The East Africa Tourist Visa application process is identical across Scotland, England, Wales, and Northern Ireland – same fees, documents, processing times, and online portals.
Applicants pursuing an East Africa visa Scotland route use the same digital infrastructure as the rest of the UK. The EATV costs USD 100 online or £77 via the Rwandan High Commission in London, granting 90-day multiple-entry access to Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda. No separate Scottish diplomatic mission exists for this service.
Last updated: 9 September 2026. This is an independent travel information website, not affiliated with any government, embassy, or official visa operator. Always verify current requirements on official portals before applying.
What Is the East Africa Tourist Visa and Do You Need One?
The East Africa Tourist Visa grants 90-day multiple-entry access to Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda for USD 100 (or £77 via the Rwandan High Commission in London). Tanzania is not included. The issuing country must be your first point of entry. Scotland-based travellers follow the same rules as all UK applicants.
Before applying for the EATV, verify which product your itinerary requires:
- Rwanda only – Free 30-day visa on arrival for UK/Commonwealth passport holders. No EATV needed.
- Kenya only – Separate Kenya ETA from USD 30 plus mandatory travel health insurance (min USD 50,000, from August 2026).
- Uganda only – Single-entry visa at USD 50.
- Two or three countries – The EATV at USD 100 is your product.
Does Living in Scotland Change the Application Process?
Living in Scotland changes nothing – the EATV application portal, USD 100 fee, required documents, processing times, and London-based consular contact are identical across all four UK regions. No separate Scottish diplomatic mission exists for East African visa services.
| Dimension | Scotland | England | Wales | Northern Ireland |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Application portal | Same online system | Same online system | Same online system | Same online system |
| Fee | USD 100 / £77 | USD 100 / £77 | USD 100 / £77 | USD 100 / £77 |
| Required documents | Identical | Identical | Identical | Identical |
| Processing time | Identical | Identical | Identical | Identical |
| Consular contact | High Commission in London | High Commission in London | High Commission in London | High Commission in London |
No regional variation exists – an East Africa Tourist Visa Scotland submission follows the same steps as any other UK region.
How to Apply: Steps, Documents, and Scottish Clinics
The application steps are identical for all UK residents: choose a portal, complete the form, upload documents, pay, and receive the decision by email.
Select a portal
Uganda (visas.immigration.go.ug), Kenya (etakenya.go.ke), or Rwanda (irembo.gov.rw)
Complete the form
Fill in details and upload supporting documents
Pay and receive
Pay the USD 100 fee and get the approval letter by email
Required documents: passport valid at least 6 months beyond entry (bio-data page copy), passport-style photograph, return flight ticket, travel itinerary, and up-to-date yellow fever vaccination certificate.
In Scotland, obtain the yellow fever certificate at NHS Scotland travel health clinics or private providers in Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Aberdeen (typical cost £50-80).
Know before you go: UK passport holders may face issues completing Rwanda’s EATV application online. If the system blocks you, the EATV is available on arrival at Kigali International Airport (KGL) for USD 100, payable by cash or card.
Postal route via the Rwandan High Commission, 120-122 Seymour Place, London, W1H 1NR: fee £77, processing 7 working days, bank transfer only (no cash or cheques). All EATV fees are non-refundable.
Editor’s note: In our 2026 test from Scotland, the online EATV process delivered approval within the standard 3-5 business day window, with no regional delays.
First Point of Entry and Payment from a UK Bank Account
Your EATV issuer depends on your first landing country – e.g., Kigali means Rwanda issues it; Entebbe means Uganda. No VPN or in-person visit is required; apply online from any UK location.
Worked routing examples from Scotland:
- Edinburgh to Doha to Kigali = Rwanda issues your EATV. Apply via irembo.gov.rw or buy on arrival at KGL (USD 100).
- Glasgow to Amsterdam to Entebbe = Uganda issues your EATV. Apply via visas.immigration.go.ug (USD 100).
- Edinburgh to Istanbul to Nairobi = Kenya issues your EATV. Apply via etakenya.go.ke (separate Kenya ETA also required).
| Application channel | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Online direct (Uganda/Kenya/Rwanda portal) | USD 100 | Subject to bank foreign transaction surcharge |
| Postal via Rwandan High Commission London | £77 | Bank transfer only (no cash/cheques) |
| Commercial agency | From £149.95 | Includes embassy + service fees |
The official Uganda immigration portal (visas.immigration.go.ug) and Rwanda Irembo portal (irembo.gov.rw) both confirm the USD 100 statutory fee. Standard UK cards add 2.5-3% foreign fees; use fee-free cards (Monzo, Starling, Chase) to avoid them. All EATV fees are non-refundable.
In August 2026, Kenya introduced a mandatory ETA (etakenya.go.ke) and a health insurance requirement for visitors. See the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office travel advice (gov.uk) for country-specific warnings.
East Africa Visa Scotland FAQ
Is the East Africa Tourist Visa application process the same in Scotland as in England?
Yes. The process, fees, documents, and timelines are identical across all UK regions. No separate Scottish route exists; all applicants use the same online portals and London High Commissions.
How long does the EATV take to process from the UK?
Online: typically 3-5 business days. London postal route: 7 working days. On arrival at Kigali: minutes.
Do I need a yellow fever certificate to enter East Africa?
Yes. All three EATV countries require it. In Scotland, obtain from NHS Scotland registered travel health clinics or private providers before departure.
Can I get the EATV on arrival instead of applying online?
Possible at Kigali Airport (USD 100, cash or card), but online advance application is recommended.
What countries does the EATV cover in 2026?
Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda for 90 days with multiple-entry access. Tanzania is not included.
Do I also need a Kenya ETA if I have an EATV?
From August 2026, Kenya requires a separate ETA (from USD 30) and mandatory travel health insurance (min USD 50,000) for all visitors.
Can I extend the EATV beyond 90 days?
No. Non-renewable and non-extendable. Must exit and reapply. Rwanda offers a 5-day grace period before penalties.
Do I need to give biometrics in the UK?
No. Biometric capture occurs at the port of entry in East Africa, not during the UK application.
Will I need a transit visa flying through Dubai or Doha?
UK passport holders do not need transit visas at Dubai, Doha, Amsterdam, or Istanbul. Proof of onward travel may be requested, but no additional visa is required.
How do I track my application status from Scotland?
All three country portals allow online tracking through the same account used for submission. Process identical regardless of UK region.
