Overview
The East African Visa is a joint tourist visa that allows visitors to travel to Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya only. This means that travelers/visitors can move seamlessly between the three countries without the need for multiple visas. This Visa offers a convenient and cost-effective way to explore the East African region. In this article, we will take a look at how to obtain the East African Visa and how it works between the three countries.
Steps for acquiring an East African Visa
Step 1:
Check Your eligibility before you apply for an East African Visa. The visa is available to citizens of any country who wish to visit Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya for tourism purposes. If you are planning to travel to any of these countries for other reasons, you will need to obtain the appropriate visa for that country.
Step 2:
Apply Online for the East African Visa through a simple and straightforward process. You can apply for the visa on the official website of any of the three countries – Rwanda, Uganda, or Kenya. The application process involves filling out a form with your personal details, travel plans, and other relevant information. All travelers must apply in their own right individually with acceptable travel documents. These documents must be valid not less than six months from the date of intended travel.
Step 3:
Pay the Visa Fee once you have filled in the application form. The fee is set at $100, and payment can be made using a credit card or other online payment methods. Once you have paid the fee, your application will be processed, and you will receive your visa via email.
Step 4:
Plan Your Trip With your East African Visa in hand. The visa is valid for 90 days, and during this time, you can enter and exit Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya using the same visa. This means you can explore the region at your leisure, moving through the three countries as you wish.
In summary, as you prepare to acquire that visa, ensure that you have one clear colored passport size photo, a complete filled application form, flight bookings/itinerary, proof of financial sustainability during the travel period and any other necessary information.
How Does The East Africa Visa Work
The East African Visa is a joint tourist visa that can only be used between Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya. It works by allowing travelers to use a single visa to enter all three countries. This means that when you arrive in the first country, you will be granted a multiple-entry visa that allows you to travel to the other two countries without the need for additional visas.
For example, if you arrive in Rwanda and obtain an East African Visa, you can then travel to Uganda and Kenya without the need for additional visas. The same is true if you arrive in Uganda or Kenya first – you can travel to the other two countries without the need for another visa.
The East African Visa is an excellent option for travelers who wish to explore the region and visit multiple countries. The process of obtaining the visa is simple and straightforward, and it offers a convenient and cost-effective way to travel between Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya. So if you are planning a trip to East Africa, be sure to consider applying for the East African Visa to make your travels hassle-free.
What are the requirements for tourists to cross from one destination to another by road within East Africa and what is the procedure at the border entry point?
If you are a tourist who wants to cross from say; Uganda to Kenya or Rwanda to Kenya, there are several requirements and procedures that you will need to follow at the border entry point. Here are some of the key things you should know:
Valid Passport: To cross the border from Uganda to Kenya or any East African country you will need a valid passport. Make sure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months before the date of your planned entry into any country.
Visa: Depending on your nationality, you may also need a visa to enter any of the East African countries. You can check the visa requirements for your country on the website of the specific embassy or consulate in your home country. If you need a visa, it is recommended that you obtain it before traveling to the border.
Yellow Fever Certificate: Kenya and Uganda require all travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission to present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate.
COVID-19 Requirements: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there may be additional requirements that you need to meet when crossing the borders. These may include presenting a negative COVID-19 test result or proof of vaccination, wearing a mask and using hand sanitizer. You should check the latest COVID-19 requirements with the the country embassy or consulate before you travel.
Procedure at the Border Entry Point:
When you arrive at the border entry point between any country, you will need to follow certain procedures. Here is a general outline of what to expect:
Immigration: You will first need to go through immigration, where you will present your passport and any necessary visas or documents. You will also need to complete an arrival form.
Health Check: You may be subject to a health check, where you will need to present your yellow fever certificate, COVID-19 test results, or proof of vaccination.
Customs: You will need to go through customs, where your bags and belongings may be inspected.
Payment of Fees: You may be required to pay a fee for entry into Kenya. This fee can vary depending on your nationality, the purpose of your visit, and the length of your stay.
Final Checks: Once you have completed all the necessary procedures, you will be allowed to enter. Make sure that you have all your documents, including your passport and visa. You may need to present them again later during your trip.
It is important to note that border entry procedures can vary depending on the specific border point. Any changes in regulations/requirements can also influence these procedures. Therefore, it is advisable to check with the relevant authorities for the most up-to-date information on requirements and procedures.