Since the introduction of the East Africa Tourist Visa, traveling between Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya has become easy. It would have been even better if Tanzania and Burundi had joined the same system. An East Africa Tourist Visa costs $100 and allows multiple entry into Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya.
This visa is not accepted in Tanzania, Burundi, or Congo. Your visa becomes invalid as soon as you enter any of these countries, and you will need to apply for another one before returning to Kenya, Uganda, or Rwanda. If you are traveling only within the countries where the visa is accepted, you can move back and forth without any problem.
In this article, I show you the validity of this visa, how to apply for it on arrival in Kenya, Uganda, or Rwanda, and the links to apply online. I also explain other important things you should know.
These Uganda tour companies, Rwanda tour companies, and East Africa tour companies can help you apply for the East Africa Tourist Visa if you do not want to do it yourself.
Why apply for one
Sometimes you may want to go gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda and also visit the Masai Mara in Kenya during the same trip. Instead of applying for two separate visas, it is better to apply for one that allows entry into all three countries.
Another common example is when clients book Uganda gorilla trekking safaris from Kigali. These trips are now very popular. Instead of paying $1500 for a Rwanda gorilla permit, clients pay $800 for a Bwindi permit in Uganda, saving $700.
It only takes 4 hours to drive from Kigali to Bwindi. You can arrive and transfer to Bwindi on the same day, trek gorillas the next day, and return to Kigali for your flight. One visa will let you cross borders without extra charges.
Validity of an East Africa Tourist Visa
An East Africa Tourist Visa is valid for 90 days. You can travel within Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya during this time. However, the visa becomes invalid if you enter Tanzania, Burundi, or Congo, so plan your trip carefully.
Who can apply for an East Africa Tourist Visa?
Any foreign tourist who wants to visit Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya for tourism or related reasons can apply.
If you leave these three countries and return later to the country where your trip started, this will count as a new entry, and you will need a new visa.
How to Apply Online
You can apply for the East Africa Tourist Visa online or on arrival at the immigration office in the country where your trip starts. If your safari starts in Kenya, apply through Kenya. The same applies to Uganda and Rwanda.
To apply through Uganda, visit: https://visas.immigration.go.ug/
To apply through Rwanda, contact a nearby embassy or get the visa on arrival
For Kenya, visit the website of your nearest Kenya embassy for the correct link and details.
After submitting your application, you should receive your visa within 5 working days.
Requirements
A colored passport photo without glasses, a scarf, or a cap.
A copy of your travel itinerary. Ask your tour company to prepare this for you. It should include your name, nationality, date of birth, and passport number.
If a letter is requested, you can submit the travel itinerary instead, as long as it has all your personal details.
East African Residents and Citizens
East African citizens living in Uganda, Kenya, or Rwanda do not need a visa. Foreign residents must show their work permits and passports at the border to be allowed in. Citizens only need to show their national ID cards.
However, foreign residents in Tanzania must apply for a visa.
Final Words
The East Africa Tourist Visa does not allow you to work. If you are found working, your visa will be canceled immediately. You must apply for a separate work permit if you want to work in any of the countries.
Uganda is the most relaxed country in this case. No one will ask for a work permit unless you are trying to open a company. This is one reason why many foreigners live in Uganda.
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