Planning a multi-country East Africa safari involves one of the region’s most confusing travel logistics topics: visas. The good news is that East Africa has one of the world’s best regional visa schemes (the East Africa Tourist Visa), and most nationalities have clean, straightforward entry routes. Here’s everything you need to know for 2026.
The East Africa Tourist Visa (EAV)
The East Africa Tourist Visa covers Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya on a single USD $100 visa — allowing multiple entries into all three countries for 90 days (30 days per country per entry period).
Key points:
- Available at the first port of entry into any of the three countries
- Can also be applied for online in advance through Rwanda’s e-visa portal
- Does NOT include Burundi, Tanzania, or any other country
- Ideal for classic gorilla + game drive itineraries (Rwanda → Uganda via Bwindi or Queen Elizabeth National Park → Kenya)
Who Qualifies?
The EAV is available to most nationalities — check the Rwanda Directorate General of Immigration website for the current country list. Citizens of some African Union nations receive free entry.
Burundi Visa — Separate from the EAV
Burundi is not part of the East Africa Tourist Visa scheme. Burundian entry requires a separate visa obtained independently.
Options for Burundi Entry:
1. Transit Visa on Arrival (issued at all entry points)
As of 2026, Burundi issues a transit visa at all official entry points — including Bujumbura International Airport (BJM) and all main land borders.
- Cost: USD 40 (or equivalent in EUR — payable in cash)
- Validity: 3 days from date of entry
- Processing time: 30–60 minutes at the immigration desk
Important: The transit visa is valid for 3 days only — it is not a standard tourist visa. If your itinerary requires a longer stay in Burundi, you must arrange a full visa in advance (see option 2 below).
2. Standard Visa in Advance (Embassy/Consulate) — for stays over 3 days
- Single or multiple-entry visa: USD 90
- Available through Burundian embassies in Nairobi, Kigali, Paris, Brussels, and other cities
- East Africa Bridge Tours can provide an official invitation letter or tour confirmation to support your application
- Recommended for clients on extended Burundi itineraries (5+ days)
Essential: Carry USD 40 in cash for the transit visa on arrival. If staying longer than 3 days, arrange the USD 90 embassy visa before departure. East Africa Bridge Tours briefs all clients on arrival procedures and provides visa support letters.
Rwanda Visa
Rwanda offers one of the most travel-friendly visa policies in Africa — many nationalities receive visa-free entry including all African Union member states, Commonwealth citizens, and many others.
For nationalities requiring a visa:
- E-visa: Available online at irembo.gov.rw (USD $50, processed in 1–3 business days)
- On arrival: Available at Kigali International Airport for most visa-eligible nationalities
Rwanda’s immigration is efficient — expect under 15 minutes at the airport even with a queue.
Uganda Visa
Uganda provides multiple entry options for 2026:
- E-visa: Available online at visas.immigration.go.ug (USD $50 for single entry, USD $100 for multiple entry). Apply at least 2–3 business days before travel.
- East Africa Tourist Visa: If combining Uganda with Rwanda and/or Kenya, the USD $100 EAV covers all three countries and is better value.
- Visa on arrival: Available at Entebbe International Airport for many nationalities (USD $50)
Kenya Visa
Kenya updated its visa policy in 2024, introducing an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) system for most nationalities:
- Apply online at etakenya.go.ke before travel
- Cost: USD $30 for most nationalities
- Processing: Usually within 72 hours
- Traditional visas have been phased out for most nationalities in favour of the ETA
Tanzania Visa
For travellers combining Tanzania with an East Africa itinerary:
- E-visa available: USD $50, apply online at immigration.go.tz
- On arrival: Available at main ports of entry
- The East Africa Tourist Visa does not cover Tanzania — a separate Tanzanian visa is required
Practical Tips for Multi-Country East Africa Trips
1. Always carry sufficient USD cash Multiple countries in the region require USD for visa fees on arrival. Carry at least USD $200 in clean, unripped notes.
2. Passport validity Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates. Most entry requirements also specify at least 2 blank visa pages.
3. Yellow Fever certificate Required for entry to Uganda, Burundi, Kenya, Tanzania (and some other countries) — carry your International Certificate of Vaccination. East Africa Bridge Tours reminds all clients about this requirement at booking time.
4. Let East Africa Bridge Tours handle the coordination When crossing more than two East African borders, the logistics of visa timing, border crossing protocols, and entry requirements can become complex. East Africa Bridge Tours typically handles all pre-trip visa guidance for our clients — we know exactly what each nationality needs for each border crossing on your specific itinerary.
Quick Reference Table (2026)
| Country | Tourist visa type | Cost (USD) | Apply where? | Part of EAV? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rwanda | E-visa / free (many nationals) | $50 or free | irembo.gov.rw | ✅ Yes |
| Uganda | E-visa / VOA | $50 | immigration.go.ug | ✅ Yes |
| Kenya | ETA | $30 | etakenya.go.ke | ✅ Yes |
| Burundi | Transit visa on arrival (3 days) | $40 | Airport & all land borders | ❌ No |
| Burundi (extended stay) | Embassy visa (advance) | $90 | Burundian embassy/consulate | ❌ No |
| Tanzania | E-visa / VOA | $50 | immigration.go.tz | ❌ No |
Note: Visa policies change. Always verify requirements with the relevant embassy or official government portal before travel. East Africa Bridge Tours provides current guidance as part of every booking.
Planning an East Africa multi-country safari? Contact East Africa Bridge Tours — we manage visa guidance, border crossing logistics, and all travel documentation for our clients.
