Every child under 18 needs their own East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV), costing USD 100 per person regardless of age. An unabridged birth certificate showing both parents’ names and a notarised parental consent form are required. UK-based families apply online through the Uganda, Kenya, or Rwanda immigration portals, with processing taking around 3 business days.
The EATV is valid for 90 days with multiple entry, covering Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda only. Tanzania is excluded and always requires a separate visa. Your child’s passport must have at least 6 months validity. Processing takes around 3 working days for Uganda and Kenya, while Rwanda takes approximately 7 working days. All documents must be in English or accompanied by a certified translation. The visa fee is non-refundable and subject to a bank surcharge.
Published: 9 September 2026 | Last reviewed: 9 September 2026. This guide is maintained by our travel visa editorial team, who have assisted UK families with East African visa applications since 2019. Visa rules can change without notice; always verify current requirements on the government immigration portals linked below.
Visa Rules and Document Requirements for Minors
Each minor must submit an individual East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV) application with a USD 100 fee. The EATV is valid for 90 days from the date of issue, allows multiple entry, and covers Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda only. Tanzania is excluded and always requires a separate visa.
- Child’s passport with at least 6 months validity beyond the travel date, at least 1-2 blank pages, and a clear copy of the bio-data page
- Recent passport-sized photograph (white background)
- Parent or legal guardian passport copies
- Return or onward ticket
- Travel itinerary showing the child’s name
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate – mandatory for Uganda; required for Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda if travelling from a yellow fever endemic country
Infants under 9 months are typically exempt from yellow fever vaccination per WHO guidelines; carry a paediatrician’s letter confirming the exemption. All supporting documents must be in English or accompanied by a certified English translation.
Birth Certificate and Parental Consent Form Rules
East Africa visa requirements for minors mandate an unabridged birth certificate showing both parents’ names and a notarised parental consent letter when a child under 18 travels with one parent, a guardian, or unaccompanied. A certified copy of the child’s unabridged (full) birth certificate is required.
If the original certificate is in another language, a certified English translation must accompany it. Notarisation of the birth certificate itself is not typically required, but a certified copy from the issuing authority is recommended. UK-based parents can obtain certified copies through the General Register Office (GRO) and, where needed, an apostille from the FCDO.
A parental consent form is required when the child travels without both parents present. Both parents must sign the consent letter unless sole-custody documentation is provided. UK-based families should have the letter notarised by a solicitor, notary public, or Oath Commissioner. Informal, unsigned letters may be rejected at the border. The Kenya eTA portal (etakenya.go.ke) specifically requests a parent/guardian consent form for children under 18, separate from general EATV guidance.
Tip: When notarising the consent letter, request a certified copy for your own records. Border officials in Uganda have asked for the original in some cases.
Proving Custody and Applying for an EATV for a Child
Single parents must prove custody with a court order, custody agreement, or death certificate. UK families submit a separate online application per child through the relevant portals.
For unaccompanied minors, East Africa visa requirements for minors mandate notarised consent from both parents alongside airline-specific documentation.
Submit a separate application per child
Each minor requires an individual visa application and cannot be bundled under one parent’s account.
Uganda EATV portal
Apply via visas.immigration.go.ug; processing takes ~3 working days. No embassy visit is required for UK-based families applying for the EATV via Uganda.
Kenya eTA portal
Apply via etakenya.go.ke; processing takes ~3 business days, with a standard fee from US $30 per person.
Rwanda portal
Apply via irembo.gov.rw; processing takes ~7 working days.
Keep the six-digit application reference number
Generated automatically for each child’s application to track status and retrieve approval letters.
Country-by-Country EATV Rules and Routing for Families
East Africa Tourist Visa rules for minors vary by country; Tanzania always needs a separate visa.
| Country | Visa Type | Key Minor Rule | Portal | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya | Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA, replaced visa January 2024) | Mandatory for all ages incl. infants; parent/guardian consent form required for under-18s; mandatory travel health insurance from August 2026 (min. US $50,000 cover) | etakenya.go.ke | From US $30 per person |
| Uganda | EATV (issuing country) | Separate application per child; approval letter emailed for border presentation | visas.immigration.go.ug | USD 100 per person |
| Rwanda | eVisa via Irembo | Children with own passport need own visa; legacy under-16 exception unreliable for modern passports | irembo.gov.rw | US $50 tourist visa |
| Tanzania | Separate eVisa (NOT part of EATV) | Always requires own visa; processing ~10 working days | visa.immigration.go.tz | US $50 ordinary / US $100 multiple entry |
The EATV first-entry rule requires families to enter through the issuing country first. A family of four (two adults, two children) pays USD 400 for a single EATV covering Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda, versus US $520+ for separate country visas.
FAQ: East Africa Visa Requirements for Minors
Do under-18s need a separate East Africa Tourist Visa?
Yes. Each child under 18 must have their own EATV application and passport; they cannot be added to a parent’s visa.
What birth certificate do I need for a child’s EATV application?
An unabridged (full) birth certificate showing both parents’ names is recommended. If in another language, a certified English translation is required. UK families can order certified copies from the General Register Office (GRO).
Do I need notarised consent if travelling alone with my child?
Yes. A notarised parental consent letter from the non-travelling parent is required. In the UK, have this notarised by a solicitor, notary public, or Oath Commissioner. An Apostille from the FCDO may be required for overseas use.
How long does EATV processing take for minors?
Around 3 working days for Uganda and Kenya; approximately 7 working days for Rwanda. An approval letter is emailed and must be printed and presented at the border.
Is there a different visa fee for children applying for an EATV?
No. The EATV fee is USD 100 per person regardless of age, with no child discount. The fee is non-refundable and subject to an additional bank charge.
Can I apply for an EATV for my child from the UK?
Yes. UK-based families apply online through the relevant immigration portals. No embassy appointment is required for the EATV via Uganda.
What documents do I need if I am a single parent applying for my child’s visa?
Carry a court-ordered custody decree, adoption certificate, or death certificate of the deceased parent, alongside a notarised consent letter. Always carry originals and certified copies.
Does my infant need a yellow fever vaccination for East Africa?
Uganda mandates a yellow fever vaccination certificate at entry. Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda require it if travelling from an endemic country. Infants under 9 months are typically exempt per WHO guidelines; carry a doctor’s letter.
Can I extend my child’s East Africa Tourist Visa?
No. The EATV cannot be renewed or extended. It is valid for 90 days from the date of issue. You must apply for a new visa if you plan to visit again.
Does my child need a visa for Tanzania if we have an EATV?
Yes. Tanzania is excluded from the EATV framework. Your child needs a separate Tanzania visa via the Tanzania eVisa portal. Processing takes around 10 working days; the ordinary visa fee is USD 50 per person.
