Entry rules
East Africa Tourist Visa: how it works for gorilla trips
The East Africa Tourist Visa lets eligible visitors travel between Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya on one visa. This guide explains how it works, the first-entry rule, how to apply and how to plan a Uganda and Rwanda gorilla route around it. Reviewed October 2026.
East Africa Tourist Visa: the short answer
The East Africa Tourist Visa is a single visa that covers Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya. Rwanda's immigration service describes it as valid for 90 days, with multiple entry while you stay within the three countries. For a gorilla trip that links Uganda and Rwanda, it can save time and paperwork.
Rules about visas change, so use this page as a guide and not as the final word. Always confirm the details on the official Rwanda immigration page and the Uganda immigration site before you apply. The WHO travel advice pages are a useful third check for health papers. This guide was reviewed in October 2026.
What the East Africa Tourist Visa covers
The visa works across three partner states. It lets eligible visitors move between them without buying a new visa at each border. Because it is a tourist visa, it does not cover work or study.
| Feature | What to know |
|---|---|
| Countries | Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya |
| Validity | 90 days, as described by Rwanda immigration |
| Entries | Multiple, while staying within the three countries |
| Purpose | Tourism and short visits |
| Application | Online, on arrival or at an embassy, depending on the country |
Some governments say the visa cannot be extended. Check the wording for your nationality, because small differences exist.
The first-entry rule that catches travellers out
One rule matters more than any other. If you get the visa before you travel, your first entry point must be the country where you applied for it. Rwanda's immigration page says so, and several embassy pages repeat it in different words.
For example, an application made through Rwanda's online system means you should enter Rwanda first. If you plan to fly into Entebbe instead, apply through Uganda's system. Applying in the wrong country can lead to delays at the border.
Tell us your route early. Our team will help you pick the country that fits your arrival and your permit dates.
How to apply for the East Africa Tourist Visa
You can apply in three common ways. Which one is best depends on your nationality, your route and how much time you have.
- Online in advance. Rwanda uses the IREMBO portal, and Uganda has its own e-visa portal.
- On arrival. Many nationalities can get a visa at the airport or border. Queues vary.
- At an embassy or mission. This suits travellers who prefer to sort it out at home.
Rwanda's immigration service says it does not authorise any agent to apply for a traveller. Use the official sites listed on the immigration page, and avoid lookalike sites. Our guide to gorilla permit scams explains how to spot fakes.
Not sure which dates suit you? Send them to us and a named member of our team will check.
Passport and document checks
Immigration officers check documents carefully. Prepare these items before you leave home.
- Passport validity. Rwanda requires at least six months of validity, and many travellers aim for the same rule in Uganda.
- Blank pages. Keep at least two free pages for stamps.
- Names. Your visa, permit and passport should show the same spelling.
- Onward travel. Keep your flight details and accommodation addresses handy.
- Health papers. Carry any certificate the rules ask for. See our yellow fever vaccine guide.
Keep copies on your phone and in a separate bag.
Who may not need an East Africa Tourist Visa
Some travellers do not need to buy this visa at all. Citizens of the East African Community generally have easier rules, and some African Union, Commonwealth and Francophonie nationals receive waivers in Rwanda for shorter stays. Rwanda's list of nationalities changes, so read the live page for your passport.
If you are unsure which category you fall into, check the official Rwanda visitor-visa page first. Then compare it with the Ugandan rules. Our team can also point you to the right page.
When a single-country visa makes more sense
The East Africa Tourist Visa is not always the best option. If you plan to visit only one country, a single-country visa may be simpler. The same applies when you want a shorter stay or when your nationality gets a waiver.
Think about your whole itinerary. A trip that starts in Uganda, crosses to Rwanda for a second trek and then flies home from Kigali is a natural fit. A trip that leaves East Africa in the middle, for example to visit another region, may affect the multiple-entry benefit. Ask the immigration office when your plan is unusual.
Using the visa on a Uganda and Rwanda gorilla trip
A common route runs from Entebbe to Bwindi, then across the border to Rwanda and on to Kigali. The visa lets you cross in one direction without buying a second visa. Plan the order of your permits first, then match the visa to your first entry point.
| Step | Stage | Border or document point |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Land in Entebbe | Entry stamp; visa applied for in Uganda |
| 2 | Drive or fly to Bwindi | Trek on your permit date |
| 3 | Cross at Cyanika or Katuna | Exit and entry checks |
| 4 | Trek in Volcanoes National Park | Rwanda permit date |
| 5 | Fly home from Kigali | Departure checks |
For the full route, read our guide to Uganda and Rwanda gorillas on one trip. For the Rwanda end of the journey, see our page on gorilla trekking from Kigali.
Common East Africa Tourist Visa mistakes
- Applying in the wrong country. The first-entry rule is strict.
- Leaving it late. Online processing can take several working days.
- Using unofficial sites. Lookalike portals charge extra and may steal data.
- Short passport validity. Check the six-month rule.
- Mismatched names. A permit in one spelling and a visa in another can cause delays.
- Assuming nothing changes. Rules can shift between booking and travel.
Avoid these six errors, and your border crossings will run smoothly.
When to apply
Apply once your permit dates are confirmed. That way, you know your arrival date and your first country. Rwanda's embassy pages mention processing of about seven working days for online applications, although applying in advance is optional for many nationalities.
Leave a comfortable buffer anyway. A few weeks before travel is a sensible target. Save your approval email, and carry a printed copy as well.
Not sure which dates suit you? Send them to us and a named member of our team will check.
Border crossing day: what to expect
Crossing by road between Uganda and Rwanda is straightforward when you prepare. The main gateways for gorilla travellers are Cyanika, in the south-west, and Katuna, which Rwanda calls Gatuna. Both close to the Bwindi and Volcanoes areas.
- Start early. Queues are shorter in the morning.
- Carry originals. Officers want to see your passport, visa and permit confirmation.
- Change vehicles if needed. Many operators swap drivers at the border.
- Allow extra time. Plan at least an hour for both sides.
Our Bwindi travel guide shows the road times, and our page on gorilla trekking from Kigali covers the Rwanda side.
Visa questions by nationality group
Rules differ widely by nationality. The groups below are a starting point, not a final answer.
| Group | What to check |
|---|---|
| East African Community citizens | Often simpler entry rules; check the live pages |
| African Union and Commonwealth citizens | Rwanda lists waivers for shorter stays; check your passport |
| Citizens of other countries | Usually need a visa; the East Africa Tourist Visa may suit a multi-country trip |
| Transit passengers | Rules vary; ask your airline and the immigration office |
Immigration rules change from time to time. Always read the official page for your own passport.
Overstays, extensions and lost passports
Never overstay a visa. Fines and bans can follow, and they affect later trips. If your plans change, ask the immigration office about extensions before the visa runs out. Some governments say the East Africa Tourist Visa cannot be extended, so a single-country visa may be needed for long stays.
If you lose your passport, report it to the police and contact your embassy. Keep copies of your passport and visa in a separate bag, and store scans online. A copy speeds up replacement and helps at border posts.
Visa planning for Rwanda's gorilla park and Uganda's forests
Both countries welcome gorilla visitors, and both check documents at the park gate. Rangers want your passport at the briefing, so carry it on trek day. Read about the Rwanda trek in our Rwanda gorilla trekking guide and our page on Volcanoes National Park. For Uganda, see the Uganda gorilla trekking guide.
Permit and visa dates must agree. Your permit is valid only for its date, and your visa must cover your stay. Learn how permits work in our gorilla permit booking guide.
Dates, stamps and the 90-day clock
The clock starts when you first enter. Immigration officers stamp your passport, and the stamp shows your entry date. Count 90 days from that date, and leave a few days of margin. If your trip is short, the clock matters little. For a long journey, it matters a great deal.
Take a photo of every stamp. If an officer makes a mistake, a photo and your flight records help you correct it quickly.
Also note that time spent outside the three countries can change the rules. Ask the immigration office before you plan a side trip.
A simple arrival checklist
- Read the rules. Check the official page for your passport.
- Choose your first country. Match it to your flight.
- Apply early. Save the approval email.
- Print the papers. Carry paper copies, plus digital ones.
- Match the names. Check every spelling against your passport.
- Tell us your route. We match transfers to your plan.
Follow these six steps, and the border will feel easy.
Not sure which dates suit you? Send them to us and a named member of our team will check.
Costs, fees and payment safety
Fees depend on the visa type and your nationality. We do not list amounts, because they change. Instead, read the fee shown on the official site at the time you apply. Pay only through the portal, and keep the receipt.
Scam sites also copy visa portals. They look real, yet they charge extra and collect your data. Check the web address with care, and read our guide to gorilla permit scams for more tips on safe payment.
Plan your entry paperwork with us
We cannot apply for a visa on your behalf, but we help you plan around it. When you send your dates, we suggest the country to enter first, and we match your permits and transfers to that choice.
Send your dates and group size, or message us on WhatsApp. For more planning advice, read our trek planning guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the East Africa Tourist Visa?
It is a single tourist visa that covers Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya. Rwanda's immigration service describes it as valid for 90 days with multiple entry within the three countries.
Can I use the East Africa Tourist Visa for a Uganda and Rwanda gorilla trip?
Yes, it suits a trip that links both countries. Apply through the country where you will enter first.
Where must I enter first?
If you get the visa before travel, your first entry point must be the country where you applied for it.
How long is the East Africa Tourist Visa valid?
Rwanda's immigration service says 90 days. Some governments note that it cannot be extended, so check your own situation.
How do I apply?
You can apply online, on arrival or at an embassy, depending on your nationality. Use the official immigration sites only.
Can an agent apply for me?
Rwanda's immigration service says it does not authorise any agent to apply on a traveller's behalf. Apply through the official portals.
How much passport validity do I need?
Rwanda requires at least six months. Aim for the same standard in Uganda.
Do I need a yellow fever certificate with the visa?
Rules differ by country and have changed recently. Read our yellow fever vaccine guide and confirm on the official sites.
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