East Africa Visa for Bangladeshi Citizens: How to Apply in 2026
Bangladeshi passport holders need a visa to visit Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. The East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV) costs $100 USD, covers all three countries for 90 days, and allows multiple entries between them. You must apply online through the immigration portal of whichever country you enter first.
Do Bangladeshi Citizens Need a Visa for East Africa?
Yes. Bangladeshi passport holders do not receive visa-free entry to any of the three East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV) member countries: Kenya, Uganda, or Rwanda. There is no visa-on-arrival option for Bangladeshi citizens – you must apply online before traveling.
The EATV is the most practical option if your trip includes two or more of these nations. Instead of paying for separate visas to each country, a single $100 application covers all three with multiple-entry privileges between them.
| Visa Option | Cost (USD) | Countries Covered | Validity | Entry Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| East Africa Tourist Visa | $100 | Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda | 90 days | Multiple (between 3 countries) |
| Kenya eTA only | $30 | Kenya only | 90 days | Single |
| Uganda eVisa only | $50 | Uganda only | 90 days | Single |
| Rwanda eVisa only | $50 | Rwanda only | 30 days | Single |
How to Apply: Choose Your First Entry Country
The EATV application process depends on which country you enter first. You must apply through that country’s immigration portal. For a complete walkthrough, see our step-by-step application guide.
If Entering Kenya First
Kenya uses the eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) system at etakenya.go.ke.
- Create an account on the eTA portal
- Select “East Africa Tourist Visa” as your visa type
- Fill in personal details, travel dates, and accommodation info
- Upload a digital passport photo and passport bio page scan
- Pay $100 by credit or debit card
- Receive approval by email (typically 2-5 business days)
If Entering Uganda First
Uganda uses the eVisa portal at immigration.go.ug.
- Register on the Uganda eVisa platform
- Choose “East Africa Tourist Visa” from the visa category list
- Complete the application form with personal and travel details
- Upload required documents (passport scan, photo, yellow fever certificate)
- Pay $100 online
- Processing takes 3-7 business days
If Entering Rwanda First
Rwanda uses the Irembo platform at irembo.gov.rw.
- Create an Irembo account
- Navigate to visa services and select the East Africa Tourist Visa
- Fill in application details
- Upload passport scan and photo
- Pay $100 online
- Processing typically takes 2-5 business days
Bangladeshi Passport Requirements
Your Bangladeshi passport must meet these conditions for the EATV application. Review the full document checklist for additional details:
- Validity: At least 6 months beyond your planned departure date from East Africa
- Blank pages: At least 2 blank visa pages available
- Digital scan: Clear color scan of the bio/data page (photo and text must be legible)
- Passport photo: Recent digital photo meeting standard passport specifications (white background, 35mm x 45mm, no glasses)
If your passport expires within 6 months of your travel dates, renew it before applying. The Bangladesh Department of Immigration and Passports typically processes renewals within 7-14 working days for standard applications. A rejected application due to passport validity issues means you lose your application fee.
Yellow Fever Vaccination for Bangladeshi Travellers
Bangladeshi citizens traveling to East Africa must present a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate (the “yellow card”) upon entry. This is a non-negotiable requirement enforced at all three countries’ borders.
Key details:
- Get vaccinated at least 10 days before travel (the vaccine needs time to become effective)
- The certificate is valid for life (as of WHO 2016 amendment)
- Carry the original yellow card – photocopies are not accepted
- Yellow fever vaccines are available at the Institute of Preventive and Social Medicine in Dhaka and at designated port health offices at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport
- If you were vaccinated previously, verify that your certificate is legible and in good condition – damaged certificates may be rejected
EATV vs Individual Visas: Which Is Better for Bangladeshis?
Your choice depends on how many countries you plan to visit:
Visiting 2+ countries → Get the EATV ($100)
The EATV is the clear winner if you are crossing between Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. It costs the same as two individual visas ($50 each for Uganda or Rwanda) but covers all three.
Visiting only Kenya → Get the Kenya eTA ($30)
If you are only going to Kenya (e.g., safari in the Masai Mara or business in Nairobi), the single-country eTA at $30 saves you $70.
Visiting only Uganda or only Rwanda → Get the individual visa ($50)
A single-country eVisa is cheaper if you are not crossing borders.
Adding Tanzania? → Separate visa required
Tanzania is not part of the EATV. You will need a separate Tanzania eVisa, which costs around $50 for Bangladeshi citizens. Apply at visa.immigration.go.tz. Note: exiting the EATV zone to visit Tanzania will cancel your East Africa visa. For a detailed comparison, see our EATV vs Tanzania visa breakdown.
Important Rules for Bangladeshi EATV Holders
90-Day Limit – No Extensions
The EATV is valid for exactly 90 days from the date of first entry. It cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and re-enter on a different visa type.
Exiting the Bloc Cancels the Visa
If you leave the three-country zone (Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda) – for example, to visit Tanzania, fly to Dubai, or return to Bangladesh – your EATV becomes invalid. You cannot re-enter on the same visa. This is a common mistake that catches travelers off guard, especially those on multi-destination African trips.
No Work Permits
The EATV is strictly for tourism. It does not authorize employment, business activities, or long-term stays. For work purposes, apply for a separate work permit through the relevant country’s immigration authority.
Bangladesh-Specific Tips for East Africa Travel
Flights from Bangladesh
There are no direct flights from Bangladesh to East Africa. Common routing options include:
- Via Dubai: Emirates operates frequent flights from Dhaka (DAC) to Dubai, with connections to Nairobi (NBO), Entebbe (EBB), and Kigali (KGL)
- Via Doha: Qatar Airways connects Dhaka to all three East African capitals through Doha
- Via Istanbul: Turkish Airlines offers one-stop service from Dhaka to Nairobi and other East African destinations
- Via Addis Ababa: Ethiopian Airlines connects through its Addis Ababa hub to Nairobi, Entebbe, and Kigali – often the most affordable option
Book connecting flights on a single ticket where possible to ensure baggage is transferred automatically.
Currency and Payment
The EATV fee is $100 USD, payable by credit or debit card through the online portal. Visa and Mastercard issued by Bangladeshi banks (BRAC Bank, Dutch-Bangla Bank, City Bank, and others) generally work for international online payments. Before applying:
- Confirm your card is activated for international online transactions
- Ensure your card has at least $100 USD equivalent in available balance
- Notify your bank before making the payment to avoid fraud blocks
- If your card is declined, try a different card or contact your bank to whitelist the payment
Travel Insurance
While not a visa requirement, comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended for Bangladeshi citizens visiting East Africa. Look for policies that cover:
- Medical evacuation (essential for remote areas like gorilla trekking regions)
- Trip cancellation and interruption
- Lost or stolen belongings
- Activities such as safari, hiking, and water sports
Bangladeshi Embassy Assistance
Bangladesh has limited diplomatic presence in East Africa. Check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for current consular contacts. In emergencies, the nearest Bangladeshi diplomatic missions are:
- Kenya: Bangladesh High Commission in Nairobi
- Uganda and Rwanda: No resident mission – the Nairobi High Commission covers these countries
Keep digital copies of your passport, visa, and important documents stored in cloud storage as a backup.
FAQs About East Africa Visa for Bangladeshi Citizens
Can Bangladeshi citizens get a visa on arrival in East Africa?
No. Kenya eliminated visa-on-arrival for most nationalities including Bangladeshi citizens, requiring the eTA instead. Uganda and Rwanda also require advance online applications. You must apply before your trip through the relevant portal.
How long does the EATV take to process for Bangladeshi citizens?
Processing times vary by portal: Kenya eTA typically takes 2-5 business days, Uganda eVisa takes 3-7 business days, and Rwanda Irembo takes 2-5 business days. Apply at least 2 weeks before travel to allow for any delays.
Do I need to show proof of accommodation for the EATV?
Yes. All three portals require you to provide at least one accommodation booking (hotel, Airbnb, or host address) in the first entry country. A confirmed booking or invitation letter is sufficient.
Can I visit Tanzania with the East Africa visa?
No. Tanzania is not part of the EATV agreement. You need a separate Tanzania eVisa. Exiting the EATV zone to visit Tanzania will also cancel your East Africa visa.
Is yellow fever vaccination mandatory for Bangladeshi travellers to East Africa?
Yes. A valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate is required for entry to all three EATV countries. Get vaccinated at least 10 days before travel and carry the original yellow card with your passport.
What if my EATV application is denied?
Common denial reasons include invalid passport photos, passport validity less than 6 months, or incomplete application forms. You can reapply after correcting the issue, but you will need to pay the fee again. There is no formal appeals process.
Do children with Bangladeshi passports need their own EATV?
Yes. Every traveler, including infants and children, needs their own EATV application and their own valid Bangladeshi passport. The $100 fee applies per person regardless of age.
Which Bangladeshi banks work for the EATV payment?
Most Visa and Mastercard debit and credit cards from Bangladeshi banks (BRAC Bank, Dutch-Bangla Bank, City Bank, Standard Chartered) work for international online payments. If your payment is declined, contact your bank to enable international online transactions or try a different card.
