East Africa Visa for US Citizens: How to Apply in 2026
US citizens 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 US Citizens Need a Visa for East Africa?
Yes. American 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 US citizens at most entry points – you must apply online before traveling.
The good news: the EATV lets you visit all three countries with a single $100 application, instead of paying for separate visas to each. If your trip includes two or more of these nations, the EATV is by far the most cost-effective option.
| 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
US Passport Requirements
Your US 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. A rejected application due to passport validity issues means you lose your application fee.
Yellow Fever Vaccination
US citizens traveling to East Africa must present a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate (commonly called the “yellow card”) upon entry. This applies even if you are flying directly from the United States, because most transit routes pass through yellow fever endemic zones.
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
– Available at designated US Yellow Fever Vaccination Centers (check CDC travel health for a location near you)
EATV vs Individual Visas: Which Is Better for Americans?
Your choice depends on how many countries you plan to visit:
Visiting 2+ countries → Get the EATV ($100)
The EATV is a no-brainer if you are crossing between Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. It costs the same as a single Uganda or Rwanda visa ($50 each), 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), 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 US citizens. Apply at visa.immigration.go.tz.
Important Rules for US 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 or fly to Dubai – your EATV becomes invalid. You cannot re-enter on the same visa. This is a common mistake that catches travelers off guard.
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 US Citizens
Can US citizens get a visa on arrival in East Africa?
No. Kenya eliminated visa-on-arrival for most nationalities including US citizens in 2024, 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 US 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 US citizens). Exiting to Tanzania will also cancel your EATV.
Is travel insurance required for the EATV?
Travel insurance is not a mandatory requirement for the EATV application. However, it is strongly recommended given that US health insurance typically does not cover medical expenses abroad.
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 US passports need their own EATV?
Yes. Every traveler, including infants and children, needs their own EATV application and their own valid US passport. The $100 fee applies per person regardless of age.
