UK citizens can apply for the East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV) via Rwanda’s IremboGov portal when Rwanda is the first entry point – USD 100, 90 days, covers Rwanda, Kenya & Uganda. UK passport holders qualify for a free 30-day visa waiver on arrival but need the EATV for multi-country or extended trips exceeding 30 days. Last verified: 27 August 2026. Sources: migration.gov.rw, rwandainuk.gov.rw, and IremboGov visa guide (support.irembo.gov.rw, last modified 27 August 2026).
To apply for an East Africa Tourist Visa through Rwanda, register on the IremboGov portal at irembo.gov.rw, select visa type V11, upload your passport scan and photo, and pay the USD 100 fee by card. Approval takes up to 7 working days. Rwanda must be your first entry point.
For the East Africa visa apply Rwanda process, use the government portal directly to avoid unauthorised third-party fees.
Do UK Citizens Need the EATV or the Free 30-Day Visa?
UK passport holders receive a free 30-day visa on arrival in Rwanda under the Commonwealth waiver scheme (effective 1 January 2018). The East Africa Tourist Visa becomes necessary when your itinerary extends beyond 30 days or crosses into Kenya and Uganda. The EATV costs USD 100, grants 90 days of multiple-entry access across all three countries, and is non-renewable once expired.
| Feature | 30-Day Visa on Arrival (UK) | East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV) |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 30 days | 90 days |
| Cost | Free | USD 100 |
| Coverage | Rwanda only | Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda |
| Entry type | Single | Multiple |
The EATV must be obtained from the immigration portal of your first point of entry into the EAC bloc. Apply through the portal of your first landing country: Kigali – Rwanda, Nairobi – Kenya, Entebbe – Uganda. If your flight lands in Kigali, apply through Rwanda’s IremboGov portal.
Required Documents and Upload Specifications
Prepare all EATV supporting documents before starting the IremboGov workflow; missing uploads cause delays. All EATV documents must be in English.
- Passport bio-data page scan – clear PDF or JPEG of the information page; passport must have minimum 6 months validity on entry.
- Digital passport photo – white background, ears visible, no hats; taken within 6 months of the application date.
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate – copy of the International Certificate of Vaccination.
- Return flight itinerary – round-trip ticket confirmation or detailed travel itinerary.
- Proof of accommodation – hotel booking confirmation, or invitation letter plus passport/ID of a Rwandan host or resident.
- Evidence of sufficient funds – to cover the costs of your stay.
Step-by-Step: Apply for the EATV on IremboGov
Create an account
Register on irembo.gov.rw using your name, email, password, and phone number.
Navigate to the visa service
Under Immigration and Emigration, select Request Type: “Visa application”, then click “Apply”.
Select visa type V11
Choose East Africa Visa. Confirm it is V11 and not V1, V5, or V8, which cover different visa categories.
Complete the application form
Enter your full name, date of birth, nationality, passport number, travel dates, and accommodation details. Set the first-entry country to Rwanda – it must match your flight booking.
Upload your documents
Passport bio-data page scan (PDF or JPEG), digital passport photo (white background, ears visible, no headwear, taken within six months), yellow fever vaccination certificate, return flight itinerary, and proof of accommodation.
Pay the USD 100 visa fee
Pay by Visa or Mastercard within the IremboGov payment gateway. The fee is non-refundable even if the application is denied.
Receive your reference number
A six-digit application ID is generated automatically upon submission. Await the approved e-visa PDF by email, then download and print it before travel.
Arrival in Rwanda and Cross-Border Travel
Present your East Africa Tourist Visa approval letter – printed or as a digital PDF – alongside your valid passport at Kigali International Airport, the primary air entry point for Rwanda, where immigration officers conduct biometric capture and visa stamping. Foreign residents holding a Rwandan resident ID card may use the electronic gates; all other travellers proceed through standard immigration counters.
The EATV grants multiple entries across Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda within a continuous 90-day validity period that does not reset each time you cross a border. Common land crossing points include Cyanika, Gatuna/Katuna, and Kagitumba (all Rwanda – Uganda). The visa is not valid for Tanzania, Burundi, or South Sudan.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Wrong portal for first entry: Applying through Rwanda when Kenya or Uganda is your first landing invalidates the EATV. Confirm your flight route before selecting a portal.
- Photo rejection: Wrong background, headwear, or photos older than six months cause delays. Use a white background with ears visible and no hats.
- Card decline: UK banks may flag payments to foreign government platforms. Enable international transactions and pre-notify your bank before paying the USD 100 fee.
- Passport validity under 6 months: Your passport must have minimum 6 months validity on entry to Rwanda.
- Documents not in English: All uploaded documents must be in English; translations may be requested during review.
Apply Direct on IremboGov – Avoid Unauthorised Agents
The East Africa Tourist Visa must be applied for directly through the IremboGov portal. Rwanda’s Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration confirms that no third-party agent is authorised to apply on behalf of applicants. Applying directly at irembo.gov.rw keeps the EATV cost at USD 100, with no reseller markup. Reference portals: www.irembo.gov.rw and www.migration.gov.rw.
UK applicants preferring in-person submission may apply at the Rwandan High Commission, 120-122 Seymour Place, London, W1H 1NR (tel: +44 (0)207 224 9832, email: [email protected]). The EATV fee payable by bank transfer is GBP 77.
FAQ
How long does EATV approval take via the Rwandan portal?
Processing via IremboGov takes up to 7 working days (online may be faster). You will receive email notifications at each stage, and the approved e-visa is delivered as a PDF.
How do I track my East Africa visa application status?
Log into your IremboGov account at irembo.gov.rw, navigate to My Applications, and check the status using your six-digit reference number (e.g. 234790123), generated automatically upon submission.
Can I pay the USD 100 EATV fee with a UK debit card?
Yes, Visa and Mastercard credit or debit cards are accepted on the IremboGov portal. The USD 100 fee is non-refundable.
What happens if my EATV application is denied?
There is no formal appeal process. The visa fee is non-refundable. You must submit a completely new application and pay a new fee. Contact [email protected] for clarification before reapplying.
Can I apply for the EATV for my children under 16?
Yes. Children under 16 travelling with parents holding foreign passports and a Rwandan ID are exempt from visa fees. For standard foreign passport holders without a Rwandan ID, include the minor’s birth certificate and a consent letter.
Is the East Africa Tourist Visa renewable or extendable?
The EATV is non-renewable upon expiry or exit from the EAC bloc, and not extendable within the country. A 5-day grace period after expiry applies before penalties may be charged. Contact [email protected] for official extension rules.
What if I enter Kenya first instead of Rwanda?
The EATV must be obtained from the country where you first enter the East African tri-state area. If your first landing is in Nairobi, apply through Kenya’s eVisa portal instead of Rwanda’s IremboGov.
Do I need a yellow fever certificate to enter Rwanda?
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry into Rwanda. Upload a copy of the International Certificate of Vaccination when applying for the EATV, and carry the physical certificate when travelling.
This content is independently researched and not sponsored by any government entity. Based on sources from migration.gov.rw, rwandainuk.gov.rw, and rwandainthenetherlands.gov.rw.
