East Africa visa: what is it and application process

Africa, the second largest continent in the world, tops the bucket list for many travelers. Not only does Africa have the perfect tropical weather to counter the cold season in the western hemisphere, but it is also favored for unforgettable safari expeditions.

Some African governments within the vicinity of each other have formed joint initiatives and imposed regulations to strengthen regional security and boost local and international tourism by making travel more accessible. One of these regulations is the issuance of the East Africa Visa. 

What is the East Africa visa?

The East African visa is a single-entry regional visa required for foreigners to enter three major East African countries. This is a joint agreement between the governments of these countries to allow foreign travelers to explore the diversity of these East African countries while making travel procedures more straightforward.

The visa will be issued by the consulates of any of the three participating East African countries, in the tourist’s country of residence or online with Visagov. 

Which countries can you visit with the East African Visa?

Currently, there are three countries that you can visit with the East Africa Visa: the Republic of Kenya, the Republic of Rwanda and the Republic of Uganda. 

Several other countries within the region have expressed their intention to join the travel scheme in the future.

What are the benefits of the East Africa tourist visa?

Holders of the East Africa Visa will be able to enter the three countries mentioned without having to pay visa fees for each country individually. Tourists will be given a single-entry to the issuing country but will be entitled to uninterrupted multiple entries within the region for 90 days.

With this scheme, travelers with an itinerary requiring the crossing of borders will save a considerable amount of money as they will only need to pay for one visa.  

Are there any restrictions attached to the East Africa Visa?

It is important to note that the East Africa Visa is exclusively for tourism purposes, which means that holders of this visa cannot work nor study while they are in any of the three countries. If you intend to travel for a purpose other than tourism, please secure the corresponding visa. 

Another restriction is that the East Africa tourist Visa cannot be extended beyond the 90-day duration. If you want to extend your stay, you will have to apply again.

How to get East Africa tourist visa?

The application for the East Africa Visa may be completed manually in the respective diplomatic representations of the participating countries or it can also be online. You can apply easily through www.visagov.com.

Foreign residents of the participating countries are given special consideration and are not required to secure the visa for East Africa anymore.

The specific country chosen to process an East Africa visa has to be the one you arrive to. This means that if, for example, your plane lands in Rwanda, that’s the country that has to issue your visa. This also means that the visa requirements can vary depending on which country you choose to submit your application to.

Application requirements for the East African visa by country

Rwanda

The only specific requirements if you wish to apply for the East Africa visa with Rwanda as a starting point are:

• A copy of the applicant’s valid passport
• A recent photograph

Kenya

The requirements to apply for the East Africa visa from Kenya are:

• A copy of the applicant’s passport. This travel document has to have a validity of at least 6 months from the start of the trip.
• A recent color photograph
• A picture of the closed passport
• Proof of accommodation
• A complete flight itinerary

Uganda

The requirements to apply from Uganda are:

• A photocopy of the applicant’s valid passport with the appropriate validity
• A recent color photograph
• A yellow fever vaccination certificate
• Proof of the return flight ticket
• A complete travel itinerary
• Proof of accommodation

Where to apply for the East Africa visa according to the arrival country

The country you arrive in will determine the country in which you process your East Africa visa.

If you arrive first in Kenya, you will need the Kenya visa for East Africa.

If your flight arrives in Rwanda, apply for the Rwanda visa online and pick the East Africa type.

If the first country you visit is Uganda, you will need to get the Uganda visa type that corresponds to East Africa.