East Africa visa requirements include a valid passport (6+ months validity), yellow fever vaccination certificate, passport photo, return ticket, and travel itinerary — all submitted online through the immigration portal of your first entry country. The East Africa Tourist Visa covers Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda under one application with a USD 100 fee.
Document Checklist for the East Africa Tourist Visa
Before starting your application, gather these documents:
| Document | Details | Format |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport | Minimum 6 months validity from entry date, 2+ blank pages | PDF or JPEG scan |
| Passport photo | Recent, color, white background, 35mm x 45mm | JPEG |
| Yellow fever certificate | Issued at least 10 days before travel | PDF or JPEG |
| Return/onward ticket | Confirmed booking showing departure from the region | |
| Travel itinerary | Day-by-day plan covering all three countries | |
| Accommodation proof | Hotel bookings or host invitation letters |
All documents must be in English. If your documents are in another language, provide certified translations.
Passport Requirements
Your passport is the most critical document. Here are the specific requirements:
- Validity: At least 6 months remaining from your planned entry date into East Africa
- Blank pages: At least 2 blank visa pages (not endorsement pages)
- Condition: No torn pages, water damage, or unauthorized modifications
- Name match: The name on your passport must exactly match your application and flight bookings
If your passport expires within 6 months of your travel dates, renew it before applying. A passport that does not meet these requirements will result in visa denial.
Yellow Fever Vaccination
The yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for all travelers entering Kenya, Uganda, or Rwanda, regardless of your country of origin. Here is what you need to know:
- When to get vaccinated: At least 10 days before travel (the vaccine needs time to become effective)
- Where to get vaccinated: Authorized yellow fever vaccination centers in your country
- Validity: The certificate is valid for life (as of 2016 WHO amendment)
- Cost: Typically USD 50–150 depending on your country
Without a valid yellow fever certificate, you will be denied entry at the border or required to get vaccinated on arrival (which can cause significant delays).
Financial Requirements
While not always explicitly checked at the border, you should be prepared to show proof of sufficient funds:
- Visa fee: USD 100 (paid online during application)
- Proof of funds: Bank statements showing adequate funds for your stay (typically USD 50–100 per day)
- Travel insurance: Not mandatory but strongly recommended; some land borders may ask for it
Specific Requirements by Nationality
US Citizens
US passport holders are eligible for the East Africa Tourist Visa. No additional documents beyond the standard requirements are needed. The visa fee is USD 100. Note that Kenya’s separate ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is also required if Kenya is your entry point — this is processed alongside the East Africa visa application.
EU/UK Citizens
Citizens of European Union member states and the United Kingdom follow the same application process. All standard document requirements apply. Some EU nationalities may be exempt from individual country visa requirements, but the joint East Africa visa still requires the full application.
Commonwealth Citizens
Citizens of some Commonwealth nations may have visa exemptions for individual countries (e.g., citizens of some Caribbean nations are exempt from Kenya visa requirements). However, the East Africa Tourist Visa still requires the standard application and USD 100 fee.
African Citizens
Citizens of East African Community (EAC) member states do not need the East Africa Tourist Visa — they can travel freely between EAC countries with their national ID or passport. Citizens of other African nations follow the standard application process.
Application Portal Requirements
Each country’s immigration portal has specific technical requirements:
- Browser: Chrome, Firefox, or Safari (latest version recommended)
- File uploads: JPEG and PDF only; maximum 2 MB per file
- Payment: International credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard)
- Email: Active email address for correspondence and approval letter delivery
The Uganda portal (visas.immigration.go.ug) is the most commonly used for East Africa visa applications. The Kenya portal (etakenya.go.ke) handles both ETA and East Africa visa requests.
Requirements for Minors
Children under 18 traveling to East Africa need:
- Their own passport (parent’s passport listing children is not accepted)
- A completed visa application (filled out by parent/guardian)
- Birth certificate (original or certified copy)
- Consent letter from non-traveling parent (if applicable)
- Yellow fever certificate (children aged 9 months and above)
Minors follow the same online application process as adults. The visa fee applies to all ages.
Requirements at the Border
When you arrive at your first entry point, have these documents ready:
- Passport — the same one used in your application
- Printed eVisa approval letter — digital copies may not be accepted
- Yellow fever certificate — original document
- Return ticket — may be asked for at immigration
Immigration officers may also ask about your accommodation, itinerary, and purpose of visit. Having printed confirmations of hotel bookings is helpful.
Documents NOT Required
To save you time, here are documents you do not need for the East Africa Tourist Visa:
- Invitation letter (unless staying with a private host)
- Employment letter
- Criminal background check
- Travel insurance certificate (recommended but not required)
- Credit card authorization form
Frequently Asked Questions
Is yellow fever vaccination mandatory for East Africa?
Yes. Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda all require a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. Get vaccinated at least 10 days before travel at an authorized vaccination center. The certificate is valid for life.
How many blank passport pages do I need?
At least 2 blank visa pages. Endorsement pages do not count. If your passport has fewer than 2 blank pages, renew it before applying.
Do I need a separate visa for each country?
No. The East Africa Tourist Visa covers Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda under one application and one fee (USD 100). You do not need separate visas for these three countries.
Can I apply with an expired passport?
No. Your passport must have at least 6 months remaining validity from your planned entry date. If your passport expires within 6 months, renew it first.
Do children need their own visa?
Yes. Every traveler, including infants and children, needs their own passport and visa application. The USD 100 fee applies to all ages.
Ready to apply? Follow our step-by-step online application guide or learn about visa costs and fees.
