East Africa Visa 2026: EATV, Tanzania eVisa, Costs & Rules

TL;DR

“East Africa visa” is not a single document. It refers to multiple distinct entry permits across Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania. The East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV) covers Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda for $100, but Tanzania requires its own separate eVisa. The biggest mistake travelers make is assuming the EATV covers Tanzania. It does not.

East Africa Visa Requirements at a Glance

If you're traveling to East Africa in 2026:

Itinerary	Visa Needed
Kenya only	Kenya eTA
Tanzania only	Tanzania eVisa
Uganda only	Uganda eVisa
Rwanda only	Rwanda Visa or Visa on Arrival
Kenya + Uganda + Rwanda	East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV)
Kenya + Tanzania	Kenya eTA + Tanzania eVisa
Uganda + Tanzania	Uganda eVisa + Tanzania eVisa
Kenya + Uganda + Rwanda + Tanzania	EATV + Tanzania eVisa
Zanzibar trip	Tanzania eVisa + Zanzibar Insurance

Key takeaway:

- The East Africa Tourist Visa covers Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda only.

- Tanzania always requires its own visa.

- Zanzibar additionally requires mandatory travel insurance.

- Uganda requires a Yellow Fever Certificate for all travelers over age one.

This is the visa combination most travelers need when planning a multi-country East Africa safari.

What “East Africa Visa” Actually Means

The phrase “East Africa visa” creates more confusion than almost any other term in travel planning. Some people use it to describe a specific joint visa product. Others treat it as a catch-all for any entry permit in the region. Both uses are common, and neither is wrong, which is exactly the problem.

Here is the reality. There are five distinct entry documents you may need for an East Africa trip:

1. East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV) covering Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda

2. Kenya eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization)

3. Tanzania eVisa

4. Uganda eVisa

5. Rwanda visa (available on arrival)

Plus two additional requirements that function like entry documents: the Zanzibar Mandatory Travel Insurance and a Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate.

The single most important thing to understand: Tanzania is not part of the EATV. If your trip includes the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Kilimanjaro, or Zanzibar, you need a separate Tanzania eVisa regardless of whether you hold an EATV. This catches travelers off guard constantly, and it’s the fact this glossary exists to make unmissable.

If you’re planning a multi-country East Africa safari, understanding these permits is the first step before booking anything else.

East Africa Visa Cost Comparison

Travel Route	Cheapest Option	Total Cost
Kenya only	Kenya eTA	$30
Uganda only	Uganda eVisa	$50
Rwanda only	Rwanda Visa	$50
Tanzania only	Tanzania eVisa	$50
Kenya + Uganda	Individual permits	$80
Kenya + Rwanda	Individual permits	$80
Uganda + Rwanda	Individual permits	$100
Kenya + Uganda + Rwanda	EATV	$100
Kenya + Tanzania	Kenya eTA + Tanzania eVisa	$80
Uganda + Tanzania	Uganda eVisa + Tanzania eVisa	$100
Kenya + Uganda + Rwanda + Tanzania	EATV + Tanzania eVisa	$150

East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV)

The East Africa Tourist Visa is a joint visa that allows travel between Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda on a single document. It was created to encourage multi-country tourism across these three nations.

Cost: $100 USD

Validity: 90 days, multiple entry within the bloc

Countries covered: Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda only

Countries NOT covered: Tanzania, Burundi, South Sudan, or any other neighboring state

The First-Entry Rule

When you apply for an EATV, you submit your application through the immigration portal of whichever country you will enter first. This is not optional. If you plan to start in Uganda for gorilla trekking and then fly to Kenya for a Maasai Mara safari, you must apply through Uganda’s portal and physically enter Uganda first.

Failure to follow this sequence can result in denial of entry or additional immigration scrutiny. This rule has direct implications for how you design your itinerary. Practitioners on travel forums regularly flag this as a planning constraint that catches people mid-trip.

For travelers combining multiple experiences into one East Africa trip, the first-entry rule means visa applications and flight bookings need to be coordinated together.

The Exit Invalidation Rule

The EATV remains valid only while you stay within the Kenya-Uganda-Rwanda bloc. If you leave the region (say, by flying from Nairobi to Dar es Salaam for a Tanzania safari), the EATV dies. You cannot re-enter Kenya, Uganda, or Rwanda on that same visa, even if you’re still within the 90-day window. You would need either a new EATV or individual country visas for the return leg.

This matters enormously for travelers doing a Kenya-Tanzania or Uganda-Tanzania combination. The moment you step into Tanzania, your EATV is invalidated.

When the EATV Makes Financial Sense

The math is straightforward. If you’re visiting all three EATV countries, the $100 joint visa saves you money compared to buying individual visas: a Kenya eTA ($30) plus Uganda eVisa ($50) plus Rwanda visa ($50) totals $130.

But if you’re only visiting two of the three countries, individual visas may be cheaper. Kenya plus Uganda individually costs $80, which is $20 less than the EATV.

How to Apply

Apply through the official immigration portal of your first-entry country:

• Uganda: visas.immigration.go.ug

• Kenya: etakenya.go.ke (select the EATV option)

• Rwanda: irembo.gov.rw

Processing typically takes 3 to 7 working days, though applying at least two weeks before departure is recommended. You will need a valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity, a passport-sized photo, proof of travel plans, and payment.

Tanzania eVisa

Since Tanzania is the most common destination for safari travelers heading to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Kilimanjaro, this section deserves careful attention.

Tanzania operates its own eVisa system completely independent of the EATV. You can apply through the official portal before travel or obtain a visa on arrival at any international entry point.

Ordinary visa: $50 USD, valid for up to 90 days, single entry

Multiple-entry visa: $100 USD, valid for 1 year

The US Citizen Rule

This trips up American travelers every time. US passport holders are not eligible for the ordinary (single-entry) visa. American nationals must apply for the multiple-entry visa at $100, even if they plan to enter Tanzania only once. This is not a suggestion; it is a hard rule enforced at immigration.

Processing Times

The official processing window is up to 10 working days. In practice, approval sometimes arrives only shortly before departure, on the day of travel, or even while you’re in transit. For travelers doing Tanzania safari planning, applying at least three weeks before your trip removes significant stress.

Visa on Arrival

Unlike Kenya or Uganda, Tanzania still allows visa on arrival at international airports and border crossings. You pay the same fees ($50 ordinary, $100 multiple-entry) in cash. The eVisa is strongly recommended to avoid long queues and potential complications, but the on-arrival option remains a backup.

Zanzibar Coverage

Although Zanzibar is semi-autonomous, your Tanzanian visa covers both the mainland and the Zanzibar archipelago. No separate visa is needed for Zanzibar.

Zanzibar Mandatory Travel Insurance

This is the requirement that blindsides travelers most often. Since October 1, 2024, all tourists arriving in Zanzibar must carry mandatory travel insurance purchased through the official Zanzibar scheme. This applies even if you already hold comprehensive international travel insurance from your home country.

Cost: $44 USD for adults, $22 for children ages 3 to 17, free for children under 3

Validity: Up to 92 days (approximately three months)

Coverage: Emergency medical expenses (including epidemics and pandemics) up to $50,000, plus evacuation and repatriation

Where to buy: The official portal at visitzanzibar.go.tz

Enforcement: Your insurance is checked on arrival in Zanzibar. Without it, you may not be allowed to enter.

This is separate from and additional to your Tanzania eVisa. Budget for both. For more on travel logistics for the archipelago, the Zanzibar safety and travel terms glossary covers what to expect on the ground.

Tanzania Mainland Insurance Expansion

Tanzania has announced plans to extend mandatory travel insurance to the mainland as well, set to take effect in the 2025/2026 fiscal year. Under this policy, every international traveler entering the country would pay a non-refundable insurance fee of $44 USD. This is worth monitoring if you are booking travel for late 2025 or beyond.

Kenya eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization)

Kenya no longer issues visas. As of January 5, 2024, the country replaced its entire visa system with an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). The old eVisa portal (evisa.go.ke) is defunct. Many travelers still search for “Kenya visa,” but the correct term and document is now the eTA.

Cost: $30 USD

Validity: The standard eTA covers a 90-day stay. The multiple-entry eTA, also $30, allows unlimited entries over up to 5 years with 90-day stays each time, which is exceptional value for frequent travelers.

Processing: Three working days, though it can take longer in some cases

Official portal: etakenya.go.ke only

Apply exclusively at the official portal. Third-party sites charge extra fees, and some do not actually submit applications. There is no visa on arrival option in Kenya anymore. The digital eTA has entirely replaced it.

Who Is Exempt

Citizens of East African Community member states (Burundi, DR Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda) do not need an eTA for stays up to 180 days. Kenya has also expanded exemptions to include most African nationals. Citizens of all African Union member states are now exempt, with the exception of Libya and Somalia.

For travelers combining a Kenya safari with time in Tanzania, the Kenya safari glossary breaks down itinerary terms and planning details.

Uganda eVisa

Uganda requires an electronic visa for most foreign nationals. The e-Visa system has replaced the traditional visa-on-arrival process, and there is no on-arrival option in 2026. You must apply online before travel.

Cost: $50 USD for a single-entry visa

Validity: Up to 90 days from the date of approval

Official portal: visas.immigration.go.ug

Scam Warning

The Uganda government has explicitly warned about fake visa websites that charge inflated fees. All applications must go through the official portal listed above. Fake sites fraudulently charge between $110 and $200 for a visa that officially costs $50. Any website other than the official portal should be treated as an attempt to defraud you.

Extensions

Uganda allows extensions of single-entry visas either online or in person at DCIC (Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control) offices. Travelers can extend for up to 60 additional days, and the total stay can reach 6 months.

Yellow Fever Requirement

All passengers over the age of one year must present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Uganda, regardless of country of origin. This is stricter than Kenya or Tanzania, which only require the certificate from travelers coming from endemic zones. More on this below.

The most popular reason to visit Uganda is gorilla trekking. For details on gorilla trekking permits and costs, including how permits are booked and what they include, that guide covers the full picture.

Rwanda Visa

Rwanda has one of the most open visa policies in Africa. Since January 1, 2018, citizens of all countries can obtain a visa on arrival without prior application.

Single-entry visa: $50 USD, valid for 30 days

Multiple-entry visa: $70 USD, valid for 90 days

Waiver countries: Citizens of African Union, Commonwealth, and La Francophonie member states receive free visas for 30-day stays

US citizens: Eligible for a long-term visitor visa (V12) valid for up to 10 years at $160 USD

For those who prefer to apply in advance, the Irembo portal (irembo.gov.rw) processes most applications within 2 to 8 days.

Overstay Penalties

Rwanda enforces strict consequences for overstaying. Fines run $10 per day, and repeated violations can lead to entry restrictions. Keeping track of your stay dates matters.

Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate

This is not a visa, but it functions like one at East African borders. Without it, you can be denied entry regardless of what other documents you hold.

Uganda: Mandatory for ALL travelers over age one, no exceptions, no matter where you’re coming from.

Kenya: Required for travelers arriving from countries where yellow fever is endemic. If you fly directly from the US or Europe to Kenya with no layovers in endemic zones, you typically won’t need it for Kenya alone.

Tanzania (the transit trap): Transit passengers spending more than 12 hours in a country with endemic yellow fever need the certificate to enter Tanzania. Critically, if you have been in Kenya and then travel to Tanzania, you will need a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate to enter Tanzania. This catches multi-country travelers who skip the vaccine because their home country doesn’t require it.

Validity: The WHO now considers the yellow fever vaccine valid for life. A single dose provides permanent protection and permanent certificate validity.

For anyone doing a multi-country East Africa trip that includes Uganda at any point, get the vaccine. It simplifies every border crossing.

Transit Visas and Transit eTAs

If you’re transiting through an East African country (connecting flights, brief layovers), separate rules apply.

Kenya transit eTA: Required if your layover involves leaving the airport or exceeds certain time thresholds. Applied for through the same etakenya.go.ke portal.

Tanzania transit visa: Costs approximately $30 USD and can be obtained on arrival.

If your itinerary involves a connection through Nairobi or Dar es Salaam, confirm whether your layover length and airport movement trigger a transit permit requirement. Airlines sometimes check this at boarding.

Quick-Reference Comparison Table

Permit	Countries	Cost (USD)	Validity	Official Portal	Visa on Arrival?
EATV	Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda	$100	90 days, multi-entry within bloc	First-entry country portal	No
Kenya eTA	Kenya	~$30	90 days (multi-entry up to 5 yrs)	etakenya.go.ke	No
Tanzania eVisa	Tanzania + Zanzibar	$50 single / $100 multiple	90 days / 1 year	visa.immigration.go.tz	Yes
Uganda eVisa	Uganda	$50	90 days	visas.immigration.go.ug	No
Rwanda Visa	Rwanda	$50 single / $70 multiple	30 days / 90 days	irembo.gov.rw	Yes (all nationalities)
Zanzibar Insurance	Zanzibar archipelago	$44 adult / $22 child	~92 days	visitzanzibar.go.tz	Purchasable on arrival (risky)

How to Sequence Visas for a Multi-Country Trip

Understanding which East Africa visa documents you need is one thing. Applying for them in the right order is another.

If visiting Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda (no Tanzania): The EATV at $100 is your best option. Apply through the portal of whichever country you enter first, and structure your itinerary accordingly.

If visiting Tanzania plus one or two EATV countries: You need a Tanzania eVisa AND either an EATV or individual country visas. Remember, entering Tanzania invalidates your EATV. If you plan to return to Kenya or Uganda after Tanzania, you will need new entry documents for those countries.

If visiting only Tanzania (including Zanzibar): You need just the Tanzania eVisa, plus Zanzibar insurance if your trip includes the archipelago.

If visiting only two EATV countries: Do the math. Individual visas for Kenya plus Uganda total $80, which is cheaper than the $100 EATV. The EATV only saves money when all three countries are on the itinerary.

For help designing a trip that accounts for all of this, East Africa safari itineraries walks through common multi-country routes with cost context.

East Africa Visa Application Timeline

For a smooth trip, use this timeline:

Time Before Departure	Task
6 weeks	Confirm itinerary
4 weeks	Get Yellow Fever vaccine if needed
3 weeks	Apply for Tanzania eVisa
2 weeks	Apply for EATV or Uganda eVisa
1 week	Apply for Kenya eTA
3 days	Purchase Zanzibar Insurance
Departure Day	Carry printed copies of all approvals

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the East Africa visa valid for Tanzania?

No. The East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV) covers Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda only. Tanzania requires its own separate eVisa ($50 for most nationalities, $100 for US citizens). This is the most common misunderstanding about the East Africa visa.

How much does an East Africa visa cost?

The EATV costs $100 and covers Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. Individual country visas vary: Kenya eTA is $30, Uganda eVisa is $50, Tanzania eVisa ranges from $50 to $100, and Rwanda is $50 for a single entry. The total cost depends on which countries you visit and whether you use the joint EATV or apply individually.

Can I get a visa on arrival in East Africa?

It depends on the country. Rwanda offers visa on arrival to all nationalities. Tanzania still allows visa on arrival at international airports. Kenya and Uganda do not offer visa on arrival; both require online applications (eTA and eVisa, respectively) before travel.

Do I need a yellow fever certificate for East Africa?

Uganda requires it from all travelers over age one, regardless of origin. Kenya and Tanzania require it from travelers arriving from or transiting through yellow fever endemic zones. If you visit Kenya and then fly to Tanzania, you will need the certificate for Tanzania entry. The safest approach for any multi-country trip: get vaccinated.

How far in advance should I apply for my East Africa visa documents?

Apply at least three weeks before departure for Tanzania (processing can take up to 10 business days and sometimes runs to the wire). Kenya’s eTA typically processes in three business days. Uganda’s eVisa and the EATV take 3 to 7 working days. Rwanda’s eVisa processes in 2 to 8 days, though visa on arrival is available as a backup.

What happens if my Tanzania eVisa isn’t approved before my flight?

Tanzania still allows visa on arrival, so you can obtain one at the airport for $50 (or $100 for US citizens) in cash. This is a viable fallback, though it means waiting in a potentially long queue. Applying early is the better strategy.

Is Zanzibar travel insurance really mandatory even if I have my own?

Yes. The Zanzibar mandatory insurance scheme applies to all incoming tourists regardless of existing coverage. It costs $44 for adults and is checked at immigration on arrival. Without it, you risk being denied entry to the archipelago.

What is the difference between a Kenya eTA and a Kenya visa?

They are the same thing in practice, but Kenya officially replaced its visa system with the eTA in January 2024. There are no more Kenya visas. All travelers (except exempt nationalities) must obtain an eTA through etakenya.go.ke before arrival.