Getting a tourist visa was expensive and challenging for a tourist who wanted to visit Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya in a single safari in the past. The challenges and costs have been reduced through the introduction of the East African tourist visa. It is now possible for an international traveler to visit Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya with just only one visa. Applying for a multiple entry visa is cheaper than getting individual visas for each of the countries.
What is an East African visa?
The East African visa is a document that allows one to visit all countries within east Africa that have agreed to join the system freely and simultaneously for a period of ninety days. With the east African visa, a tourist needs to begin their tour from the country where the visa was issued. The tourist does not need to pay for any return visas to any of the three countries. The east African tourist visa fee is 100 unites states dollars. It is important to note that the east African tourist visa cannot be extended.
Before the introduction of the single entry visas, tourists would be paying for a visa each time they entered any of the three east African countries at a cost of about 50 dollars. This option still exists if you are planning to visit only one of the countries or if you want to get the visa on a short notice. The normal tourist’s visa can easily be got from any of the border crossing or airports without having to apply in advance.
It was introduced in 2014, after the presidents of Rwanda, Kenya and Uganda sat down and decided that a single entry visa would help sell east African countries as a single tourist destination. The visa would not only allow easy access of the east African countries but also help to improve diplomatic relationships. Unfortunately, Tanzania, south Sudan and Burundi have not yet joined the single visa system but it’s a matter of time before they join the system.
How to apply for the east African tourist visa?
Applying to the east African visa involves several steps as we shall see in the following chapters. The first step is to submit an application; the application can be made manually or online form diplomatic or immigration office of any of the countries or their websites online. Some of the countries offer the possibility of applying the visa at the airport but applying in advance is always recommended. The application process for the visa is easier and faster in Uganda and Rwanda because you can apply through an online form. If you are starting from Uganda or Kenya, you might need to apply for it online or directly from the nearest embassy.
Eligibility and requirements when applying for the tourist visa
While filling the form from online system, you will be required to upload a scanned copy of colored passport photos. This photo must not be taken with head scarves on. Photos with glasses, caps and a white background will be rejected. You will also need an application letter and a proof that you are able to support yourself financially for the entire duration of your safari. They may also need to ask you to upload the itinerary with details about the activities you will be taking part in. finally, you may be asked to show your return air ticket so that they are able to record the dates of entry and exit. This is also to avoid cases of illegal immigration.
Who is eligible for the visa?
If you are a national of any of the three east African countries, that is Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda, you do not need this particular visa. All you need is your national identity card or passport to travel to the countries for as long as six months. The use of the national identity card to travel to the three countries became effective in 2014.
If you are a foreigner and wish to travel to two or the three countries, you may need the visa. It is important to note that the visa is issued for a period of ninety days. You cannot use the visa if your intention is to find work. People who are not citizens but have lived in the country for a while are exempted from moving with the tourist visa. They are given an inter-state pass which allows them to move to any of the three countries for a period of six months. All they need is the resident permit and passport to cross to any of the three east African countries.
Acquiring the east African tourist visa in Uganda
If your first entry point is Uganda, then you can apply for the visa online before showing up or asking for t on arrival at Entebbe international airport. You can apply online for the east African visa through the Uganda online visa application system. After completing all the information correctly and handling in the required information, you can then print an E-visa which you will then present to the immigration authorities at the airport or Uganda border crossing.