The East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV) is a joint travel document that lets you explore Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda with a single visa. Instead of applying for three separate visas and paying $50 or more for each, you pay $100 once and get multiple entries across all three countries for up to 90 days. For travelers planning a multi-country East African safari or gorilla trekking adventure, this visa is the most practical and cost-effective option available.
What Is the East Africa Tourist Visa?
The EATV was introduced in 2014 as a collaborative initiative between Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda to promote regional tourism. It is a multiple-entry visa that allows you to move freely between these three countries for tourism purposes. The visa is valid for 90 days from the date of your first entry into any of the three countries.
The EATV is managed jointly by the immigration authorities of all three nations. You can apply for it through Uganda’s online portal (visas.immigration.go.ug), Kenya’s eVisa system, or Rwanda’s Irembo platform. Whichever country you apply through becomes your primary entry point.
Key Details and Costs
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Cost | $100 USD (plus $1.50 processing fee) |
| Entry Type | Multiple entry (within Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda) |
| Maximum Stay | 90 days total |
| Validity | 90 days from first entry |
| Processing Time | 3-5 business days (standard) |
| Covered Countries | Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda ONLY |
| Purpose | Tourism only |
At $100, the EATV saves you a minimum of $50 compared to purchasing separate tourist visas for Uganda ($50) and Kenya ($50), with Rwanda’s visa adding even more savings. Beyond the cost benefit, a single application saves significant time and paperwork.
Who Should Get the East Africa Tourist Visa?
The EATV is ideal for several types of travelers:
- Multi-country safari travelers — If your itinerary includes game drives in Kenya’s Masai Mara and Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park, the EATV covers both countries under one visa.
- Gorilla trekking enthusiasts — Many travelers trek gorillas in both Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. The EATV allows seamless border crossings for this purpose.
- East African adventure travelers — If you are backpacking or touring across the region, the EATV eliminates the hassle of multiple visa applications.
- Business travelers visiting multiple countries — While primarily for tourism, the EATV can cover short business meetings, conferences, and networking events in all three countries.
How to Apply for the East Africa Tourist Visa Through Uganda
If Uganda is your primary entry point, apply through the Ugandan portal. The process is similar to applying for a standard tourist visa:
Step 1: Create an account at visas.immigration.go.ug and verify your email address.
Step 2: Select “East Africa Tourist Visa” as your visa type when prompted during the application.
Step 3: Fill in your personal details, travel dates, and itinerary. You should mention your plans to visit Kenya and/or Rwanda in the travel purpose section.
Step 4: Upload the required documents. These are the same as a standard tourist visa:
- Passport bio-data page with at least 6 months validity
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Yellow Fever vaccination certificate
- Travel itinerary showing visits to multiple East African countries
- Hotel bookings or invitation letters for each country you plan to visit
Step 5: Pay the $101.50 fee ($100 visa + $1.50 processing) online using a credit or debit card.
Step 6: Submit your application and wait 3-5 business days for approval. You will receive the approval letter by email.
Important Restrictions and Rules
The EATV comes with several important restrictions you need to understand before applying:
Geographic limitation: The EATV is only valid for travel between Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda. It does not cover Tanzania, Ethiopia, Burundi, South Sudan, or any other country. If you leave the three EATV countries — for example, flying from Nairobi to Zanzibar — your EATV becomes void and you cannot re-enter using it.
Tourism purpose only: The EATV is strictly for tourism. You cannot use it for employment, long-term business activities, or studying. If your primary purpose in any of the three countries is non-tourism, you need the appropriate visa or permit for that country.
90-day limit: The 90-day validity starts from your first entry into any of the three countries, not from the date of approval. Once you enter, the clock starts ticking. Plan your itinerary to make the most of the 90 days.
No extension: The EATV cannot be extended beyond 90 days. If you want to stay longer in any of the three countries, you need to exit and apply for a separate visa for that specific country.
Free for EAC residents: Foreign residents with valid work permits in any of the three EATV countries can obtain the EATV free of charge. Check with the immigration office in your country of residence for details.
Border Crossing Tips with the EATV
Crossing borders within East Africa on the EATV is generally straightforward, but a few tips will make the experience smoother:
- Always carry a printed copy of your EATV approval letter along with your passport
- At land borders, have your Yellow Fever certificate ready for inspection
- Some border posts have limited operating hours — plan crossings during daytime
- Keep digital copies of all your documents on your phone as backup
- If flying between countries, your EATV will be checked at the departure and arrival airports
Popular border crossings include Busia (Uganda-Kenya), Gatuna/Katuna (Uganda-Rwanda), and the Namanga border (Kenya-Tanzania — note that Tanzania is NOT covered by the EATV).
EATV vs. Separate Visas: Which Is Better?
| Scenario | Best Option | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Uganda only | Tourist Visa | $50 |
| Uganda + Kenya | EATV | $100 (saves $0 but single application) |
| Uganda + Rwanda | EATV | $100 (saves time on applications) |
| Uganda + Kenya + Rwanda | EATV | $100 (saves $50+ and paperwork) |
| Uganda + Tanzania | Separate visas | $50 Uganda + Tanzania fee |
For a comprehensive overview of all Uganda visa options, visit our complete Uganda eVisa guide. For specific information about fees and processing times for all visa types, see our eVisa types and fees breakdown.
Can I enter Tanzania with an East Africa Tourist Visa?
No. The East Africa Tourist Visa only covers Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda. Tanzania has its own separate visa system. You will need to apply for a Tanzanian visa independently if your itinerary includes Tanzania. The same applies to Ethiopia, Burundi, and other neighboring countries.
Do I need to enter Uganda first if I applied through Uganda?
Technically, the EATV is valid for entry into any of the three countries regardless of where you applied. However, to avoid any confusion at immigration, it is recommended to enter through the country where you applied. If you applied through Uganda, enter Uganda first, then travel to Kenya or Rwanda.
Can I use the EATV for gorilla trekking in both Uganda and Rwanda?
Yes, this is one of the most popular uses of the EATV. You can trek gorillas in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, then cross into Rwanda to trek in Volcanoes National Park. The EATV covers both crossings. Note that gorilla trekking permits are separate from the visa and must be booked in advance for each country.
What happens if my 90 days run out while I am in one of the countries?
You must leave the EATV region before your 90 days expire. Overstaying results in fines, detention, and potential bans from future entry. If you need more time in a specific country, visit the local immigration office before your visa expires to discuss options for a separate extension or visa.
Is the EATV available on arrival at the airport?
No. Like all Ugandan visas, the EATV must be applied for online in advance through the official portal. There is no visa-on-arrival option. Apply at least 2 weeks before your travel date to allow for processing time.
