East Africa Tourist Visa: Apply online for Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda
Get your East Africa Tourist Visa online in minutes and explore Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda without multiple visa applications.
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If you’re planning a multi-country trip in East Africa, the East Africa Tourist Visa is the most efficient way to explore Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. This East African visa allows travelers to visit all three countries with a single document, avoiding the need to apply for separate visas. Whether you’re entering through Kenya, Uganda, or Rwanda, the East Africa Tourist Visa enables smooth and unrestricted travel between these destinations. The East Africa visa application process is fully online and designed to be fast, secure, and accessible from anywhere. Ideal for tourism, this East Africa visa simplifies administrative procedures and supports regional mobility. With just one East Africa tourist visa online application, you can discover some of East Africa’s most iconic landscapes and cultural experiences. If you're a US citizen or come from another eligible country, applying for the East Africa visa online is a straightforward way to begin your East African journey.
East Africa Tourist Visa – Key Points
- One visa for three countries: The East Africa Tourist Visa allows travelers to visit Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda with a single document. There is no need to apply for separate visas when crossing borders between these countries.
- 100% online application: The visa is obtained entirely through a digital application process, meaning you can apply from anywhere in the world without visiting an embassy or consulate.
- Valid for use within 3 months: Once issued, the East Africa visa must be used within 90 days from the date of approval. The stay begins only when you enter one of the three countries.
- Fast processing time: Most applications are processed within 2 to 3 working days, though it is recommended to apply at least a week before departure to allow for delays or high demand.
The East Africa Tourist Visa is a special type of regional visa that allows international travelers to visit Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda with a single entry document.
This visa was introduced as part of a joint initiative between the three countries to encourage tourism and facilitate cross-border travel within the East African region.
Instead of applying for three separate national visas, eligible travelers can use this single East Africa visa to explore all three destinations. It’s an ideal option for those planning a safari, cultural tour, or multi-country itinerary in East Africa.
One of the key benefits of the East Africa Tourist Visa is that the entire application process is 100% online. There is no need to visit an embassy or consulate; applicants simply submit their documents digitally through an approved platform.
The visa is issued exclusively for tourism purposes and does not permit employment, volunteering, or business activities in any of the participating countries. It is open to citizens from most eligible countries, including US citizens, and offers a streamlined way to discover some of Africa’s most iconic landscapes and vibrant cultures.
Whether you’re arriving in Nairobi, Entebbe, or Kigali, the East African visa provides a simple and unified travel solution for experiencing the natural wonders and hospitality of this region.
Once issued, the East Africa visa must be used within 3 months of the date of approval. This refers to the entry window: you must enter one of the participating countries within that period.
The length of stay officially begins when you arrive in the region and is determined by immigration officers at your point of entry.
However, there is an important condition: although this is a multiple-entry visa within the region, it becomes invalid if you exit the East Africa Tourist Visa zone, even temporarily. For instance, if you leave Kenya to travel to another country outside of Rwanda and Uganda, the visa is automatically cancelled—even if it was still within the validity period. To re-enter the region, you would need to submit a new visa application online.
Because processing times can vary slightly depending on the platform or the volume of requests, it is recommended to apply at least 6 working days before your departure. This ensures you receive your East Africa visa online in time and can travel with peace of mind.
The East Africa Tourist Visa comes with a standard fee of 100 USD, regardless of your nationality.
This fixed price covers access to Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda under a single, unified visa. However, travelers should note that the final cost may vary slightly depending on the online platform or visa service provider used to process the application.
In addition to the base visa fee, additional service charges may apply if you choose to use a third-party provider that offers application assistance, document verification, or multilingual customer support. These optional fees can vary but typically range from 20 to 40 USD. This means the total cost of obtaining your East Africa visa online may exceed the official government rate.
To avoid surprises or delays, it is advisable to:
Most travelers must pay the full East Africa Tourist Visa fee, including teenagers aged 16 and above. However, children under the age of 16 are exempt from paying the visa fee, provided they meet all entry requirements—such as holding a valid passport and presenting parental authorization if required.
The process of obtaining the East Africa Tourist Visa has been greatly simplified thanks to the online application system. Most travelers can complete the application in just a few minutes, uploading the required documents and paying the visa fee electronically.
Once your application and payment are submitted, the average processing time is 2 to 3 working days. However, delays may occasionally occur, especially during peak travel seasons, or if there are public holidays or weekends in any of the three countries involved (Kenya, Uganda, or Rwanda).
To avoid last-minute complications, it is strongly recommended to apply at least 6 working days before your intended travel date. This provides a safety margin in case additional documents are requested or processing times are extended due to high demand.
Applicants should also note that the East Africa visa is issued electronically and sent by email. It’s important to print a copy of your approved visa to present at the border, even though it is linked digitally to your passport.
Applying early ensures peace of mind and helps you avoid any disruptions to your itinerary.
Citizens of the United States are fully eligible for the East Africa Tourist Visa and can follow the same online application process as travelers from most other eligible countries. There are no additional requirements or restrictions specific to US applicants.
Just make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended return date. Prepare all standard documents listed above, including a passport photo and your travel itinerary, then submit your application through an approved online platform. Your East Africa visa will be processed electronically and sent to you by email, typically within 2 to 3 working days.
This visa allows US tourists to explore Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda without needing separate visas for each country.
Applying for the East Africa Tourist Visa is a fully digital process, available to eligible travelers worldwide. You can submit your application through an approved online platform without visiting an embassy or consulate. The procedure is straightforward, but you must ensure that all required documents and information are provided accurately.
→ Required documents for the East Africa Tourist Visa application:
To complete your East Africa visa application online, you will need to prepare the following:
A color scan of the passport’s identity page, valid for at least 6 months after your return date
A recent passport-size photo in color (digital format)
A hotel booking confirmation (PDF format) for at least your first destination
A list of personal and travel information, including:
Name of airport of arrival
Name, phone number, and email of your first hotel
Your occupation
Full names of your parents
Countries visited in the past 3 months
Indication of any prior travel to Kenya
If you intend to use the East Africa Tourist Visa for business-related purposes (which is not its primary purpose), you may be asked to submit additional documents, such as:
→ Step-by-step application process:
Your East Africa Tourist Visa will be issued electronically and linked to your passport. Although it’s digital, it is strongly recommended that you print the approval confirmation and carry it with you when entering any of the participating countries.
Important Notes
- This visa is strictly for tourism purposes. It does not permit transit-only travel, work, or business activities. If you are only stopping briefly in Kenya, Uganda, or Rwanda, you must apply for a specific Transit Visa (e.g., the Kenya Transit Visa, valid for 72 hours).
- Once you enter one of the three countries, the visa allows unlimited border crossings between Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda, as long as you remain within the region. However, exiting the region cancels the visa automatically, even if it hasn’t expired.
Find out if your question has been answered in the list below
Yes. You can start your trip in Rwanda, Uganda, or Kenya. The East Africa Tourist Visa is valid regardless of the country of initial entry, as long as it is one of the three participating countries. The visa must simply be used within three months of its issuance.
No. The East Africa Tourist Visa cannot be extended. Once it expires or once you leave the region (Kenya, Uganda, or Rwanda), it becomes invalid. You would need to apply for a new visa if you wish to return or extend your stay.
Yes. US citizens are fully eligible to apply for the East Africa Tourist Visa online. The procedure is identical to that of most other nationalities. Applicants must provide standard documents and meet the entry requirements, including passport validity and travel plans.