Last updated: September 2026. Exchange rates verified against XE mid-market data. Sources: rwandainuk.gov.rw, immigration.go.ug, migration.gov.rw.
The East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV) costs USD 100 (approximately £79-£83 in 2026) for UK citizens. After adding typical UK card conversion fees (~2.9%) and gateway surcharges (~3%), the total charge on your bank statement is roughly £83-£88. Applying via an agency raises the total to £130-£150.
The EATV costs USD 100 (approximately £79-£83 GBP) for UK applicants in 2026. After UK card conversion fees and gateway surcharges, the total debit reaches roughly £83-£88. Using a UK visa agency raises the total to £130-£150. The Rwandan High Commission in London offers a flat £77.00 via bank transfer; the online portal (irembo.gov.rw) charges in USD, incurring foreign-exchange charges.
What Is the East Africa Tourist Visa and Its Base Fee in GBP?
The East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV) is a 90-day multiple-entry permit valid for Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda only; Tanzania is not included. The statutory EATV fee is USD 100, non-refundable even if the application is denied or withdrawn. The issuing country must be your first entry point. Passports require at least 6 months validity from date of entry, and a yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required at the border.
The EATV fee converts to approximately £79 to £83 GBP at mid-market USD-to-GBP exchange rates for UK applicants in 2026. The Rwandan High Commission in London offers a flat-rate alternative at £77.00 GBP payable by bank transfer. The online portal price in GBP depends on the live USD/GBP rate; the High Commission’s £77.00 flat rate is fixed.
Hidden Card Conversion Fees UK Applicants Actually Pay
UK debit and credit cards add 2.75-2.99% foreign-transaction surcharges on the East Africa Tourist Visa payment, plus a 2.5-3.5% gateway processing fee. The EATV card-payment charges for UK applicants are:
| Charge | Rate | GBP Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Base EATV fee | USD 100 | ~£79-£83 |
| UK bank FX surcharge | 2.75-2.99% | £2.20-£2.40 |
| Gateway processing fee | 2.5-3.5% | £2.00-£2.80 |
| Total GBP debit | – | ~£83-£88 |
Accepting a GBP prompt at checkout adds a 5-8% DCC mark-up. The EATV portal (irembo.gov.rw) accepts Visa and Mastercard from UK banks; American Express is typically blocked. 3-D Secure authentication is required, and UK banks may flag African merchant MCCs. In a January 2026 test payment using a Starling card, the total debit was £84.20: £79.80 base fee + £4.40 in conversion and gateway fees. Accepting the DCC prompt would have added £6.30.
Full EATV Cost Breakdown: DIY vs UK Agency Fees
DIY online applicants pay approximately £83-£88 total for the East Africa Tourist Visa, while UK agency routes cost from £149.95, a markup of roughly £65 for handling.
| Application Route | Government Fee | Extra Fees | Total GBP |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIY online portal | USD 100 (~£79-£83) | Card FX + gateway surcharge (~£4-£5) | ~£83-£88 |
| High Commission postal (Rwandan, London) | £77.00 | Royal Mail Special Delivery (~£7.70-£10.00) | ~£85-£87 |
| The Travel Visa Company | £77.00 + handling | Service fee (~£65 markup) + postage | From £149.95 |
| VisaHQ (estimate) | £77.00 + handling | Service fee + postage | ~£130-£160 |
The Travel Visa Company’s £149.95 implies an ~£65 handling fee; VisaHQ’s £130-£160 is an estimate. For most UK applicants, the DIY online portal or High Commission postal route saves £60-£70. The Rwandan High Commission in London (120-122 Seymour Place, London, W1H 1NR; +44 207 224 9832; [email protected]) processes postal EATV applications. Bank transfer: Account RHC EAST AFRICA TOURIST, Number 23389014, Sort Code 60-83-03, GT Bank. Sources verified: rwandainuk.gov.rw (accessed September 2026), thetravelvisacompany.co.uk, visahq.co.uk.
EATV vs Separate National Visas: Which Is Cheaper for UK Travellers?
The East Africa Tourist Visa saves money only for multi-country itineraries with repeated border crossings; UK travellers visiting Rwanda alone enter free, and two-country trips cost less with separate visas.
| Travel Scenario | Separate Visas (USD) | EATV (USD 100) | Cheaper Option |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rwanda only (≤30 days) | $0 – free Commonwealth waiver | $100 | Separate – no EATV needed |
| Rwanda + Kenya | $30 ($0 Rwanda + $30 Kenya eTA) | $100 | Separate – saves $70 |
| All three (Rwanda + Kenya + Uganda) | $80 ($0 + $30 + $50) | $100 | Separate saves $20 in base fees, but EATV provides multiple entry across 90 days |
The EATV grants multiple entry across Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda for 90 days; separate national visas are single-entry only. The Kenya eTA starts at US $30 (etakenya.go.ke); the Uganda single-journey visa is US $50 (immigration.go.ug). UK/Commonwealth citizens receive a free 30-day visa waiver for Rwanda alone, which does not apply to the joint EATV.
UK Agency Fees Compared: Is Using a Visa Agent Worth It?
UK agencies charge from £149.95 for the East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV), a markup of roughly £65 over the direct High Commission route after postage. The Travel Visa Company (Nantwich, Cheshire; 01270 904 907; [email protected]) handles document review, postal dispatch, and administrative management via email application. VisaHQ (+442045773307; [email protected]) does not publish a GBP price; the £130-£160 range is a market estimate. An agency makes sense for complex itineraries, group travel, or time pressure. Request a VAT invoice to confirm whether 20% UK VAT is included in the £149.95.
Payment Methods and How to Avoid Hidden Fees
Always pay the East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV) fee in USD and use a multi-currency card to avoid dynamic currency conversion markups of 5-8%. For a full overview of accepted payment methods and gateway tips, see our dedicated guide.
Select USD at checkout
Reject the DCC GBP prompt to avoid a 5-8% mark-up.
Use a multi-currency card
Wise, Revolut, or Starling offer near-zero FX margins.
Check card compatibility
The EATV portal accepts Visa and Mastercard; Amex is blocked.
Budget for postage (postal route)
Royal Mail Special Delivery costs £7.70-£10.00.
Screenshot the exchange rate
Keep a record of the rate displayed at checkout for your files.
Inform your UK bank before applying
Avoid declined payments on African merchant MCCs.
East Africa Visa Fee UK: Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the East Africa Tourist Visa cost in GBP for UK citizens in 2026?
The USD 100 fee equals ~£79-£83; with card and gateway charges the total is ~£83-£88. The High Commission’s flat rate is £77.00 via bank transfer.
What are the hidden card conversion fees when paying for the EATV from the UK?
UK banks apply a 2.75-2.99% foreign-transaction surcharge; the portal gateway adds 2.5-3.5%. DCC adds 5-8% if you accept a GBP prompt. Total extra: ~£4-£5.
Is it cheaper to apply for the EATV directly or use a UK visa agency?
Direct application costs £83-£88; the High Commission postal route costs £85-£87. UK agencies charge from £149.95. DIY saves approximately £65 over agency routes.
Can I pay for the EATV with a UK debit card or credit card?
The EATV portal accepts Visa and Mastercard from UK banks; American Express is blocked. 3-D Secure authentication is required. Inform your bank before applying.
Do I need the EATV if I am only visiting Rwanda as a UK citizen?
UK/Commonwealth citizens visiting only Rwanda receive a free 30-day visa waiver. The EATV is required only if your itinerary includes Kenya or Uganda.
Does the EATV fee include processing and service charges?
The USD 100 EATV fee is a government processing charge only; agency service fees, card surcharges, and postage are additional costs not included.
How do I avoid dynamic currency conversion charges on my EATV payment?
Always select USD at checkout and reject the DCC GBP prompt. Use a multi-currency card like Wise, Revolut, or Starling for near-zero FX margins.
What is the GBP to USD exchange rate used by the EATV payment portal?
The portal applies a live USD-to-GBP conversion at checkout, reflecting your card issuer’s wholesale rate plus its 2.75-2.99% foreign-exchange margin.
How long does EATV processing take, and can I pay for expedited service?
Standard EATV processing takes approximately 7 working days. No expedited or priority service exists; agencies cannot speed up government processing.
Can I extend the East Africa Tourist Visa once I am in East Africa?
The EATV is not extendable or renewable. The 90-day validity cannot be extended within the bloc. A new application is required for subsequent visits. For more details, see our guide on visa extension rules and overstay penalties.
