Almost every visitor to East Africa needs a visa, and the good news is that most are now issued online before you travel. This page explains your options country by country and links you straight to the official government portals.
Always apply through official government websites only. Many look-alike sites charge inflated fees for the same service. If you are unsure, ask us — we help our travellers navigate this every day.
If your trip covers Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda, the East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV) is usually the best value. It is a single multiple-entry visa that lets you move freely between all three countries.
If you are only visiting one country, a standard single-country tourist visa is simpler and cheaper. Tanzania is not part of the EATV and always requires its own visa.
For the full breakdown — when the joint visa actually saves money against separate visas, the application rule that gets travellers turned away at check-in, and the ways people void it by accident — see our complete guide to the East Africa Tourist Visa.
Fees, validity, and rules change from time to time. The figures below are a general guide — always confirm the current requirements on the official portal before you apply.
| Country | Tourist Visa | Approx. Cost | Validity | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uganda | Single-entry e-visa | US$50 | 90 days | Online e-visa (apply before travel) |
| Kenya | Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) | Varies | 90 days | Online eTA (required for all visitors) |
| Rwanda | e-visa / visa on arrival | US$50 | 30 days | Online or on arrival |
| Tanzania | Single-entry e-visa | US$50* | 90 days | Online e-visa (apply before travel) |
| East Africa (UG + KE + RW) | East Africa Tourist Visa | US$100 | 90 days, multiple entry | Apply via first country of entry |
*US citizens are charged a higher rate (around US$100) for the Tanzania visa. Rates for all countries are subject to change.
Apply directly through these official government sites — never a third-party reseller:
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda, and is often checked at the border. Get vaccinated at least 10 days before travel and carry the yellow certificate with your passport. See our How to Prepare for a Safari guide for full health and vaccination advice.
Need a hand with your visa?
We guide every traveller through the right visa for their route. Contact our team and we will point you to exactly what you need.
This page is general guidance, not official immigration advice. Requirements change — always confirm with the official portal or the relevant embassy before you travel.