The East Africa Tourist Visa covers three countries: Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda — allowing unlimited movement between them for 90 days on a single USD 100 visa. Tanzania, Burundi, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo are not included and require separate visas.
The Three Countries Covered by the East Africa Visa
The East Africa Tourist Visa was created under an agreement between three East African Community (EAC) member states. Here is what each country offers travelers:
Kenya — The Safari Capital
Kenya is the most visited country in East Africa, known for its world-class wildlife reserves and diverse landscapes. Key highlights:
- Maasai Mara National Reserve — Home to the Great Wildebeest Migration (July–October), one of nature’s most spectacular events
- Amboseli National Park — Famous for elephant herds with Mount Kilimanjaro as a backdrop
- Diani Beach — Pristine Indian Ocean coastline with coral reefs and water sports
- Nairobi — The only capital city in the world with a national park within its borders
- Lake Nakuru — Flamingo-lined soda lake and rhino sanctuary
Kenya’s main entry point is Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi, which receives direct flights from Europe, the Middle East, and North America.
Uganda — The Pearl of Africa
Uganda offers some of Africa’s most unique wildlife experiences, particularly primate trekking:
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park — Home to nearly half the world’s remaining mountain gorillas
- Queen Elizabeth National Park — Tree-climbing lions and boat safaris on the Kazinga Channel
- Murchison Falls — The Nile squeezes through a 7-meter gap, creating the world’s most powerful waterfall
- Jinja — Source of the Nile River and East Africa’s adventure sports capital
- Rwenzori Mountains — “Mountains of the Moon” with equatorial glaciers
Uganda’s main entry point is Entebbe International Airport (EBB), located on the shores of Lake Victoria, about 40 km from the capital Kampala.
Rwanda — The Land of a Thousand Hills
Rwanda has transformed into one of Africa’s most efficient and cleanest countries, offering unique primate experiences:
- Volcanoes National Park — Mountain gorilla trekking in the Virunga Mountains
- Nyungwe Forest National Park — Chimpanzee tracking and Africa’s highest canopy walk
- Lake Kivu — Scenic freshwater lake with beaches and island hopping
- Kigali — One of Africa’s cleanest and safest capitals, with the important Genocide Memorial
- Akagera National Park — Big Five safari experiences in a restored savanna
Rwanda’s main entry point is Kigali International Airport (KGL). The country is compact — you can reach most attractions within a few hours’ drive from the capital.
Countries NOT Covered by the East Africa Visa
The East Africa Tourist Visa does not cover these countries, even though they are geographically close:
| Country | Visa Required? | How to Get It |
|---|---|---|
| Tanzania | Yes — separate visa | Online at visa.immigration.go.tz or on arrival |
| Burundi | Yes — separate visa | At Burundian embassies or on arrival |
| South Sudan | Yes — separate visa | At South Sudanese embassies |
| DR Congo | Yes — separate visa | At DRC embassies or online |
| Ethiopia | Yes — eVisa | Online at evisa.gov.et |
If your itinerary includes Tanzania (e.g., Serengeti or Zanzibar), apply for a separate Tanzanian visa. The Tanzania eVisa costs USD 50 and is available online.
How to Travel Between the Three Countries
By Air
Direct flights connect all three capitals:
- Nairobi ↔ Entebbe: 1 hour, multiple daily flights (Kenya Airways, Uganda Airlines)
- Nairobi ↔ Kigali: 1.5 hours, daily flights (Kenya Airways, RwandAir)
- Entebbe ↔ Kigali: 1 hour, daily flights (Uganda Airlines, RwandAir)
By Road
Overland travel is popular and scenic:
- Nairobi → Kampala: 12–14 hours by bus (easyCoach, Modern Coast) or 1 hour by flight
- Kampala → Kigali: 8–10 hours by bus or 1 hour by flight
- Kigali → Nairobi: Via Kampala (18–20 hours by bus) or direct flight
Border crossings between the three countries are straightforward with the East Africa visa. Present your passport with the entry stamp — no additional visa is needed.
By Water
Lake Victoria connects Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. Ferries operate between Kisumu (Kenya), Entebbe (Uganda), and Mwanza (Tanzania), though this is primarily for the adventurous traveler.
Sample Multi-Country Itineraries
10-Day Classic Route
| Day | Location | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 | Nairobi, Kenya | Nairobi National Park, Giraffe Centre, Karen Blixen Museum |
| 3–4 | Maasai Mara, Kenya | Game drives, balloon safari |
| 5–6 | Bwindi, Uganda | Gorilla trekking |
| 7–8 | Queen Elizabeth NP, Uganda | Game drive, Kazinga Channel boat safari |
| 9–10 | Kigali & Volcanoes NP, Rwanda | Kigali city tour, golden monkey trekking |
2-Week Adventure Route
- Days 1–3: Nairobi → Maasai Mara (Kenya)
- Days 4–5: Lake Nakuru → Kampala (Kenya → Uganda)
- Days 6–7: Jinja — white-water rafting on the Nile (Uganda)
- Days 8–9: Bwindi — gorilla trekking (Uganda)
- Days 10–11: Kigali — Genocide Memorial, city tour (Rwanda)
- Days 12–13: Volcanoes NP — gorilla or golden monkey trek (Rwanda)
- Day 14: Lake Kivu → departure from Kigali (Rwanda)
Border Crossing Tips
- Carry printed documents: Your eVisa approval letter, passport, and yellow fever certificate
- Border hours: Most crossings operate 6 AM – 9 PM; some close earlier
- No additional fees: With the East Africa visa, no border visa fees apply within the three countries
- Currency: Each country has its own currency (Kenya: KES, Uganda: UGX, Rwanda: RWF); USD is widely accepted
- SIM cards: Buy local SIM cards at borders for cheaper data and calls
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the East Africa visa cover Tanzania?
No. The East Africa Tourist Visa covers only Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. Tanzania requires a separate visa, available online at visa.immigration.go.tz for USD 50.
Can I enter any of the three countries first?
You must enter the country that issued your visa first. If you applied through Uganda, your first entry must be in Uganda. After that, you can travel freely between all three countries.
Is the East Africa visa valid for Burundi?
No. Burundi is an EAC member state but is not part of the East Africa Tourist Visa agreement. You need a separate Burundian visa.
Can I drive between Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda?
Yes. Overland travel by bus or private vehicle is common. Border crossings are straightforward — present your passport with the East Africa visa stamp. No additional visa or fee is required at borders within the three countries.
Which country should I fly into?
Nairobi (Kenya) has the most international flight connections and is the most common entry point. Kigali (Rwanda) and Entebbe (Uganda) also have direct flights from major hubs. Choose based on your itinerary — apply through the country you enter first.
Planning your trip? Read our visa requirements guide and application walkthrough to get started.
