Tag: visas

A Complete Guide to Applying for the East Africa Tourist Visa (Uganda)

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Before I moved to Uganda permanently, I applied for the East Africa Tourist Visa several times. I found the process to be exceptionally straightforward and hassle free. 

However, if you’re relatively new to this part of the world, it’s helpful to know how the visa application process works ahead of time.  

To help you, I’ve put together this complete guide to applying for the East Africa Tourist Visa (Uganda).  

What is the East Africa Tourist Visa?

The East Africa Tourist Visa is a visa specifically designed for tourists who wish to enter Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya during the same trip. The visa allows multiple entries between the three countries for a period of up to three months. 

Who can apply for the East Africa Tourist Visa?

Citizens of more than 100 countries can apply for the East Africa Tourist Visa online, making it a super accessible visa. If you’re visiting Uganda from the UK or other parts of Europe and the US, you can easily apply for the visa online.  

Crucially, you must apply for the East Africa Tourist Visa from the country that you plan to visit first. So, for instance, if you’re flying into Entebbe Airport in Uganda, you need to apply for the visa from Ugandan immigration.  

This guide is specifically for people traveling to Uganda, although the application requirements are similar for each of the three countries. 

What you need to apply

The visa is available to anyone (from specific countries) who wishes to visit Uganda, Kenya, or Rwanda for tourism purposes only for a period of no more than three months. As a result, you need the following details before completing the application process:  

  • Copy of the bio-page of your passport. Your passport should be valid for a period of at least six months.  
  • A recent passport-sized photograph.  
  • Proof of yellow fever vaccination.  
  • A return airline ticket showing that you won’t exceed a stay of ninety days.  
  • Your travel itinerary. This can be directly from a tour company or you can put one together yourself in a Word doc. Just include things like your flight details, any internal transport, where you’re staying, what activities you’re doing, etc. 
  • A debit or credit card to pay the visa fee, which is currently $100. 

Applying for the East Africa Tourist Visa Uganda (Step-by-Step)

As visa applications go, the East Africa Tourist Visa (Uganda) is super simple. Here are the straightforward steps that you need to follow to get this visa ahead of your trip to East Africa:  

  • Step 1: Prepare your documentation as listed above. You will need to upload these to your computer to submit them as part of your application.  
  • Step 2: Go directly to Uganda’s immigration portal here. Please be careful – you don’t need to go through a third party website! (My Mum and Dad accidentally did this when applying to come and visit me last year – it cost them an extra $50!). 
  • Step 3: Select the visa type that you’re applying for. In your case, it is the East African Tourist Visa.  
  • Step 4: Complete the application form accurately and carefully.  
  • Step 5: Upload your documents.  
  • Step 6: Submit the application. Please note – a six-digit number will be generated at this stage. Write this down as you might need it to access your application!  
  • Step 7: Continue to the payment portal and make the non-refundable payment of $100 via debit or credit card.  
  • Step 8: Await your approval. Once processed the invitation letter will be sent directly to the email address that you have provided. 

Recap

The East Africa Tourist Visa (Uganda) is extremely easy to apply for and is perfect if you’re planning to visit Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya during the same vacation. I hope you have found the step-by-step guide above helpful. I’ve also included some FAQs below that you can refer to for more information about this visa.  

If you have any questions that I haven’t covered here, drop me a comment below and I will get back to you. 

East Africa Tourist Visa FAQs

How much does the East Africa Tourist visa cost?  

The East Africa Tourist Visa costs $100.  

How long does it take to get the East Africa Tourist visa? 

Approval depends on how busy the immigration office is. In my experience, it takes between 2-3 working days to receive your approval letter. However, give yourself as much time as possible before departing on your vacation.  

How do I know which country to apply to?  

You must apply for an East Africa Tourist Visa from the country you visit first, be it Uganda, Kenya, or Rwanda. You can then move in and out of the other countries throughout the duration of your visa.  

Is the East Africa Tourist Visa multiple entry?  

Yes, you can travel through Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda as many times as you like for the duration of the visa.  

How long is the East Africa Tourist Visa valid for?  

The East Africa Tourist visa is valid for a period of three months.  

Can I renew the East Africa Tourist Visa?  

You can apply for another East Africa Tourist Visa when your current visa expires. Contact the immigration office in Uganda/Kenya/Rwanda for more information about visa extensions. 

Can I apply for the East Africa Tourist Visa online?  

Yes, you can only apply for the East Africa Tourist Visa online. You can follow the link I have shared to go directly to the Ugandan immigration website. 

What happens if my East Africa Tourist Visa application is rejected?  

There are several reasons why your visa application might be rejected. You should email the immigration office directly to ask for some feedback before submitting a second application.