UK students on gap years and pensioners in retirement can apply for the East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV) online via the Uganda, Rwanda, or Kenya immigration portals. The visa costs $100, is valid for 90 days across Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda, and requires a valid UK passport, travel itinerary, and proof of student status or pension income.
Last reviewed: September 2026. Visa requirements may change without notice; always verify with gov.uk travel advice or the relevant immigration portal. This guide is compiled from verified data on immigration.go.ug, rwandainuk.gov.rw, and gov.uk.
East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV) – Overview, Entry Requirements and Documents
The EATV is a $100 (approx. £77) multiple-entry visa valid for 90 days across Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda for tourism only. It is non-renewable and non-extendable. Employment is prohibited. UK students and UK pensioners must hold a passport with 6+ months validity and a physical yellow fever vaccination certificate presented at immigration.
UK students and pensioners must submit a valid passport, passport photo, travel itinerary, accommodation proof, and either student status proof or pension statement.
| Document | Required For |
|---|---|
| UK passport (6+ months validity, bio-data page copy; do not crop machine-readable strip) | Both |
| Passport photo (white background, ears visible, within 6 months; two photos for High Commission) | Both |
| Travel itinerary (comprehensive route across all 3 countries) | Both |
| Return/onward flight ticket | Both |
| Accommodation proof (hotel booking or host invitation letter in Rwanda) | Both |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificate (physical copy mandatory at border) | Both |
| Proof of student status (university letter or student ID) | Students |
| Pension statement (state or private) as proof of funds | Pensioners |
EATV Fees and Application Process for UK Applicants
The EATV costs $100 via online portals, £77 through the Rwandan High Commission London, or from £149.95 via UK visa agencies. All fees are non-refundable, even if denied. Standard processing takes 7 working days via the High Commission or 3-7 days online.
Visa on Arrival vs Advance E-Visa Application
UK passport holders are visa-exempt for Rwanda and can obtain the EATV on arrival at Kigali Airport. For advance applications, submit via the Uganda DCIC portal (immigration.go.ug) or Rwanda’s Irembo portal (irembo.gov.rw).
Log in and accept the terms and conditions
Create an account on the portal and agree to the terms.
Select visa type, category, and sub-category
Choose the EATV option from the available visa types.
Complete the application form
Fill in all required personal and travel details.
Upload required documents and pay the fee
Submit passport copy, photo, itinerary and other documents, then pay $100.
Receive the approval letter with barcode by email
The approved visa letter is sent to your registered email address.
Print the letter and present it for biometric capture at the border
Carry a printed copy to present at immigration on arrival.
Using a UK-Based Visa Agency
Applications via the Rwandan High Commission London accept bank transfer, online transfer, or direct deposit only (no cash, cheques, or postal orders). Bank details: GT Bank, account name RHC EAST AFRICA TOURIST, account number 23389014, sort code 60-83-03, IBAN GB95GTBI60830323389014; use applicant’s full name as reference.
Rwandan High Commission London120-122 Seymour Place, London, W1H 1NR
Tel: +44 (0)207 224 9832
Email: [email protected]
| Agency | Phone | Hours | |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Travel Visa Company, Nantwich | 01270 904 907 | [email protected] | Mon-Fri 09:30-16:00 |
| VisaHQ | +442045773307 | [email protected] | 7 days/week, WhatsApp |
Application Tips for UK Students on Gap Years
The EATV costs $100 (no student discounts). Applying via an agency costs from £149.95, adding £50-70 but reducing paperwork errors. UK students on gap years must enter through the issuing country first.
- Fee: $100 for all applicants regardless of age or student status. NUS, ISIC, and university cards do not reduce the fee.
- Itinerary rule: The EATV requires the issuing country to be your first point of entry. Overland travel between Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda is permitted; leaving the bloc (e.g. to Tanzania) permanently invalidates the visa.
- Insurance: Backpacker policies must cover multi-country travel and adventure activities including safari, trekking and gorilla permits.
Parental Consent for Under-18 Gap Year Students
UK students aged 17 travelling after A-levels should carry a notarised parental consent letter. Border officers have discretion to request formal authorisation. The letter should include the parent’s full name, relationship, passport number, the child’s travel dates and an emergency contact.
Can You Volunteer or Intern on an EATV?
The EATV permits tourism only. All employment, volunteering and internships are prohibited. UK students planning volunteer placements must apply for a separate work or NGO visa category through the relevant national authority.
Application Tips for UK Pensioners Traveling in Retirement
UK pensioners need a pension statement, a doctor’s letter for medication, and an IDP for Rwanda. The fee is $100 – no exemption.
- Proof of funds: State pension statements or private pension disbursement slips satisfy the financial sufficiency requirement. Recent bank statements showing pension deposits are also accepted.
- Prescription medication: Keep all medication in original pharmacy packaging. Carry a doctor’s letter listing each medication, dosage, and medical necessity. Declare controlled drugs at EAC customs – Uganda customs require declaration of anything prohibited or subject to duty.
- Driving: UK driving licences are accepted in Kenya and Uganda. Rwanda requires an International Driving Permit (IDP) – obtain from a UK Post Office (approx. £5.50) before departure.
- Entebbe Airport: Only ticketed passengers are permitted inside the terminal building; the meeting point is outside.
Travel Insurance for Pensioners
Travel insurance (not statutory) should cover medical evacuation to Nairobi or UK, pre-existing conditions, repatriation, and trip cancellation.
Carrying Prescription Medication into East Africa
Keep medication in original packaging with a doctor’s letter; declare at customs and verify restrictions with local authorities.
Driving in East Africa – UK Licence Recognition
Kenya and Uganda recognise UK driving licences. Rwanda requires an International Driving Permit – obtain from a UK Post Office before departure (approx. £5.50). Carry both your UK licence and IDP when driving across the three-country zone.
First Point of Entry and EAC Zone Rules
The EATV is issued by the first entry country, and leaving the Kenya-Uganda-Rwanda bloc for any destination permanently invalidates the visa with no refund. UK students and UK pensioners must apply through the country they enter first.
- First entry rule: Flying into Kigali means apply through Rwanda; flying into Entebbe means apply through Uganda.
- Cross-border travel: Permitted between Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda on one EATV.
- Leaving the bloc: Exiting to Tanzania, DRC, or any other country permanently invalidates the EATV – no refund, no renewal.
- Uganda-DRC border: Closed as of 27 May 2026 due to Ebola Virus Disease announced by the Ugandan National Task Force. Only security personnel are exempt. Verify current status via gov.uk travel advice.
- Non-extendable: The EATV cannot be extended within any of the three countries. Rwanda offers a 5-day grace period after visa expiry with no penalty, after which penalties may apply.
FAQ
How do UK students on gap years apply for the EATV?
Apply online via Uganda DCIC or Rwanda Irembo, or obtain on arrival at Kigali Airport ($100, non-refundable, 7 working days via High Commission).
What documents do UK pensioners need for the EATV?
Valid UK passport (6+ months), passport photo, travel itinerary, accommodation proof, yellow fever certificate, and pension statement as proof of funds.
How much does the EATV cost for UK students and pensioners?
$100 via online portal, £77 via Rwandan High Commission London, or from £149.95 via UK visa agencies. All fees are non-refundable.
Can UK pensioners extend the 90-day EATV?
No. The EATV is non-extendable. Rwanda offers a 5-day grace period after expiry, after which penalties may apply.
Can I volunteer in East Africa on a tourist visa?
No. The EATV permits tourism only. Volunteering, internships, and all employment are prohibited. A separate work or NGO visa is required.
What happens if I leave the East Africa region on my EATV?
Leaving the bloc (e.g., to Tanzania) permanently invalidates the EATV with no refund and no renewal possible.
Is there a student or pensioner discount on the EATV fee?
No. NUS, ISIC, and university cards do not reduce the $100 fee. No pensioner exemption exists. Apply directly via the portal to save.
Are UK pension statements accepted as proof of funds for the EATV?
Yes. State or private pension disbursement slips satisfy the financial sufficiency requirement. Bank statements showing pension deposits are also accepted.
Do I need a yellow fever vaccination certificate for East Africa?
Yes. A physical yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for entry into Uganda and must be presented at immigration if requested.
Is the Uganda-DRC border open for overland travel?
No. Closed as of 27 May 2026 due to Ebola Virus Disease. Verify current status via gov.uk travel advice before departure.
