East Africa Visa for Nigerian Citizens: How to Apply in 2026
Nigerian passport holders need a visa to visit Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. The East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV) costs $100, 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 Nigerian Citizens Need a Visa for East Africa?
Yes. Nigerian 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 Nigerian 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.
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
Nigerian Passport Requirements
Your Nigerian passport must meet these conditions for the EATV application:
- 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, 2×2 inches, no glasses)
If your passport expires within 6 months of your travel dates, renew it before applying at the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS). A rejected application due to passport validity issues means you lose your application fee.
Yellow Fever Vaccination for Nigerian Travelers
Nigerian citizens traveling to East Africa must present a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate (the “yellow card”) upon entry. This requirement is especially important for Nigerian travelers because Nigeria itself is in the yellow fever endemic zone – meaning authorities take this requirement very seriously.
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
– If you were vaccinated as a child in Nigeria, check that your certificate is still valid and legible
– Yellow fever vaccines are available at Port Health Services offices across Nigeria, including major airports in Lagos and Abuja
Even if you have had yellow fever vaccination previously, ensure your certificate is in good condition. Damaged or illegible certificates may be rejected at the border.
EATV vs Individual Visas: Which Is Better for Nigerians?
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 ($50)
Tanzania is not part of the EATV. You will need a separate Tanzania eVisa, which costs around $50 for Nigerian citizens. Apply at visa.immigration.go.tz. Note: exiting the EATV zone to visit Tanzania will cancel your East Africa visa.
Important Rules for Nigerian 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 Nigeria – 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.
FAQs About East Africa Visa for Nigerian Citizens
Can Nigerian citizens get a visa on arrival in East Africa?
No. Kenya eliminated visa-on-arrival for most nationalities including Nigerian citizens, requiring the eTA instead. Uganda and Rwanda also require advance online applications. Apply before your trip.
How long does the EATV take to process for Nigerian 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 be safe.
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 (approximately $50 for Nigerian citizens). Exiting to Tanzania will also cancel your EATV.
Is yellow fever vaccination mandatory for Nigerian travelers to East Africa?
Yes. A valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate is required for entry to all three EATV countries. Since Nigeria is in the yellow fever endemic zone, ensure your yellow card is current and legible before traveling.
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 Nigerian passports need their own EATV?
Yes. Every traveler, including infants and children, needs their own EATV application and their own valid Nigerian passport. The $100 fee applies per person regardless of age.
