East Africa Tourist Visa: Does It Cover Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda?

Planning a safari across several East African countries can involve different immigration requirements. If your itinerary includes gorilla trekking in Uganda, wildlife viewing in Kenya and a visit to Rwanda, you may qualify for a joint tourist visa that simplifies regional travel.

The East Africa Tourist Visa allows eligible international visitors to travel between Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda using one visa during its validity period.

It costs USD 100 and is valid for 90 days. Travellers can make multiple journeys between the participating countries, provided they meet the visa conditions.

However, the visa does not cover every East African destination. Tanzania, Burundi, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo are excluded.

What Is the East Africa Tourist Visa?

The East Africa Tourist Visa is a joint travel arrangement designed for visitors exploring Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda.

Instead of obtaining separate tourist visas for each participating country, eligible travellers can use one authorisation for tourism.

The visa is particularly useful for visitors combining several wildlife destinations.

For example, you could visit Kenya’s Maasai Mara, continue to Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and finish with chimpanzee tracking in Uganda.

Countries Covered by the East Africa Tourist Visa

The joint visa covers three countries.

Travellers visiting countries outside the arrangement must satisfy those destinations’ separate entry requirements.

How Does the East Africa Tourist Visa Work?

The visa permits tourism within the three participating countries for up to 90 days.

It allows multiple entries between Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda while the visa remains valid.

Example of a Three-Country Safari

Consider this itinerary:

Days 1–4: Wildlife viewing in Kenya’s Maasai Mara.

Days 5–7: Gorilla trekking and cultural activities in Rwanda.

Days 8–12: Chimpanzee tracking and wildlife viewing in Uganda.

Under the joint visa arrangement, an eligible traveller can complete this journey without purchasing three separate tourist visas.

However, the visa must be obtained through the appropriate issuing country.

Which Country Should Issue Your Visa?

Your first country of entry is important.

Official guidance requires travellers to obtain the East Africa Tourist Visa from the country where they intend to enter the participating region first.

Entering Through Uganda

If your international flight arrives at Entebbe International Airport, Uganda should issue your joint visa.

You can then travel to Rwanda and Kenya during its validity.

Entering Through Rwanda

If you arrive first at Kigali International Airport, apply through Rwanda’s immigration arrangements.

Rwanda provides an online application service and may issue the joint visa on arrival under its applicable procedures.

Entering Through Kenya

If Nairobi is your first destination, confirm the current joint visa application arrangements with Kenya’s immigration authorities before booking.

Kenya also operates an electronic travel authorisation system, and its procedures differ from the ordinary visa systems used elsewhere.

Do not assume that Kenya’s standard electronic travel authorisation automatically provides entry to Uganda and Rwanda.

How Much Does the East Africa Tourist Visa Cost?

The official East Africa Tourist Visa fee is USD 100 per person.

This fee covers the joint tourism authorisation for the participating countries.

Additional payment processing charges may apply.

Is the Joint Visa Cheaper?

The answer depends on your nationality and itinerary.

A Uganda single-entry tourist visa costs USD 50.

Rwanda offers visa exemptions or fee waivers to several nationalities.

Kenya also exempts certain travellers from its electronic travel authorisation requirement.

Therefore, the joint visa is not automatically the cheapest choice.

Compare the actual entry requirements for your passport before applying.

How Long Is the East Africa Tourist Visa Valid?

The East Africa Tourist Visa is valid for 90 days.

It cannot be extended.

You should plan your journey so that all intended visits fall within the authorised period.

Can You Enter More Than Once?

Yes. The visa allows repeated movement between Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda during its validity.

For example, a visitor may travel from Uganda to Rwanda and return to Uganda.

This is one of the main advantages of the arrangement.

What Happens if You Leave the Three Countries?

Current central immigration guidance indicates that the visa ceases to be valid when the traveller exits the participating three-country area.

Some older diplomatic guidance describes different re-entry arrangements.

Because official descriptions have not always been consistent, the safest approach is to assume that leaving the three-country area may end your joint visa.

Obtain written clarification from the relevant immigration authority before planning re-entry after visiting another country.

Documents Required for the East Africa Tourist Visa

Applicants generally need several supporting documents.

Requirements may differ according to the issuing country and individual circumstances.

Commonly Required Documents

Valid passport: Your passport should normally have at least six months of remaining validity.

Recent passport photograph: Provide a clear image meeting application requirements.

Travel itinerary: Explain which countries you intend to visit.

Return or onward travel booking: Provide relevant travel arrangements when requested.

Accommodation details: Prepare hotel reservations or addresses.

Additional health documentation: Follow the requirements currently displayed by the issuing authority.

Uganda removed its general yellow fever vaccination certificate requirement for entry in October 2026, although some older joint visa guidance still lists the certificate. Requirements in other countries may differ, so check the instructions relevant to your complete route.

How to Apply for the East Africa Tourist Visa

The application process depends on your first destination.

However, most applicants follow similar steps.

Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility

Check whether your nationality requires a visa.

Some travellers qualify for visa-free entry or other immigration arrangements.

Step 2: Choose Your First Destination

Identify the country where you will first enter the participating region.

This determines the appropriate issuing authority.

Step 3: Select the Joint Visa

Choose the East Africa Tourist Visa category where available.

Avoid selecting an ordinary single-country tourist visa.

Step 4: Complete Your Application

Provide accurate personal information matching your passport.

Include your intended travel dates and relevant contact details.

Step 5: Upload Supporting Documents

Submit the requested passport copy, photograph, itinerary and other attachments.

Ensure every file is readable.

Step 6: Pay the Required Fee

Follow the official payment instructions.

Keep your receipt and application reference.

Step 7: Receive Your Approval

Processing arrangements vary.

Allow sufficient time for document checks and additional requests.

Once approved, keep the authorisation with your travel documents.

Best Safari Itineraries Using the Joint Visa

The visa is particularly useful for travellers combining several wildlife experiences.

Uganda and Rwanda Gorilla Safari

A journey may include Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.

Travellers can compare gorilla trekking environments while experiencing both countries.

Gorilla trekking permits remain separate from immigration visas.

Kenya and Uganda Wildlife Safari

A combined itinerary could include Kenya’s Maasai Mara and Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park.

This arrangement allows visitors to enjoy open grassland wildlife viewing and forest-based primate experiences.

Three-Country Wildlife Safari

A longer itinerary can combine Kenya’s savannah parks, Rwanda’s mountain landscapes and Uganda’s tropical forests.

Allow enough time for travelling between destinations.

Border crossings and road transfers may require additional planning.

Important Travel Planning Tips

Before applying, consider the following recommendations:

• Confirm whether your nationality needs the joint visa.

• Choose the correct first-entry country.

• Check passport validity.

• Allow sufficient application processing time.

• Keep copies of your approval documents.

• Check individual border opening arrangements.

• Confirm health requirements for every destination.

• Purchase gorilla trekking permits separately.

• Avoid travel beyond your visa validity.

• Check whether visiting Tanzania affects later re-entry.

A well-organised itinerary helps you avoid unnecessary immigration complications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the East Africa Tourist Visa cover Tanzania?

No. Tanzania is not included. Travellers must meet Tanzania’s separate entry requirements.

Can I visit only two participating countries?

Yes. Eligible travellers can use the joint visa for visits involving two participating countries.

Can I work using the joint visa?

No. The East Africa Tourist Visa is intended for tourism and does not authorise employment.

Can I extend the visa?

No. The joint visa is not extendable.

Do children need separate visas?

Each traveller who requires a visa generally needs their own authorisation, including children.

Is the visa suitable for gorilla trekking?

Yes. It can cover immigration requirements for eligible travel to Uganda and Rwanda, but gorilla trekking permits must be obtained separately.

The East Africa Tourist Visa covers Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda, making it useful for international travellers planning multi-country safaris.

Its 90-day validity and multiple-entry arrangements simplify travel between participating destinations.

However, travellers must consider nationality exemptions, first-entry requirements and restrictions on leaving the three-country area.