Entry and airport
The East Africa Tourist Visa in Uganda
Short answer
- Countries
- Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda 1
- Fee
- US$100, non-refundable, plus bank charges 1
- Validity
- 90 days, or 3 months from issue 1
- Entries
- Multiple, tourism only 1
- Where to apply in Uganda
- visas.immigration.go.ug 1
- Launched
- 20 February 2014 in Kampala, as reported 2
What the visa covers
The NCIC page says the visa is valid for travel to Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda only 1. It can be used for several entries, but only for tourism, and it does not allow work 1. It is not renewable when it expires or when the holder leaves the three-country block 1.
The page gives the length two ways. The overview says 90 days. The validity section says 3 months from the date of issue and adds that it cannot be extended inside the country 1.
First entry rule
The issuing country should be the first point of entry 1. A traveller who will land first in Uganda applies through Uganda's portal. Thales, which supplied Uganda's e-visa system, says the system issues the common East Africa Tourist Visa, which covers Kenya and Rwanda as well 4.
How to apply through Uganda
- Start a new application on visas.immigration.go.ug and accept the disclaimer 1.
- Choose the visa type and category. The 2021 directorate notice lists the East Africa Tourist Visa as a category on the portal 3.
- Upload a passport bio-data page valid for at least six months, a recent photo, a return ticket and a travel itinerary 1.
- Pay online if prepayment is required. A top-up payment may be asked for after approval 1.
- Receive the approval letter by email 1.
- Report to the immigration office or border point for biometric capture with all documents, receipts and the passport 1.
Fee and how it is shared
NCIC lists the fee at US$100 1. The 2021 directorate fee table lists the single East African Tourist Visa at US$100 3. The Ugandan embassy in Washington lists 100 USD per visa 5.
At the launch in 2014, The New Times reported that the issuing country keeps US$40 and each of the other two partner states receives US$30 2. This guide did not find a current official source on the split.
Launch and status
The New Times reported on 21 February 2014 that Presidents Paul Kagame, Uhuru Kenyatta and Yoweri Museveni launched the visa in Kampala the day before. The paper said the visa had been introduced on 1 January 2. The visa remains listed as a service on the NCIC website read on 24 October 2026 1.
The NCIC page still lists a yellow fever certificate among the documents. A separate NCIC notice of 2 October 2026 says the certificate is no longer mandatory for entry into Uganda 1,6.
Common questions
How much is the East Africa Tourist Visa?
US$100 when applied for through Uganda's immigration portal 1.
Which countries does it cover?
Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda 1.
Can I work on an East Africa Tourist Visa?
No. It is for tourism only and does not allow employment 1.
Can I extend it?
No. NCIC says it cannot be extended in the country and is not renewable after leaving the block 1.
Does it cover Tanzania?
No. NCIC says it is valid for Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda only 1.
Rules and charges change. Check the official source linked on this page before you pay or travel. Spotted an error? Email [email protected].
Sources
- NCIC: East African Tourist Visa (undated page)
- The New Times, Times Reporter: Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda launch single tourist visa (21 February 2014)
- DCIC: Mandatory Online Visa Applications for All Visa Prone Travellers to Uganda (14 October 2021)
- Thales, provider page: Uganda e-visa system (undated)
- Embassy of Uganda, Washington DC: Uganda Electronic Visa/Permit Application System (undated page)
- NCIC: Official Notice: Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate is No Longer Mandatory for Entry into Uganda (2 October 2026)
Related
- Uganda entry requirements
Uganda entry rules: online visa approval, passport validity, visa fees in US$, exempt countries and the 2026 yellow fever notice.
- The Uganda e-visa and e-immigration system
How Uganda's online visa and permit system works, when it went live in July 2016, what the approval letter is and what happens at the border.
- Arriving at and leaving Entebbe International Airport
Step by step through arrival and departure at Entebbe International Airport: visa checks, biometrics, the 2026 health declaration, security and gate times.