The East Africa Tourist Visa is a revolutionary multi-country visa that allows travelers to explore three incredible East African nations—Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda—with a single visa. This joint initiative between the three countries simplifies travel planning and reduces costs for visitors wanting to experience the diverse wildlife, stunning landscapes, and rich cultures of this remarkable region. From gorilla trekking in Rwanda to safari adventures in Kenya's Masai Mara and chimpanzee encounters in Uganda, the East Africa Tourist Visa opens the door to an unforgettable African adventure.
Introduced to promote regional tourism and ease of movement, the East Africa Tourist Visa represents one of Africa's most traveler-friendly initiatives. Instead of applying for three separate visas, paying three different fees, and navigating multiple immigration procedures, travelers can now enter all three countries on a single 90-day multiple-entry visa. This makes it ideal for safari circuits, wildlife photography expeditions, and comprehensive East African experiences that would otherwise require complicated visa arrangements.
This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about the East Africa Tourist Visa in 2026, including eligibility requirements, the application process, costs, validity rules, and essential tips for planning your multi-country East African adventure. Whether you're dreaming of witnessing the Great Migration in the Serengeti, trekking to see mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, or exploring Uganda's Queen Elizabeth National Park, this visa is your gateway to East Africa's natural wonders.
What is the East Africa Tourist Visa?
The East Africa Tourist Visa is a unified travel document that grants multiple-entry access to Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda for tourism purposes. Valid for 90 days from the date of first entry, this visa allows travelers to move freely between the three countries without obtaining additional visas or paying separate entry fees at each border. The visa was created through a partnership between the three nations to boost regional tourism and provide a seamless travel experience for visitors.
The East Africa Tourist Visa is ideal for travelers who want to experience the best of what East Africa has to offer in a single trip. Many popular safari circuits naturally span multiple countries—for example, combining Kenya's Masai Mara with Rwanda's gorilla trekking and Uganda's diverse wildlife. Without this joint visa, such trips would require three separate visa applications, significantly increasing costs and paperwork.
East Africa Tourist Visa Quick Facts
Countries covered: Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda
Validity: 90 days from first entry
Entry type: Multiple entry
Cost: $100 USD
First entry: Must be through the issuing country
Purpose: Tourism only
Countries Covered by the East Africa Visa
The East Africa Tourist Visa covers three countries, each offering unique attractions and experiences:
- Rwanda - The Land of a Thousand Hills: Famous for mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, Kigali's vibrant culture, Lake Kivu, and Nyungwe Forest's chimpanzees and canopy walks
- Kenya - Safari Capital of Africa: Home to the iconic Masai Mara, Mount Kenya, Amboseli National Park with Kilimanjaro views, Nairobi's urban safari experience, and the beautiful Kenyan coast
- Uganda - The Pearl of Africa: Offers gorilla trekking in Bwindi, chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park safaris, Murchison Falls, and the source of the Nile
An important rule to remember: you must enter East Africa through the country that issued your visa first. For example, if you apply through Rwanda, your first entry into the region must be through a Rwandan border post. After that initial entry, you're free to cross between all three countries as many times as you like during the 90-day validity period.
Planning your itinerary around this rule is essential. Consider which country has the most convenient flight connections to your starting point, and apply through that country. Most travelers find Rwanda (Kigali) or Kenya (Nairobi) the easiest entry points due to better international flight availability.
East Africa Visa vs. Individual Visas
| Feature | East Africa Visa | Individual Country Visas |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $100 total | $50-$100+ per country |
| Application | Single application | 3 separate applications |
| Border crossings | Unlimited | May need re-entry visas |
| Validity | 90 days total | Varies by country |
| Best for | Multi-country trips | Single country visits |
Requirements for East Africa Tourist Visa
The East Africa Tourist Visa is available to citizens of most countries worldwide. To qualify, you must meet the following requirements and provide the necessary documentation:
- Valid passport with at least 6 months validity beyond travel dates
- At least 2 blank passport pages for stamps
- Passport-sized digital photograph (white background)
- Valid email address for correspondence
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate (required)
- Proof of accommodation in all three countries
- Detailed travel itinerary covering your planned route
- Return or onward flight ticket
- Proof of sufficient funds for your stay
Yellow Fever Vaccination Required
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for all travelers entering Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda. You must be vaccinated at least 10 days before arrival. The International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card) is checked at immigration and may be verified at land borders. Traveling without this certificate can result in denial of entry.
How to Apply for East Africa Tourist Visa
The East Africa Tourist Visa can be applied for online through the e-visa portal of Rwanda, Kenya, or Uganda. Choose the country where you plan to enter East Africa first, as this will be your issuing country. The application process is straightforward:
- Select your entry country — Decide which country you'll enter first (Rwanda, Kenya, or Uganda) based on your itinerary and flight connections
- Visit the official e-visa portal — Access the e-visa website of your chosen entry country. Each country has its own online application system
- Create an account — Register with your email address and create a secure password for tracking your application
- Select 'East Africa Tourist Visa' — Choose this specific visa type from the available options, not the single-country tourist visa
- Enter personal details — Fill in your information exactly as it appears on your passport, including full name, date of birth, and passport details
- Provide travel information — Enter your intended entry date, accommodation details for all three countries, and complete travel itinerary
- Upload required documents — Submit passport scan, photo, yellow fever certificate, accommodation bookings, and flight tickets
- Pay the visa fee — Complete payment of $100 USD via credit card, debit card, or other accepted payment methods
- Submit and wait — Review your application and submit. Processing typically takes 3-7 business days
- Download your e-visa — Once approved, download and print your visa. Present it at immigration upon arrival
Choose Your Entry Country Wisely
Apply through the country with the best flight connections to your origin. Kigali (Rwanda) and Nairobi (Kenya) have the most international flights. Consider flight costs, convenience, and your itinerary when deciding. Remember: you MUST enter through your issuing country first.
Costs & Fees
The East Africa Tourist Visa costs a flat fee of $100 USD, regardless of which country you apply through. This is significantly more economical than obtaining separate visas for each country, which could cost $150-$200 or more combined.
Cost Comparison
| Option | Fee | Countries Covered |
|---|---|---|
| East Africa Tourist Visa | $100 | Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda |
| Rwanda Single-Entry Visa | $50 | Rwanda only |
| Kenya Single-Entry Visa | $51 | Kenya only |
| Uganda Single-Entry Visa | $50 | Uganda only |
| Individual visas total | $151+ | All three separately |
The $100 fee covers the entire 90-day multiple-entry visa. There are no additional fees for crossing borders between the three countries during your stay. Payment is processed online during the application using major credit cards, and the fee is non-refundable if your application is denied, so ensure you meet all requirements before applying. The visa represents excellent value for travelers planning multi-country itineraries.
Common Myths About East Africa Visa
You can enter through any of the three countries regardless of which issued the visa
This is incorrect. You must enter East Africa through the country that issued your visa first. If you apply through Rwanda, your first entry must be at a Rwandan border post. After the initial entry, you can freely cross between all three countries. Entering through a different country will result in denied entry and require a separate visa.
The East Africa Visa includes Tanzania
Tanzania is not part of the East Africa Tourist Visa scheme. While Tanzania is geographically in East Africa and a popular safari destination, it operates its own separate visa system. If you plan to visit Tanzania, you'll need a separate Tanzanian visa in addition to the East Africa Tourist Visa. Tanzania has considered joining the scheme but has not yet done so as of 2026.
You can use the East Africa Visa for business purposes or work
The East Africa Tourist Visa is strictly for tourism purposes only. It does not permit business activities, employment, study, or volunteer work. For business travel, you'll need to apply for a business visa from each country you plan to conduct business in. Working on a tourist visa is illegal and can result in deportation and bans.
Rwanda
Capital: Kigali
Currency: Rwandan Franc (RWF)
Language: Kinyarwanda, English, French
Timezone: UTC+2 (CAT)
Processing: 3-7 business days
Quick Facts
- East Africa Visa: $100
- 90 days validity
- Rwanda, Kenya & Uganda
- Mountain gorilla capital
Travel Tips for East Africa
Planning a multi-country East African adventure requires careful preparation. East Africa offers some of the most incredible wildlife experiences on the planet, from the iconic Great Migration in Kenya to intimate gorilla encounters in Rwanda and Uganda. The region's diverse landscapes range from snow-capped mountains to tropical rainforests to vast savannas teeming with wildlife. With the East Africa Tourist Visa, you can experience all of this and more with minimal bureaucratic hassle. Here are essential tips for making the most of your East Africa Tourist Visa:
- Book gorilla permits early: Rwanda and Uganda gorilla trekking permits cost $1,500 and $700 respectively and sell out months in advance. Book as early as possible
- Plan your route logically: Consider geography and transportation when planning. Rwanda to Uganda is a natural overland route, while Kenya may require flights
- Allow buffer days: Weather can affect safaris and trekking. Build flexibility into your itinerary for delays
- Carry USD in cash: While local currencies are used, USD is widely accepted for tourist services. Bring small denominations
- Get travel insurance: Comprehensive coverage including medical evacuation is essential for safari activities and remote areas
- Pack layers: Gorilla trekking at altitude can be cold even on the equator. Bring rain gear and warm clothing
- Respect wildlife: Maintain safe distances from animals, follow guide instructions, and never feed wildlife
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the East Africa Tourist Visa cost?
How long is the East Africa Visa valid?
Can I enter through a different country than the one that issued my visa?
Is Tanzania included in the East Africa Tourist Visa?
How long does East Africa Visa processing take?
Do I need a yellow fever vaccination?
Can I apply for the East Africa Visa on arrival?
What if I only want to visit one or two countries?
Can I use the East Africa Visa for business travel?
How many times can I cross borders with the East Africa Visa?
Which country should I apply through?
Can I extend the East Africa Tourist Visa?
Do children need their own East Africa Visa?
What documents do I need for the East Africa Visa?
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Just did a 3-week trip using the East Africa Visa - Rwanda for gorillas, Kenya for Masai Mara, and Uganda for chimps. The visa worked perfectly at every border. Best trip of my life!
Quick question - if I apply through Kenya but my flight lands in Kigali first, can I still use the visa?
The gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park was incredible! Make sure to book your permits way in advance - we booked 6 months ahead and still barely got our preferred dates.
Saving money with this visa compared to getting three separate ones was great, but the real benefit is not having to worry about visas at each border crossing. So convenient!
Does the visa work for land border crossings or only airports? I want to drive from Rwanda to Uganda.
Important tip: Don't forget the yellow fever vaccine! I saw someone turned away at Kigali airport because they didn't have the certificate. Get vaccinated at least 2 weeks before!
We combined the Masai Mara for the migration with Rwanda's gorillas - using this visa made the logistics so much easier. Both experiences were absolutely life-changing.
Is Tanzania part of this visa? I want to add Serengeti to my trip.
Applied through Uganda e-visa portal and got approved in 4 days. The whole process was smooth. Starting my trip in Entebbe next month!
Pro tip: Kigali is super clean and has great restaurants. Don't just use it as a transit point - spend at least 2 days there. The genocide memorial is a must-visit.
Best $100 I ever spent! Saw the Big Five in Kenya, gorillas in Rwanda, and chimps in Uganda. The visa paid for itself many times over in convenience alone.
Can I apply for this visa if I only want to visit Rwanda and Kenya? Or do I have to visit all three countries?