The East Africa Tourist Visa- How To Apply & Top Benefits

The East African Tourist Visa (EATV) is a multiple-entry visa designed to simplify travel for tourists wishing to visit three of East Africa’s key countries—Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya—under a single tourist permit. This visa is valid for 90 days, allows unrestricted travel within these three countries for tourism purposes only, and cannot be extended or used for employment.

Benefits of the East African Tourist Visa for Safari Travelers

• It enables easy cross-border travel for safari tourists who want to explore multiple iconic destinations such as Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Kenya’s Maasai Mara, and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park without applying for separate visas in each country.

• The East Africa tourist visa fee is USD 100, which is more cost-effective than paying individual visa fees for each country.

• Start your safari in the country that issued your visa and use the same visa to move freely to the other two countries during its validity period.

Requirements to Obtain the East African Tourist Visa

To apply for the EATV, you typically need:

• A valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity from the application date.

• Recent passport-sized photos (usually two or three).

• Yellow fever vaccination certificate (proof of vaccination is mandatory).

• Completed visa application form.

• Proof of payment of the visa fee (USD 100).

• Travel itinerary details and a return or onward ticket may also be requested.

• The visa is generally issued for tourism purposes only; therefore, employment or other non-tourist activities are not permitted under this visa.

How to Apply for the East African Tourist Visa

1. Online Application: The visa can be applied for online through the immigration portals of Uganda, Kenya, or Rwanda. Rwanda offers an especially smooth online application process.

2. Selection of Issuing Country: When applying, you must choose which country the visa will be issued by, and this country becomes your first point of entry.

3. Document Upload and Payment: Upload the required documents online and pay the visa fee using Visa or MasterCard.

4. Biometric Capture: After approval, applicants report to the immigration office or border for biometric data capture, carrying all documents including the approval letter, payment receipt, and passport.

5. Visa Issuance: The visa is issued electronically and linked to your passport, granting you entry into all three countries for tourism within 90 days.

Specific Considerations for Safari Travelers

• Since the visa covers Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda, it suits travelers planning multi-country safari itineraries within East Africa.

• It is advisable to plan your entry point in advance, corresponding to the country from which you obtained the visa.

• Carry all required documents at border crossings and park entries, including your yellow fever certificate and proof of itinerary.

• Tanzania and other East African countries currently do not participate in this visa scheme, so separate visas are needed if you plan to visit them.

• The EATV cannot be renewed or extended, so plan your safari duration within the allowed 90-day period.

In summary, the East African Tourist Visa offers a streamlined, cost-effective, and convenient option for safari travelers seeking to explore multiple premier wildlife destinations across Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda. Applying online well ahead of your trip, ensuring all documents and vaccinations are in order, and entering via the issuing country will facilitate a smooth start to an unforgettable East African safari experience.

Are you planning to visit Uganda, Rwanda or Kenya and would love to book an East African tourist visa online- simply contact us now by sending an email to info@mumwesafarisuganda.com or call us now on +256-700135510 to speak with the reservations team.