Guide to Get East African Tourist Visa
The East African Tourist Visa: Acquiring an East African tourist visa was previously costly and arduous for anyone wishing to visit Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya in a single safari. The introduction of the East African Tourist Visa has mitigated obstacles and expenses. An international traveler can now visit Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya with a single East African tourist visa. Obtaining a multiple entry visa is more economical than acquiring separate visas for each country.
What constitutes the East African Tourist Visa?
The East African tourist visa permits travel to all participating East African nations concurrently for a duration of ninety days. A tourist must commence their journey from the country that issued the East African visa. The tourist is not required to pay for return visas to any of the three countries. The price for the East African tourist visa is 100 United States Dollars. The East African tourist visa is non-extendable.
Prior to the implementation of the single entry visa, tourists incurred a fee of approximately $50 for each visa while entering any of the three East African nations. This option remains available if you want to visit only one of the countries or require a visa on short notice. The standard tourist visa can be obtained readily at any border crossing or airport without prior application.
The East Africa Tourist Visa was established in 2014. The initiative was established following discussions among the presidents of Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda, who concluded that a unified entrance visa would promote East African nations as a singular tourist destination. The visa would facilitate entry to East African nations and enhance diplomatic relations. Regrettably, Tanzania, South Sudan, and Burundi have not yet participated in the Single visa system as I compose this piece. It is really a question of time before they emulate.
Procedure for applying for the East African Tourist visa
The process of applying for the East African visa entails multiple phases, which will be detailed in the subsequent chapters. The initial stage involves submitting an application. The application may be submitted either manually or online through the diplomatic or immigration office of any country or via their website, if available. Certain nations permit visa applications at the airport; nonetheless, it is advisable to apply in advance. The application procedure for the East African Tourist visa is more efficient and expedited in Rwanda, since it allows for direct submission via an internet form. If you are originating from Uganda or Kenya, you may need to apply online or immediately at the nearest consulate or embassy.
Criteria and prerequisites for obtaining for a tourist visa.
During the completion of the online form, you must upload a scanned copy of a color passport photograph. This photograph should not depict anyone wearing headscarves. Images including glasses, caps, and a white background will likewise be disqualified. An application letter and evidence of your financial self-sufficiency for the whole time of your safari are also required. You may also be requested to provide the itinerary containing details of the activities in which you will participate. Ultimately, you may be required to present your return plane ticket to facilitate the documentation of your arrival and exit dates. This also aims to prevent instances of unlawful migration.
Who qualifies for the East African Tourist visa? Nationals of Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya are exempt from this specific visa requirement. To travel to these countries for a duration of up to six months, you must either your National Identity Card or passport. The implementation of National Identity cards for travel to the three East African nations commenced in 2014.
If you are a foreign national and intend to visit two or three countries, a visa may be required. The visa is valid for a duration of ninety days. A visa cannot be utilized if your objective is to seek employment. Expatriates, or individuals who are nationals of nations outside East Africa but have resided in the three countries for a duration, are free from the requirement to travel with a tourist visa. They receive an inter-state pass permitting travel to any of the three nations for a duration of six months. They require a resident permit and passport to enter any of the three East African nations.
Procedure for Applying for the East African Tourist Visa
Let us examine the application procedures for each of the three East African nations in further depth. The Visa application must be submitted online or in person. If you plan to fill it out manually, you must complete the EATV Form 1 and send it to the consular office of the nation from which you will commence your trip. The application may be submitted before to arrival or at any designated entry points providing the service. Applications may also be submitted at any diplomatic office of the three nations.
Obtaining the East African Tourist visa in Uganda
If Uganda is your initial entry point, you may apply for the visa online prior to travel or request it upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport. One can submit an application for the East African Visa online via the Uganda online Visa application platform. Upon accurately completing and submitting all needed information, you may print an E-visa to show to immigration authorities at the airport or Uganda border crossing.
The East African Visa is obtainable at primary border entry locations, provided you possess all necessary documentation. Obtaining the visa directly at the airport is not advisable, despite requiring less paperwork, no passport photographs, and no documentation to mail.
If you intend to visit solely Uganda during your Uganda Safaris, the East African tourist visa is unnecessary. The standard visa is available for a fee of $50. It is imperative to present your yellow fever vaccination certificate, regardless of visa approval. For further details regarding the acquisition of the East African Visa from Uganda, please visit or contact the nearest Ugandan embassy or consult their official website.
What is the process for obtaining the East African tourist visa in Kenya?
Obtaining the East African tourist visa at the airport in Nairobi or Mombasa is feasible; however, the procedure may be protracted due to the high influx of tourists. It is advisable to submit your application online prior to arriving at the airport in Kenya. Details regarding visa acquisition can be obtained at the nearest Kenyan embassy or through their official website. You may proceed directly to the Kenya online visa application portal. This portal may have usability challenges and could be nonfunctional. Whether you apply online or obtain it at the airport, officials will want further information upon your entry into the country, including your passport, yellow fever vaccination card, and the purpose of your visit.
Obtaining the East African tourist visa in Rwanda
Similar to Uganda, obtaining the East African Tourist visa in Rwanda is considerably more straightforward while utilizing internet platforms. Rwanda does not provide the East African visa at the airport. The sole method is to submit an application online via the Rwanda online Visa application portal. Consult the nearest Rwandan embassy in your country for information on obtaining the visa. The process of applying for the East African visa using the internet system is considerably more straightforward than that of the other three nations. Approvals are expedited.
Essential insights into the application process for the East African Tourist visa.
The East African tourist visa is priced at $100 and can be purchased online using MasterCard, Visa, or any other credit card. The visa payments are non-refundable.
The processing time for the East African visa typically ranges from around one week when applied for online. Upon approval, you may print it from the system and thereafter provide it to the immigration officers. Applications that are incomplete will not be processed.
Each individual must independently apply for the East African visa. There is nothing comparable to applying for something with another individual.
The visa remains valid for a duration of 90 days. The East African tourist visa is non-extendable.
If you lack it, you may still apply for a visa at each entrance point. This may incur significant costs, particularly if you intend to visit all three nations.
The East African Visa does not provide the permission to work in any of the three East African nations.
It becomes null upon departure from the three nations.
A colorful passport photo, taken without a headgear, headscarf, or spectacles, is a requirement for the East African Visa. This photograph is affixed to the visa application form with adhesive. It is advised that you refrain from stamping the photograph onto the form.
Citizens of Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda require only their Identity Card for travel among the three nations.
Students who are citizens of the three nations may utilize their Student Identification documents to travel to the three countries.
Exercise caution regarding dubious websites and individuals purporting to assist you in acquiring the visa. Refrain from transmitting funds via these websites. Submit your visa application personally at the nearest embassy or consular office, or via the official visa processing websites already mentioned.