East Africa Visas: The EAC Tourist Visa Explained
If you are planning a multi-country East Africa trip — say, gorillas in Uganda, the Maasai Mara in Kenya, and the gorillas of Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda — the East Africa Tourist Visa is almost always the right choice.
What it covers
The EAC Tourist Visa is a single 90-day multiple-entry visa valid for Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda together. You apply once, pay once, and move freely between the three countries for the duration.
It does not cover Tanzania or Burundi — those still require separate visas.
Where to apply
You apply through the country you enter first. Most travelers apply through Kenya's eVisa portal, but Uganda's and Rwanda's portals are equally valid and similarly priced.
Cost
The visa is USD 100 for most nationalities. Compare that to three single-entry visas at USD 50 each and the math is obvious — particularly because the EAC visa is multiple-entry.
Application checklist
- Passport valid 6+ months beyond exit date
- Recent passport photo (digital upload)
- Return ticket or onward itinerary
- Hotel bookings or letter of invitation
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate (mandatory for entry into Uganda and Rwanda)
A common gotcha
If your trip starts in Tanzania and crosses into Kenya by land, you cannot use the EAC visa — you'll need a Kenyan eTA in addition to the Tanzanian visa. Plan your entry point carefully.
Final word
The EAC Tourist Visa is one of the most generous regional visa schemes in the world. If your trip touches any two of Kenya, Uganda, or Rwanda, it's almost always the best option.
Written by
Aisha Bello
Head of Trust & Compliance