Planning a multi-country East Africa trip? Visas are simpler than they look — here's a practical, country-by-country overview. (Always confirm current rules with the official immigration site before you travel, as requirements change.)
The East Africa Tourist Visa (the smart option)
If you're visiting Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda, the East Africa Tourist Visa lets you enter all three on a single multiple-entry, 90-day visa for around $100 — cheaper and simpler than three separate visas. Apply through the website of the first country you'll enter. (Tanzania and Burundi are not part of this joint visa.)
Country by country
- Tanzania — tourist visa ~$50 (US citizens ~$100, multiple-entry). Available as an e-visa in advance (recommended) or on arrival at major airports. You'll also pay park fees separately once on safari.
- Kenya — Kenya now uses an electronic travel authorisation (eTA) that most visitors must obtain online before arrival. Apply a few days ahead.
- Uganda — e-visa (~$50), applied for online in advance. Often bundled into the East Africa Tourist Visa.
- Rwanda — among the easiest: many nationalities get a visa on arrival, or apply online (~$50). Also part of the East Africa Tourist Visa.
- Burundi — visa required for most; apply in advance via a Burundian embassy or check current e-visa availability. The least-trodden of the five.
Practical tips
- Carry a yellow-fever vaccination certificate — it's required for entry to several of these countries, especially if arriving from (or transiting) a yellow-fever zone.
- Have a passport valid 6+ months with blank pages.
- Pay visa fees in clean USD (crisp, post-2013 notes) if paying on arrival, or pay online by card.
- Print your e-visa/eTA approvals and carry copies.
Let your operator help
A good local operator will guide you on exactly which visa to get for your route and timing. On SafariEA, every safari is run by a verified operator who knows the entry requirements for your itinerary — so you can focus on the wildlife, not the paperwork. Browse safaris across all five countries and reserve now, pay by transfer.
