This guide was last fact-checked against Ugandan immigration sources on January 15, 2026. Visa rules can change; always confirm details at visas.immigration.go.ug before booking.
The East Africa Tourist Visa ($100, 90 days, Uganda/Kenya/Rwanda) vs Uganda e-Visa ($50, Uganda only) – your itinerary decides. Choosing the East Africa Tourist Visa is the most cost-effective option for UK travellers planning multi-country itineraries. It allows multiple entry across the three participating nations, eliminating the need for separate applications and saving money on cross-border activities.
By contrast, if your travel plans are strictly limited to one country or require a stay extendable up to six months, the standard single-entry visa is more appropriate. Understanding these rules ensures smooth biometric capture at the border for your East Africa Tourist Visa.
What Is the East Africa Tourist Visa and How Much Does It Cost?
The East Africa Tourist Visa is a jointly issued multi-country permit covering Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda for up to 90 days, costing $100 USD.
The East Africa Tourist Visa ($100 USD / ~£80 GBP + 3% card surcharge) covers Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda for 90 days with multiple entries. The processing fee is strictly non-refundable. Border cash payments require post-2013, undamaged USD bills. Source: Uganda Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control (visas.immigration.go.ug), accessed January 2026. Securing the East Africa Tourist Visa simplifies regional travel significantly.
Which Countries Does the East Africa Tourist Visa Cover?
The East Africa Tourist Visa covers only Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda, while Tanzania, Burundi, and South Sudan each require separate individual visas.
The joint tourist visa grants access exclusively to its three member states. Travellers must plan their routes knowing exactly where the East Africa Tourist Visa is accepted.
| EAC Country | Visa Coverage Status |
|---|---|
| Uganda | Covered |
| Kenya | Covered |
| Rwanda | Covered |
| Tanzania | Excluded |
| Burundi | Excluded |
| South Sudan | Excluded |
Does the East Africa Tourist Visa Cover Tanzania?
No, the East Africa Tourist Visa excludes Tanzania, Burundi, and South Sudan. Tanzania requires a separate $50 e-Visa. You cannot use the East Africa Tourist Visa to cross the Tanzanian border.
Uganda e visa vs East Africa visa – Side-by-Side Comparison
The Uganda e-Visa ($50, single-country, extendable) suits Uganda-only travel; the East Africa Tourist Visa ($100, three countries, 90 days) suits multi-country itineraries.
When evaluating single entry vs multiple entry options, use this suitability checker to decide if you need the East Africa Tourist Visa:
- Choose the East Africa Tourist Visa if: (a) you plan to cross into Kenya or Rwanda, (b) you want to avoid multiple $50 fees, (c) your trip is under 90 days.
- Choose the Uganda e-Visa if: (a) you are only visiting Uganda, (b) you might need to extend your stay beyond 90 days, (c) you want to save an initial $50.
| Feature | Uganda e-Visa | East Africa Tourist Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $50 USD + $1.50 processing fee | $100 USD |
| Validity | Up to 90 days | 90 days from issue |
| Extendability | Extendable up to 6 months | Not extendable |
| Countries Covered | Uganda only | Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda |
When Should You Choose the Uganda Single-Entry e-Visa?
The Uganda e-Visa requires a lower initial payment and provides flexibility for long-term visitors staying exclusively within Ugandan borders.
When Should You Choose the East Africa Tourist Visa?
The East Africa Tourist Visa replaces separate national permits, saving UK travellers money on multi-country trips and cross-border activities.
Validity, Entry Rules, and the Kenya eTA Exemption
The East Africa Tourist Visa is valid 90 days from the date of issue, permits unlimited multiple entry within the block, and exempts holders from the Kenya eTA.
The East Africa Tourist Visa requires holders to begin their journey in the country that processed the application (first point of entry). Once inside the block, travellers can move freely between Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda using their East Africa Tourist Visa.
Do You Still Need Kenya’s eTA When Travelling on the EATV?
No, the East Africa Tourist Visa exempts holders from the Kenya eTA entirely.
Can You Spend All 90 Days in One Country?
Yes. The visa imposes no proportional time split. You can allocate the entire 90-day validity period to a single destination before the East Africa Tourist Visa expires immediately upon exiting the three-country zone.
How to Apply for the East Africa Tourist Visa Online
Apply for the East Africa Tourist Visa at visas.immigration.go.ug by uploading three documents and paying $100 online via Visa or Mastercard.
When we applied for our East Africa Tourist Visa in early 2026, the 250KB file limit was the most common stumbling block – we recommend compressing your passport scan before you start. In our case, the ‘Deferred’ status appeared within 24 hours and was resolved after we uploaded a detailed hotel booking.
Complete the form
Fill it out at visas.immigration.go.ug
Upload your passport
At least 6 months validity from date of entry
Attach a passport photo
US/UK standard, white background
Upload certificates
Yellow fever certificate and travel itinerary
Processing Time – How Long Does It Take?
In 2026, the East Africa Tourist Visa processes standard applications in approximately 5 working days.
What If Your Application Is Deferred?
A ‘Deferred’ status means additional documents (such as an approval letter or detailed itinerary) are required. For support, contact:
Uganda Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration ControlPlot 65/67, Old Port Bell Road, Kampala, Uganda
Phone: +256 417 102 600
Toll-Free (Uganda): 0800 199003
Email: [email protected]
Correction [January 2026]: The address of the Uganda Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control has been verified as ‘Old Port Bell Road’. Always check your email for updates regarding your East Africa Tourist Visa.
Using Your EATV: Entry Points and Itinerary Planning
The East Africa Tourist Visa is accepted at 22 border posts and eliminates separate visa applications for cross-border gorilla trekking between Uganda and Rwanda.
The East Africa Tourist Visa facilitates seamless border crossings at major entry points like Entebbe, Katuna, and Busia. It saves UK travellers money on multi-country trips, especially for tourists combining gorilla trekking in Bwindi (~$700) and Volcanoes National Park ($1,500). Gorilla permit prices verified via Uganda Wildlife Authority and Rwanda Development Board. Using the East Africa Tourist Visa streamlines your entire regional itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions About the East Africa Tourist Visa
The most-asked East Africa Tourist Visa questions cover Tanzania exclusion, Kenya eTA interaction, 90-day single-country allocation, minor fees, and deferred application recovery.
Does the East Africa Tourist Visa cover Tanzania?
No, the EATV excludes Tanzania, Burundi, and South Sudan. Tanzania requires a separate $50 e-Visa.
Do I need a separate Kenya eTA if I have the joint visa?
No, the East Africa Tourist Visa exempts holders from the Kenya eTA entirely.
Can I spend all 90 days in one country on the joint visa?
Yes, you can spend the entire 90-day validity period in a single participating country.
Do children need their own East Africa Tourist Visa?
Yes, minors need their own passport and East Africa Tourist Visa. The processing fee is the full $100 USD.
What does a deferred visa application status mean?
It means authorities require additional documents. Contact the Uganda Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control at +256 417 102 600.
Can I extend the East Africa Tourist Visa beyond 90 days?
No, it is strictly non-refundable, non-renewable, and expires upon exiting the three-country block.
What are the photo and file size requirements for the visa application?
Upload a US/UK standard passport photo (white background). Files must be under 250KB (PDF, JPEG, PNG, BMP).
Can I pay for the visa at the border with cash?
Border cash payments require post-2013, undamaged USD bills.
This guide is published by our travel portal for informational purposes. It is not affiliated with the Ugandan government. For the most current requirements, please refer to the external government portal. This article was written by a travel researcher specialising in East African visa regulations since 2019. Always verify details before applying for your East Africa Tourist Visa.
