The East Africa safari visa requirements for 2027/2028 visitors have simplified significantly with the expansion of the East African Tourist Visa — a single USD 100 visa that covers Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda (Tanzania does not participate) and is valid for 90 days of travel within those three countries. Understanding the East Africa safari visa guide by country, and whether the East African Tourist Visa or individual country visas are the better value for a specific itinerary, is the first administrative step in planning an East Africa self-drive safari circuit.
East African Tourist Visa: Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda USD 100
- Coverage: Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda — 90 days, multiple entries between these 3 countries
- Application: Apply online at the Rwanda Online Visa System or Kenya eDiiwan portal (the same application is accessible from both countries’ immigration systems)
- Cost: USD 100 per person
- Best for: Visitors doing a 3-country circuit (Kenya + Uganda + Rwanda) — saves USD 30 compared to buying all 3 individual visas separately (Kenya eTA USD 30 + Uganda USD 50 + Rwanda E-visa USD 30 = USD 110 for individual visas)
- Note: Tanzania is NOT included — visitors adding Tanzania to the circuit need a separate Tanzania visa
Individual Country Visa Requirements (2027)
- Kenya (eTA): USD 30, apply online at eta.immigration.go.ke, 72-hour processing, most nationalities require it
- Uganda: USD 50 single entry, apply online at visas.immigration.go.ug or on arrival at Entebbe airport. EAC nationals (Tanzania, Rwanda, Kenya) enter without a visa on national ID.
- Tanzania: USD 50 tourist visa — available on arrival at JNIA (Dar es Salaam), KIA (Kilimanjaro), and all land border crossings for most nationalities. Also available online at evisa.go.tz for e-visa processing before travel.
- Rwanda: USD 30 e-visa, apply at rwandaonline.rw. EAC nationals enter without a visa. Some nationalities receive a visa-on-arrival at Kigali International Airport.
Timeline: When to Apply
- East African Tourist Visa and Kenya eTA: apply 2 to 4 weeks before travel (72-hour processing, but allow buffer time)
- Uganda visa online: apply 2 weeks before (same day to 72-hour processing)
- Tanzania e-visa: apply 2 weeks before (3 to 7 business days processing)
