A traveller ought to be able to move between the East African Countries (Rwanda, Kenya Uganda) with ease, that is the whole idea behind the East African Visa. A single overland safari should allow you to cross border between the three countries if you hold that document.

“An East African Visa holder shall only be allowed entry through the country that issued the visa and move within the two other countries without applying for another visa or paying for another visa fee.”

Immigration

But how do you process and get the East African visa especially if the three countries have different immigration laws and application processes. Let’s explore the answers in this post.

Let’s say you have planned your African safari to go through the three countries and you manage to acquire a single entry visa for each country, i.e USD $50 (Uganda), $50 (Kenya) and $30 (Rwanda). That would total up to US$130 for just visas alone. And we all know how an all-inclusive East African safari can eat up your savings. An East African Visa will help you cut down on that price, a little bit.

Without an East Africa Tourist Visa, you may spend a minimum of $130 to visit the three countries: Kenya ($50) + Rwanda ($30) + Uganda ($50). These fees are ‘single entry’ only, meaning that a return visit to any of these countries means paying the visa fee again. Originally launched in 2014, implementation has been on the slow side but is now being sped up across the region. The East Africa Tourism Visa is commonly available, although a few challenges remain.

How much is an East African Tourist Visa?

An East African Tourist Visa fee is US$100 for foreign non-residents. Foreign residents or expatriates with valid work permits do not need to pay to get one. The EATV is valid in three countries (Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda). Even if acquire from one country, it’ll be accepted in the other two.

What is the validity period on an East African tourist Visa?

According to the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control, East African Tourist Visa is valid for 90 days (Three months Multiple Entry for Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda). That means you can use the same visa to enter any of the three East African country multiple times within the period of three months (from the date you acquires it) before it becomes invalid.

But, (this is very important) once you travel outside the three countries, your EATV becomes invalid and you have to acquire another one. eg. If you entered via Uganda and visited Rwanda then entered Tanzania (which is outside the EATV zone) and hopped to enter Kenya via Tanzania, your EATV visa wouldn’t be valid.

Can I extend my East Africa Tourist Visa?

No way. But you can purchase another one at entry points, according to many travellers that have done so.

How can you acquire an East African Visa?

The process is digital at all entry points for all foreign non-residents, but differs slight to each of the three nations. On arrival at the airport or border, hand over your valid passport, they’ll print a form for you to fill out and sign, pay the US$100 and voila, you get your sticker on your passport page.

EAT Visa in Kenya

You can acquire your East African Visa at the immigration desk at the airport or border points. You can acquire an single entry visa online via the eCitizen (official republic of Kenya Visa System) But, I can’t verify if you can acquire an EAT visa online. I recommend you inquire with your consulate before you jet it

EAT Visa in Rwanda

Rwanda is a great entry point. You can acquire your Tourist Visas online before you jet in. Here’s a communication from the official Immigration website:

“If acquiring the EAT visa before travel, your first entry point must be the country through which you applied for the visa. The East Africa Tourist Visa costs US$100, is valid for 90 days and is multiple entry (if staying within the three countries)”.

NOTE: (continues the message)

“Visa to Rwanda are issued on arrival or from Rwandan Embassies. Optionally you can apply online at the official website of the DGIE which is www.migration.gov.rw or the Government portal www.irembo.gov.rw only.”

“There is no single affiliated Agent that is authorized to apply for visa on your behalf. Such Agents may mislead you and charges more than the visa fees.”

“The visitor’s and East Africa Tourist Visa should not be used for employment.”

Please click here to view the official stamped announcement

That’s it from the Rwanda side people!

How about Uganda?

Aah, Uganda the pearl of Africa! Yes you can apply online and acquire you EAT Visa if your Uganda is your first point of entry. Visit https://visas.immigration.go.ug/#/apply to apply or wait till you get to the entry points to get your EAT visa processed. Online, you’ll need the following documents attached (Minimum file size is 5 KB. Maximum file size is 250 KB)

• Travel itinerary
• Return Ticket
• Copy of the passport (Bio-data page)
• Copy of recent Passport size Photograph
• Vaccination Certificate (Yellow fever)

You should know that no one is authorized to issue East African visas except the government immigration agencies. So don’t get duped by scammers all over the internet trying to sell you Visas. Make you get first hand information from the official immigration website, if there’s a number, call it or talk to your consulate or the country embassy to help you find the right information. I would recommend if you have all your documents in order, come get the EAT visa at the airport where the right people and security are.

Thank you for reading the smart traveller’s blogs. Please share or comment, I would like to know if I’m contributing to a great travels around the world and keep blogging more. Cheers!