Quick answer: The East Africa Tourist Visa is a joint visa for Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda - multiple entries within 90 days for a US$108 government fee plus a US$61 service fee (US$169 total). Apply online through the issuing country's eVisa system, and your first entry must be through the country that issued the visa.
Uganda's eVisa system opens the East Africa Tourist Visa to eligible nationalities: one approved permit that covers Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda, with multiple entries across all three during the trip. The key condition is the direction of travel - you must arrive in Uganda first before continuing to Kenya or Rwanda, because the issuing country is your designated first entry point. Once you leave the three-country bloc, the permit closes automatically.
With VistoRoute your application is checked by visa experts before it goes forward, reducing the chance of rejection from document mistakes.
East Africa Visa Document Checklist
Applicants for the Uganda-issued East Africa Tourist Visa submit clear scans of these documents - all in English and not expired.
1. Passport bio page scan
A clear coloured scan; the passport must stay valid for at least 6 months after arrival in Uganda.
2. Digital photo of the applicant
Taken recently against a plain white background, full face visible.
3. Travel itinerary
Explain your day-wise tour plan across the three countries.
4. Return ticket
Clearly showing your exit from the East Africa region.
For a detailed explanation of each document, review the complete Uganda eVisa document requirements.
First-entry rule & Kenya note
The issuing country must be your first entry point. Kenya currently does not issue East Africa Visas - it requires a Kenya ETA instead, so trips beginning in Kenya need a Kenya ETA plus a separate Uganda visa.
Yellow fever update (2 October 2026): a yellow fever vaccination certificate is no longer mandatory for entry into Uganda and is not requested on the application portal. WHO still recommends vaccination for travelers visiting risk areas - and Rwanda and Kenya may apply their own rules for onward travelers.
East Africa Visa Validity & Stay
| Stay | Entries | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 90 days | Multiple | 90 days |
The validity runs for one continuous trip - it is not extended or restarted after you exit the Uganda–Kenya–Rwanda bloc, and the visa does not authorize employment.
How to Apply for the East Africa Tourist Visa
The application process can be completed entirely online by following these steps:
- 1
Complete the visa application form
Select the East Africa Tourist Visa as your eVisa type, then fill in your full name, nationality and passport details - expert review flags mistakes early.
- 2
Upload the documents
Attach legible scans of all the required documents. If anything more is needed, the visa support team will contact you.
- 3
eVisa fee payment
Pay by credit/debit card or another accepted option - processing begins once the payment completes.
- 4
Receive the approved eVisa
The Uganda-issued permit arrives at your registered email address after approval - carry both a printed and a digital copy while travelling.
East Africa Tourist Visa Cost
An express processing option may be offered live at checkout. Versus paying separate entry fees for Uganda and Kenya, the US$108 joint visa is usually the cheaper route for a two-plus country trip.
Visa fees are non-refundable. There are no visas issued on arrival in Uganda.
Explore 3 Countries with a Single Tourist eVisa
A single Uganda-issued permit unlocks three very different East African experiences in one trip.
Gorillas, Nile & Kingdoms
- Mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi
- Source of the Nile adventures near Jinja
- Queen Elizabeth National Park game drives
- Living kingdoms and cultural heritage
- Rwenzori Mountains expeditions
Migration & Coastlines
- Maasai Mara and the Great Migration
- Coastal beaches to highland forests
- Amboseli views of Mount Kilimanjaro
- Rich Maasai cultural traditions
- Nairobi's urban wildlife experiences
Volcanoes & Lake Kivu
- Gorillas of Volcanoes National Park
- Sweeping highland landscapes
- Chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest
- Kigali's memorial sites
- Lake Kivu's scenic shores
East Africa Visa FAQs
What is the difference between the Uganda Ordinary/Tourist Visa and the East Africa Visa?
The standard Uganda visa grants entry only into Uganda. The East Africa Visa allows multiple entries between Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda and remains valid for 90 days. Once you leave the territory of these three countries, the visa automatically becomes invalid, and your first entry must be through the country that issued the visa. Important: Kenya currently does not issue East Africa Visas and instead requires travelers to obtain a Kenyan ETA. If your trip begins in Kenya, you must obtain a Kenya ETA and a separate Uganda visa.
How much does the East Africa Tourist Visa cost?
The government fee for the East Africa Tourist Visa issued through Uganda is US$108, and the service fee for applying with expert checking is US$61 - a total of US$169 per application. Visa fees are non-refundable and there are no visas issued on arrival in Uganda.
Which countries does the East Africa Visa cover?
The East Africa Tourist Visa covers exactly three countries: Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda. It does not cover Tanzania, Burundi or the Democratic Republic of Congo - separate visas are required for travel to those countries.
Do I need to arrive in Uganda first on an East Africa Visa?
Yes. Your first entry must be through Uganda, the country that issued the permit - only after arriving in Uganda can you travel on to Kenya or Rwanda. Kenya currently does not issue East Africa Visas and requires a Kenya ETA instead.
What documents are required for the East Africa Visa?
The passport bio-data page copy with at least 6 months of validity, a recent photograph, a return flight ticket, and a travel itinerary for Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda. Any additional documents explaining the purpose of the trip may also be required. All attachments must be in English and must not be expired.
Content Disclaimer: This information was last updated in October 2026. Verify the up to date information with the appropriate agencies, embassies, and airlines before travelling.