Understanding the East African Tourist Visa – A visa is a document granted by a territory or country to a foreigner, allowing them to enter, remain in, or leave that territory. Given that East Africa is one of the world’s top tourist destinations, there was a need to facilitate the movement of tourists within and between these countries. Thus, the East African Tourist Visa was introduced.
The East African Tourist Visa was officially launched in Kampala by the heads of state of Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda, and it is applicable only within these countries. Introduced in January 2014, this visa allows tourists to visit the three partner countries as a single tourist destination.
The presidents of these countries introduced the East African Tourist Visa to enhance regional travel, promote tourism, and create broader opportunities within the tourism and export industries. This visa allows tourists to travel between Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda using a single entry visa, valid for 90 days without the option of renewal or extension.
To obtain the East African Visa, tourists need to apply with the following requirements: a letter of visa application, one standard passport photo, a passport valid for at least six months, a yellow fever vaccination certificate, and a fee of $100 per person. These requirements must be fulfilled before applying for the visa in your respective country.
Travelers can apply for this visa online by submitting an EATV form and all necessary documentation electronically before traveling to Rwanda, Uganda, or Kenya. Alternatively, it can be obtained manually upon arrival at any of the countries’ border points. The East African Tourist Visa allows multiple entries only within these countries—Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya. Once outside this zone, the visa automatically becomes invalid.
East African foreign residents and nationals do not need to purchase this visa when visiting individual countries; valid work permits and national identity cards suffice. Alternatively, ordinary tourist visas can be purchased individually for $50 per person if one prefers unrestricted access to each country independently.
For more information about the East African Tourist Visa, travelers can contact various embassies or high commissions in their respective countries. The introduction of this visa is a commendable initiative that facilitates the free movement of tourists within the East African territory, eliminating cross-border restrictions and delays.
