Travel Guides· East Africa· 3 min read

    Visa Requirements for East Africa

    Understanding visa requirements is essential for planning your East African adventure. This guide covers entry policies for all six countries on the East Africa Guide™ platform, including the convenient East Africa Tourist Visa that allows multi-country travel.

    Kenya Visa Requirements

    Kenya requires an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for most nationalities, replacing the previous visa system. The eTA costs approximately $30 USD and can be obtained online before travel. Processing typically takes 3–5 business days. Citizens of several African countries can enter visa-free. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from entry date with at least 2 blank pages.

    Tanzania Visa Requirements

    Tanzania offers e-visas through its online portal for most nationalities. The standard tourist visa costs $50 USD and is valid for 90 days. US citizens pay $100 USD. Visa on arrival is available at major entry points but applying online in advance is recommended to avoid queues. Zanzibar follows the same visa requirements as mainland Tanzania.

    Rwanda Visa Requirements

    Rwanda has one of Africa's most progressive visa policies. Citizens of African Union, Commonwealth and La Francophonie member countries receive a free 30-day visa on arrival. Other nationalities can obtain a single-entry tourist visa on arrival for $50 USD. The e-visa application is also available online and processed within 3 business days. Rwanda is part of the East Africa Tourist Visa arrangement.

    Uganda Visa Requirements

    Uganda requires a visa for most international visitors. The standard single-entry tourist visa costs $50 USD and must be obtained online before travel; Uganda does not issue visas on arrival. Processing usually takes under 3 working days. Gorilla trekking permits should be arranged separately through the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

    Mauritius Visa Requirements

    Mauritius offers visa-free entry for citizens of most countries for stays up to 60 days (90 days for some nationalities). No advance visa application is needed. On arrival, you'll need to show proof of accommodation, return flights, and sufficient funds. This makes Mauritius one of the easiest East African destinations to visit.

    Seychelles Visa Requirements

    Seychelles does not require a visa for any nationality — making it the most accessible destination in our portfolio. Visitors receive a free visitor's permit on arrival for up to 3 months. You'll need a valid passport, proof of accommodation, return ticket, and sufficient funds.

    The East Africa Tourist Visa

    The East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV) allows visitors to travel between Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda on a single visa costing $100 USD. Valid for 90 days with multiple entries, it's ideal for multi-country itineraries. Apply through any of the three countries' immigration portals. Note: Tanzania is not currently part of the EATV arrangement.

    Common Questions

    Visa Requirements for East Africa — Frequently Asked Questions

    Common Questions

    Yes, the East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV) covers Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda for $100 USD with 90-day validity and multiple entries. Tanzania requires a separate visa. Mauritius and Seychelles are generally visa-free.

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    By East Africa Guide™ editorial teamEditorial update: 4 current sourced facts · other content not independently verified

    Verified travel facts

    Kenya eTA — fees and how to apply
    Most visitors need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before travel, applied for only at etakenya.go.ke or the official "Kenya Travel Authorisation" app, one per traveller. Fees (excluding payment charges): standard single-entry eTA USD 30; transit eTA USD 20; East Africa Tourist eTA USD 100; 1-year multiple-entry USD 300; USA 5-year multiple-entry USD 185; expedited service USD 100. East African Community citizens and travellers from bilateral-agreement countries pay USD 0. Fees effective 1 January 2025. Eligibility depends on nationality; check before travel.
    Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation (Government of Kenya) · Verified 2026-10-26 · Review due 2027-04-26
    Rwanda visa — fees and visa on arrival
    Citizens of all countries can get a visa on arrival without applying in advance, or apply online through Irembo before travel. Fees: tourist (holiday) visa single entry USD 50; multiple entry USD 70; East Africa Tourist Visa (Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, valid 3 months) USD 100; transit visa USD 30. Citizens of African Union, Commonwealth and La Francophonie member countries get a free 30-day visa on arrival; East African Community citizens get a free pass for up to 6 months; some countries get a free 90-day visa. Passport needs at least 6 months validity. Eligibility depends on nationality; check before travel.
    Rwanda Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration · Verified 2026-10-26 · Review due 2027-04-26
    Tanzania visa — fees and how to apply
    Tourists from countries that need a visa apply for an Ordinary (single-entry) visa: USD 50, valid up to 90 days. US passport holders visiting for tourism must apply for a Multiple-entry visa: USD 100, valid 1 year. Apply online through the official Tanzania Immigration Services website (www.immigration.go.tz), which is recommended, or obtain a visa on arrival at an official entry point. Passport needs at least 6 months validity and one unused page; a return ticket must be shown on arrival. Eligibility depends on nationality; check before travel.
    Tanzania Immigration Services — Visa Guidelines · Verified 2026-10-26 · Review due 2027-04-26
    Uganda tourist visa — fees and how to apply
    Uganda tourist (ordinary) visa, single entry: USD 50, granted for up to 3 months. East Africa Tourist Visa (Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda): USD 100. Transit visa: USD 50. Apply online only at visas.immigration.go.ug before travel; visas are not issued on arrival. Approval letter is valid 90 days from approval. Processing usually takes under 3 working days. Passport needs at least 6 months validity. Fees are non-refundable. Eligibility depends on nationality; check before travel.
    Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control (NCIC), Uganda · Verified 2026-10-26 · Review due 2027-04-26
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