The East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV) costs $100 USD, lasts 90 days, and lets you travel across Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda with a single visa. If Uganda is your first entry point, you must apply through the official Uganda eVisa portal at immigration.go.ug.
Uganda serves as one of the three member countries of the East Africa Tourist Visa arrangement. Whether you plan to track gorillas in Bwindi, explore Kampala, or use Uganda as a gateway to Kenya and Rwanda, applying through Uganda’s eVisa system is the required path when Entebbe is your first port of entry.
Uganda’s Role in the East Africa Tourist Visa
The East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV) is a joint visa program between Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. It was created to simplify travel across the East African region, allowing visitors to cross borders without obtaining separate visas for each country.
Uganda is a full member of this arrangement. However, a critical rule applies: you must apply for the EATV through the country where you will first enter. If your itinerary starts at Entebbe International Airport or any Ugandan land border, you must use Uganda’s immigration portal.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Visa type | East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV) |
| Cost | $100 USD |
| Validity | 90 days from date of entry |
| Entry type | Multiple entry (within the 3-country zone) |
| Countries covered | Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda |
| Extension | Not available |
| First entry rule | Apply through your first entry country |
Uganda eVisa Portal (immigration.go.ug)
Uganda processes all visa applications, including the EATV, through the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control (DCIC) online portal at immigration.go.ug. This is the only official platform for Uganda visa applications.
Important: Never use third-party websites that claim to process Uganda visas. Always verify you are on the official immigration.go.ug domain before entering personal information or making payments.
The portal handles several visa types. For the East Africa Tourist Visa specifically, you will select the “East African Tourist Visa” option during the application process.
Step-by-Step Uganda EATV Application
Here is the complete process for applying for the East Africa Tourist Visa through Uganda’s portal:
Step 1: Visit immigration.go.ug and click on the eVisa application link.
Step 2: Create an account using a valid email address. You will need this account to track your application status.
Step 3: Select “East African Tourist Visa” from the list of visa categories. Do not select a regular Uganda tourist visa if your goal is multi-country travel.
Step 4: Complete the application form with your personal details, including:
– Full name as it appears on your passport
– Nationality and passport number
– Intended date of entry
– Purpose of visit
– Accommodation details in Uganda
Step 5: Upload the required documents:
– Passport bio-data page (clear scan or photo)
– Recent passport-size photograph
– Yellow fever vaccination certificate
Step 6: Pay the $100 USD visa fee online. The portal accepts major credit and debit cards.
Step 7: Submit your application and note the reference number. You can track your application status through your portal account.
Processing typically takes 3-5 business days, though it can take longer during peak travel seasons.
Uganda-Specific Requirements
While the EATV has standard requirements across all three member countries, Uganda places particular emphasis on certain documents:
Mandatory for all applicants:
– Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity from your intended entry date
– Recent passport-size photograph meeting ICAO standards
– Yellow fever vaccination certificate (this is strictly enforced at Ugandan borders)
– Proof of accommodation or invitation letter
– Return or onward flight ticket
Additional notes for Uganda:
– Uganda requires yellow fever vaccination proof more rigorously than some neighboring countries. You may be asked to show your certificate at the airport even if you have already been approved online.
– If arriving from a country with yellow fever risk, vaccination is mandatory regardless of nationality.
After Approval: Entering Uganda
Once your EATV application is approved, you will receive an approval letter via email. Here is what to do next:
- Print the approval letter. Immigration officers at your point of entry will request a physical copy. Digital copies on your phone may not be accepted.
- Carry your passport. The passport used for the application must be the same one you travel with.
- Present documents at immigration. Upon arrival, present your printed approval letter and passport to the immigration officer. They will stamp your passport with the EATV.
The 90-day validity period begins on the date you enter Uganda (or whichever EATV country you arrive in first).
Uganda Entry Points for the EATV
You can enter Uganda on the EATV through several official border points:
| Entry Point | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Entebbe International Airport (EBB) | Air | Entebbe, near Kampala |
| Busia Border | Land | Uganda-Kenya border (east) |
| Malaba Border | Land | Uganda-Kenya border (east) |
| Katuna Border | Land | Uganda-Rwanda border (southwest) |
| Mutukula Border | Land | Uganda-Tanzania border (south) |
Entebbe International Airport is the primary entry point for most international travelers. It handles flights from major carriers connecting through Nairobi, Addis Ababa, Dubai, and other hubs.
Land borders like Busia and Malaba are commonly used by travelers combining Kenya and Uganda. Katuna is the main crossing point for those traveling between Uganda and Rwanda (particularly for gorilla trekking in Bwindi or Volcanoes National Park).
Using Uganda as a Gateway to Kenya and Rwanda
One of the main advantages of the EATV is seamless cross-border travel. Once you enter Uganda on your EATV, you can freely travel to Kenya and Rwanda without additional visas.
Uganda to Kenya: Cross at Busia or Malaba border posts. The journey from Kampala to Nairobi by bus takes approximately 10-12 hours.
Uganda to Rwanda: Cross at Katuna border post. The journey from Kampala to Kigali takes approximately 6-8 hours by road.
Critical rule: If you leave the three-country zone (Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda) at any point, your EATV becomes void. For example, if you travel from Uganda to Tanzania or South Sudan during your trip, you cannot re-enter the EATV zone on the same visa.
EATV vs Separate Uganda Visa
If you only plan to visit Uganda and not Kenya or Rwanda, a standard Uganda tourist visa may be more appropriate. Here is a comparison:
| Feature | EATV | Uganda Tourist Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $100 USD | $50 USD |
| Countries | Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda | Uganda only |
| Validity | 90 days | 90 days |
| Entry type | Multiple (within zone) | Single or multiple |
| Best for | Multi-country trips | Uganda-only visits |
If your trip involves only Uganda, the standard visa at $50 USD saves you $50. However, if you plan to visit even one other EATV country, the joint visa is the better deal.
FAQs About East Africa Visa for Uganda
Can I apply for the East Africa visa at Entebbe Airport on arrival?
Pre-approval through the online portal at immigration.go.ug is strongly recommended. While some travelers have obtained visas on arrival, it is not guaranteed and may result in long delays or denial of entry.
How long does the Uganda EATV application take to process?
Processing typically takes 3-5 business days. During peak travel seasons (June-September and December-Janeroon), it may take up to 7-10 business days. Apply at least 2 weeks before your travel date.
Do I need a yellow fever certificate for the East Africa visa through Uganda?
Yes. A valid yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for the EATV through Uganda. Uganda enforces this requirement strictly at all entry points. Get vaccinated at least 10 days before travel.
Can I enter Kenya first and then Uganda on the same EATV?
Yes. If you applied through Uganda but enter Kenya first, the visa is still valid for all three countries. However, the recommended approach is to apply through the country of your actual first entry to avoid complications at immigration.
What happens if my EATV application is rejected?
If your application is rejected, you can reapply with corrected documents or apply for a standard Uganda tourist visa instead. Common rejection reasons include unclear passport scans, missing yellow fever certificates, or passport validity issues.
Can I extend my East Africa visa while in Uganda?
No. The EATV cannot be extended beyond 90 days. If you need to stay longer, you must exit the EATV zone and apply for a separate visa for the specific country you wish to re-enter.
Is the $100 EATV fee refundable if I change my plans?
No. Visa fees are non-refundable once the application is submitted, regardless of whether the visa is approved, used, or if your travel plans change.
Can I use the EATV to visit Tanzania from Uganda?
No. Tanzania is not part of the EATV arrangement. You need a separate Tanzania visa (e-Visa at visa.immigration.go.tz or visa on arrival) to visit Tanzania, even if traveling from Uganda.
Apply for Your East Africa Visa
Ready to start your East Africa journey through Uganda? Visit the official portal to begin your application:
Apply at immigration.go.ug – Select “East African Tourist Visa” during the application process.
For more information about the EATV program, see our complete East Africa Tourist Visa guide or learn about visa requirements and application steps.
