Three countries, different routes and destinations, but one document. The East African Tourist Visa makes life easier for foreigners looking to explore more than one of the three East African nations in a single trip. Here are the key facts about the visa: its features, how to get it, when, why, and at what cost.
The East African Tourist Visa: An Overview
Given the diversity and appeal of East Africa, the region’s heads of state agreed to introduce this visa to boost regional tourism and save tourists from spending large amounts on separate single-entry visas for each country. This led to the creation of the East African Tourist Visa.
This visa is valid only in the following countries: Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya. Although Tanzania is part of the East African region, and its largest country, it is not included in this visa arrangement.
Why Choose the East African Tourist Visa?
East Africa offers some of the best climates and hospitality found anywhere. It is home to standout destinations, including the world’s most powerful waterfalls at Murchison Falls National Park in Uganda, rare tree climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda, and one of the highest concentrations of primates on earth, including chimpanzees and endangered mountain gorillas, found in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Mgahinga and Bwindi Impenetrable National Parks in Uganda. Since this visa is built for exactly this kind of multi-country trip, take a look at our East Africa safaris.
The region is also known for the flamingoes on the shores of Lake Nakuru National Park, the Great Rift Valley, and the wildlife spectacle of the annual wildebeest migration in Masai Mara National Park in Kenya.
East Africa also offers clean water, strong safety and security, quality accommodation, and reliable transportation throughout.
Validity of the East African Tourist Visa
The East African Tourist Visa is valid for 90 days from the date of acquisition and can be used to travel between the member countries: Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda.
It is particularly useful for tourists who wish to visit more than one of these countries within a single trip.
Where to Get the East African Tourist Visa
You can acquire the East African Tourist Visa through diplomatic representations, at the embassies of Uganda, Kenya, or Rwanda, or at immigration offices, where it is issued strictly for tourism purposes.
You can also apply online through the official websites of these countries, using authentic sources only. This requires submitting the EATV Form 1 or working with a trusted travel agent to arrange it.
The visa application can be submitted a few months before your trip or upon arrival, though it must be obtained in the country where your trip begins.
For Uganda, details are available in the visa application section of the Uganda Embassy’s website. For Rwanda, applications can be submitted on arrival at entry points or through the local Rwandan embassy. For Kenya, details can be found on the Kenya Embassy’s website, in the visa application section.
Who Qualifies for the East African Tourist Visa?
This visa is available to foreigners from all parts of the world, except expatriates or foreign non-residents. Applications are submitted individually, with documents that must remain valid for at least six months.
East African Tourist Visa Application Requirements
To apply for the visa, you will need a recent passport photograph (a color photo with no cap, glasses, mask, or scarf), a completed application form with all required details, a visa application letter addressed to the relevant authorities in the country where you plan to obtain the visa or begin your trip, and the visa application fee of $100 or its equivalent.
Key Points to Note
The East African Tourist Visa is designed as a single entry visa by policy but functions as a multiple entry visa within the three member countries. It cannot be renewed once it expires.
Getting Your East African Tourist Visa
Save yourself the hassle and extra costs by acquiring an East African Tourist Visa, built for adventure rather than work. Combine it with our gorilla trekking safaris for a seamless East Africa itinerary. Once your visa is sorted, you can see our gorilla safari packages to start building your itinerary. For more information, feel free to get in touch with us.
