The East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV) costs $100 USD, covers Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda for 90 days, and must be applied for online through the immigration portal of whichever country you enter first. You cannot get this visa on arrival at every port of entry – the online application is now the primary method.
Before You Start: What You Need
Gather these documents before opening the application portal. Missing items are the number one reason applications get delayed or rejected.
- Valid passport – must have at least 6 months remaining validity from your planned entry date and at least one blank page
- Digital passport photo – recent, white background, JPEG format, between 50KB and 1MB
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate – required for all travelers, regardless of nationality. Scan or photograph both sides
- Return or onward flight details – a confirmed booking showing you will leave the East African bloc within 90 days
- Credit or debit card – Visa, Mastercard, or American Express for the $100 USD payment
- Working email address – all correspondence and your eVisa approval letter will be sent here
Choose Your Entry Country Portal
The EATV application system is decentralized – each country runs its own portal. You must apply through the portal of the country where you will enter first. This is not optional: the visa is only valid for entry through the country that issued it. You can travel freely between the three countries afterward, but your first point of entry must match the portal you used.
| Portal | Country | URL | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uganda eVisa | Uganda | immigration.go.ug | Most widely used; tracks application status online |
| Irembo | Rwanda | irembo.gov.rw | Fast processing; clean interface |
| Kenya eTA | Kenya | etakenya.go.ke | Newer system; integrated with Kenya eTA |
Critical rule: If you fly into Nairobi (Kenya) first, apply through Kenya eTA. If you enter via Kigali (Rwanda), use Irembo. If Entebbe (Uganda) is your first stop, use the Uganda portal. Applying through the wrong country means your visa will not be valid at your actual port of entry.
Step-by-Step: Apply via Uganda (immigration.go.ug)
Uganda’s portal is the most commonly used for EATV applications. The process takes about 15-20 minutes.
Step 1: Create an Account
Visit immigration.go.ug and click “Apply Now.” Register with your email address, create a password, and verify your email through the confirmation link sent to your inbox.
Step 2: Select “East African Tourist Visa”
From the visa type dropdown, choose “East African Tourist Visa” – not the single-entry Uganda visa. The EATV option specifically covers all three countries.
Step 3: Fill in Personal Details
Enter your full name (exactly as it appears on your passport), date of birth, nationality, passport number, and contact information. Double-check every field – even a small typo between your application and passport can cause rejection at immigration.
Step 4: Upload Documents
Upload your passport bio-data page scan, passport photo, and yellow fever certificate. Files must be in JPEG or PDF format, under 2MB each. The photo must meet the standard passport photo requirements.
Step 5: Pay the $100 USD Fee
The portal accepts Visa and Mastercard. You will receive a payment confirmation receipt by email. The fee is non-refundable even if your application is denied.
Step 6: Submit and Track
After submission, you receive an application reference number. Processing typically takes 3-5 business days. Track your status by logging back into the portal. Once approved, download and print the eVisa approval letter.
Step-by-Step: Apply via Rwanda (Irembo)
Rwanda’s Irembo platform processes EATV applications through a streamlined digital system.
Step 1: Visit irembo.gov.rw
Create an account or log in with your existing Irembo credentials. The platform is also used for other Rwandan government services.
Step 2: Select Visa Type “East Africa Tourist Visa (V11)”
Navigate to the immigration section and select the V11 visa category, which is the code for the East Africa Tourist Visa.
Step 3: Complete the Application Form
Fill in all required fields including personal information, travel dates, and the address where you will stay in Rwanda. You will also need to provide your entry point (e.g., Kigali International Airport).
Step 4: Upload Supporting Documents
Upload your passport scan, photo, yellow fever certificate, and flight itinerary. Irembo accepts JPEG and PDF files.
Step 5: Pay the Fee
Payment can be made via mobile money (MTN Mobile Money, Airtel Money) or credit card. Mobile money is a popular option for travelers already in the region.
Step 6: Receive Approval
Processing takes 2-3 business days on average. You receive the approval notification via email and SMS. Download and print the approval letter before traveling.
Step-by-Step: Apply via Kenya (eTA)
Kenya replaced its traditional visa system with the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) in 2024. The EATV is processed through this same platform.
Step 1: Visit etakenya.go.ke
Register for an account using your email address. The site works on both desktop and mobile browsers.
Step 2: Register and Verify Your Identity
Complete the registration process by verifying your email. You will need to provide a phone number for SMS notifications.
Step 3: Select East Africa Visa Option
When prompted for your travel purpose and visa type, select the East Africa Tourist Visa option. This confirms your application is for the multi-country EATV rather than a single Kenya entry.
Step 4: Complete the Application
Fill in personal details, travel itinerary, accommodation information in Kenya, and upload all required documents. Kenya’s system is particularly thorough – expect to provide details about your employer or reason for travel.
Step 5: Pay Online
The platform accepts major credit and debit cards. The $100 USD fee is charged at the time of submission.
Step 6: Track and Download
Kenya eTA typically processes within 3-7 business days. Check your email regularly for updates. Once approved, log in to download your eTA confirmation, which serves as your EATV approval.
After Approval: What Happens Next
Once your EATV application is approved, there are a few final steps before you can travel.
Download and print your eVisa approval letter. Every portal sends the approval as a PDF attachment or provides a download link. Print at least two copies – one for your carry-on bag and one as a backup. Some airlines check the approval before allowing you to board. Save a digital copy on your phone as well, in case the printed version gets lost or damaged during your trip.
Present the approval at immigration on arrival. When you land in your first entry country, present your printed approval letter along with your passport at the immigration counter. The officer will stamp your passport and record your entry date. Your 90-day validity period starts from this moment – not from the date your visa was approved.
The visa allows multiple entries between Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. You can freely cross borders between the three countries during the 90-day period without needing additional visas or permits. For example, you can fly into Nairobi, take a bus to Kampala, then cross into Rwanda – all on the same visa. Land border crossings between the three countries are straightforward and typically take less than an hour.
Keep your passport stamped at every border crossing. When moving between Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda by land, always go through the official immigration checkpoint and get exit and entry stamps. Skipping the border formalities – even though the visa covers all three countries – can cause problems if you are stopped at a police checkpoint.
Important restriction: If you leave the East African bloc – for example, flying to Tanzania, Ethiopia, or any other country – your EATV becomes void. You cannot re-enter Kenya, Uganda, or Rwanda on the same visa after leaving the bloc. If your travel plans include countries outside the bloc, plan those legs at the end of your trip or apply for a separate visa to re-enter.
The EATV cannot be extended. Once the 90 days expire, you must leave the bloc. Overstaying results in fines and potential bans from future travel to the region. For more details on visa duration and rules, see our East Africa visa validity guide.
Common Application Mistakes to Avoid
These errors cause the majority of EATV application delays and rejections:
Applying through the wrong country portal. The most common mistake. If your first entry point is Nairobi, do not apply through Uganda or Rwanda. Your visa will only be valid at the port of entry matching the country where you applied.
Photo does not meet specifications. The passport photo must be recent (taken within the last 6 months), show your full face against a white background, and be in JPEG format. Glasses should be removed. Photos that are blurry, too dark, or cropped incorrectly will be rejected.
Passport expiring within 6 months. If your passport expires in less than 6 months from your planned entry date, your application will be denied. Renew your passport before applying.
Forgetting the yellow fever certificate. This is mandatory for all travelers regardless of where you are coming from. Even if you are traveling from a country with no yellow fever risk, the certificate is required by all three East African nations.
Incorrect travel dates. Make sure the dates on your application match your flight bookings. Entering the bloc before your visa start date or planning to stay beyond 90 days will cause problems at immigration.
Using the wrong document format. Scans and photos must be in JPEG or PDF format. Screenshots from phones, HEIC files from iPhones, or PNG images may not upload correctly. Convert your files before starting the application.
For a complete list of required documents, see our East Africa visa requirements guide. If your application was denied, read our guide on common rejection reasons and how to fix them.
FAQs About East Africa Visa Application
How do I get an East African tourist visa?
Apply online through the immigration portal of the country you will enter first. Kenya uses etakenya.go.ke, Uganda uses immigration.go.ug, and Rwanda uses irembo.gov.rw. The visa costs $100 USD and is valid for 90 days.
How long does an East African visa take to process?
Processing typically takes 3-7 business days depending on the portal used. Rwanda’s Irembo is usually the fastest at 2-3 business days, while Kenya eTA can take up to 7 business days. Apply at least 2 weeks before your travel date to allow for any delays.
Do you need a visa to go to East Africa?
Most nationalities need a visa to enter Kenya, Uganda, or Rwanda. The East Africa Tourist Visa ($100 USD) covers all three countries with a single application. Some nationalities are visa-exempt for individual countries – check the specific country requirements for your passport.
How much is Kenya ETA for US citizens?
US citizens pay $100 USD for the East Africa Tourist Visa when applying through the Kenya eTA portal. This same visa covers entry to Uganda and Rwanda. A standard Kenya-only eTA costs $30 USD but does not include the other two countries.
Can I get an East Africa visa on arrival?
Visa on arrival availability varies by country and is being phased out in favor of online applications. Kenya requires advance eTA approval. Uganda and Rwanda may issue visas on arrival at some entry points, but applying online beforehand is strongly recommended to avoid long queues and potential denial.
Start Your Application
Ready to apply? Choose your portal based on your first entry country:
- Entering via Kenya – Apply at etakenya.go.ke
- Entering via Uganda – Apply at immigration.go.ug
- Entering via Rwanda – Apply at irembo.gov.rw
For information about visa fees and payment methods, see our East Africa visa cost breakdown. If you need details on processing timelines, check our processing time guide.
