East Africa Tourist Visa Application – Step by Step Guide

The East Africa Tourist Visa application is completed entirely online through the immigration portal of your first entry country — Kenya, Uganda, or Rwanda — and costs USD 100 with processing in 6–9 working days. This guide walks you through every step, from creating an account to downloading your approved eVisa.

Before You Start: What You Need

Prepare these items before beginning your application:

• Valid passport — minimum 6 months validity from your planned entry date, with at least 2 blank pages
• Digital passport photo — recent, color, white background, JPEG format
• Passport bio-data page scan — clear PDF or JPEG of the photo page
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate — scanned copy
• Return or onward flight ticket — PDF or booking confirmation
• Travel itinerary — outline of your plans across the three countries
• Credit or debit card — for the USD 100 payment

All documents must be in English. If your documents are in another language, get them translated and certified before applying.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Choose Your Entry Country

The most important decision is which country you will enter first. You must apply through that country’s immigration portal:

If you are flying into Nairobi (Kenya) first, apply through Kenya. If your first stop is Entebbe (Uganda), apply through Uganda. For Kigali (Rwanda), use the Rwanda portal.

Step 2: Create an Account

Visit the immigration portal of your entry country and register for a new account. You will need:

• A valid email address (used for all correspondence)
• A working phone number
• A secure password

After registration, verify your email address by clicking the confirmation link sent to your inbox.

Step 3: Select the Visa Type

Once logged in, start a new application. From the visa type dropdown, select “East Africa Tourist Visa” or “EAC” (East African Community). Do not select a single-country tourist visa — that is a different permit.

Step 4: Complete the Application Form

Fill in the following sections:

• Personal information: Full name, date of nationality, passport number, date of birth
• Contact details: Email, phone number, home address
• Travel details: Entry date, entry port, accommodation address
• Itinerary summary: Countries you plan to visit and approximate dates

Double-check all entries against your passport. A mismatch between your application and passport can result in denial at the border.

Step 5: Upload Required Documents

Upload the following files in the required formats:

Ensure all scans are legible. Blurry or cropped documents are the most common reason for application delays.

Step 6: Pay the Visa Fee

The fee is USD 100, payable by credit or debit card. A small bank processing charge (typically USD 2–5) may apply. The fee is non-refundable, even if your application is rejected.

After payment, you will receive a six-digit application reference number (e.g., 234790123). Save this number — you need it to check your application status.

Step 7: Wait for Processing

Standard processing takes 6–9 working days. During peak travel seasons (June–September, December–February), it may take longer. You can check your application status on the portal using your reference number.

If additional documents are required, the immigration office will contact you via email. Respond promptly to avoid further delays.

Step 8: Receive Your eVisa

Once approved, you will receive an email with your eVisa approval letter attached as a PDF. Download and print this letter — you must present it at the border along with your passport and yellow fever certificate.

Application Through Uganda (Most Common Route)

Uganda’s portal is the most widely used for East Africa Tourist Visa applications. Here is the specific process:

1. Go to visas.immigration.go.ug and click “Start New Application”
2. Accept the terms and conditions in the Disclaimer
3. Select visa type: Visa → Tourist → East Africa Tourist Visa
4. Complete all form fields
5. Upload your documents
6. Submit and pay
7. Track status on the portal homepage
8. Upon approval, download the approval letter

The Uganda portal also allows you to apply for gorilla trekking permits simultaneously if Bwindi is on your itinerary.

Application Through Kenya

Kenya replaced its eVisa system with the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) in January 2024. To apply for the East Africa visa through Kenya:

1. Visit etakenya.go.ke
2. Create an account or log in
3. Start a new application and select “East Africa Tourist Visa”
4. Enter your travel details and upload documents
5. Pay the USD 100 fee online
6. Receive your approval via email

Kenya’s system typically processes applications within 48–72 hours for the ETA component, but the East Africa visa may take the full 6–9 days.

Application Through Rwanda

Rwanda issues the East Africa visa through its Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration:

1. Visit migration.gov.rw
2. Navigate to “Visa Issued Under Special Arrangement”
3. Complete the online application form
4. Upload required documents
5. Pay the fee
6. Receive approval letter via email

Rwanda also offers visa-on-arrival for many nationalities, but the East Africa Tourist Visa must be obtained in advance online.

Tips for a Smooth Application

• Apply early: Submit at least 2 weeks before your trip
• Use a desktop computer: The portals work better on desktop than mobile
• Check spam folders: Approval emails sometimes land in spam
• Print your eVisa: Digital copies on your phone may not be accepted at all borders
• Keep your reference number: You need it for status checks and at the border
• Verify passport validity: 6 months minimum from your entry date, not application date

What Happens at the Border

When you arrive at your first entry point, present:

1. Your passport (same one used in the application)
2. Printed eVisa approval letter
3. Yellow fever certificate

Immigration officers will verify your eVisa, stamp your passport, and may ask about your itinerary. For subsequent border crossings within Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda, present your passport with the entry stamp — no additional visa is needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

For more details on specific requirements, see our complete visa requirements guide. For pricing details, visit our visa cost breakdown.