Last reviewed: August 2026. Verified against official East African Community (EAC) immigration guidelines.
The East Africa Tourist Visa costs US$100 and provides 90 days of multiple-entry access to Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda. US citizens are fully eligible to apply online through the portal of their first entry country, saving US$34 compared to separate national permits.
The East Africa Tourist Visa permits multiple entries across Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda borders by land or air. Reviewing the cost structure and entry rules below helps determine if this visa fits your itinerary.
What Is the East Africa Tourist Visa & Who Is Eligible?
Established under the East African Community (EAC) regional framework, the East Africa Tourist Visa is a joint 90-day multi-entry travel permit for Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda. US citizens and most international tourists are eligible to apply online prior to travel. For a detailed breakdown of eligibility criteria for American passport holders, see our Uganda eVisa requirements for US citizens guide.
- Geographic Scope: The East Africa Tourist Visa permits travel between Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda on a single authorization. It strictly excludes Tanzania, Burundi, and South Sudan.
- Eligible Nationalities: US citizens and most foreign passport holders qualify. Citizens of EAC member states are exempt and do not require this visa.
- Passport Requirements: Applying for the East Africa Tourist Visa requires a passport valid for at least 6 months past arrival with a minimum of 2 blank visa pages.
- Permitted Purpose: The East Africa Tourist Visa grants entry for tourism purposes only; local employment is strictly prohibited.
Cost Comparison: East Africa Visa vs. Separate National Visas
The East Africa Tourist Visa charges a single non-refundable consular fee of US$100. Buying individual entry permits costs US$50 for a Uganda tourist visa, US$50 for a Rwanda tourist visa, and approximately US$34 (US$30-US$41 depending on processing tiers) for a Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA). Our complete Uganda eVisa fees and costs breakdown provides additional pricing context for the Uganda portion of the comparison.
Purchasing the East Africa Tourist Visa saves travelers US$34 when visiting all three countries compared to purchasing separate national permits totaling US$134.
| Itinerary Scenario | Separate Fees | Joint Visa Fee | Financial Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Countries (Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya) | US$134 | US$100 | Saves US$34 |
| 2 Countries (Uganda + Rwanda) | US$100 | US$100 | Breaks even |
| 2 Countries (Uganda + Kenya) | US$84 | US$100 | Separate is US$16 cheaper |
| 1 Country (Kenya only) | US$34 | US$100 | Overpay by US$66 |
Validity Period, Multiple Entries, and Critical Entry Rules
The East Africa Tourist Visa remains valid for 90 days starting from its date of issuance, permitting unlimited travel between Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda. Crucially, this 90-day validity clock begins on the exact issue date rather than the date of first entry. To understand how this compares with a standalone Uganda eVisa, review our guide on the Uganda eVisa validity period.
Under the Rule of First Entry, travelers must initiate their trip through the specific country that issued the visa. While the East Africa Tourist Visa permits multiple entries among participating member states, departing the region (such as taking a side trip to Tanzania or Ethiopia) automatically voids the document.
This multi-country permit is non-renewable and cannot be extended. However, immigration authorities in Rwanda observe a 5-day grace period after visa expiration, allowing travelers to depart without incurring immediate overstay fines.
How to Apply Online Step-by-Step and Document Checklist
Apply for the East Africa Tourist Visa online via your first entry country’s portal with required supporting documents and the non-refundable fee of US$100. Travelers whose sole destination is Uganda should follow the dedicated step-by-step Uganda eVisa application guide instead.
- Determine First Entry: Select the country you will physically enter first. The East Africa Tourist Visa issuing authority must correspond to your initial port of entry.
- Access the Portal: Submit your application via Uganda’s e-Visa portal, Kenya’s eTA portal, or Rwanda’s Irembo platform.
- Upload Required Documents: Attach clear scans in English (JPEG or PDF), including a passport bio-data page (valid for 6+ months with 2 blank pages), 2 passport-size photos, a return ticket, proof of accommodation, and a yellow fever vaccination certificate.
- Pay the Fee: Complete the electronic payment of US$100 using a credit or debit card. Third-party agencies may charge additional service fees ($120 standard / $180 expedited).
- Receive Approval: Download and print the approved eVisa confirmation letter, which direct government processing completes in 3 to 5 business days.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can US citizens apply for the East Africa Tourist Visa?
Yes, US citizens holding a valid passport with at least six months validity and two blank pages are eligible to apply for the East Africa Tourist Visa online through the immigration portal of their first entry country.
How much does the East Africa Tourist Visa cost in 2026?
The standard non-refundable consular fee for the East Africa Tourist Visa is US$100 in 2026. Purchasing this joint visa saves US$34 compared to buying separate tourist visas for Uganda (US$50), Rwanda (US$50), and Kenya (US$34 eTA).
Does the East Africa Tourist Visa cover travel to Tanzania?
No, the East Africa Tourist Visa covers only Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda. Travel to Tanzania, Burundi, or South Sudan requires obtaining separate national entry visas for those specific destinations.
When does the 90-day validity period of the visa begin?
The 90-day validity period begins immediately on the date the visa is issued, not on your arrival date. Apply close to your departure date to avoid losing usable validity days.
What happens if I leave the three participating countries during my trip?
Exiting the three participating countries (Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda) immediately voids the East Africa Tourist Visa. Re-entry into the region requires applying for a new visa.
Which country’s online portal should I use to submit my application?
Submit your application through the immigration portal of your first point of entry into East Africa. For flight arrivals landing first in Nairobi, use Kenya’s portal; for Entebbe or Kigali, use Uganda or Rwanda portals respectively.
Is a yellow fever vaccination certificate mandatory for the visa?
Yes, an official International Certificate of Vaccination for Yellow Fever is mandatory. Border officials inspect certificates on arrival, and you must upload a scan during the online application process.
Can the East Africa Tourist Visa be extended beyond 90 days?
No, the East Africa Tourist Visa cannot be extended or renewed beyond its initial 90-day period. To stay longer, you must depart the region before expiry or apply for single-country tourist extensions locally.
