Uganda East Africa Tourist Visa: Everything You Need to Know Before You Travel
Last updated: January 2026
Table of Contents
Traveling to Uganda is an unforgettable experience — from misty mountain forests filled with gorillas to wide open savannahs and the warmest smiles in East Africa. If you’re planning to explore more than one country in the region, the Uganda East Africa Tourist Visa can make your journey significantly easier.
This single visa allows travelers to visit Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya on one application, making it one of the most convenient options for anyone planning a multi-country East Africa trip. Whether you’re combining gorilla trekking in Uganda, wildlife safaris in Kenya, or cultural experiences in Rwanda, this visa removes the need for multiple applications and long waits.
In this up-to-date guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about the Uganda East Africa Tourist Visa requirements, including who can apply, how to apply online, visa costs, processing times, and common mistakes to avoid — so you can plan your trip with confidence and focus on the adventure ahead.
1. What Is the Uganda East Africa Tourist Visa?
The Uganda East Africa Tourist Visa is a multiple-entry tourist visa that allows travelers to visit Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda using a single visa for up to 90 days. It is designed for visitors who want to explore more than one East African country without applying for separate national visas.
This visa is especially popular with travelers planning gorilla trekking in Uganda, classic wildlife safaris in Kenya, or cultural and city experiences in Rwanda — all within the same trip. Once issued, you can cross borders between the three participating countries as many times as you wish, as long as the visa remains valid.
The East Africa Tourist Visa was introduced jointly by the governments of Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda to promote regional tourism and make cross-border travel simpler and more accessible for international visitors.
Important to know:
You must apply for the visa through the immigration authority of the country where you will enter first. For example, if your journey starts in Uganda, your application must be submitted through Uganda’s Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control.
Expert Insight:
Travelers holding the East Africa Tourist Visa can move freely between Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda during the 90-day validity period, but the visa becomes invalid if you exit the region to a non-participating country.
2. Why Choose the East Africa Tourist Visa?
The East Africa Tourist Visa is one of the most convenient and cost-effective visa options for travelers planning to visit more than one country in East Africa. Instead of navigating multiple visa applications, this single visa simplifies your journey across Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda.
Here’s why many travelers choose this visa when planning their East Africa safari or cultural tour:
Key Benefits of the East Africa Tourist Visa
- Multi-country access
Travel freely between Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda without applying for separate visas. - Cost-effective option
At USD 100, the East Africa Tourist Visa is significantly cheaper than purchasing individual tourist visas for each country. - Simple online application
Apply once online before your trip through the immigration portal of your first country of entry. - Multiple entries allowed
Cross borders as many times as you wish within the three participating countries during the visa’s validity. - 90-day validity
Ideal for longer trips, combined safari itineraries, and travelers who prefer to explore at a relaxed pace.
For travelers booking multi-country safari itineraries, gorilla trekking experiences, or cultural tours across the region, this visa removes unnecessary paperwork and allows you to focus on enjoying East Africa’s landscapes, wildlife, and people.
3. Countries Covered Under the Visa
The Uganda East Africa Tourist Visa allows entry into three countries in East Africa, making it ideal for travelers planning a multi-country itinerary.
The visa is currently valid in the following countries:
- Uganda – Often called the Pearl of Africa, Uganda is famous for mountain gorilla trekking, diverse wildlife, lush landscapes, and authentic cultural encounters.
- Kenya – A classic safari destination known for the Maasai Mara, the Great Migration, Big Five safaris, and vibrant coastal cities like Mombasa.
- Rwanda – Known as the Land of a Thousand Hills, Rwanda offers gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, clean and modern cities, and rich cultural heritage.
Together, these three destinations offer an exceptional combination of wildlife safaris, primate encounters, and cultural experiences — all accessible with one visa.
Note:
The East Africa Tourist Visa is not valid for travel to Tanzania, Burundi, South Sudan, or the Democratic Republic of Congo. If your itinerary includes any of these countries, you will need to apply for separate visas.
4. How to Apply Online for the Uganda East Africa Tourist Visa
Applying for the Uganda East Africa Tourist Visa is straightforward and can be completed entirely online. The key is to apply through the official immigration portal of the country where you plan to enter first.
For example:
- If Uganda is your first entry point, use the Uganda Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control portal.
- If Kenya or Rwanda is your first entry, use their respective official portals.
Step-by-Step Online Application Process for Uganda East Africa Tourist Visa
- Visit the official visa portal of the country you will enter first.
- Select “East Africa Tourist Visa” as the visa type.
- Complete the online form with your personal and travel information.
- Upload required documents, including your passport photo and vaccination certificate.
- Pay the USD 100 fee online using Visa or MasterCard (non-refundable).
- Wait for approval, usually within 3–7 business days.
- Print your e-visa approval letter to present upon arrival at any participating border or airport.
Pro Travel Tip:
Always carry both digital and printed copies of your e-visa and passport when crossing borders. This avoids delays at airports or land crossings.
Expert Insight:
Applying online before travel ensures a smooth entry into all three countries and prevents surprises at the border. Remember, on-arrival visas are no longer guaranteed for this regional visa.
5. Requirements and Documents Needed
Before applying for the Uganda East Africa Tourist Visa, make sure you have the following documents ready. Having everything in order ensures a smooth and fast approval:
- Valid passport – Must have at least 6 months of validity from your date of entry.
- Recent passport-sized photo – Digital copy for online submission.
- Return or onward flight ticket – Proof you will exit the East Africa region within 90 days.
- Proof of accommodation – Hotel bookings or tour confirmations.
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate – Mandatory for entry into all three countries.
- Travel itinerary or tour booking – Optional but recommended for smoother processing.
- Visa payment confirmation – Keep a copy of your online payment receipt.
Pro Tip:
Amatsiko Tours can assist travelers with required documentation, including official invitation letters if needed, to make the application process easier.
Expert Insight:
Double-check that all documents match exactly what you submit online. Mistakes such as mismatched passport numbers or missing vaccination certificates are the most common reasons for visa delays.
6. Visa Costs, Validity and Multiple Entries
The Uganda East Africa Tourist Visa is designed to be convenient and flexible for travelers exploring Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda.
Visa Costs
- Fee: USD 100 (non-refundable)
- Payment: Online via Visa or MasterCard
- Note: One payment covers all three countries, making it far cheaper than separate visas.
- Validity and Duration
- Duration: 90 days from the date of issue
- Entries: Multiple entries allowed within the 90-day period
- Restrictions: The visa is only valid for travel between Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda. Exiting the region to non-participating countries will invalidate the visa.
- Extension and Renewal
- The visa cannot be extended.
- If your 90 days expire and you wish to stay longer, you must apply for a new visa from your current location or through an authorized immigration office.
- While active, the visa allows you to cross borders multiple times, making it ideal for travelers exploring multi-country East Africa itineraries.
- Pro Tip:
- Always keep a printed and digital copy of your visa approval to prevent delays at airports or land borders.
Important:
The visa becomes invalid if you travel outside Uganda, Kenya, or Rwanda during your trip. Always keep a printed and digital copy of your visa approval to prevent delays at airports or land borders.
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 When Applying for the Uganda East Africa Tourist Visa
Applying for the Uganda East Africa Tourist Visa is simple if you know the common pitfalls. Avoid these mistakes to prevent delays or rejection:
- 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.
Pro Tip:
Keep both digital and printed copies of your visa and supporting documents during your travels to avoid issues at airports and land borders.
9. Border Entry Points and Travel Tips for the Uganda East Africa Tourist Visa
Traveling with the Uganda East Africa Tourist Visa is smooth when you know the main entry points and follow a few practical tips.
Main Airports:
- Entebbe International Airport (Uganda) – The primary gateway for international flights into Uganda.
- Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi, Kenya) – Major entry point for Kenya travelers.
- Kigali International Airport (Rwanda) – Ideal for travelers starting in 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. The visa is valid only for Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda. Travelers visiting other East African countries must obtain separate visas.
Q3: How long does it take to process?
A: Usually between 3–7 business days, depending on the volume of applications. Early application is recommended.
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. Once approved, the visa allows multiple entries between Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda during its 90-day validity.
Q6: What should I do if I plan to travel longer than 90 days?
A: You must reapply for a new visa once your current visa expires. The East Africa Tourist Visa cannot be extended.
Q7: What documents should I carry at the border?
A: Always have printed and digital copies of your e-visa, passport, yellow fever certificate, and travel insurance to avoid delays.
Conclusion: Your Gateway to East Africa
The Uganda East Africa Tourist Visa opens the door to unforgettable adventures across Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda. From the misty mountains of Bwindi National Park to the sweeping plains of the Maasai Mara, and the cultural charm of Kigali, this visa makes exploring East Africa seamless and stress-free.
With a single application, you can enjoy gorilla trekking, classic safaris, and rich cultural experiences, all without juggling multiple visas or long waits at the border. By planning ahead and following the tips in this guide, your journey will be smooth, enjoyable, and fully focused on the incredible experiences ahead.
Ready to start your adventure?
Let Amatsiko Tours help you create a meaningful and memorable East Africa itinerary that matches your visa plan — from gorilla trekking and safaris to cultural experiences, we’ll guide you every step of the way.
Plan Your Trip:
Visit Amatsiko Tours to explore our Gorilla Trekking, Queen Elizabeth Safaris, and Cultural Experiences that perfectly fit this regional visa.
