10 Essential Facts About the Uganda East Africa Tourist Visa (2025 Guide)

Traveling to Uganda is an unforgettable experience—mountain gorillas, vast savannahs, and the warmest smiles in East Africa. To make your journey even easier, the Uganda East Africa tourist visa allows you to explore not only Uganda, but also Rwanda and Kenya, all on one visa.

In this detailed guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know: who can apply, how to get it, where to use it, and why it’s one of the best travel options for anyone planning to explore East Africa.

1. What Is the Uganda East Africa Tourist Visa?

The Uganda East Africa tourist visa is a multiple-entry travel document that allows you to visit Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda for up to 90 days without needing separate visas. It’s designed for tourists who want to explore East Africa seamlessly—perfect for travelers joining any Amatsiko Tours safari that combines gorilla trekking in Uganda, wildlife drives in Kenya, and Kigali cultural experiences.

This regional visa initiative was launched by the governments of Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda to simplify travel and promote tourism cooperation within East Africa.

Expert Insight:
Travelers with this visa can cross borders as often as they wish between the three countries, as long as the visa remains valid.

2. Why Choose the East Africa Tourist Visa?

Choosing this visa saves time, money, and paperwork. Instead of applying for three different tourist visas, you’ll only need one. Here are the top reasons why this visa is ideal for travelers:

Benefits:

• Multi-country access – Visit Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya freely.
• Cost-effective – At only USD 100, it’s far cheaper than purchasing individual visas.
• Easy application – Apply once online before your trip.
• Long validity – Valid for 90 days with multiple entries.
• Supports regional tourism – Encourages travel across East Africa’s shared attractions.

For visitors on Amatsiko Tours’ gorilla trekking and safari packages, this visa makes it effortless to combine adventures—like trekking gorillas in Bwindi, exploring Queen Elizabeth National Park, and finishing in Nairobi or Kigali.

3. Countries Covered Under the Visa

The Uganda East Africa tourist visa is currently accepted in:

1. Uganda – The Pearl of Africa, home to the majestic mountain gorillas.
2. Kenya – Known for the Maasai Mara, the Great Migration, and stunning coastlines.
3. Rwanda – The land of a thousand hills, famed for clean cities and rich culture.

Note:
Tanzania, Burundi, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo are not yet part of this visa arrangement.

4. How to Apply Online for the Uganda East Africa Tourist Visa

The process is straightforward and can be completed online.
You must apply through the official government portal of the country you’ll first enter.

For example, if Uganda is your first entry point, apply via the Uganda Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control.

Step-by-Step Application Process:

1. Visit the official visa portal.
2. Select “East Africa Tourist Visa.”
3. Fill out the online form with personal and travel details.
4. Upload the required documents (see below).
5. Pay the $100 USD non-refundable fee online using Visa or MasterCard.
6. Wait for an approval email (usually within 3–7 business days).
7. Print the e-visa approval letter to present on arrival.

5. Requirements and Documents Needed

To obtain the Uganda East Africa tourist visa, prepare the following:

• Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
• Recent passport-sized photo
• Return flight ticket
• Proof of accommodation (hotel or tour booking confirmation)
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate
• Travel itinerary or tour booking
• Visa payment confirmation

Amatsiko Tours can assist travelers with documentation and official invitation letters if needed for your application.

6. Visa Costs and Validity

• Cost: USD 100
• Validity: 90 days from date of issue
• Entries: Multiple (you can cross borders freely among the three countries)
• Processing Time: 3–7 business days
• Non-extendable: Once expired, you must reapply if you wish to return.

Important:
The visa becomes invalid if you travel outside Uganda, Kenya, or Rwanda during your trip.

7. Extension, Renewal, and Multiple Entries

This visa cannot be extended. However, since it’s a multiple-entry visa, you can travel across Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda as many times as you wish during its 90-day validity.

If your 90 days expire and you wish to stay longer, you’ll need to apply for a new visa from your current location or through an authorized immigration office.

8. Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying through unofficial websites – Always use official government portals.
• Applying to the wrong country – Apply to the nation where your journey starts.
• Missing yellow fever certificate – This is a mandatory entry requirement.
• Incomplete documentation – Missing photos or passport scans can delay approval.
• Confusing it with a single-entry visa – Remember, it’s valid for multiple entries only within the three participating countries.

9. Border Entry Points and Travel Tips

Main Airports:

• Entebbe International Airport (Uganda)
• Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi, Kenya)
• Kigali International Airport (Rwanda)

Land Borders Commonly Used by Travelers:

• Katuna / Gatuna Border – Between Uganda and Rwanda.
• Busia or Malaba – Between Uganda and Kenya.

Travel Tips:

• Always carry printed copies of your visa approval.
• Keep digital and paper copies of your passport and travel insurance.
• Follow health requirements, including proof of yellow fever vaccination.
• Respect customs laws; certain wildlife products are prohibited.

Amatsiko Tours ensures all our guests have the correct documentation and guidance throughout their journey.

10. FAQs About the Uganda East Africa Tourist Visa

Q1: Can I apply for the Uganda East Africa tourist visa on arrival?

A: No, you must apply online before arrival. On-arrival visas are no longer guaranteed.

Q2: Is the Uganda East Africa tourist visa valid for Tanzania or Burundi?

A: No, only Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda currently participate.

Q3: How long does it take to process?

A: Usually between 3–7 business days, depending on the volume of applications.

Q4: Can I volunteer in Uganda using this visa?

A: Yes, short-term volunteering (less than 90 days) through licensed tour or community organizations such as Amatsiko Tours is allowed.

Q5: Do I need to apply separately for each country?

A: No. Apply once through the country you’ll enter first; the visa is valid for all three.

Conclusion: Your Gateway to East Africa

The Uganda East Africa tourist visa opens the door to unforgettable adventures. From the misty mountains of Bwindi to the sweeping plains of the Maasai Mara and the cultural charm of Kigali, you can experience the very best of East Africa with a single visa.

If you’re ready to plan a meaningful journey that supports local communities, let Amatsiko Tours guide your adventure.

Plan Your Trip:
Visit Amatsiko Tours to explore our Gorilla Trekking, Queen Elizabeth Safaris, and Cultural Experiences that perfectly fit this regional visa.