East African Tourist Visa Guide 2025/6: How to Apply, Cost & Validity

 East African Tourist Visa guide: Planning a multi-country safari across East Africa? Navigating separate visas for Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda can be a hassle, eating into your budget and time. Enter the East African Tourist Visa—a single, shared permit that simplifies travel between these three stunning destinations.

In this comprehensive East African Tourist Visa 2025 guide, we’ll cover everything from application steps and costs to requirements, benefits, and tips for seamless border crossings.

Whether you’re chasing gorillas in Uganda, witnessing the Great Migration in Kenya, or exploring Rwanda’s vibrant culture, this East Africa multi-entry visa is your ticket to hassle-free adventure.

What Is the East African Tourist Visa?

The East African Tourist Visa is a joint initiative by Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda to boost regional tourism. Launched under the East African Community (EAC) framework, this shared tourist visa for Kenya Uganda Rwanda allows travelers to enter and move freely between the three countries using one permit. Think of it as a “passport to East Africa’s highlights” without the need for multiple applications.

Its primary purpose? To promote cross-border travel, reduce costs, and encourage longer stays. Instead of paying for three separate visas (which could exceed $150 total), you invest in one East Africa visa for just $100.

The East Africa visa meaning extends beyond convenience—it fosters economic growth through combined safaris and cultural exchanges. As of 2025, applications are primarily online, though limited on-arrival options exist at major entry points.

This visa is strictly for tourism; it doesn’t cover business, study, or residency. LSI terms like East African community visa highlight its regional collaboration, making it ideal for adventurers planning an East Africa multi-country safari.

Countries Covered by the East African Visa

The East African Tourist Visa encompasses three powerhouse destinations:

• Uganda: Home to mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, chimpanzee tracking in Kibale, and the mighty Murchison Falls. It’s the gateway for primate enthusiasts.
• Kenya: Iconic for the Maasai Mara’s wildebeest migration, Amboseli’s elephant herds with Kilimanjaro views, and coastal beaches in Diani. Safari capital of the world.
• Rwanda: Known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” it offers Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking, Lake Kivu’s serenity, and Kigali’s modern genocide memorial sites.

Travelers can mix and match itineraries, like starting with Uganda’s gorillas, crossing to Kenya for big cats, and ending in Rwanda for golden monkeys.

Important note: As of 2025, Tanzania and Burundi are not part of the East African Tourist Visa. Tanzania operates its own e-visa system (around $50), and Burundi requires separate applications. Always verify updates on official EAC portals, as expansion talks continue. If your trip includes these, budget for additional visas.

Cost of East African Tourist Visa

One of the biggest draws? Affordability. The East Africa tourist visa cost is a flat USD $100 per person, regardless of age (children pay full price—no discounts).

Key details:

• Validity: 90 days from issuance.
• Entries: Multiple between Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda.
• Inclusions: Unlimited crossings within the trio; no extra fees at internal borders.

Here’s a clear comparison table for the East African Tourist Visa 2025:

Country	Visa Type	Cost (USD)	Validity	Entries
East Africa Tourist Visa	Joint (Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda)	$100	90 Days	Multiple
Individual Kenya Visa	Single Entry	$51	90 Days	Single
Individual Uganda Visa	Single Entry	$50	90 Days	Single
Individual Rwanda Visa	Single Entry	$50	30 Days	Single

Savings? Up to $51 compared to separate visas. Payments are online via credit/debit card; no cash for e-applications. Prices are stable as of 2025, but confirm on official sites to avoid scams.

Where to Apply for the East Africa Tourist Visa

Wondering how to apply for East African visa? It’s straightforward, with multiple channels. The golden rule: Apply through the portal of your first entry country. For example, flying into Entebbe (Uganda)? Use Uganda’s system.

Online Application (Recommended)

The apply East Africa tourist visa online process is user-friendly and takes 3–7 days for approval.

Step-by-step East Africa visa application process:

1. Visit an official e-visa portal:
   • Kenya: ecitizen.go.ke
   • Uganda: visas.immigration.go.ug
   • Rwanda: irembo.gov.rw
2. Create an account and select “East Africa Tourist Visa.”
3. Fill personal details, passport info, and travel itinerary (must include all three countries).
4. Upload documents (scanned in color).
5. Pay $100 via card.
6. Receive approval email with PDF visa—print two copies.

On Arrival

Limited to major airports like Jomo Kenyatta (Nairobi), Entebbe, or Kigali. Not guaranteed; pre-apply to avoid delays. Borders like Malaba rarely offer it.

Embassies/Consulates

For those without online access, apply in person at Ugandan, Kenyan, or Rwandan embassies. Processing: 5–10 days.

Pro tip: Use the same portal for consistency. Keywords like apply for East Africa visa lead here—bookmark officials to dodge fake sites charging extras.

East African Tourist Visa Requirements

Meeting East Africa tourist visa requirements is key to approval. Gather these documents needed for East Africa visa:

• Passport: Valid for 6+ months beyond your departure; at least 3 blank pages.
• Photo: Recent passport-size (white background, 2×2 inches, digital upload).
• Flight Itinerary: Return or onward ticket (proof of exit from the region).
• Travel Plan: Detailed itinerary showing visits to Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda (e.g., hotel bookings, tour confirmations).
• Yellow Fever Certificate: Mandatory if arriving from endemic areas; upload scanned copy.
• Accommodation Proof: Hotel reservations or invitation letter.
• Funds Proof: Sometimes requested (bank statement showing sufficient funds, ~$50/day).

Children need birth certificates and parental consent if traveling alone.

Critical: Your first point of entry must match the issuing country. Apply via Kenya if landing in Nairobi first. Failure invalidates the visa. Processing rejects incomplete apps—double-check!

Entry Points and How It Works

Once approved, the East African Tourist Visa unlocks fluid travel. Move freely via air, land, or sea between the trio—no extra stamps or fees.

How it operates:

• Activation: Scanned at first entry; validity starts then.
• Movement: Multiple re-entries allowed within 90 days.
• Exit Rule: Leaving Uganda/Kenya/Rwanda (e.g., to Tanzania) voids the visa—you’d need a new one to return.

Popular East Africa visa travel routes:

• Air: Entebbe (Uganda) → Nairobi (Kenya) → Kigali (Rwanda). Budget airlines like RwandaAir or Kenya Airways.
• Land Borders: Busia/Malaba (Uganda-Kenya), Gatuna/Katuna (Rwanda-Uganda), Namanga (Kenya-Tanzania, but exit voids visa).
• Example Itinerary: Day 1–3: gorilla trekking in Uganda ; cross to Kenya for Maasai Mara safari; fly to Rwanda for Volcanoes National Park.

Crossing borders with East Africa tourist visa is seamless—immigration officers recognize the shared barcode. Carry printed visa and passport always.

Who Can Apply for the East African Visa

Open to all nationalities eligible for at least one of the three countries’ visas. No restrictions beyond standard tourism rules.

• Eligible: Tourists from USA, EU, Australia, India, etc.
• Ineligible Uses: Work, journalism, or study—apply separately.
• Visa-Free Nationals: Some (e.g., EAC citizens) may not need it, but confirm.

It’s tourist-only, perfect for leisure travelers.

Benefits of the East African Tourist Visa

Why choose this East Africa visa benefits package?

• Cost Savings: $100 vs. $150+ for individuals.
• Convenience: One application, endless crossings.
• Extended Exploration: Ideal for East Africa multi-country safari like Uganda gorillas + Kenya wildebeests + Rwanda volcanoes.
• Time Efficiency: Skip queues at internal borders.
• Eco-Tourism Boost: Encourages sustainable regional tours.

It’s a game-changer for immersive experiences.

How Tour Operators Help

Planning an East Africa safari packages trip? Partner with experts. At Uganda Wildlife Tours, we handle apply East Africa visa with our company logistics, from securing your East African Tourist Visa to curating East Africa combined tours.

We verify documents, book flights/borders, and design itineraries like 14-day gorilla-wildlife-cultural loops. Contact us for personalized assistance.

FAQs Section

How long does the East Africa Tourist Visa take to process?

Online East Africa visa application process typically approves in 3–7 business days; apply 2 weeks ahead.

Can I extend the East Africa Tourist Visa?

No extensions beyond 90 days. Exit and reapply if needed.

Can I enter Tanzania with this visa?

No—the East African Tourist Visa covers only Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda. Tanzania requires separate visa.

Can I apply for the East Africa visa on arrival?

Yes, at major airports, but apply East Africa tourist visa online for certainty.

Is the East Africa Tourist Visa multiple entry?

Yes—unlimited multiple entry between Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda within 90 days.

Conclusion

The East African Tourist Visa remains the smartest, most affordable way to discover Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda in 2025. From saving on East Africa tourist visa cost to enabling epic East Africa multi-country safari adventures, it’s essential for any traveler.

Ready for gorillas, savannas, and hills? Contact us today for visa help, tailored packages, and unforgettable East Africa combined tours.