East Africa eVisa: Complete Guide to the EATV

The East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV) is a joint $100 USD visa that lets you visit Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda on a single document, valid for 90 days with multiple entries between the three countries. You apply online through the immigration portal of whichever country you enter first. This guide covers everything you need to know about the East Africa eVisa – from eligibility and costs to step-by-step application instructions.

What Is the East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV)?

The East Africa Tourist Visa is a collaborative visa program launched by Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda to simplify travel across East Africa. Instead of applying for three separate visas, tourists can obtain a single joint document that grants access to all three member states.

Key facts at a glance:

Feature	Details
Cost	$100 USD per person
Validity	90 days from the date of first entry
Entry Type	Multiple entry (between Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda)
Countries Covered	Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda
Countries NOT Covered	Tanzania, Burundi, Ethiopia, South Sudan, DRC
Application Method	Online only
Processing Time	5-10 business days
Extendable	No – the 90-day limit is absolute

The EATV was designed to promote regional tourism and make it easier for visitors to explore East Africa’s diverse attractions – from Kenya’s Maasai Mara safaris to Uganda’s gorilla trekking in Bwindi to Rwanda’s Kigali Genocide Memorial and Volcanoes National Park.

Which Countries Does the EATV Cover?

The East Africa eVisa covers exactly three countries:

Member States:
– Kenya – Home to Nairobi, the Maasai Mara, Mount Kenya, and Diani Beach
– Uganda – Known for gorilla trekking, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and the source of the Nile
– Rwanda – Famous for mountain gorillas, Kigali, and Lake Kivu

NOT included in the EATV:
– Tanzania (requires its own eVisa)
– Burundi
– Ethiopia
– South Sudan
– Democratic Republic of Congo
– Somalia
– Djibouti

If you plan to visit Tanzania alongside Kenya, Uganda, or Rwanda, you must apply for a separate Tanzania eVisa. The EATV does not grant any access to Tanzanian territory – not even for transit through Dar es Salaam or Kilimanjaro airports in some cases.

East Africa Visa Requirements

Before applying for the East Africa eVisa, make sure you have the following documents ready:

Required Documents

Valid passport – Must be valid for at least 6 months from your planned date of entry into East Africa. The passport should have at least 2 blank pages for entry stamps.
Passport-size photo – A recent color photograph meeting standard passport photo specifications (white background, face clearly visible, no glasses or head coverings unless for religious purposes).
Yellow fever vaccination certificate – This is mandatory for all travelers entering Kenya, Uganda, or Rwanda. You must get vaccinated at least 10 days before travel. The certificate is checked at immigration upon arrival.
Return or onward flight ticket – Proof that you plan to leave the East African bloc before your visa expires.
Travel itinerary – A basic outline of your trip, including accommodation bookings and planned activities.
Valid email address – Your approved eVisa will be sent to this email as a PDF.
Payment method – A credit or debit card to pay the $100 USD fee online.

Photo Requirements

The passport photo for your East Africa eVisa application must meet these specifications:

How to Apply for the East Africa eVisa

The application process is entirely online. There is no embassy visit required, and visa-on-arrival is no longer available for most nationalities.

Step 1: Choose Your First Entry Country

The EATV must be applied for through the immigration portal of the country you will enter first. This is a critical rule – if you fly into Nairobi first, you apply through Kenya’s portal. If you enter via Kigali, you use Rwanda’s system.

Official portals by country:

Step 2: Create an Account

Register on the portal of your first entry country using a valid email address. You will need to verify your email before proceeding.

Step 3: Fill Out the Application Form

Provide your personal information, passport details, travel dates, and accommodation information. Make sure all details match your passport exactly – even small typos can cause delays or rejections.

Step 4: Upload Documents

Upload scanned copies of:
– Passport bio-data page
– Passport photo
– Yellow fever certificate
– Return flight ticket

Step 5: Pay the Fee

Pay $100 USD using a credit or debit card. The fee is non-refundable, regardless of whether your application is approved or denied.

Step 6: Wait for Processing

Processing typically takes 5-10 business days. You will receive an email notification when your eVisa is approved. Download and print the PDF – you will need to present it at immigration.

Step 7: Present at Immigration

When you arrive at your first entry country’s airport or border crossing, present:
– Your passport
– Printed eVisa approval
– Yellow fever certificate

The immigration officer will stamp your passport and you will be free to travel between Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda for up to 90 days.

East Africa Visa Cost and Payment

The East Africa eVisa costs a flat $100 USD per person, regardless of nationality. This is the same price for adults and children (though infants under 2 may be exempt in some cases).

Cost Breakdown

Important Payment Notes

The fee is non-refundable – even if your application is rejected
Payment is made online at the time of application via credit or debit card
No cash payments are accepted at the border for the EATV
Some nationalities may face additional requirements or fees – check the specific portal for details
Children under 16 traveling with parents are typically included on the parent’s application at no extra charge (varies by portal)

Is the EATV Worth $100?

If you are visiting two or more of the three member countries, the EATV is almost always cheaper than applying for separate visas. Individual country visas typically cost $50-51 each, so visiting all three countries on separate visas would cost $150+. The EATV saves you at least $50 and eliminates the hassle of multiple applications.

However, if you are only visiting one country, check the individual visa cost first. Kenya’s eTA, for example, costs $30 for most nationalities – significantly cheaper than the $100 EATV.

East Africa Visa Processing Time

The standard processing time for the East Africa eVisa is 5-10 business days. However, processing can take longer during peak travel seasons (June-September and December-January).

Processing Timeline

Tips to Avoid Delays

Apply at least 2-3 weeks before travel – Do not wait until the last minute
Double-check all documents – Blurry photos or incomplete forms are the top reasons for delays
Ensure passport validity – Less than 6 months remaining validity = automatic rejection
Get yellow fever vaccination early – At least 10 days before travel (the vaccine needs time to take effect)
Use a valid email address – Check your spam folder if you do not receive a response within 10 days

EATV Rules and Restrictions

The East Africa Tourist Visa comes with several important rules that every traveler must understand before applying.

90-Day Validity Period

Your EATV is valid for exactly 90 days from the date of your first entry into any of the three member countries. The clock starts ticking the moment your passport is stamped at immigration – not from the date the visa was issued.

You must exit the three-country zone before the 90-day period expires. Overstaying can result in fines, detention, and future visa bans.

Multiple Entry Within the Bloc

The EATV allows unlimited movement between Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda during the 90-day validity period. You can fly from Nairobi to Kigali, then cross overland to Kampala, and return to Nairobi – all on the same visa.

Leaving the Bloc Invalidates the Visa

This is the most misunderstood EATV rule. If you leave the three-country zone – for example, flying from Nairobi to Zanzibar (Tanzania) or Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) – your EATV becomes void. You cannot re-enter Kenya, Uganda, or Rwanda on the same visa.

If you plan to visit Tanzania or any other country outside the bloc and then return, you will need a new visa for re-entry. Plan your itinerary carefully.

No Extension Possible

The 90-day EATV cannot be extended under any circumstances. If you need to stay longer than 90 days, you must exit the bloc and apply for an individual country visa (such as a Kenya single-entry visa or Uganda ordinary visa) to re-enter.

Tourism Only

The EATV is strictly for tourism purposes. You cannot:
– Work or engage in business activities
– Study or attend academic programs
– Volunteer for extended periods
– Engage in journalism or media work

For any non-tourism purpose, you need a specific visa type from the relevant country’s immigration authority.

East Africa Visa by Nationality

The EATV is available to citizens of most countries worldwide, but requirements and processing experiences can vary by nationality.

US Citizens

American passport holders can apply for the EATV online through any of the three portals. US citizens do not need a visa to enter Kenya for stays under 90 days (Kenya offers visa-free entry), but the EATV is still recommended if you plan to visit Uganda or Rwanda as well.

UK Citizens

British passport holders follow the same application process as most other nationalities. UK citizens can enter Kenya visa-free for up to 90 days but need visas for Uganda and Rwanda. The EATV simplifies multi-country trips.

Indian Citizens

Indian passport holders need visas for all three countries and benefit greatly from the EATV. Apply through the portal of your first entry country. Processing may take slightly longer for Indian applicants – allow 10-15 business days.

EU/Schengen Citizens

Citizens of EU and Schengen area countries can apply for the EATV online. Most EU nationals can enter Kenya visa-free but need visas for Uganda and Rwanda. The EATV covers all three in one application.

Nigerian Citizens

Nigerian passport holders need visas for all three countries. The EATV is the most cost-effective option. Apply at least 3 weeks before travel, as Nigerian applications sometimes undergo additional review.

Chinese Citizens

Chinese passport holders need visas for all three countries. The EATV application process is the same, but allow extra processing time. Some Chinese applicants report needing 10-15 business days.

East Africa Visa vs Individual Country Visas

Should you get the EATV or apply for separate visas? Here is a quick comparison:

When to Choose the EATV

You are visiting 2 or more of the three member countries
You want a single application instead of multiple
You plan to move freely between Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda
Your trip is under 90 days

When to Choose Individual Visas

You are visiting only one country (especially Kenya, which is cheaper alone)
You need a visa valid for longer than 90 days
You plan to leave and re-enter the bloc (e.g., side trip to Tanzania)
You need a specific visa type (business, work, student)

Yellow Fever Vaccination Requirement

The yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for all travelers entering Kenya, Uganda, or Rwanda, regardless of which country you are coming from.

Key Facts

Vaccine name: Yellow Fever 17D
When to get it: At least 10 days before travel
Validity: Lifetime (one dose provides lifelong protection)
Where to get it: Authorized yellow fever vaccination centers in your home country
Cost: $50-$200 depending on your country
Certificate: The International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card) must be presented at immigration

Who Needs It?

Everyone. There are no age exemptions. Infants as young as 9 months should be vaccinated if traveling to East Africa. Pregnant women should consult their doctor, as the live vaccine has specific contraindications.

If you arrive without a yellow fever certificate, you may be:
– Vaccinated at the airport (if available)
– Denied entry and placed on the next return flight
– Quarantined for up to 6 days

Do not risk it – get vaccinated before you travel.

Country-Specific Application Portals

Each of the three EATV member countries operates its own online immigration system. Here is what you need to know about each portal.

Kenya – eTA System (etakenya.go.ke)

Kenya transitioned from a traditional eVisa to an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) system in January 2024. The eTA is required for all visitors, including those entering on the EATV.

Key features:
– Application URL: etakenya.go.ke
– Requires biometric data upload
– Processing time: 2-3 business days for eTA, 5-10 for EATV
– Mobile-friendly application

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi) is the busiest entry point in East Africa. If flying from Europe or the Americas, you will likely transit through here first.

Uganda – eVisa Portal (immigration.go.ug)

Uganda’s Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control handles all eVisa applications through its online portal.

Key features:
– Application URL: immigration.go.ug
– Supports both EATV and individual Uganda visas
– Requires a reference number from your accommodation
– Processing time: 5-10 business days

Entebbe International Airport is Uganda’s main international gateway, located 40km from Kampala.

Rwanda – Irembo Platform (irembo.gov.rw)

Rwanda uses the Irembo government services platform for visa applications, which also handles other government services like driving licenses and land registration.

Key features:
– Application URL: irembo.gov.rw
– Clean, modern interface
– Supports EATV and individual Rwanda visas
– Processing time: 3-7 business days

Kigali International Airport is Rwanda’s primary entry point. Rwanda also offers visa-on-arrival for some nationalities, but the online application is strongly recommended.

Tips for a Successful EATV Application

After helping thousands of travelers navigate the East Africa eVisa process, here are the most common mistakes and how to avoid them:

1. Apply Through the Correct Country

The #1 mistake travelers make is applying through the wrong portal. Always apply through the country you enter first. If your flight lands in Nairobi, apply through Kenya – even if Uganda is your main destination.

2. Ensure Passport Photo Quality

Blurry, dark, or cropped passport photos are the leading cause of application rejections. Use a professional photo service or a well-lit selfie against a white background.

3. Check Passport Validity

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. If your passport expires in 5 months and 29 days, your application will be rejected.

4. Keep Copies of Everything

Save digital copies of:
– Your eVisa approval PDF
– Your yellow fever certificate
– Your passport bio-data page
– Your application confirmation email

Store these on your phone, in your email, and in cloud storage. You will need them at immigration.

5. Print Your eVisa

While many airports accept digital copies on your phone, some border crossings require a printed copy. Bring at least two printed copies of your eVisa approval.

6. Plan Your Itinerary Around the 90-Day Limit

Map out your trip before applying. Remember that the 90-day clock starts when you enter the first country. If you enter Kenya on Day 1 and spend 30 days there, you have 60 days left for Uganda and Rwanda combined.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the East Africa eVisa cost?

The East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV) costs $100 USD per person. This is a flat fee regardless of nationality, and it is non-refundable. Children under 16 traveling with parents may be included on the parent’s application at no extra charge, depending on the portal.

Which countries are included in the East Africa visa?

The EATV covers three countries: Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. It does NOT cover Tanzania, Burundi, Ethiopia, South Sudan, or any other East African nation. If you plan to visit Tanzania, you need a separate Tanzania eVisa.

How long does it take to get an East Africa eVisa?

Standard processing takes 5-10 business days. During peak travel seasons (June-September and December-January), processing may take up to 15 business days. Apply at least 2-3 weeks before your travel date to be safe.

Can I get an East Africa visa on arrival?

Visa-on-arrival is no longer available for the EATV for most nationalities. All three member countries have moved to online application systems. You must apply and receive approval before traveling.

Can US citizens travel to East Africa without a visa?

US citizens can enter Kenya visa-free for up to 90 days, but still need visas for Uganda and Rwanda. If you are visiting all three countries, the EATV at $100 is more cost-effective than applying for separate Uganda and Rwanda visas ($50+ each).

Can I extend my East Africa visa beyond 90 days?

No. The 90-day EATV cannot be extended under any circumstances. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the three-country bloc and apply for an individual country visa to re-enter.

Do I need a yellow fever vaccination for the East Africa visa?

Yes. A valid yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for all travelers entering Kenya, Uganda, or Rwanda. Get vaccinated at least 10 days before travel, as the vaccine needs time to become effective.

What happens if I leave the East Africa visa zone?

If you leave the three-country bloc (e.g., fly to Tanzania, Ethiopia, or any country outside Kenya/Uganda/Rwanda), your EATV becomes void. You cannot re-enter on the same visa and will need to apply for a new one.

Can I use the East Africa visa for business travel?

No. The EATV is strictly for tourism. For business, work, study, or volunteer activities, you need a specific visa type from the relevant country’s immigration authority.

Which portal should I apply through if I have a layover?

Apply through the portal of the country where you first clear immigration. If you have a layover in Nairobi but your final destination is Kigali, and you clear immigration in Nairobi, you apply through Kenya. If you transit without clearing immigration, apply through your final destination country.

Apply for Your East Africa eVisa

Ready to start your East Africa adventure? Choose the portal for your first entry country:

Entering via Kenya first? Apply at etakenya.go.ke
Entering via Uganda first? Apply at immigration.go.ug
Entering via Rwanda first? Apply at irembo.gov.rw

Remember to apply at least 2-3 weeks before your trip, ensure your passport has 6+ months of validity, and get your yellow fever vaccination before you travel. The $100 EATV gives you 90 days to explore three of Africa’s most exciting destinations – Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda.

Safe travels!

East Africa eVisa: Complete Guide to the EATV