If you’re an independent traveler planning to explore East Africa by rental car, the East Africa Tourist Visa is the perfect solution for visiting Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda in one trip. This special visa makes it easier and cheaper to cross borders without needing separate visas for each country. With one application and a single payment, you can enjoy up to 90 days of travel across all three nations.
What is the East Africa Tourist Visa?
The East Africa Tourist Visa is a joint travel document created by Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda. It allows foreign visitors to travel freely between these three countries using one visa. This visa is valid for 90 days and allows multiple entries across the three nations, as long as you don’t leave the region.
The visa costs 100 US dollars. You pay this amount once, either online or at the point of entry, depending on where you begin your journey.
It’s important to know that this visa is not renewable. If your 90 days expire or if you leave the three-country area, the visa becomes invalid. If you want to come back, you must apply for a new one.
Who Can Apply for the Visa?
Anyone who is not a citizen or resident of Uganda, Kenya, or Rwanda can apply. The visa is meant for people who want to visit at least two or all three of these countries within 90 days. If you’re from one of the three countries or live there permanently, you don’t need this visa. Instead, you can travel using a national ID or an interstate pass.
What You Need to Apply
To get the visa, you will need a few basic documents:
- A passport that is valid for at least six months.
- A recent passport-size photo.
- A filled-out application form.
- Your travel plans, such as hotel bookings or an itinerary.
- A return flight ticket.
- Proof that you have enough money to support your trip.
- A short letter explaining your travel plans across the three countries.
How to Apply for the Visa
There are three main ways to apply for the East Africa Tourist Visa, depending on your country of entry and personal preference.
Online Application
If your trip begins in Rwanda, you must apply online. Rwanda does not offer the visa on arrival. Go to the Rwandan immigration website, fill out the form, upload your documents, pay the visa fee online, and wait for an email with your e-visa. This usually takes 1 to 3 working days.
Manual Application at Embassy or Consulate
If you prefer, you can visit the embassy or consulate of the country where your trip begins. This option is useful if you’re worried about online system problems, especially in Uganda and Kenya where websites may be less reliable. You submit your documents in person and pay at the embassy. Once the visa is ready, you collect it and show it at the border.
On-Arrival Application
In Kenya, you can also get a visa when you arrive at the airport or land border. You fill out the form, pay the fee, and get your visa stamped into your passport. This is convenient, but during busy travel times, it may take longer and there could be unexpected delays.
Country-by-Country Application Guide
Uganda
If Uganda is your starting point, it is best to apply online using the Uganda Immigration website. Fill out the form, upload your documents, and pay the fee. You will receive your e-visa by email, usually in 1 to 3 days. Print it and present it when entering Uganda.
Kenya
For Kenya, it’s recommended to apply online before arrival using the eCitizen portal. Create an account, select the Department of Immigration Services, and choose the East Africa Tourist Visa option. After uploading your documents and paying the fee, your visa will be sent by email. Print it and carry it with you when you arrive. Kenya does allow visa applications on arrival, but the online method is safer and faster, especially at busy airports like Nairobi and Mombasa.
Rwanda
Rwanda has the easiest and fastest online application process. Visit the Rwanda Immigration website, select the East Africa Tourist Visa, upload your documents, and pay the fee. You’ll receive your e-visa by email within a few days. Rwanda does not issue this visa on arrival, so you must apply before your trip begins.
Important Tips for Self-Drive Travelers
If you’re planning a road trip across East Africa by rental car, this visa simplifies your journey. However, you must enter the region through the country where you applied for the visa. For example, if you applied through Rwanda, you must enter Rwanda first. Once inside, you can cross between Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda freely.
You should also note that leaving the region entirely—such as flying to Tanzania or another country—will cancel your visa, even if your 90 days are not finished. The visa also cannot be changed into another type or extended.
Apply for the visa yourself. Avoid third-party agents or unofficial websites. Always double-check visa rules on the official immigration websites or at embassies before traveling, as rules may change.
Final Thoughts
For self-drive travelers who want to explore East Africa independently, the East Africa Tourist Visa is a practical and budget-friendly choice. It cuts down on paperwork, saves time at borders, and lets you enjoy the stunning landscapes, wildlife, and cultures of Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda with just one visa. Apply early, plan your route well, and get ready for an unforgettable road trip across East Africa.
Apply your East Africa now by visiting: https://visas.immigration.go.ug/
