East Africa Tourist Visa 90 Days: The Multiple-Entry Rule Explained for 2026

The East Africa Tourist Visa 90 days begin on the date of issue, not first entry, per Uganda Immigration (immigration.go.ug). The window is consecutive: every calendar day counts, including days outside the region, and multiple entries between Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda are permitted.

Last reviewed: 9 September 2026. We verify all data against government sources quarterly. This is an independent travel information portal, not affiliated with any government agency. Always confirm with the issuing embassy before travel.

What Is the East Africa Tourist Visa?

The East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV) is a USD 100 joint tourist visa covering Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda for 90 days, with employment prohibited. The fee is non-refundable, and the visa is issued for tourism purposes only. Free movement between the three countries requires no additional visa or fee at internal borders. The EATV is not valid for Tanzania or Burundi, and the issuing country must be your first entry point into the regional bloc.

UK applicants can apply online via the Irembo portal (irembo.gov.rw, selection code V11 East Africa Visa), in person at the Rwanda High Commission London (120-122 Seymour Place, London, W1H 1NR, UK; phone +44 (0)207 224 9832; email [email protected]), or by post. The fee at the High Commission is £77.00, with a standard processing time of 7 working days. Payment by bank transfer to account 23389014, sort code 60-83-03 (GT Bank); cash, cheques, and postal orders are prohibited.

When Does the 90-Day Clock Start?

The East Africa Tourist Visa 90-day clock starts on the date of issue (the approval date), not on your first entry into the region, per Uganda Immigration (immigration.go.ug). Agency sites claim the clock starts at first entry, but the government source confirms the date of issue as the starting point. If the EATV is issued on 1 September, it expires on 30 November regardless of when you enter. The issuing country must be your first entry point.

Required documents include a passport valid for at least 6 months from date of entry with at least 1 blank page, two passport photos (white background, ears visible), a travel itinerary, return/onward flight confirmation, evidence of sufficient funds, and a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate. Uganda Immigration (Plot 65/67, Old Port Bell Road, Kampala, Uganda; phone +256 417 102 600) processes online applications via visas.immigration.go.ug.

Does the Passport Stamp Change the Start Date?

No. A border officer’s entry stamp does not override the East Africa Tourist Visa start date. The 90-day countdown begins on the date of issue regardless of arrival. Per-entry stamps on the EATV, commonly 30 days, do not reset the 90-day window from the date of issue.

How the 90 Days Are Counted: Consecutive Calendar Window, Not Cumulative

The East Africa Tourist Visa 90 days operate as a fixed consecutive calendar window from the date of issue. Every calendar day counts, including days spent outside Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. Time outside the regional bloc does not pause the countdown. The EATV visa validity is 90 days from issue, but the duration of stay stamped per entry may be shorter, commonly 30 days, at the immigration officer’s discretion.

Worked Example: A 90-Day Itinerary

Multiple Entries Within the 90-Day Window: What Counts and What Doesn’t

The East Africa Tourist Visa permits unlimited crossings between Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda with free movement at internal borders and no extra fee (rwandainthenetherlands.gov.rw). The EATV multiple entry rule distinguishes two exit scenarios. Leaving the bloc for a non-EAC country such as Dubai and returning within the 90-day window is permitted. Entering Tanzania or Burundi, however, permanently voids the East Africa Tourist Visa, and re-entry to the bloc on the same visa is not possible (ugandaimmigration.org).

Path A: Leave Kenya, fly to Dubai, return to Uganda within 90 days: visa valid.
Path B: Leave Kenya, enter Tanzania: EATV voided permanently, no re-entry.

Can You Leave East Africa and Return Within the 90 Days?

Yes, leaving to a non-EAC destination and returning is permitted. However, entering Tanzania or Burundi voids the East Africa Tourist Visa permanently with no re-entry allowed on the same EATV.

Maximum Stay Per Entry vs. the Total 90-Day Limit

Each border crossing may stamp a shorter individual stay, commonly 30 days, at the immigration officer’s discretion. The East Africa Tourist Visa 90-day window is the maximum aggregate time across all three countries, counted from the date of issue. Per-entry stamps on the EATV do not extend or reset the overall 90-day visa validity. The duration of stay per entry cannot exceed the remaining visa validity.

What Happens If You Overstay the 90-Day Visa?

Overstaying the East Africa Tourist Visa 90 days triggers daily fines, detention risk, and blacklisting. The EATV is non-renewable and non-extendable per immigration.go.ug and rwandainthenetherlands.gov.rw.

Rwanda’s 5-Day Grace Period

Rwanda grants a 5-day grace period after visa expiry, per migration.gov.rw and rwandainuk.gov.rw. During this window, the East Africa Tourist Visa holder may renew without penalty; beyond it, daily fines apply and extension is denied. Contact Rwanda DGIE at [email protected] or +250-788-152-222 for EATV renewal queries.

After Your 90 Days: Extension, Reapplication & Re-Entry Rules

The East Africa Tourist Visa is non-renewable and non-extendable; after expiry, exit the regional bloc and reapply. No mandatory cooling-off period exists: a fresh EATV application can be filed immediately. Applications can be submitted online via the Irembo portal (irembo.gov.rw), in person, or by post. For Group Tourist Visa holders, change of status is not permitted under any circumstances (migration.gov.rw, rwandainuk.gov.rw).

Planning Your Trip: Tips for UK Travellers

UK travellers should plan departure with a 2-day safety margin before the East Africa Tourist Visa 90 days expire at 23:59 East Africa Time (UTC+3) on day 90 from the date of issue. The EATV cut-off is strict: schedule your exit flight at least two days before expiry.

• Expiry timezone: visa ends at 23:59 EAT (UTC+3) on day 90.
• Passport validity: minimum 6 months from date of entry, at least 1 blank page (rwandainuk.gov.rw).
• Yellow Fever certificate: required at port of entry.
• Documents: print the e-Visa approval letter and store a digital backup.
• Lost or stolen passport: file a police report, contact the issuing embassy, carry the report for re-entry.
• Processing time: allow 7 working days; apply at least 2 weeks before departure.

Frequently Asked Questions About the East Africa Tourist Visa 90-Day Rule