Published: 9 September 2026. Last updated: 9 September 2026. All fee, processing time, and portal data is sourced from the government immigration portals (etakenya.go.ke, immigration.go.ug, irembo.gov.rw) and direct communication with the Rwandan High Commission in London.
The East Africa visa application website spans three government portals: Kenya’s etakenya.go.ke, Uganda’s immigration.go.ug, and Rwanda’s irembo.gov.rw. The EATV costs USD 100, covers Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda for 90 days, and typically processes within 3-7 working days. Navigating the digital systems requires a separate user account for each country, and the issuing country must be your first entry point.
What Is the East Africa Tourist Visa and What Documents Do You Need?
The East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV) is a joint, multiple-entry visa covering Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda, valid for 90 days from the date of issue for tourism only. The issuing country must be your first entry point. Employment is prohibited, and the visa is non-renewable and non-extendable.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Validity | 90 days from issue |
| Entries | Multiple |
| Countries | Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda |
| Purpose | Tourism only |
| Fee | USD 100 |
| Passport | Min. 6 months validity |
The East Africa visa application website requires applicants to upload: passport bio-data page scan (machine-readable strip visible), recent photo (white background, ears visible, taken within 6 months), return ticket/flight booking, day-wise itinerary, and yellow fever certificate (International Certificate, required for travellers aged 1 year+). All documents must be in English. Specific file upload size limits and accepted formats are not published on the government portals; test uploads before final submission. For embassy/postal applications via the Rwandan High Commission London, include 2 passport photos, a prepaid self-addressed recorded/special delivery envelope, hotel booking confirmation or invitation letter with host ID, evidence of sufficient funds, and a signed letter explaining your travel purpose.
How to Navigate the East Africa Visa Application Website Step by Step
Each country’s portal requires a separate account. Uganda’s immigration.go.ug uses a 9-step workflow, Rwanda’s irembo.gov.rw uses a 4-step process selecting V11 East Africa Visa, and Kenya’s etakenya.go.ke uses the Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) system under the Ministry of Interior and National Administration. When planning your trip, see our [LINK to: Kenya travel guide], [LINK to: Uganda gorilla trekking guide], and [LINK to: Rwanda travel tips] for destination-specific advice.
| Portal | URL | Key Steps |
|---|---|---|
| Uganda | immigration.go.ug | Login → Start new application → Accept disclaimer → Select visa type/category → Complete form → Upload documents → Pay → Receive approval letter (auto-generated 6-digit reference ID) → Biometric capture at border |
| Rwanda | irembo.gov.rw | Irembo → Visa application → Apply → V11 East Africa Visa |
| Kenya | etakenya.go.ke | eTA online form (Electronic Travel Authorisation) |
The migration.gov.rw domain redirects to Irembo and should not be used as the application portal. The East Africa visa application website functions best in Chrome or Firefox; mobile Safari may have rendering issues. Complete the entire application in one sitting to avoid session timeouts and data loss.
Fees, Payment Methods, and Troubleshooting on the East Africa Visa Application Website
The East Africa Tourist Visa costs USD 100 when paid through any of the three government portals. Via the Rwandan High Commission in London, the equivalent is £77.00 GBP by direct bank deposit. The fee is non-refundable even if the application is denied or withdrawn, and online payments are subject to an additional bank charge. Commercial agencies such as The Travel Visa Company charge £149.95 for a package bundling the government fee with processing and service charges; this is not the government fee.
British debit and credit cards (HSBC, Barclays, Monzo, Revolut) may block international transactions to African payment gateways. The EATV portal requires 3D Secure / OTP authentication; inform your bank before attempting payment. A prepaid Visa or Mastercard is a reliable workaround.
| Route | Fee | Processing time | Payment method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Government portals | USD 100 | 3-7 working days | Card (3D Secure) |
| Rwandan High Commission London | £77.00 GBP | 7 working days | Direct bank deposit |
For the embassy route, deposit into GT Bank account “RHC EAST AFRICA TOURIST” – account number 23389014, sort code 60-83-03, IBAN GB95GTBI60830323389014, SWIFT GTBIGB2L; use your full name as the payment reference. Postal orders are not accepted.
After approval, you’ll receive an emailed approval letter with a 6-digit reference ID. Keep a printed copy for UK check-in; bring your passport for biometrics at the border. See our [LINK to: East Africa packing guide] for what to carry.
EATV vs Individual Visas and How to Fix Common Application Problems
Rwanda also offers a 30-day visa on arrival, free for citizens of all countries since 1 January 2018; USD 50 applies only to non-exempt nationalities.
- Saves USD 50 on multi-country trips (vs 3 single-country eVisas at USD 50 each, total USD 150)
- Covers Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda for 90 days
- Non-renewable and non-extendable (travellers needing more than 90 days should consider individual visa extensions)
- Requires entering the issuing country first
| Option | Cost | Validity | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| EATV | USD 100 | 90 days | Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda |
| 3 x Single-country eVisa | USD 150 | Per-country terms | One country each |
| Rwanda visa on arrival | Free (all countries since 1 Jan 2018); USD 50 non-exempt | 30 days | Rwanda only |
The East Africa visa application website does not allow post-payment edits to passport numbers or surnames. Contact support to resolve this: Rwanda ([email protected], +250 722 17 29 74; reach out before submitting your application), Kenya eTA (WhatsApp +254 110 922 064, phone +254 717 436 070), Uganda (+256 417 102 600). Lost reference numbers can be recovered via email and passport lookup on the portal.
Rwandan High Commission London120-122 Seymour Place, London, W1H 1NR
Phone: +44 (0)207 224 9832
Email: [email protected]
This guide is maintained by our travel visa editorial team and reviewed against data from the government immigration portals of Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda, plus direct communication with the Rwandan High Commission in London.
Frequently Asked Questions About the East Africa Visa Application Website
Where can I apply for an East Africa Tourist Visa online in 2026?
Apply through three government portals: Kenya’s etakenya.go.ke, Uganda’s immigration.go.ug, or Rwanda’s irembo.gov.rw. Choose the country you will enter first, as the issuing country must be your first entry point.
How much does the East Africa Tourist Visa cost for UK passport holders?
The government fee is USD 100 (~£77 GBP via the Rwandan High Commission London). Non-refundable even if denied or withdrawn. Bank charges may apply on portal payments.
What documents do I need to upload on the East Africa visa application website?
Upload: passport bio-data page scan, recent passport-style photo (white background), return ticket or itinerary, and yellow fever vaccination certificate. All documents must be in English.
How long does it take to get an East Africa tourist visa?
Government portals process in 3-7 working days. The embassy route via the Rwandan High Commission London takes 7 working days. An approval letter with a 6-digit reference ID is emailed upon approval.
Can I apply for the EATV if I am only visiting Kenya?
Yes, but a single Kenya eTA at USD 50 may be cheaper for one-country trips. The EATV at USD 100 is best value when visiting two or more covered countries.
Do I need a yellow fever vaccination certificate to apply for the EATV?
Yes. Kenya and Uganda are yellow fever endemic countries. The International Certificate of Vaccination is required for all travellers aged 1 year and older.
What should I do if the East Africa visa application website is not working?
Try Chrome or Firefox, clear your cache, or retry during off-peak hours. If the portal remains down, submit a postal application via the Rwandan High Commission in London.
Can I correct mistakes on my East Africa visa application after submitting it?
Edits are generally not possible after payment. Contact the relevant immigration support team immediately: Rwanda ([email protected], +250 722 17 29 74), Kenya eTA (WhatsApp +254 110 922 064).
Which countries are included in the East Africa Tourist Visa?
Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda only. The visa allows multiple entries across all three for up to 90 days from issue. Tanzania is not included.
What payment methods does the East Africa visa application website accept?
Government portals accept credit and debit cards with 3D Secure authentication. The embassy route accepts direct bank deposit to GT Bank, account 23389014, sort code 60-83-03.
