The East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV) costs $100 USD per person. This single fee covers entry to Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda for up to 90 days – making it one of the best-value multi-country visas in Africa when you plan to visit two or more of these nations.
Below, we break down exactly what you pay, when you pay it, and how the EATV compares to buying individual country visas separately.
EATV Standard Fee
The East Africa Tourist Visa has a flat fee of $100 USD per applicant. Here are the key points about the cost:
- Non-refundable – If your application is denied, you do not get your money back
- Paid online at the time of application via credit or debit card
- Same price for all nationalities – There is no discounted or premium tier
- No processing fee on top – The $100 is the total cost; there are no hidden surcharges from the issuing government
The fee is set jointly by Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda as part of the East African Community (EAC) treaty. Each country’s immigration portal charges the same $100 rate.
Cost Comparison – EATV vs Individual Country Visas
The biggest question travelers have is whether the EATV actually saves money. The answer depends on how many countries you plan to visit.
| Visa Type | Cost (USD) | Countries Covered | Validity | Entry Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV) | $100 | Kenya + Uganda + Rwanda | 90 days | Multiple entry within bloc |
| Kenya eTA | $30-50 | Kenya only | 90 days | Single entry |
| Uganda eVisa | $50 | Uganda only | 90 days | Single entry |
| Rwanda eVisa | $50 | Rwanda only | 30 days | Single entry |
| Tanzania eVisa | $50 | Tanzania only | 90 days | Single entry |
Key takeaway: If you are visiting all three EATV countries, you save $30-50 compared to buying three separate visas. If you are only visiting one country, an individual visa is cheaper.
When the EATV Saves You Money
The EATV is the smart financial choice in these scenarios:
Visiting 2 countries: If you plan to visit any two of Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda, the $100 EATV is roughly the same cost as two individual visas ($80-100 combined). The EATV wins because you also get the flexibility of multiple entries within the bloc – something individual visas do not offer.
Visiting all 3 countries: This is where the EATV clearly saves money. Three individual visas would cost $130-150 total. The EATV saves you $30-50 and simplifies the application process to a single form.
Cross-border day trips: Even if your primary destination is one country, the EATV lets you take spontaneous trips across borders – a gorilla trek in Rwanda followed by a safari in Kenya, for example – without buying additional visas.
When an Individual Visa Is Better
If you are visiting only one country and have no plans to cross borders, buy the individual visa for that country. A single Kenya eTA at $30-50 is half the price of the EATV.
Important: Tanzania is not part of the EATV. If your itinerary includes Tanzania (including Zanzibar), you need a separate Tanzania eVisa ($50) regardless of whether you hold an EATV.
Hidden Costs to Budget For
The $100 visa fee is not the only expense. Budget for these additional costs:
| Item | Estimated Cost (USD) | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow fever vaccination | $50-150 | Yes – certificate required |
| Passport photos (digital) | $0-10 | Yes – uploaded during application |
| Travel insurance | $30-80 | Recommended |
| Printing eVisa approval | $0-5 | Yes – carry a printed copy |
| Passport renewal (if expiring soon) | $100-200 | If passport expires within 6 months |
The yellow fever vaccination is the most commonly overlooked requirement. You must present a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate (sometimes called the “yellow card”) upon arrival. Without it, you may be denied entry or required to get vaccinated at the airport at your own expense.
Payment Methods Accepted
Payment depends on which country’s portal you use to apply:
| Portal | Country | Payment Methods |
|---|---|---|
| immigration.go.ug | Uganda | Visa, Mastercard credit/debit cards |
| Irembo (irembo.gov.rw) | Rwanda | Visa, Mastercard, mobile money (MTN, Airtel) |
| eTA Kenya (etakenya.go.ke) | Kenya | Visa, Mastercard credit/debit cards |
Tips for smooth payment:
- Use a card that supports international transactions – some banks block charges from East African payment processors
- Ensure your card has at least $100 available (plus a small buffer for currency conversion)
- Mobile money on the Rwanda Irembo portal is only available to users with Rwandan MTN or Airtel accounts
- Keep your payment confirmation email – you may need the transaction reference if there is a processing delay
How the $100 Compares to Other African Visas
To put the EATV cost in perspective, here is how it stacks up against visas for other popular African destinations:
| Destination | Visa Cost (USD) | Validity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| East Africa (EATV) | $100 | 90 days | 3 countries, multiple entry |
| Tanzania | $50 | 90 days | Single country |
| Ethiopia eVisa | $82 | 30-90 days | Single country |
| South Africa | Free-$50 | 90 days | Depends on nationality |
| Morocco | Free | 90 days | Visa-free for many nationalities |
| Egypt eVisa | $25 | 30 days | Single entry |
The EATV is on the higher end for a single visa, but its multi-country coverage and 90-day multiple-entry validity make it excellent value for travelers exploring the East African region.
Refund Policy
The $100 EATV fee is strictly non-refundable. This applies in all cases:
- Application denied – No refund
- Application withdrawn before processing – No refund
- Visa approved but not used – No refund
- Duplicate application submitted by mistake – No refund for the second payment
Double-check all your information before submitting to avoid paying twice.
FAQs About East Africa Visa Cost
How much does an East Africa visa cost in 2026?
The East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV) costs a flat **$100 USD** per person. This is the same price regardless of your nationality or which portal you apply through.
Is the East Africa visa fee refundable?
No. The $100 fee is non-refundable in all circumstances, including if your application is denied or if you do not use the visa.
Can I pay for the East Africa visa with mobile money?
Only the Rwanda Irembo portal accepts mobile money (MTN and Airtel), and only for Rwandan mobile money accounts. The Uganda and Kenya portals require a credit or debit card.
Is the East Africa visa cheaper than buying separate visas?
Yes, if you are visiting two or more of Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. Three separate visas would cost $130-150, while the EATV covers all three for $100. For a single country visit, an individual visa is cheaper.
Does the East Africa visa cover Tanzania?
No. Tanzania is not part of the EATV. You need a separate Tanzania eVisa ($50) to visit Tanzania or Zanzibar.
Are there any additional fees beyond the $100 visa cost?
There are no government surcharges beyond $100. However, you should budget for a yellow fever vaccination ($50-150), travel insurance ($30-80), and printing your eVisa approval letter.
How much is a Kenya eTA compared to the EATV?
A Kenya eTA costs $30-50 depending on your nationality. If you are only visiting Kenya, the eTA is cheaper. If you also plan to visit Uganda or Rwanda, the $100 EATV is the better deal.
Do children pay the same visa fee?
Yes. Every applicant, including children and infants, must pay the full $100 EATV fee. There is no reduced rate for minors.
