The East Africa Tourist Visa is a joint tourism visa designed for international visitors traveling between Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya on the same trip. It can be particularly useful for travelers combining Uganda gorilla trekking, Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park and a wildlife safari in Kenya.
Instead of arranging separate tourist visas for each participating country, eligible travelers can use one East Africa Tourist Visa for repeated travel among the three participating states while the visa remains valid.
Introduction
As of August 2026, Uganda Immigration confirms that the joint visa covers Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda only, costs USD 100, is valid for 90 days, permits multiple travel within the participating bloc and is intended strictly for tourism.
Because immigration arrangements can change, travelers should verify current rules with the government of their first-entry country before applying.
What Is the East Africa Tourist Visa?
The East Africa Tourist Visa, often abbreviated EATV, is a regional visa arrangement for tourists visiting Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya. Its primary purpose is to make multi-country holidays easier. A traveler could, for example:
- Arrive in Uganda - Trek mountain gorillas in Bwindi - Cross into Rwanda - Visit Volcanoes National Park - Continue to Kenya - Complete a Masai Mara safari
The same joint visa can cover the immigration component of the participating countries, provided all conditions remain satisfied.
Which Countries Does the East Africa Tourist Visa Cover?
The visa currently covers:
- Uganda - Rwanda - Kenya
It does not automatically cover every country in the East African Community. For example, travelers adding Tanzania or another neighboring country should separately check that country's immigration requirements.
The phrase "East Africa Tourist Visa" can therefore be misleading if visitors assume it covers the entire East African region. Official Ugandan immigration guidance explicitly states that the visa applies to Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda only.
How Much Does the East Africa Tourist Visa Cost?
The official fee is currently listed as USD 100. Uganda Immigration states that fees are non-refundable and may be subject to bank charges. Travelers should avoid unofficial websites that may add large processing or service fees.
Always begin the application from the official immigration system of the country through which you will first enter the three-country visa area.
How Long Is the East Africa Tourist Visa Valid?
The East Africa Tourist Visa is valid for 90 days. Uganda Immigration describes it as a three-month visa that is not extendable. It is designed for tourism rather than long-term residence or work.
For most safari travelers, 90 days is considerably longer than required because Uganda-Rwanda-Kenya itineraries typically range from about one to three weeks.
Is the East Africa Tourist Visa Multiple Entry?
Yes, within the participating bloc. The joint visa allows the visitor to move between Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda multiple times while it remains valid and while the traveler remains within the participating area. This is especially useful on safari routes that cross borders more than once.
For example, a visitor might arrive in Rwanda, travel into Uganda for Bwindi gorilla trekking and return to Rwanda for the flight home.
Important Rule About Leaving the Visa Area
The joint visa is intended for travel within Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya. Uganda Immigration states that it is not renewable upon expiry or upon exit from the bloc.
This means travelers planning to leave the three-country areau2014for example to visit a non-participating countryu2014and later return should verify carefully how that affects the visa. Do not assume that "multiple entry" means unrestricted departures to any country and subsequent re-entry.
Which Country Should Issue Your East Africa Tourist Visa?
One of the most important rules is that you should apply through the country that will be your first point of entry. Uganda Immigration explicitly states that the issuing country should be the traveler's first entry point.
Rwanda provides similar guidance: if the visa is acquired before travel, the first entry point should be the country through which the traveler applied.
- Arriving first in Uganda: apply through Uganda - Arriving first in Rwanda: apply through Rwanda - Arriving first in Kenya: follow Kenya's current official immigration procedure for the regional arrangement
Your flight itinerary should determine the appropriate issuing authority.
East Africa Tourist Visa Requirements
Uganda Immigration currently lists the following supporting documents for an East Africa Tourist Visa application:
- Passport bio-data page - Passport with at least six months validity - Recent passport-size photograph - Yellow fever vaccination certificate - Return ticket - Travel itinerary
Additional documents may be requested during processing. Prepare clear digital copies before starting your application.
Passport Validity
Uganda's official application requirements specify a passport with at least six months validity. Because a multi-country safari involves several immigration authorities, maintaining ample passport validity is particularly important. Check your passport before making non-refundable safari and flight arrangements.
Who Should Consider the East Africa Tourist Visa?
The visa is most useful for travelers visiting at least two participating countries and whose nationality requires the relevant immigration authorizations. It is especially attractive for itineraries such as:
- Uganda and Rwanda gorilla trekking - Uganda gorillas and Kenya safari - Rwanda gorillas and Kenya safari - Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya combined tour - Multi-country primate and Big Five safari
Whether it saves money depends on the individual traveler's nationality, countries visited and applicable visa exemptions.
Who May Not Need It?
The East Africa Tourist Visa is not automatically necessary for everyone. Some travelers qualify for visa-free access to one or more participating countries. East African Community citizens, for example, generally enjoy regional entry privileges under separate arrangements. Other nationalities may also qualify for specific exemptions. Before paying USD 100, compare your individual visa requirements for each destination. For some travelers, separate entry arrangements may be cheaper or easier.
East Africa Tourist Visa for Uganda and Rwanda Gorilla Trekking
A popular use of the EATV is a combined Uganda-Rwanda gorilla safari. One itinerary might begin at Kigali International Airport, travel north to Volcanoes National Park and then continue across the border to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Another could begin in Entebbe, travel through western Uganda and finish in Kigali. The visa can simplify border administration where the traveler's nationality requires visas for both countries. However, gorilla permits remain completely separate.
Gorilla Permits Are Not Included
The East Africa Tourist Visa does not include gorilla trekking permits. This distinction is extremely important. The visa authorizes immigration travel. Gorilla trekking permits authorize participation in specific wildlife activities. For a Uganda gorilla safari, a permit must be arranged for Bwindi or Mgahinga. For Rwanda, a separate permit is required for a trek in Volcanoes National Park. Your tour operator normally coordinates gorilla permits independently from your visa.
East Africa Tourist Visa for Uganda and Kenya
Uganda and Kenya make an excellent combination for travelers wanting both primates and traditional savannah wildlife. A possible itinerary could include:
- Entebbe - Kibale National Park - Queen Elizabeth National Park - Bwindi - Nairobi - Masai Mara
Travelers can experience chimpanzees and mountain gorillas in Uganda before continuing to Kenya for extensive plains wildlife. The regional visa can make the immigration side of such a journey more straightforward when the traveler qualifies and requires visas.
East Africa Tourist Visa for Rwanda and Kenya
A Rwanda-Kenya combination pairs the mountain gorillas of Volcanoes National Park with Kenya's famous safari areas. Visitors might trek gorillas first and then fly to Nairobi for the Masai Mara, Amboseli or another Kenyan destination.
Again, check which country is your first entry point before submitting an East Africa Tourist Visa application.
Three-Country Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya Safari
For travelers with two or three weeks, a complete three-country itinerary can be exceptional. A journey might include:
1. Arrival in Entebbe 2. Chimpanzees in Kibale 3. Wildlife in Queen Elizabeth 4. Gorillas in Bwindi 5. Rwanda and Volcanoes National Park 6. Flight to Kenya 7. Masai Mara safari 8. Departure from Nairobi
The East Africa Tourist Visa was designed for precisely this style of multi-country tourism.
Kenya's Current Entry System
Kenya now operates an Electronic Travel Authorisation, or eTA, system for many visitors. Kenya's official immigration platform states that most visitors require an approved eTA unless they fall within an exemption category.
Because Kenya's entry framework has changed in recent years while the East Africa Tourist Visa arrangement is still referenced by Uganda and Rwanda, travelers should verify their exact multi-country procedure with the official authority of the country of first entry before making payment.
This is particularly important rather than relying on old blog posts describing Kenya's former visa system.
Applying Through Uganda
If Uganda is the first country on your itinerary, Uganda Immigration states that the East Africa Tourist Visa can be applied for online through its immigration portal. The process includes selecting the relevant visa category, completing the form, uploading supporting documents, paying the applicable fee and obtaining approval. Carry the approval documentation when traveling.
Applying Through Rwanda
If Rwanda is your first destination, Rwanda Immigration states that visitors can apply for the East Africa Tourist Visa through the relevant Rwanda government process, on arrival where applicable, or through Rwandan diplomatic missions. Check the current procedure before departure because online systems can be updated.
Should You Apply Early?
Do not leave immigration preparations until the day before travel. Multi-country itineraries involve flights, accommodation, gorilla permits and cross-border transfers. Having visa arrangements organized well before departure reduces risk.
At the same time, because the visa has a defined validity period, avoid applying so early that validity becomes an issue before travel. Follow the latest guidance from the issuing country's immigration authority.
What to Carry at the Border
Keep the following documents easily accessible:
- Passport - East Africa Tourist Visa approval - Safari itinerary - Accommodation confirmations - Return or onward flight - Yellow fever certificate where required - Tour operator contact details
Carry electronic copies as backup, but printed copies can be useful where internet connectivity is limited.
Crossing Between Uganda and Rwanda
Road crossings between Uganda and Rwanda are commonly used on gorilla safari itineraries. Your driver-guide will normally help ensure that the route reaches the appropriate border post. Passengers still complete their own immigration formalities.
Plan sufficient time for passport checks and border procedures. Avoid scheduling extremely tight activities immediately after a border crossing.
Is the East Africa Tourist Visa Worth It?
For many travelers visiting Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya together, yes. It can simplify travel by replacing multiple separate tourist visa processes. However, the value depends on nationality.
If you already qualify for visa-free entry into one or more countries, separate arrangements may cost less. Compare the current rules before deciding.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not apply through Uganda if Rwanda is actually your first entry country. Do not assume Tanzania is covered. Do not confuse the EATV with a gorilla trekking permit.
Do not rely on outdated information about Kenya's immigration system. Do not leave the three-country bloc assuming you can automatically return on the same visa. And never use an unofficial visa website without checking it against a government source.
East Africa Tourist Visa Checklist
Before applying, confirm:
- - Which country you enter first - Your nationality's visa requirements - Passport validity - Countries included in your itinerary - Whether you will leave the three-country bloc - Yellow fever documentation - Return or onward flights - Accommodation details - Safari itinerary - Current government application procedure
- These checks prevent most common mistakes.
Plan a Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya Safari
The East Africa Tourist Visa can make a multi-country safari significantly easier for travelers who need entry authorization for Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya. It pairs particularly well with journeys combining Uganda gorilla trekking, Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park and Kenya's famous savannah reserves.
Immigration rules are subject to change, so confirm the latest procedure with the official government authority for your first-entry country shortly before applying.
Once the paperwork is organized, the regional visa can help turn three destinations into one seamless East African journeyu2014from mountain gorillas in misty forests to lions, elephants and vast open plains.