What is the East African Tourist Visa?
The East African Tourist Visa is a special travel document that allows you to visit three neighboring countries in East Africa Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya with a single visa instead of applying for three separate visas.
At Bwindi Trails Expeditions, we often operate in Uganda’s forest regions, and many guests may also visit Rwanda. The EATV makes travel simpler and more convenient for such itineraries.
Who is it for & what are the limits?
- It is for tourism only. You cannot use this visa to work, live permanently, or conduct business. Click here for more
- You can use it if you are a tourist of any nationality, subject to each country’s entry rules.
- The visa allows multiple entries within the three countries during its validity.
- The country that issues the visa must be the first country you enter. For example, if you apply in Rwanda, you must enter Rwanda first.
- The visa is generally not extendable beyond its validity.
- Exiting the three-country region may invalidate the visa for re-entry.
Cost & Validity
- The official fee is USD 100.
- The visa is valid for 90 days from first entry into the region.
If you plan to travel through Rwanda and Uganda, for example for a forest trek with Bwindi Trails Expeditions, this validity period is usually sufficient.
How to Apply (Step‑by‑Step)
- Decide your first country of entry.
The visa must be issued by the country you will enter first. - Visit the official immigration portal of that country.
You can usually apply online before your trip, although some countries allow a visa on arrival. - Prepare required documents.
This typically includes a passport valid for at least 6 months, a passport-sized photo, your travel itinerary or proof of onward/return ticket, and a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate. - Pay the visa fee and submit the application.
- Enter the issuing country first and then travel to the other two countries under the same visa, within the 90-day validity.
- Keep in mind that if you travel outside the three countries, the visa may no longer be valid for re-entry.
Important Considerations & Tips
- First country matters. If your itinerary begins in Kenya, you should check current rules carefully, as Kenya’s issuance of the EATV has changed in recent years.
- Verify current regulations before applying. Immigration rules may change and some nationalities may have different requirements.
- Avoid scam or unauthorized websites. Use official government portals only.
- Carry your paperwork at all borders. Have your visa, passport, vaccination certificate, and travel itinerary ready.
- Plan your itinerary so that you maximize the visa’s usefulness. Traveling within the three countries and within 90 days works best.
Why it might be the Right Choice for You
At Bwindi Trails Expeditions, we often plan trips that include Uganda’s famous forests and visits to Rwanda. The EATV lets you deal with one visa, one set of documents, and one fee, rather than applying separately for each country.
If your trip involves crossing the Uganda-Rwanda border, taking forest treks, and continuing to Rwanda’s attractions, this visa is ideal.
Final Word from Bwindi Trails Expeditions
If you’re planning a trip in East Africa that combines Uganda and Rwanda, and perhaps a stop in Kenya, the East African Tourist Visa is a convenient choice. It simplifies paperwork, reduces stress, and allows you to focus on the adventure, the forests, wildlife, culture, and natural beauty which we at Bwindi Trails Expeditions are excited to show you.
Before you travel:
- Check the latest visa rules for each country.
- Make sure your first country of entry aligns with the visa issuance.
- Apply in advance if possible.
- Ensure your travel itinerary matches the visa’s coverage (within Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya and within 90 days).
