In the past, traveling between East African countries was sometimes challenging and costly because of the multiple visa fees one had to pay. One also had to present documents at each border point which was time wasting. However, with the introduction of the East Africa Tourist visa, everything became more 
simple. The East Africa Tourist visa was embraced by three countries of Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda. Tanzania, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan have not yet adapted the single Visa system but it is a matter of time.
What is an East Africa Tourist Visa? The East Africa Tourist Visa is a document which allows tourists to travel across Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda simultaneously for a period of 90 days. The East Africa Tourist visa is acquired once at the country of entry. With this Visa, a tourist only needs to present the stamped page of the passport to immigration. In case it expires while the visitor is still within the three East African countries, it cannot be renewed. The tourist will have to first go back to his his/her country.
What is the cost of the East Africa Tourist Visa? The East Africa Tourist visa costs $100. This single visa system was introduced by the three countries (Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda) as a strategy to liberalize their tourism industry. With this special visa, a traveler can visit the three countries as a single tourism destination. The East African Tourist Visa was also seen as a tool that would improve the diplomatic relationships between countries in East Africa. Citizens of the three countries are not charged visa fees.
Applying for the East African Tourist visa
There are two ways to apply for the East Africa Tourist visa – Using the online application and the manual way. Using the online method, a tourist can visit the consulate or embassy website of any of the three countries where the trip starts. They can then follow instructions from the website and ensure that 
all information on the application form is correct. If you are starting your trip in Rwanda, you can apply for the visa here. Those starting their trip in Uganda can apply here or look for the Uganda embassy website of their home country for Guidance. Those starting from Kenya can go here.
Using the manual process, a tourist can visit the embassy or consulate of the particular East African country in his/her country and request for the east Africa tourist visa application form. There is also a possibility of walking straight to the immigration desk at the airport and request for the East African visa procedure but this is not recommended. There is no guarantee that you will get the East African visa at the airport or border crossing point. Tourists should ensure that they apply for the East Africa tourist visa in advance (online) or by visiting the embassy/consulate closest to them.
Requirements for the East Africa Tourist Visa Application
For the online applications, a tourist may be required to upload a passport photo. The photo must be clear and colored. There should be no head or facial covering. A letter of request for the East Africa tourist visa must also be attached and should be accompanied by the travel itinerary, return ticket and proof of financing the safari trip. These requirements may not be compulsory depending on the country you are applying from.
Who applies for the East Africa Tourist visa? A foreign non-resident of Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya who wishes to travel within 2 or 3 of the East African countries for a period not exceeding ninety days. 
Foreign residents such as embassy officials or expatriates living in East Africa cannot apply for the visa. They are instead given an inter-state pass which allows them to travel within the 3 countries for a duration of six months. This category of people only need their passport and work permit to get the special pass.
Citizens of the member states (Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya) do not need the East Africa tourist visa. A treaty was signed among the three countries in 2014 allowing its citizens to travel freely within the region without visa restrictions and fees. Citizens of the three countries only need to present their passport or national identity card at the border crossings.
Note: The procedures of applying for the East Africa tourist visa is similar for all the three countries. However, there are some differences and that is why we need to discuss each country differently. Remember that apart from the approved East African Visa, you may also be required to show proof of vaccination against yellow fever or COVID-19.
Applying for the East African Tourist visa in Uganda
If a tourist chooses to start their trip in Uganda, they must prepare to apply for the visa in advance before arriving in Entebbe airport or any other immigration point. The visa application is done on this website. You will find a form which must be filled. After completion, you are sent an E-Visa to show that 
your application was successful and this has to be printed. This printed E-Visa is presented at the airport as proof that you applied for the East Africa tourist visa. At times, this online system gets so busy but tourists can simply go to the nearest Uganda embassy for guidance on how to apply.
When you have proof that you applied for the East Africa tourist visa and it was approved, the visa is stamped into your passport at any entry point of Uganda (Airport or land). Application for the East African Visa is possible from Entebbe airport or any of the border crossing points but this is not recommended. Applying from the border points or airport should only be as an emergency or if you have proof that the online system was down. You will be required to fill in the application form at the desk, make the $100 payment and then have an East Africa tourist visa stamped into the passport.
Acquiring the East African tourist visa in Kenya
Applications for the East Africa visa in Kenya must be done in advance before your travel dates. The airports in Nairobi and Mombasa are always busy and it could take a long time for the visa approved or for immigration to give you their time. To apply, go to the visa application website of Kenya or visit their embassy in your country to make the application. Visiting the nearest Kenyan embassy is also recommended if you sense that the online system is down for some reason. At the embassy, you will be assisted with the application procedures and will only get to the airport for stamping or issuing of the East African Visa.
Applying for the The East Africa Tourist visa in Rwanda
Rwanda has the most convenient online system for East Africa tourist visa application. The East Africa Tourist Visa will be approved once you fill in the application form correctly and make the payment. The Rwanda E-Visa system allows you to print out the visa authorization which will the presented at Kigali international Airport or any border crossing point for stamping. A traveler cannot apply for the East African tourist visa at the airport in Rwanda. You have to do it online.
Additional Information About Applying for the East Africa tourist visa
- It only applies in Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya.
- It is only valid for ninety days and in the three countries. Once you travel out of the three countries, it becomes invalid and you will have to apply for a new one.
- The East Africa Tourist Visa costs $100 and payment is made electronically or at the immigration desk on rare occasions.
- The East Africa tourist visa processing can take between one day to one week for online application. On completion of the application, an e-visa is sent to the Applicant and should be presented at each immigration desk.
- The East Africa tourist visa is not a work permit and is only offered to foreign non-resident travelers.
- A traveler must apply for the East Africa tourist visa personally. There are no brokers allowed in the application process.
- The online systems for the different countries will require that you fill in an application form and also upload a passport photo.
