The East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV) covers exactly three countries: Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. If you are planning a multi-country trip across East Africa, this single $100 visa lets you enter all three nations for up to 90 days – but it does not include Tanzania, Burundi, Ethiopia, or any other neighboring country.
EATV Member Countries: The Complete List
The East Africa Tourist Visa is a joint visa initiative between three East African Community (EAC) member states. Here are the countries covered:
| Country | Capital | Main Entry Points | Individual eVisa Available? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya | Nairobi | Jomo Kenyatta (NBO), Mombasa (MBA), Busia, Malaba | Yes – Kenya eTA ($30) |
| Uganda | Kampala | Entebbe (EBB), Busia, Malaba, Katuna | Yes – Uganda eVisa ($50) |
| Rwanda | Kigali | Kigali (KGL), Gatuna, Rusumo | Yes – Rwanda eVisa ($50) |
These three countries signed a joint visa agreement to promote regional tourism and make cross-border travel easier for visitors. The EATV allows multiple entries across all three countries within the validity period.
Countries NOT Covered by the East Africa Visa
A common source of confusion is assuming the EATV covers all of East Africa. It does not. Here are neighboring countries that require separate visas:
| Country | Separate Visa Required? | eVisa Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tanzania | Yes | $50 (ordinary) | Most common misconception – many travelers assume Tanzania is included |
| Burundi | Yes | Varies | EAC member but not part of EATV scheme |
| South Sudan | Yes | $100+ | Not an EAC member |
| Ethiopia | Yes | $82 (e-Visa) | Has its own e-Visa system |
| DR Congo | Yes | Varies | Border with Uganda and Rwanda |
| Somalia | Yes | Varies | Limited visa-on-arrival options |
Important: If you leave the Kenya-Uganda-Rwanda zone during your EATV validity period, your visa becomes void. You cannot re-enter on the same EATV even if the 90 days have not expired.
Country-by-Country Breakdown
Kenya
Kenya is the most popular entry point for EATV holders and the most visited country in East Africa. Key details:
- Apply via: Kenya eTA portal at etakenya.go.ke
- Main airport: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), Nairobi
- Land borders: Busia and Malaba (shared with Uganda)
- Solo visit option: Kenya eTA ($30 single entry) if only visiting Kenya
- Gateway to: Masai Mara, Amboseli, Diani Beach, Mount Kenya
Uganda
Uganda is known as the “Pearl of Africa” and is the primary gateway for gorilla trekking. Key details:
- Apply via: Uganda eVisa portal at immigration.go.ug
- Main airport: Entebbe International Airport (EBB)
- Land borders: Busia and Malaba (Kenya), Katuna (Rwanda)
- Solo visit option: Uganda eVisa ($50 single entry) if only visiting Uganda
- Gateway to: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls
Rwanda
Rwanda has become one of Africa’s most innovative tourism destinations. Key details:
- Apply via: Irembo portal at irembo.gov.rw
- Main airport: Kigali International Airport (KGL)
- Land borders: Gatuna (Uganda), Rusumo (Tanzania)
- Solo visit option: Rwanda eVisa ($50 single entry) if only visiting Rwanda
- Gateway to: Volcanoes National Park, Lake Kivu, Kigali Genocide Memorial
Tanzania – The Most Common Confusion
The single most frequent mistake travelers make is assuming Tanzania is part of the East Africa Tourist Visa. It is not.
Tanzania, despite being a member of the East African Community and sharing borders with all three EATV countries, opted out of the joint visa scheme. Here is what you need to know:
- Tanzania requires a separate eVisa costing $50 for ordinary single entry
- Apply at: visa.immigration.go.tz
- If you enter Tanzania, your EATV becomes invalid – you cannot return to Kenya, Uganda, or Rwanda on the same visa
- Safari travelers: If your itinerary includes the Serengeti or Zanzibar, plan to visit Tanzania either first or last, then apply for a fresh EATV or separate visas for the other countries
Recommended itinerary order for Tanzania + EATV countries:
1. Start in Tanzania (separate eVisa)
2. Cross to Kenya, Uganda, or Rwanda and begin your EATV
3. Complete your EATV countries before the 90-day window closes
Can You Visit More Than 3 Countries with an EATV?
No. The EATV is strictly limited to Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. There is no upgrade or extension that adds additional countries.
If you want to visit more East African nations, your options include:
- Individual eVisas for each country (Tanzania, Ethiopia, etc.)
- KAZA UniVisa – a separate $50 joint visa covering Zambia and Zimbabwe (useful for Victoria Falls visits)
- SADC UniVisa – still in pilot phase for Southern African countries
- East Africa Tourist Visa + separate visas – combine the EATV with individual country eVisas for Tanzania, Ethiopia, or others
How the EATV Works Across 3 Countries
Understanding the rules for multi-country travel under the EATV:
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Validity | 90 days from date of first entry |
| Entry count | Multiple entries allowed within the 90-day period |
| Countries covered | Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda only |
| First entry | Must apply through the country you enter first |
| Leaving the zone | Visa becomes void if you exit KE/UG/RW |
| Extension | Not possible – 90 days is the maximum |
| Cost | $100 USD (single payment) |
| Passport requirement | Minimum 6 months validity from entry date |
| Health requirement | Yellow fever vaccination certificate |
Summary: Which Countries Does the East Africa Visa Cover?
The East Africa Tourist Visa covers Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda – nothing more. It is a 90-day, multiple-entry visa costing $100 that allows you to travel freely between these three countries. Tanzania, Burundi, Ethiopia, and all other neighboring nations require separate visas.
Before booking your trip, confirm your itinerary matches the EATV coverage. If Tanzania is part of your plans, apply for a separate Tanzania eVisa and plan your route carefully to avoid invalidating your EATV.
FAQs About East Africa Visa Countries
Does the East Africa visa include Tanzania?
No. Tanzania is not covered by the East Africa Tourist Visa. You need a separate Tanzania eVisa ($50). If you enter Tanzania, your EATV becomes void.
Which three countries are covered by the EATV?
The East Africa Tourist Visa covers Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. These are the only three countries where the EATV is valid.
Is Burundi included in the East Africa visa?
No. Burundi is a member of the East African Community but is not part of the EATV scheme. You need a separate visa to visit Burundi.
Can I travel between Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda freely with an EATV?
Yes. The EATV allows multiple entries across all three countries within the 90-day validity period. You can cross land borders and fly between them freely.
What happens if I leave the three EATV countries?
Your EATV becomes void the moment you exit the Kenya-Uganda-Rwanda zone. You cannot re-enter on the same visa, even if the 90 days have not expired.
Can I visit Tanzania after Kenya on an East Africa visa?
You can visit Tanzania, but your EATV will be cancelled. You would need a separate Tanzania eVisa and would not be able to return to Kenya, Uganda, or Rwanda on the EATV.
Do I need separate visas for each EATV country?
No. One EATV ($100) covers all three countries. You only need separate visas if visiting countries outside the EATV zone.
Is Ethiopia part of the East Africa Tourist Visa?
No. Ethiopia requires its own e-Visa ($82). It is not part of the EATV scheme despite being in the East African region.
EATV vs Individual Country Visas
If you are only visiting one country, the EATV may not be the best option. Here is a cost comparison:
| Visa Type | Countries Covered | Cost | Validity | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EATV | Kenya + Uganda + Rwanda | $100 | 90 days | Multi-country trips (2-3 countries) |
| Kenya eTA | Kenya only | $30 | 90 days | Kenya-only trips |
| Uganda eVisa | Uganda only | $50 | 90 days | Uganda-only trips |
| Rwanda eVisa | Rwanda only | $50 | 90 days | Rwanda-only trips |
| Tanzania eVisa | Tanzania only | $50 | 90 days | Tanzania-only trips |
Rule of thumb: If you are visiting two or more of the EATV countries, the $100 joint visa is cheaper than buying individual eVisas. For a Kenya-only or Uganda-only trip, the individual visa is more cost-effective.
Which Nationalities Can Apply for the EATV?
The East Africa Tourist Visa is open to citizens of most countries worldwide. There are no nationality-specific restrictions beyond the standard visa application process. However, some key points apply:
- All nationalities can apply for the EATV through any of the three member country portals
- Some African nationals may qualify for visa-free entry to individual EAC countries but still need the EATV for multi-country travel
- Yellow fever vaccination is required regardless of nationality if arriving from or transiting through a yellow fever endemic country
- Passport validity of at least 6 months is required for all nationalities
Nationality-Specific Notes
| Nationality Group | EATV Eligibility | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| US citizens | Yes | Apply online, $100 |
| UK citizens | Yes | Apply online, $100 |
| EU/Schengen citizens | Yes | Apply online, $100 |
| Indian citizens | Yes | Apply online, $100 |
| Chinese citizens | Yes | Apply online, $100 |
| Nigerian citizens | Yes | Apply online, $100 |
| South African citizens | Yes | Apply online, $100 |
| East African Community citizens | Visa-free | EAC nationals do not need the EATV for member states |
Planning Your Multi-Country East Africa Trip
When building an itinerary that uses the EATV, keep these practical tips in mind:
- Start with the country you applied through – your first entry must match the application portal
- Plan your route geographically – Kenya-Uganda-Rwanda forms a natural north-to-south route
- Budget for internal flights or buses – land borders are open but distances are significant
- Get your yellow fever vaccination before departure – you will need the certificate at every border
- Carry printed copies of your EATV approval – while digital copies work at airports, land borders may require paper
Suggested EATV Itinerary
Route: Nairobi → Kampala → Kigali (14 days)
- Fly into Nairobi, Kenya – explore the city and Nairobi National Park (2-3 days)
- Travel overland to Kampala, Uganda via Busia border (bus or private transfer, 8-10 hours)
- Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (2-3 days)
- Cross to Kigali, Rwanda via Gatuna border (3-4 hours by road)
- Explore Kigali and Volcanoes National Park (2-3 days)
- Fly out from Kigali International Airport
