanzania, Burundi, DRC or another country first	EATV is not the correct first-entry visa.	Enter Kenya, Rwanda or Uganda first if using EATV.

1. Confirm the first entry

Book the route so your first arrival is Kenya, Rwanda or Uganda and matches the issuing country.

2. Prepare a regional itinerary

List the parks, cities, lodges and border crossings you plan to use inside the three-country zone.

3. Upload documents

Upload your passport, photo, ticket, itinerary, accommodation and health certificate where required.

4. Pay and wait for review

Pay the official fee and wait for approval before relying on the visa for travel.

5. Travel with printed approval

Carry paper and digital copies of your approval and supporting travel file.

6. Stay inside the zone

Keep movements inside Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda until your regional trip is finished.

Start East Africa Visa Assistance

Arrival and border movement

Using the visa at airports and land borders

Immigration officers may check your passport, printed approval, travel itinerary, hotel bookings, return ticket, funds evidence and Yellow Fever certificate. Keep documents accessible when moving between countries.

Common entry points

Kenya: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Moi International Airport and approved land borders.
Rwanda: Kigali International Airport and official land borders.
Uganda: Entebbe International Airport and official land borders.
Use official border posts and keep entry/exit stamps clear.

Travel actions to avoid

Do not use the EATV for work, employment or residence.
Do not leave to Tanzania or another country and assume the same visa will still work.
Do not overstay the 90-day regional validity.
Do not enter through a country different from the issuing country without checking first.

Separate visas

Countries often confused with the East Africa Tourist Visa

Many safari itineraries include countries that are geographically in East Africa but not covered by the EATV. Plan those visas separately.

Tanzania Visa

Tanzania and Zanzibar are not covered by EATV. Check Tanzania eVisa, visa on arrival and Zanzibar insurance rules.

Tanzania visa guide

Kenya eTA

Kenya uses an electronic travel authorization system for many visitors and separate rules for exempt travelers.

Kenya eTA guide

Rwanda Visa

Rwanda has broad visa-on-arrival and online services, plus EATV for regional tourism.

Rwanda visa guide

Uganda eVisa

Uganda requires most visa-required travelers to apply online and also supports the EATV route.

Uganda visa guide

Mistakes and refusals

Common reasons East Africa Tourist Visa applications are delayed

First-entry country does not match the country selected in the application.
Itinerary includes Tanzania, DRC, Ethiopia or another non-covered country as part of the same visa route.
Passport has less than six months validity or lacks blank pages.
Passport scan or photo is blurry, cropped or unreadable.
Yellow Fever certificate is missing where required.
Travel purpose is business, work, study, volunteering or journalism rather than tourism.

Accommodation does not match the travel dates.
Return/onward ticket is missing or outside the validity period.
Applicant uses a refugee, stateless, temporary or emergency document without pre-checking acceptance.
Duplicate applications or payment errors create conflicting records.
Minor documents such as consent letters are missing.
Previous immigration violations trigger extra review.

FAQ

East Africa Tourist Visa frequently asked questions

Is the East Africa Tourist Visa an eVisa?

It can be requested through online immigration services depending on the country of first entry, but the exact platform and process depend on whether Kenya, Rwanda or Uganda is your issuing country. Treat it as a regional tourist visa with electronic application options, not as one single continent-wide eVisa.

Which countries are included?

Only Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda. It does not include Tanzania, Zanzibar, Burundi, South Sudan, Somalia, Ethiopia or the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

How much does the East Africa Tourist Visa cost?

The standard government fee is USD 100. Portal payment charges or bank charges may apply, and fees are generally non-refundable after payment.

How long is it valid?

The visa is generally valid for 90 days and allows movement within Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda during that period, provided you remain inside the three-country zone.

Can I enter Tanzania with this visa?

No. Tanzania has separate visa and entry rules. If your itinerary includes Tanzania or Zanzibar, check Tanzania requirements separately before travel.

Where should I apply?

Apply through the country where you first enter the EATV zone. Use Kenya guidance if entering Kenya first, Rwanda guidance if entering Rwanda first and Uganda guidance if entering Uganda first.

Can I use the visa for business meetings?

The EATV is designed for tourism. If you are attending paid work, formal business, professional assignments or commercial activity, check the national business visa or permit rules.

Is the visa extendable?

The East Africa Tourist Visa is generally not renewable or extendable. If you need to stay longer, ask the relevant immigration authority before the visa expires and consider a national visa route.

Do children need their own visa?

Children normally need their own travel authorization unless a specific exemption applies. Minors may also need birth certificates, parental consent and copies of parent passports.

Do I need Yellow Fever vaccination?

Yellow Fever requirements depend on travel history, age and national rules. Uganda’s EATV guidance lists a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate among required attachments. Carry the certificate if your route or destination requires it.

Can I leave to another country and come back with the same visa?

Leaving the Kenya-Rwanda-Uganda zone can cause the regional visa to stop being usable for re-entry. Check before planning side trips to Tanzania, Ethiopia, South Sudan or other countries.

Is Kenya eTA the same as the East Africa Tourist Visa?

No. Kenya eTA is Kenya’s pre-travel authorization system. The East Africa Tourist Visa is a regional tourist visa for Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda. If Kenya is your first country, follow the latest Kenya immigration instructions for the correct route.

What documents should I print?

Print the visa approval, passport bio page copy, accommodation confirmations, itinerary, return or onward ticket, insurance details and Yellow Fever certificate where applicable.

Can I apply after arriving?

Rules differ by country and system. Travelers should apply before travel where the portal requires pre-approval. Do not assume an airport or land border can issue the correct regional visa without prior application.

Does approval guarantee entry?

No. Border officers make the final entry decision. They may refuse entry if documents are inconsistent, the traveler does not meet entry conditions or the stated purpose does not match the visa.

Check Your East Africa Tourist Visa Route Before You Book

Confirm your passport-country eligibility, first-entry country, regional itinerary, documents, Yellow Fever requirements and whether Kenya, Rwanda or Uganda should process your trip.

Start East Africa Visa Assistance