Is the East Africa Tourist Visa accepted in Kenya?

Is the East Africa Tourist Visa Accepted in Kenya?

For travellers planning a multi-country safari across Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda, the East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV) is one of the most valuable and convenient travel documents available. It allows visitors to move freely between the three countries on one single visa, making cross-border journeys effortless and cost-effective. But with recent changes to Kenya’s immigration system—particularly the introduction of the Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) in 2024—many travellers are now asking: Is the East Africa Tourist Visa still accepted in Kenya?

The short answer is yes. Kenya continues to accept the East Africa Tourist Visa for travellers entering the country for tourism purposes. However, there are important conditions, updates, and practical details you need to understand to ensure smooth travel. This detailed guide breaks down everything you need to know about using the East Africa Tourist Visa in Kenya, how it works, who can apply, how to apply, validity, rules for crossing borders, and how it compares to Kenya’s new eTA system.

Whether you’re crafting a dream safari itinerary that includes gorilla trekking in Uganda, golden savannah days in the Maasai Mara, or gorilla and cultural adventures in Rwanda, this guide will help you navigate the visa requirements with confidence.

What Is the East Africa Tourist Visa?

The East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV) is a joint multi-entry visa that allows visitors to travel between:
Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda
using a single visa document.

It was introduced to promote regional tourism and make multi-country itineraries easier, more affordable, and more seamless.

Key Features:

Valid for 90 days
Allows unlimited entries between the 3 participating countries
Issued by the first country of entry
Costs approximately USD $100
Strictly for tourism purposes only
Non-extendable
No work or business activities permitted

This visa is ideal for travellers who want to combine experiences like:
Kenya’s savannah wildlife
Uganda’s gorilla trekking
Rwanda’s volcanic landscapes and primate forests
into one spectacular journey.

Is the East Africa Tourist Visa Accepted in Kenya?

Yes. Despite changes to Kenya’s immigration system, the East Africa Tourist Visa is still fully recognized and accepted for entry into Kenya.

Kenya participates in the EATV alongside Uganda and Rwanda. Travellers entering any of the three countries with a valid East Africa Tourist Visa may move freely between them without applying for additional visas or authorizations.

This means:
You can enter Kenya first with the EATV.
You can enter Kenya after visiting Uganda or Rwanda using the same visa.
You can exit Kenya and re-enter during the visa validity period as long as you remain within the 90-day window and the three participating countries.

Kenya Immigration continues to honour this visa, and border officials are fully trained to process it at airports, land borders, and regional entry points.

Does the New Kenya eTA Replace the EATV?

No.
Kenya’s eTA applies only to travellers who are not using the East Africa Tourist Visa.

If you choose to obtain the East Africa Tourist Visa:
You do not need a Kenya eTA
You do not need separate Kenyan visas
You do not need to pay multiple entry fees

The EATV overrides the need for the eTA as long as your travel is limited to Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda.

Who Should Apply for the East Africa Tourist Visa?

The EATV is ideal for travellers who:
Plan to visit at least two or all three participating countries
Want to enjoy multi-country safaris
Are doing gorilla trekking in Rwanda or Uganda
Are starting their trip in any of the three countries
Want cost-effective, time-saving visa processing
Prefer convenience and unlimited cross-border movement

If you are only visiting Kenya, the EATV is unnecessary—the Kenya eTA will suffice.

How to Apply for the East Africa Tourist Visa

Step 1: Choose Your First Country of Entry

The EATV must be applied through the country you will enter first.

Examples:
If you fly into Nairobi first → Apply through Kenya
If you begin with gorilla trekking in Rwanda → Apply through Rwanda
If you start your safari in Uganda → Apply through Uganda

Each country uses its own online application portal.

Step 2: Complete the Online Application

You’ll need:
Passport valid for 6 months
Recent passport-sized photograph
Travel itinerary
Accommodation confirmations
Return ticket
Payment card

Step 3: Pay the Visa Fee

Cost: Approximately USD $100

Step 4: Receive Your Visa

Processing usually takes:
24–72 hours for Rwanda
2–5 days for Kenya
2–7 days for Uganda

You will receive a PDF visa, which you must print and present at entry points.

Validity and Usage Rules

Valid for 90 days

Starts counting from date of entry into the first country, not from the date of visa approval.

Allows unlimited entries between Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda

You can cross borders as many times as needed during these 90 days.

Single region only

The visa is valid only within the three EATV countries.
If you leave the region—for example, visit Tanzania—you will void the EATV and require new visas to re-enter.

Important Conditions for Using the EATV in Kenya

You must enter through the country that issued the visa

If you apply through Kenya, Kenya must be your first entry point.

You must remain within Kenya–Uganda–Rwanda

Leaving the region invalidates the visa immediately.

You must use it for tourism only

Work, volunteering, study, or business activities require separate permits.

You must present it at every border crossing

Always keep a printed copy with your passport.

East Africa Tourist Visa vs. Kenya eTA: Which Should You Choose?

Choose the EATV if:

You plan to visit Kenya + Uganda + Rwanda
You want unlimited entries between the three
You want a cost-effective option
You want convenience
You are doing gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda
You want a hassle-free multi-country safari

Choose the Kenya eTA if:

You are visiting Kenya only
You do not plan to enter Uganda or Rwanda
Your stay is short and simple
You prefer Kenya’s faster processing time

Can You Do a Kenya–Tanzania–Uganda Tour on the EATV?

No.
Tanzania is not part of the EATV agreement.
If your itinerary includes Tanzania:
You will need a separate Tanzania visa
Exiting the EATV region invalidates the EATV
You will need to reapply for a new visa if re-entering Kenya

A safari combining Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda requires careful planning of your visa sequence.

Crossing Borders with the EATV

Because the EATV is a multi-entry visa, border crossings are smooth:
Present your passport
Present your EATV printout
Receive a stamp for entry or exit

It works at:
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA)
Wilson Airport (regional flights)
Land borders:
– Busia
– Malaba
– Namanga (if coming from Arusha, though Tanzania is not part of the EATV)
Air borders between Uganda and Kenya
Regional flights between Nairobi & Entebbe, Kigali & Nairobi, etc.

Common Questions Travellers Ask

Does Kenya still accept the EATV after the eTA rollout?

Yes. Kenya continues to honour the EATV without requiring an eTA.

Can I extend the EATV?

No.
It is valid for 90 days only and cannot be extended.

Can families apply?

Yes. Parents apply individually and list children under 16.

Do children need their own EATV?

Children under 16 do not need the EATV when travelling with parents.

Can I enter Kenya first if I applied through Rwanda?

Yes—as long as Rwanda approved the visa.

Final Verdict: Is the East Africa Tourist Visa Accepted in Kenya?

Yes, absolutely. Kenya fully accepts the East Africa Tourist Visa and continues to support smooth regional tourism with Uganda and Rwanda. The EATV remains the best choice for travellers exploring more than one East African country, especially for those combining Kenyan safaris with gorilla trekking or cultural experiences in Rwanda and Uganda.

It is cost-effective, convenient, and simplifies border crossings, making multi-country safaris effortless and enjoyable.

Book Your East Africa Safari with Experiya Tour Company

Planning a multi-country safari requires expert coordination—from border crossings and lodges to gorilla permits and regional flights. Experiya Tour Company specializes in crafting seamless East Africa itineraries that include Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda, all while guiding you through visa requirements, logistics, and personalized safari experiences. Their professional team ensures your journey is smooth, safe, and unforgettable, whether you’re exploring Kenya’s savannahs, Uganda’s rainforests, or Rwanda’s volcanic highlands. When planning your East Africa adventure, trust Experiya Tour Company to deliver a perfectly organized and breathtaking safari experience.