East Africa is home to some of the world's most compelling travel experiences — the Serengeti, Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar, the mountain gorillas of Uganda and Rwanda, and the Swahili coast. Entry requirements across the region are generally manageable, and several countries now have online application systems. But the details matter: visa categories, fees, the multi-country East Africa Tourist Visa, and what to expect at land border crossings all require some preparation. This guide covers the main options, with the firm reminder that requirements change and should always be verified with the relevant embassy or your own government before you travel.
Verify all requirements before you travel. Entry rules for Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and other East African countries vary by nationality, are updated regularly, and may differ from what you read on traveller forums. Always check with the relevant embassy or consulate and your own government's travel advice for the most current information.
Kenya: the eTA system
Kenya moved to an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) system, replacing its previous visa on arrival for most nationalities. The eTA is applied for online before travel, and most nationalities — including those that were previously visa-exempt — must apply. The process requires your passport details, travel information, and payment of the applicable fee. Processing is typically completed within a few business days, though applying well in advance is advisable.
The Kenyan eTA for tourism purposes allows stays of up to 90 days for most nationalities, though the duration granted can depend on your specific case. Print or download your approval and have it accessible at the airport — Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi and Moi International Airport in Mombasa are the main air entry points.
Kenya also serves as a common entry point for overland travellers heading to Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda. If you plan to cross land borders, be aware that the eTA is processed before travel and should cover your initial entry — check whether you need separate authorisation for re-entry if you leave Kenya and plan to return as part of a circuit.
Tanzania: eVisa
Tanzania requires most nationalities to obtain a visa, and the country operates an online eVisa application system. As with Kenya, applying before travel is the standard approach. The single-entry tourist visa is the most common option for visitors. Tanzania's main international airports are Julius Nyerere International in Dar es Salaam and Kilimanjaro International near Arusha.
Zanzibar, as a semi-autonomous region of Tanzania, falls under Tanzanian entry rules — if your visa covers Tanzania, it covers Zanzibar. However, Zanzibar's Stone Town and its own arrival formalities require presenting your documents again when flying or sailing in from the mainland.
Uganda: eVisa
Uganda operates an online eVisa platform for most nationalities. The tourist visa allows stays of a set duration; check the current allowance when you apply. Entebbe International Airport is the main entry point by air. Uganda is a key destination for gorilla tracking permits in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest — note that gorilla permits are separate from your visa, are limited in number, and need to be booked well in advance through the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
Rwanda: visa on arrival and eVisa
Rwanda offers particularly visitor-friendly arrangements: many nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival at Kigali International Airport, and there is also an online eVisa option. Rwanda has actively promoted tourism and is known for its efficiency and order, which extends to the entry process. Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park is the top draw, and as with Uganda, permits are separate from your visa and require advance booking.
The East Africa Tourist Visa
One of the most useful options for multi-country visitors is the East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV), which historically covered Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda as a combined permit, allowing travel between the three countries on a single visa. This was a significant cost and administrative saving for travellers doing a regional circuit.
The EATV has had a somewhat uncertain status in recent years — periods of suspension and relaunch — so verify carefully whether it is currently available and operational before building your itinerary around it. If available, it is typically applied for online. Tanzania has not consistently been part of the EATV arrangement and usually requires its own separate visa.
Ethiopia, Eritrea and other regional countries
Ethiopia offers an eVisa through the official portal and is open to many nationalities. Addis Ababa Bole International Airport is a major hub for African aviation and a common transit point. Check current requirements, as Ethiopia's situation has been subject to travel advisories related to domestic security in some regions — your government's travel advice is essential reading here.
Eritrea has a significantly more restrictive entry system and is not straightforwardly accessible for most Western travellers. Check current conditions carefully.
Other countries in the broader region — Mozambique, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi — each have their own entry arrangements and are often visited as extensions to an East African circuit. The KAZA Univisa has historically covered Zimbabwe and Zambia together (useful for Victoria Falls), though its availability fluctuates — check current status before relying on it.
Land border crossings
Overland travel is common in East Africa, particularly on routes linking Kenya and Tanzania (Namanga being the busiest crossing), Uganda and Rwanda (Katuna/Gatuna), and Rwanda and the DRC or Burundi. A few practical notes:
- Carry multiple passport photographs — some border posts still require them for visa stamps.
- Have cash (US dollars are widely accepted for fees) as card payment is not always available.
- Processing time at busy crossings can be lengthy; allow for this in your schedule.
- Check current crossing hours and advisories — some crossings are affected by local conditions.
- Yellow fever vaccination certificates are required for entry to several East African countries, and increasingly enforced. Carry your international vaccination certificate.
Health requirements and yellow fever
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for entry to several East African countries if you are arriving from a country where yellow fever is present, and some countries require it for all arrivals. Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania have varying requirements — check carefully and carry your yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination).
Malaria prophylaxis is recommended for most of the region; consult a travel health clinic or your GP before departure. Many areas also require other vaccinations — hepatitis A, typhoid, and depending on activities, rabies and meningococcal meningitis.
For more on understanding entry requirements generally, see our guide on how to check whether you need a visa and the guide to biometric passports, which explains the passport requirements that many countries now check automatically.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa for Kenya?
Most nationalities now need a Kenyan eTA, applied for online before travel. This replaced the previous visa on arrival system. Apply well in advance, as processing can take a few business days. Check the current requirements for your passport on the official Kenyan eTA portal.
What is the East Africa Tourist Visa?
The East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV) is a combined visa covering Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda (when available), allowing travel between the three countries on one permit. It can be a cost-saving option for multi-country itineraries. Check whether it is currently operational before planning around it, as availability has fluctuated.
Do I need a yellow fever certificate for East Africa?
Yes, in many cases. Several East African countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination, particularly if you are arriving from or have transited through a yellow fever risk area. Carry your international certificate of vaccination (yellow card). Check specific requirements for each country you plan to visit.
Can I enter Tanzania and Zanzibar on the same visa?
Yes. Zanzibar is part of Tanzania, so your Tanzanian visa covers entry to Zanzibar. However, you will need to present your travel documents again on arrival in Zanzibar, whether flying or travelling by ferry.
Sources and further reading:
- Kenya eTA portal (etakenya.go.ke) — official Kenyan Electronic Travel Authorisation.
- Tanzania eVisa portal — official Tanzanian visa applications.
- Uganda eVisa portal and Rwanda Directorate General of Immigration.
- Your government's official travel advice for each East African destination.
- World Health Organization for yellow fever risk areas and vaccination requirements.