The East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV) is NOT available on arrival. Since 2020, all three member countries – Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda – require you to apply for the EATV online before you travel. There is no option to obtain this joint visa at the airport. The EATV costs $100 USD, covers 90 days of travel across Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda, and must be approved before you board your flight.
The Short Answer – No, EATV Is Not Available on Arrival
You cannot get the East Africa Tourist Visa at the airport. The EATV is a joint tourist visa issued by Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. Since 2020, all three countries have moved to mandatory online application systems. You must apply through the portal of your first entry country and receive approval before you travel.
Here are the key facts about the EATV:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Cost | $100 USD per person |
| Validity | 90 days from first entry |
| Entry type | Multiple entry |
| Countries covered | Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda |
| Application method | Online only (before arrival) |
| Processing time | 5-10 business days |
If you arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi), Entebbe International Airport (Uganda), or Kigali International Airport (Rwanda) without an approved EATV, you will likely be denied entry.
Why the East Africa Visa Requires Online Application
Before 2020, visa on arrival was available at major airports in Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. Travelers could fill out a form, pay the fee, and receive their visa at the immigration counter.
The COVID-19 pandemic changed everything. In response to global health concerns and to modernize immigration processes, all three countries transitioned to online-only systems. This shift brought several benefits:
- Faster processing – applications are reviewed before arrival
- Reduced airport queues – no more standing in visa lines after a long flight
- Better security – background checks happen before entry
- Digital records – both travelers and immigration authorities have clear documentation
Kenya introduced the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) system at etakenya.go.ke in January 2024, replacing the old eVisa system. Uganda maintains its eVisa portal at immigration.go.ug, and Rwanda uses the Irembo platform at irembo.gov.rw.
What Happens If You Arrive Without an EATV
If you arrive in Kenya, Uganda, or Rwanda without an approved East Africa Tourist Visa, several things can happen:
Denied Boarding by Your Airline
Most airlines check for valid travel authorization before boarding. If you don’t have an approved EATV or eTA, the airline may deny you boarding at your departure airport. This is common for flights to Kenya, where the eTA requirement is strictly enforced.
Entry Refused at Immigration
Even if you somehow board the flight, immigration officers at the arrival airport will not grant you entry without valid travel authorization. You may be held at the airport, questioned, and potentially deported at your own expense.
Emergency Application (Rare)
In rare cases, if the online portal is accessible on your mobile device at the airport, you may be able to apply for an eTA or eVisa on the spot. However, this is unreliable because:
- Processing takes 5-10 business days – you may have to wait at the airport
- Internet connectivity at immigration counters may be limited
- Immigration officers are not obligated to wait for your application to process
- You risk deportation and airline fines
Do not rely on emergency applications. Always apply for your visa well in advance of travel.
Can You Get a Visa on Arrival in Kenya, Uganda, or Rwanda Instead?
While the joint EATV is not available on arrival, each country has its own individual visa policies. Some nationalities can still get a visa on arrival for individual countries, but this does not give you access to travel between all three countries.
Kenya – Individual Visa on Arrival
Kenya offers visa on arrival for certain nationalities, including:
- United States citizens
- United Kingdom citizens
- Most EU/Schengen countries
- Australian and Canadian citizens
- Chinese citizens (with prior approval)
However, Kenya’s eTA system is now the preferred and recommended method. The eTA costs the same as the traditional visa and is processed faster.
Uganda – Individual Visa on Arrival
Uganda offers visa on arrival for most nationalities, but the eVisa system is strongly recommended. Applying online avoids long queues at Entebbe International Airport.
Rwanda – No Individual Visa on Arrival
Rwanda does not offer visa on arrival for most nationalities. All visitors must apply for an eVisa or visa exemption through the Irembo platform at irembo.gov.rw before travel.
Important: Individual Country VOA ≠ EATV
Getting a visa on arrival for Kenya does not automatically give you access to Uganda or Rwanda. To travel freely between all three countries, you still need the East Africa Tourist Visa – which must be applied for online.
Here is a comparison of the options:
| Feature | EATV (Online) | Individual Country VOA |
|---|---|---|
| Countries covered | Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda | Single country only |
| Application method | Online before arrival | At airport (where available) |
| Cost | $100 USD | $50-$100 USD per country |
| Multi-country travel | Yes | No |
| Recommended | Yes | Only if visiting one country |
How to Apply for the East Africa Tourist Visa Online
Applying for the EATV online is straightforward. You apply through the portal of the country you will enter first. Here are the official portals:
| First Entry Country | Official Portal | URL |
|---|---|---|
| Kenya | eTA Kenya | https://etakenya.go.ke |
| Uganda | Uganda eVisa | https://immigration.go.ug |
| Rwanda | Irembo | https://irembo.gov.rw |
Application Steps
- Choose your first entry country – this determines which portal you use
- Create an account on the portal
- Fill in the application form – personal details, travel dates, passport information
- Upload required documents – passport scan, passport photo, yellow fever certificate
- Pay the fee – $100 USD (non-refundable, paid online)
- Wait for processing – typically 5-10 business days
- Download your approved visa – print or save to your phone
Required Documents
- Passport valid for at least 6 months from arrival date
- Passport-size photo (digital upload)
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate
- Return or onward flight ticket
- Hotel reservation or travel itinerary
For a complete document checklist, see our guide on East Africa visa requirements.
Alternatives If You Forgot to Apply for Your EATV
If you’re reading this at the airport or days before your flight, don’t panic. Here are your options:
Option 1: Apply for Individual Country eVisas
If you’re visiting all three countries, apply for individual eVisas for each country separately. This costs more ($50-$100 USD per country) but each application may process faster than the EATV.
- Kenya eTA: https://etakenya.go.ke (2-3 business days)
- Uganda eVisa: https://immigration.go.ug (5-7 business days)
- Rwanda eVisa: https://irembo.gov.rw (3-5 business days)
Option 2: Contact Your Nearest Embassy
Embassies and consulates can sometimes process emergency visa applications. Contact the embassy of your first entry country for expedited processing.
Option 3: Modify Your Travel Plans
If you have time, consider:
– Delaying your flight by 1-2 weeks to allow EATV processing
– Visiting only one country (Kenya or Uganda) where individual VOA may be available
– Applying for a visa exemption if your nationality qualifies (Kenya offers 90-day visa exemptions for some nationalities)
What NOT to Do
- Do not board your flight hoping to get a visa at the airport
- Do not assume your airline will allow you to board without travel authorization
- Do not risk deportation and travel bans by attempting to enter without valid documentation
How Far in Advance Should You Apply for an EATV?
Apply for your East Africa Tourist Visa at least 2-3 weeks before your departure date. Here’s why:
| Factor | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Standard processing | 5-10 business days |
| Peak season delays | 10-15 business days (June-August, December-January) |
| Document issues | Add 3-5 days if resubmission required |
| Recommended buffer | 1 week for unexpected delays |
| **Total recommended** | **3-4 weeks before travel** |
Peak Season Considerations
During peak travel seasons (June-August for safaris, December-January for holidays), processing times can increase significantly. Apply at least 4 weeks in advance if traveling during these periods.
Business Days Only
Processing times are counted in business days (Monday-Friday). If you apply on a Friday evening, processing won’t begin until Monday. Weekends and public holidays in Kenya, Uganda, or Rwanda don’t count toward processing time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an East Africa visa on arrival?
No. The East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV) must be applied for online before arrival. Since 2020, Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda require all EATV applications through their online portals. There is no visa-on-arrival option for the joint EATV.
What happens if I arrive without an East Africa visa?
You will likely be denied boarding by your airline. If you somehow reach the destination country, immigration officers will refuse entry. You may face deportation at your own expense and potential travel bans. Always apply for your visa before traveling.
How long does it take to get an East Africa visa?
Standard processing for the EATV takes 5-10 business days. During peak seasons, it can take up to 15 business days. Apply at least 2-3 weeks before your trip to avoid issues.
Can US citizens get a visa on arrival for Kenya?
US citizens can get a Kenya eTA, which is the electronic travel authorization required for entry into Kenya. The eTA must be applied for online at etakenya.go.ke before travel. There is no traditional visa-on-arrival option for US citizens entering Kenya.
Is the East Africa visa available at the airport?
No. The EATV is only available through online application. You must apply through the portal of your first entry country (Kenya, Uganda, or Rwanda) and receive approval before arriving.
How much does the East Africa visa cost?
The East Africa Tourist Visa costs $100 USD per person. This fee is non-refundable and paid online at the time of application. The visa is valid for 90 days with multiple entries across Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda.
Can I apply for the East Africa visa at the airport?
No. The EATV application must be completed online before travel. There is no application kiosk or counter at airports in Kenya, Uganda, or Rwanda for the joint EATV. Use the official portals: etakenya.go.ke (Kenya), immigration.go.ug (Uganda), or irembo.gov.rw (Rwanda).
Do I need a visa to travel to East Africa?
Yes, most nationalities need a visa to visit Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. The East Africa Tourist Visa ($100 USD, 90 days) covers all three countries with one application. Some nationalities may qualify for visa exemptions in individual countries – check the specific country’s immigration website for details.
