Traveling through East Africa is like opening a treasure chest—you'll find mountain gorillas, endless savannas, vibrant cities, and warm hospitality everywhere you go. If you're planning to visit more than one country, the Uganda East Africa Tourist Visa is the best travel document you can get.

Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda all share this special visa, which allows you to move freely across the three countries without the hassle of applying for separate visas. Whether you want to trek gorillas in Uganda, go on safari in Kenya, or explore Rwanda's rolling hills, this visa makes it smooth and simple.

In this blog, I'll explain what the East Africa Tourist Visa is, how to apply, requirements, fees, and why it's worth considering for your East African adventure.

What is the East Africa Tourist Visa?

The East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV) is a joint visa issued by Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda. It allows travelers to enter and move between all three countries on a single visa, making regional travel easier and more affordable.

Here are the key points:

  • Valid for 90 days (3 months).



  • Multiple-entry across Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda.



  • For tourism only (not for business or work).



Important: The visa becomes invalid once you leave these three countries. For example, if you travel to Tanzania or Ethiopia in between, you'd need to apply for a new visa to re-enter.

Who Can Apply for the East Africa Tourist Visa?

Almost all foreign nationals who require a visa to enter Uganda, Kenya, or Rwanda can apply for the EATV.

It's a great option if you:

  • Want to visit at least two of the three countries.



  • Are planning a regional safari or adventure.



  • Want to save time and money by avoiding multiple visa applications.



If you're only visiting one country, then a regular tourist eVisa (around $50) might make more sense. But if you're planning a multi-country trip, the EATV is the smart choice.

How to Apply for the East Africa Tourist Visa (Through Uganda)

You can apply for the EATV through any of the three participating countries. If Uganda is your first point of entry, you should apply through Uganda's eVisa system.

Here's the process step-by-step:

  1. Choose “East Africa Tourist Visa” as the visa type in Uganda visa application form .



  2. Fill in your travel details – Mention Uganda as your entry point.



  3. Wait for approval – Usually 3–7 working days.



  4. Download and print your visa approval letter – Carry it with you during travel.



Documents You'll Need

Make sure to prepare the following:

  • A valid passport (at least 6 months' validity).



  • A passport-sized photo (digital copy).



  • Flight itinerary (showing entry and onward travel).



  • Accommodation booking (at least for your first few nights).



  • A yellow fever vaccination certificate (mandatory).



Benefits of the East Africa Tourist Visa

Why should you choose this visa over individual country visas? Here are the top reasons:

  • Convenience – One visa, three countries.



  • Saves money – $100 instead of $150 if you apply for three separate visas.



  • Flexibility – Multiple entries allowed, so you can move freely between the countries.



  • Great for overland travel – Perfect if you're backpacking, road-tripping, or joining a guided safari across East Africa.



Example Travel Itineraries with the EATV

To give you an idea of how useful this visa is, here are some possible travel plans:

  • Uganda → Rwanda → Kenya

    Start with gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest, then head to Rwanda for Kigali's cultural experiences, and finish in Kenya with a Maasai Mara safari.



  • Kenya → Uganda → Rwanda

    Arrive in Nairobi, drive through Uganda to see Murchison Falls and Lake Victoria, then cross into Rwanda for a few relaxing days.



  • Rwanda → Uganda → Kenya

    Begin in Kigali, explore Uganda's wildlife, then take a short flight or road trip to Nairobi for urban and safari adventures.



The freedom to cross borders without extra paperwork makes your trip much smoother.

Tips for Using the East Africa Tourist Visa

  • Choose your entry point carefully: Apply through the country where you'll arrive first.



  • Keep multiple copies: Print extra copies of your visa approval letter.



  • Carry cash in US dollars: It's widely accepted in all three countries, especially for park fees.



  • Plan your health precautions: Yellow fever vaccination is required, and malaria prevention is strongly recommended.



  • Border crossings: Land borders are busy—be patient and keep your documents handy.



Why Uganda is a Great First Entry Point

Many travelers choose Uganda as their first entry because:

  • Entebbe International Airport is well-connected.



  • Gorilla trekking in Bwindi is a unique experience you can't find in Kenya or Rwanda.



  • Uganda is often more affordable than its neighbors, making it a budget-friendly start.



  • From Uganda, it's easy to cross into Rwanda by road or fly to Nairobi in just over an hour.



Final Thoughts

The Uganda East Africa Tourist Visa is one of the best travel options for explorers who want to see more than one country in the region. It saves you time, money, and paperwork, while giving you the freedom to experience the diversity of East Africa in a single trip.

With this visa in your pocket, you can watch the great wildebeest migration in Kenya, trek gorillas in Uganda, and relax in Rwanda's rolling hills—all without applying for separate visas.

So, if your travel plans include at least two of these countries, go for the East Africa Tourist Visa. It's your key to unlocking some of the best experiences Africa has to offer.