Entry Requirements Overview
East Africa is generally straightforward for international visitors. All five countries, Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania and Zanzibar (Tanzania), welcome tourists and have established visa processes. The requirements vary by nationality and are subject to change, so this guide should be used as a starting point and confirmed with the relevant embassy or official government portal before travel.
Uganda Visa Requirements
Uganda operates an e-Visa system. The Uganda e-Visa is available to nationals of most countries and is applied for online before travel at the official Uganda Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control portal.
- —Single entry visa: Valid for 3 months from date of issue. Allows a stay of up to 90 days.
- —Cost: USD $50 per person for most nationalities.
- —Processing time: Typically 3 to 5 working days. Apply at least 2 weeks before travel.
- —Visa on arrival: Available at Entebbe International Airport and major land borders, but the e-Visa is strongly recommended to avoid queues and potential issues.
- —East Africa Tourist Visa: Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya offer a joint tourist visa ($100) that allows unlimited movement between all three countries within 90 days. This is excellent value if visiting all three.
Entry Requirements
- —Valid passport with minimum 6 months validity beyond your planned departure date
- —Return or onward ticket
- —Proof of yellow fever vaccination (required for all visitors)
- —Proof of sufficient funds may be requested
Rwanda Visa Requirements
Rwanda has one of the most traveller-friendly visa policies in Africa. Nationals of many African countries, and a growing number of countries globally, can enter Rwanda visa-free. Most other nationalities receive a visa on arrival free of charge.
- —Visa on arrival: Free for most nationalities. Granted for 30 days and extendable.
- —e-Visa: Available online before travel for all nationalities. Recommended for those who prefer advance confirmation.
- —Visa-free entry: Growing list of countries including most African nations, Commonwealth members and others.
- —East Africa Tourist Visa: Covers Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya for $100.
Entry Requirements
- —Valid passport with minimum 6 months validity
- —Return or onward ticket
- —Yellow fever vaccination certificate (required)
Kenya Visa Requirements
Kenya moved to an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system in 2024. All visitors except East African Community nationals now require an ETA before travel, applied for online.
- —e-Visa / ETA: Required for most nationalities. Apply online before travel at the official Kenya e-Visa portal.
- —Cost: USD $30 per person for most nationalities.
- —Processing time: Usually 24 to 72 hours. Apply well in advance.
- —East African Community nationals (Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, DR Congo, Somalia) may have different arrangements.
Entry Requirements
- —Valid passport with minimum 6 months validity
- —Return or onward ticket
- —Yellow fever vaccination certificate (required if arriving from yellow fever endemic country)
Tanzania and Zanzibar Visa Requirements
Tanzania requires a visa for most nationalities. Zanzibar is part of Tanzania and uses the same visa.
- —e-Visa: Available online before travel. Strongly recommended over visa on arrival.
- —Cost: USD $50 per person for most nationalities. US citizens pay $100.
- —Visa on arrival: Available at Julius Nyerere International Airport (Dar es Salaam), Kilimanjaro International Airport and Zanzibar International Airport.
- —Processing time: e-Visa typically 2 to 5 working days.
Entry Requirements
- —Valid passport with minimum 6 months validity
- —Return or onward ticket
- —Yellow fever vaccination certificate (required if arriving from yellow fever endemic country)
Yellow Fever Vaccination
Yellow fever vaccination is required for entry into Uganda and recommended for all East Africa travel. The yellow fever vaccine is a live vaccine given once and is considered valid for life (though some countries still require the 10-year booster certificate, check current requirements).
You will receive an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP, also called the yellow card) when vaccinated. Keep this with your passport as it may be inspected at borders.
The vaccine must be received at least 10 days before travel to be valid. Plan accordingly and see a travel medicine specialist or travel clinic at least 6 to 8 weeks before departure.
The East Africa Tourist Visa
The East Africa Tourist Visa is one of travel's best-kept secrets. For USD $100, it covers a single multiple-entry visa valid for 90 days across Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya. This is exceptional value for any itinerary that includes all three countries.
It is applied for through the Uganda, Rwanda or Kenya e-Visa portal. Note that it does not include Tanzania, Tanzania requires its own separate visa.
Passport and Document Checklist
- —Valid passport with at least 6 months validity beyond your departure date and at least 2 blank pages
- —Yellow fever vaccination certificate (ICVP)
- —Printed or electronic visa / ETA / e-Visa confirmation
- —Return or onward flight itinerary
- —Safari booking confirmation and lodge details
- —Travel insurance certificate with emergency contact number
- —Emergency contacts list stored separately from your passport
- —Copies of all documents stored in email or cloud storage
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