East Africa Visa Application Guide

Visa requirements depend on the traveller’s nationality. Before applying, each traveller should confirm eligibility using the official immigration website for the country concerned. Passports should normally remain valid for at least six months and contain at least one blank page.

1. Rwanda Tourist Visa

Rwanda allows citizens of many countries to obtain a visa on arrival. Travellers may also apply online before departure.

Application process

1. Check whether your nationality is visa-exempt.
2. If a visa is required, apply through the official Rwanda immigration portal.
3. Select the visitor or tourist visa.
4. Complete the application with your passport and travel details.
5. Upload the requested documents.
6. Pay online or, where permitted, pay upon arrival.
7. Carry the visa approval document when travelling.

Common requirements

• Passport valid for at least six months
• Passport photograph
• Hotel reservation or safari itinerary
• Return or onward flight ticket
• Sufficient funds for the visit
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate where applicable

Visa fees and validity

• Single-entry visitor visa: USD 50
• Multiple-entry visitor visa: USD 70
• Single-entry validity: 30 days
• Multiple-entry validity: 90 days

Some nationalities, including qualifying African Union, Commonwealth and Francophonie nationals, may receive a visa free of charge. Rwanda also provides visas on arrival to eligible travellers. Confirm the applicable rule before travelling. Rwanda Immigration

2. Uganda Tourist Visa

Travellers who require a visa must obtain online approval before travelling. Uganda does not generally issue ordinary tourist visas on arrival without prior online approval.

Application process

1. Visit the official Uganda Electronic Visa Portal.
2. Select “Start a New Application.”
3. Choose “Visa,” followed by “Uganda Ordinary/Tourist Visa.”
4. Complete the online application form.
5. Upload the required documents.
6. Submit the application and keep the application reference number.
7. Pay the visa fee through the official portal.
8. Download and print the approval letter once approved.
9. Present the approval letter, passport and original supporting documents upon arrival.

Common requirements

• Passport biodata page
• Passport valid for at least six months
• Recent passport-size photograph
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate
• Return or onward ticket
• Safari itinerary
• Hotel or lodge reservation
• Address or contact details in Uganda

Visa fee

• Single-entry tourist visa: USD 50
• Fees are non-refundable and may be subject to a bank charge.

Applications should be submitted before departure. Travellers should not fly with only a payment receipt; they should wait for the visa approval letter. Uganda Immigration

3. Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation

Kenya uses an Electronic Travel Authorisation, commonly called an eTA, rather than a conventional tourist visa. Most foreign visitors, including children and infants, must obtain approval before starting their journey.

Application process

1. Visit the official Kenya eTA website.
2. Select “Apply Now.”
3. Create or begin an individual application.
4. Enter passport, contact and travel information.
5. Upload the required photograph and supporting documents.
6. Pay the eTA fee.
7. Wait for the approval by email.
8. Carry a digital or printed copy when travelling.

Common requirements

• Passport valid for at least six months
• At least one blank passport page
• Selfie or passport-style photograph
• Email address and telephone number
• Arrival and departure details
• Accommodation confirmation
• Credit card, debit card or another accepted payment method
• Yellow fever certificate where applicable

Fee and processing

• Standard single-entry eTA: USD 30, excluding possible processing charges
• Typical processing time: approximately three working days
• Applying at least two weeks before travel is recommended in case additional checks are required.

An approved eTA authorises travel to Kenya, but final admission is decided by immigration officers at the point of entry. Kenya eTA requirements

4. Burundi Tourist Visa

Burundi’s procedures may differ according to nationality and the embassy processing the application. Travellers using visa on arrival must complete the required immigration form before boarding.

Application process

1. Confirm your nationality’s eligibility with the nearest Burundian embassy or immigration office.
2. If using visa on arrival, complete the required form through the official Burundi migration link before boarding.
3. Alternatively, submit the application to a Burundian diplomatic mission.
4. Provide the passport, photographs and travel documentation.
5. Pay the applicable visa fee.
6. Carry the supporting documents and yellow fever certificate for inspection upon arrival.

Common requirements

• Passport valid for at least six months
• Completed and signed application form
• Passport biodata-page copy
• Recent passport photographs
• Return or onward ticket
• Hotel reservation for tourists
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate
• Invitation letter when visiting family, friends or an organisation

Indicative fees

Fees can differ depending on the embassy and place of application. The Burundi Embassy in Washington currently lists:

• Single-entry visa: USD 70
• Multiple-entry visa: USD 90
• Transit visa: USD 40

Travellers should confirm the current fee directly with the relevant Burundian mission before payment. Burundi Embassy visa requirements

5. Tanzania Tourist Visa

The Tanzanian eVisa covers both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar. Some nationalities may obtain a visa on arrival, while others require advance approval or a referral visa.

Application process

1. Check your nationality’s visa category.
2. Visit the official Tanzania eVisa portal.
3. Select “New Application.”
4. Complete the online application form.
5. Upload the passport photograph, passport biodata page and supporting documents.
6. Pay the visa fee online.
7. Track the application through the portal.
8. Download and carry the visa grant notice when travelling.

Common requirements

• Passport valid for at least six months
• Recent passport photograph
• Passport biodata-page copy
• Return or onward flight ticket
• Hotel reservation or safari itinerary
• Host or tour operator information
• Yellow fever certificate where required

Visa fees and validity

• Ordinary single-entry visa: USD 50
• Multiple-entry visa: USD 100
• Ordinary visa validity: up to 90 days
• Multiple-entry visa validity: up to one year, subject to permitted periods of stay

Certain passport holders, including United States nationals, may be required to obtain a multiple-entry visa. Nationals in Tanzania’s referral-visa category must apply well in advance and should not book non-refundable travel until approval is received. Tanzania eVisa guidelines

East Africa Tourist Visa

The East Africa Tourist Visa is a joint tourist visa covering:

• Uganda
• Rwanda
• Kenya

It does not cover Tanzania or Burundi. Separate visas are required for those two countries.

Main conditions

• Fee: USD 100
• Validity: 90 days
• Multiple entry between Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya
• Tourism only
• Employment is prohibited
• The visa generally cannot be extended
• It becomes invalid if the traveller leaves the participating region, for example by entering Tanzania or Burundi.

Application process

1. Decide which of the three participating countries will be your first point of entry.
2. Apply through the immigration authority of that first-entry country.
3. Upload the passport, photograph and itinerary covering the participating countries.
4. Upload the return ticket and yellow fever certificate where required.
5. Pay the USD 100 fee.
6. Wait for approval and travel first to the country that issued the visa.
7. Present the same visa when crossing between Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya.

Important current consideration

Rwanda and Uganda currently provide application channels for the East Africa Tourist Visa. Kenya’s official eTA website lists its “East African Tourist eTA” as “Coming Soon.” Therefore, travellers should presently arrange an itinerary that begins in Uganda or Rwanda and apply through that first-entry country. Rwanda EATV information, Uganda EATV requirements, Kenya eTA categories

Important route-planning example

If a traveller follows this route:

Uganda → Rwanda → Kenya

one East Africa Tourist Visa can cover all three countries.

If the route is:

Uganda → Tanzania → Kenya

the East Africa Tourist Visa may no longer be usable after leaving the participating area for Tanzania. The traveller should therefore obtain a separate Tanzanian visa and confirm the correct Kenyan re-entry authorisation before departure.

All travellers should check the rules again shortly before travelling because visa fees, exemptions and application procedures can change.