The East African Tourist Visa lets you visit Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda on a single USD 100 authorization valid for 90 days with multiple entries. Launched in February 2014 by the three East African Community member states, this joint visa eliminates the need to apply separately for each country. It is open to all nationalities and cannot be extended beyond the 90-day validity period.
If you are planning a multi-country East Africa safari or holiday, this visa saves money and paperwork compared to obtaining individual authorizations. A standard Kenya eTA costs $32.50, a Rwanda visa costs $50, and a Uganda visa costs $50 — totaling $132.50 if purchased separately. The East African Tourist Visa covers all three for $100.
What Is the East African Tourist Visa?
The East African Tourist Visa (EATV) is a joint tourist visa issued by Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda under a 2014 agreement to promote regional tourism. It is a single document that grants entry to all three countries within a 90-day window.
Unlike individual country visas, the EATV is a regional authorization. You do not need to apply for separate visas or eTAs for Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda if you hold this visa. It replaces the need for:
- A Kenya eTA (normally $32.50)
- A Rwanda tourist visa (normally $50)
- A Uganda tourist visa (normally $50)
The visa was designed for tourists who want to experience the diverse attractions of East Africa — from Kenya’s Maasai Mara and Amboseli to Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (home to mountain gorillas).
East African Tourist Visa: Key Details
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Fee | USD 100 |
| Validity | 90 days from first entry |
| Entry type | Multiple entry across Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda |
| Countries covered | Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda |
| Nationality restrictions | None — open to all nationalities |
| Extendable | No |
| Age requirement | All travelers, including children |
| First entry requirement | Must enter the issuing country first |
The multiple-entry feature means you can move freely between the three countries during the 90-day period. For example, you could fly into Nairobi, travel to Kigali, cross into Kampala, and return to Nairobi — all on the same visa.
How to Apply for the East African Tourist Visa
You can apply for the East African Tourist Visa through any of the three member countries’ online portals. The most common route for travelers starting in Kenya is through the Kenya eTA portal.
Applying Through Kenya (etakenya.go.ke)
- Visit etakenya.go.ke and create an account
- Select “East African Tourist Visa” as your visa type
- Fill in personal details, travel dates, and accommodation information
- Upload required documents (passport scan, photo, travel itinerary)
- Pay the $100 fee online via credit or debit card
- Wait for approval (typically 3-7 business days)
Applying Through Rwanda
Rwanda processes EATV applications through its Irembo platform (irembo.gov). The process is similar, and the visa is valid for entry into all three countries.
Applying Through Uganda
Uganda processes EATV applications through its electronic visa portal. The application follows the same structure as the other two countries.
Important: Whichever country issues your EATV, you must enter that country first. If Kenya issues your visa, your first point of entry must be Kenya. After entering Kenya, you can travel freely to Rwanda and Uganda within the 90-day validity.
For general application guidance, see our How to Apply for Kenya eTA walkthrough.
Documents Required
To apply for the East African Tourist Visa, you will need:
- Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity
- Recent passport-size photograph (digital upload)
- Return or onward flight ticket
- Proof of accommodation in at least one of the three countries
- Travel itinerary showing planned visits to multiple countries
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate (required for entry to all three countries)
- Payment of USD 100 (credit or debit card)
The yellow fever certificate is mandatory. Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda all require proof of yellow fever vaccination for travelers arriving from endemic countries, and random checks occur at all entry points even for travelers from non-endemic regions.
For passport-specific requirements, visit our Kenya Passport Requirements page.
East African Tourist Visa vs Individual eTAs
The decision between the EATV and individual authorizations depends on how many countries you plan to visit.
| Scenario | Best Option | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Kenya only | Standard Kenya eTA | $32.50 |
| Kenya + Rwanda | EATV | $100 |
| Kenya + Uganda | EATV | $100 |
| Rwanda + Uganda (no Kenya) | Separate visas | $100 |
| Kenya + Rwanda + Uganda | EATV | $100 |
| Kenya only, multiple trips per year | 1-Year Multiple Entry eTA | ~$100 |
If you are only visiting Kenya, the standard eTA at $32.50 is the better choice. But if your itinerary includes any combination of Kenya with Rwanda or Uganda, the EATV at $100 is more cost-effective than buying separate visas.
For a full comparison of all Kenya visa types and fees, see our Kenya Visa Types guide and Kenya eTA Fee breakdown.
Countries Covered by the East African Tourist Visa
Kenya
Kenya is the most common entry point for EATV holders. The country offers world-famous safari parks, Indian Ocean beaches, and vibrant urban culture.
- Top attractions: Maasai Mara, Amboseli, Mount Kenya, Diani Beach, Nairobi National Park
- Best time to visit: July-October (Great Migration), January-March (dry season)
- Currency: Kenyan Shilling (KES)
Rwanda
Known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” Rwanda has become one of Africa’s most sought-after destinations, particularly for gorilla trekking.
- Top attractions: Volcanoes National Park, Lake Kivu, Kigali Genocide Memorial, Nyungwe Forest
- Best time to visit: June-September (dry season, best for gorilla trekking)
- Currency: Rwandan Franc (RWF)
Uganda
Uganda offers diverse wildlife, lush landscapes, and the source of the Nile River. It is a premier destination for primate tracking and adventure tourism.
- Top attractions: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Jinja (source of the Nile)
- Best time to visit: June-September, December-February (dry seasons)
- Currency: Ugandan Shilling (UGX)
Rules and Restrictions
Understanding the EATV rules will help you avoid problems at immigration:
- First entry rule: You must enter the issuing country first. If Kenya issued your visa, your first arrival must be in Kenya.
- No extension: The 90-day validity cannot be extended. You must leave the three countries before the visa expires.
- No work: The EATV is strictly for tourism. It does not authorize employment, business activities, or long-term stays.
- Exit and re-entry: You can leave the three countries and return within the 90-day window, as long as the visa remains valid.
- Children: All travelers, including children and infants, need their own EATV.
- Overstay penalties: Overstaying the 90-day validity results in fines and potential bans from future entry.
Processing Time
EATV processing times vary by country of application:
| Country | Typical Processing | Apply At Least |
|---|---|---|
| Kenya | 3-7 business days | 2 weeks before travel |
| Rwanda | 3-5 business days | 2 weeks before travel |
| Uganda | 5-10 business days | 3 weeks before travel |
Processing times are estimates. Some applications may take longer if additional verification is needed. Always apply well in advance of your travel date to avoid last-minute complications.
For Kenya-specific processing details, see our Kenya eTA Processing Time page.
Tips for Your East Africa Trip
- Book gorilla permits early: Rwanda and Uganda gorilla trekking permits sell out months in advance. Book before applying for your visa.
- Get vaccinated: Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory. Consider malaria prophylaxis and other recommended vaccinations.
- Carry USD: US dollars are widely accepted for tourist activities across all three countries. Notes should be dated 2009 or later.
- Internal flights: Regional carriers like Kenya Airways, RwandAir, and Uganda Airlines connect the three capitals (Nairobi, Kigali, Kampala/Entebbe).
- Border crossings: Land borders between the three countries are open. The most common crossings are Gatuna (Rwanda-Uganda) and Busia (Kenya-Uganda).
FAQs About the East African Tourist Visa
Can I apply for the East African Tourist Visa on arrival?
No. The EATV must be applied for online before travel. Kenya eliminated visa-on-arrival for all nationalities in January 2024. Rwanda and Uganda also require advance online applications. There is no option to obtain the EATV at the airport or border crossing.
Do I need a separate eTA for Kenya if I have the East African Tourist Visa?
No. The EATV replaces the need for individual country visas. You do not need a separate Kenya eTA, Rwanda visa, or Uganda visa. The EATV authorizes entry to all three countries.
What if I only want to visit Kenya and Rwanda, not Uganda?
The EATV still applies. Even if you do not plan to visit Uganda, the EATV at $100 is cheaper than a Kenya eTA ($32.50) plus a Rwanda visa ($50) which totals $82.50 — but the EATV gives you the flexibility to visit Uganda if your plans change.
Can I extend the East African Tourist Visa beyond 90 days?
No. The EATV cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer in any of the three countries, you must exit and apply for a new individual visa or eTA for the specific country.
Can I work or do business with the East African Tourist Visa?
No. The EATV is strictly for tourism purposes. If you need to attend business meetings or conferences in Kenya, you need a Kenya Business eTA instead. Employment requires a separate work permit.
Is the East African Tourist Visa available to all nationalities?
Yes. There are no nationality restrictions for the EATV. Citizens of any country can apply, regardless of whether their home country has visa-free arrangements with Kenya, Rwanda, or Uganda.
What happens if I overstay the East African Tourist Visa?
Overstaying results in fines, detention, and potential bans from future entry to all three countries. The 90-day period is strictly enforced. Plan your departure before the visa expires.
Can I use the East African Tourist Visa for a safari that starts in Kenya and ends in Uganda?
Yes. This is exactly the type of trip the EATV is designed for. As long as you enter the issuing country first, you can travel freely between Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda for 90 days. Many safari operators offer multi-country itineraries that cross these borders.
