Kenya is one of three member states of the East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV) agreement, alongside Uganda and Rwanda. If Kenya is your first destination or primary entry point into East Africa, you must apply for the EATV through Kenya’s official Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) portal. This guide covers every step of the Kenya-based application process, from document preparation to clearing immigration at Kenyan airports and land borders.
What Is the East Africa Tourist Visa?
The East Africa Tourist Visa is a single joint visa that grants travellers access to Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda for up to 90 days. It costs $100 USD and allows multiple entries between the three countries during the validity period. The visa cannot be extended, and leaving the three-country bloc invalidates it entirely.
The EATV replaced the need for separate visas to each country, saving travellers both time and money. Instead of paying $50 for a Kenya visa, $50 for Uganda, and $50 for Rwanda individually, you pay one flat fee of $100 for all three.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | $100 USD |
| Validity | 90 days from date of entry |
| Entry type | Multiple entry (within KE/UG/RW) |
| Countries covered | Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda |
| Extension | Not available |
| Application method | Online via country portal |
Kenya’s Role in the EATV System
Kenya serves as the primary entry point for most East Africa travellers. Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi is the region’s busiest hub, handling the majority of international flights into East Africa. When you apply for the EATV through Kenya, you are declaring Kenya as your first country of entry.
The key rule is simple: apply through the country you enter first. If your flight lands in Nairobi, apply through Kenya. If you fly into Entebbe, apply through Uganda. If you arrive in Kigali, apply through Rwanda.
Kenya eTA Portal (etakenya.go.ke)
Kenya manages its visa applications through the eTA system at etakenya.go.ke. This is the official government portal for all Kenya visa types, including the East Africa Tourist Visa. The portal replaced the older e-Visa system in 2024 and is now the sole online channel for Kenya visa applications.
How to Access the Portal
- Visit etakenya.go.ke in your browser
- Click “Apply Now” or “Create Account”
- Register with a valid email address
- Verify your email through the confirmation link
- Log in to your new account
The portal is available in English and supports applications from all nationalities that require a visa to enter Kenya.
Step-by-Step Kenya EATV Application
Follow these steps to apply for the East Africa Tourist Visa through Kenya’s eTA portal:
Step 1: Create Your Account
Go to etakenya.go.ke and register with your email address. You will need to verify the email before proceeding. Use an email you check regularly, as all correspondence including the approval letter will be sent there.
Step 2: Select the East Africa Tourist Visa
After logging in, start a new application. When prompted for visa type, select “East Africa Tourist Visa” rather than the standard Kenya single-entry visa. This is critical – choosing the wrong visa type means you will only receive authorization for Kenya, not Uganda and Rwanda.
Step 3: Fill in Personal Details
Provide your full name (exactly as it appears on your passport), date of nationality, passport number, and contact information. Double-check every field against your passport to avoid processing delays or rejection.
Step 4: Upload Required Documents
You will need to upload the following:
- Passport bio-data page scan – Clear, colour scan showing your photo, name, passport number, and expiry date
- Passport-size photo – Recent photo meeting ICAO standards (white background, neutral expression, 35mm x 45mm)
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate – Required for all travellers entering Kenya
- Return flight ticket or onward travel proof
- Hotel reservation or accommodation details in Kenya
Step 5: Pay the Visa Fee
The EATV costs $100 USD, payable by credit card or debit card through the portal. The payment is processed securely online. Keep your payment confirmation as proof.
Step 6: Submit and Wait
After submitting your application, processing typically takes 5 to 10 business days. You can check your application status through the eTA portal. Once approved, you will receive an approval letter via email.
Kenya-Specific Requirements
Beyond the standard EATV requirements, Kenya has a few specific considerations:
- Passport validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Kenya
- Yellow fever certificate: Mandatory for all travellers, regardless of nationality. Get vaccinated at least 10 days before travel
- Proof of funds: You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay (bank statements or credit cards)
- Accommodation proof: Hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from a host in Kenya
Common Application Issues
Travellers frequently encounter these problems when applying through the Kenya eTA portal:
- Blurry document scans – Ensure all uploads are clear and legible
- Passport photo not meeting specs – Use a professional photo service that knows ICAO standards
- Wrong visa type selected – Double-check you selected “East Africa Tourist Visa,” not the standard Kenya visa
- Name mismatch – Your name on the application must match your passport exactly, including middle names
After Approval: Entering Kenya
Once your EATV is approved, you will receive a PDF approval letter. Print this document and keep it with your travel papers. While digital copies are accepted, having a physical printout avoids any connectivity issues at immigration.
At the Airport
When you arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi:
- Proceed to the immigration hall
- Join the queue for visa holders (not the visa-on-arrival line)
- Present your passport, printed approval letter, and yellow fever certificate
- The immigration officer will stamp your passport with a 90-day entry stamp
- Your 90-day EATV validity begins from this date
At Land Borders
If entering Kenya overland, the process is similar. Present your approval letter and documents at the border post. Processing times at land borders can vary, so allow extra time during peak periods.
Kenya Entry Points for EATV Holders
You can enter Kenya with the EATV through any of these official entry points:
| Entry Point | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) | Air | Nairobi |
| Moi International Airport (MBA) | Air | Mombasa |
| Eldoret International Airport (EDL) | Air | Eldoret |
| Namanga Border Post | Land | Kenya-Tanzania border |
| Busia Border Post | Land | Kenya-Uganda border |
| Malaba Border Post | Land | Kenya-Uganda border |
| Isebania Border Post | Land | Kenya-Tanzania border |
| Lunga Lunga Border Post | Land | Kenya-Tanzania border |
Nairobi (NBO) is by far the most common entry point for international travellers. Mombasa (MBA) serves mainly regional and charter flights. Land borders at Busia and Malaba are popular for travellers crossing between Kenya and Uganda.
Travelling from Kenya to Uganda and Rwanda
One of the main benefits of the EATV is seamless travel between the three member countries. From Kenya, you can travel to Uganda and Rwanda without additional visa fees.
Kenya to Uganda
- By air: Daily flights from Nairobi (NBO) to Entebbe (EBB), approximately 1.5 hours
- By land: Cross at Busia or Malaba border posts. The Nairobi-Kampala bus takes approximately 12-14 hours
- Documents needed: Passport with EATV stamp, yellow fever certificate
Kenya to Rwanda
- By air: Flights from Nairobi (NBO) to Kigali (KGL), approximately 2 hours (often with a stop in Entebbe)
- By land: Less common due to distance. Most travellers fly or go via Uganda
- Documents needed: Passport with EATV stamp, yellow fever certificate
Important: If you leave the three-country bloc (for example, flying to Tanzania or Ethiopia), your EATV becomes void and you cannot re-enter Kenya, Uganda, or Rwanda on the same visa.
Related Guides
- East Africa Tourist Visa: Complete Guide
- How to Apply for East Africa Visa Online
- East Africa Visa Requirements
- East Africa Visa from Uganda
- East Africa Visa from Rwanda
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the East Africa visa cost through Kenya?
The East Africa Tourist Visa costs $100 USD regardless of which country you apply through. There are no additional processing fees on the Kenya eTA portal. Payment is made by credit or debit card during the online application.
How long does it take to get the East Africa visa through Kenya?
Processing through Kenya’s eTA portal typically takes 5 to 10 business days. Apply at least two weeks before your travel date to allow for any delays. During peak travel seasons (December-January, July-August), processing may take longer.
Can I get an East Africa visa on arrival in Kenya?
Kenya phased out visa-on-arrival for most nationalities in 2024, replacing it with the mandatory eTA system. You must apply online through etakenya.go.ke before travelling. Arriving without a pre-approved eTA may result in denial of boarding by your airline.
Do I need a yellow fever certificate for the East Africa visa?
Yes. A valid yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for all travellers entering Kenya, Uganda, or Rwanda on the EATV. Get vaccinated at least 10 days before your trip, as the certificate becomes valid 10 days after vaccination.
Can I extend the East Africa visa beyond 90 days?
No. The EATV is valid for exactly 90 days and cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer in East Africa, you must exit the three-country bloc and apply for a new visa or individual country visas.
What happens if I leave Kenya, Uganda, or Rwanda on the EATV?
Leaving the three-country bloc (for example, travelling to Tanzania, Ethiopia, or any other country) voids your EATV. You cannot re-enter Kenya, Uganda, or Rwanda on the same visa. You would need to apply for a new visa to return.
