Visa Requirements for Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda

Planning a gorilla trekking adventure or wildlife safari across East Africa is one of the most exciting experiences a traveller can undertake. Before you pack your bags and book your permit, however, one of the most important steps is understanding the visa requirements for your destination countries. Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda each have their own entry regulations — but together, they also offer one of the most traveller-friendly regional visa arrangements in Africa. This guide covers everything you need to know, whether you are planning a single-country trip or an ambitious multi-country safari across all three nations.

Uganda Visa Requirements

Uganda remains one of the world’s premier gorilla trekking destinations, home to over half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Before you can explore these incredible destinations, you will need to secure a valid visa.

As of 2026, Uganda requires nearly all visitors to obtain an e-Visa before travelling. Visa-on-arrival is no longer available, meaning all applications must be submitted online through the official Uganda Immigration e-Visa portal at visas.immigration.go.ug. Once approved, you will receive an electronic approval letter by email, which must be printed and presented at the point of entry for biometric capture and stamping.

The standard Uganda Tourist Visa (single entry) costs USD 50 plus a small administrative fee and allows a stay of up to 90 days. This is a single-entry visa, meaning if you exit Uganda and wish to re-enter, you will need to apply for a new visa or opt for the East African Tourist Visa instead. The approval letter is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance — if you do not travel within that window, your approval expires and a fresh application is required.

Documents required for Uganda’s e-Visa:

• A valid passport with at least 6 months’ validity beyond your intended stay
• A recent passport-sized photograph
• A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate (mandatory for all travellers over 1 year old)
• A completed online application form
• Proof of accommodation (hotel reservation or host address)
• A travel itinerary covering your flights and planned activities
• Return or onward ticket

Yellow Fever certification is strictly enforced at Entebbe International Airport and all land borders. Travellers who arrive without this document risk being denied entry. Border officers in Uganda now scrutinise documents very closely, so ensure all uploaded documents match the details in your application.

Certain nationalities are exempt from visa requirements for Uganda — this includes citizens of some Commonwealth and African Union member states. Always verify with the official Uganda immigration portal before assuming exemption applies to your nationality.

If you are planning a 2-day gorilla safari in Uganda or a longer itinerary such as the 5-Day Best of Uganda Rwanda Safari, sorting your Uganda visa well in advance — ideally at least two to three weeks before departure — will ensure a smooth start to your journey. You can also explore more on the African Gorilla Safaris destinations page for additional travel planning tips.

Kenya Visa Requirements

Kenya is a world-renowned safari destination, famous for the Great Migration in the Maasai Mara, diverse wildlife, and vibrant coastal culture. Its visa system has evolved significantly in recent years to make entry more seamless and accessible for global travellers.

Citizens of East African Community (EAC) member states — including Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Burundi, and South Sudan — enjoy visa-free entry into Kenya for stays of up to 180 days. In 2025, Kenya further expanded its visa exemptions to cover additional African nations, allowing nationals of many countries to visit visa-free for up to 90 days as part of a broader initiative to boost regional tourism.

For travellers from countries not included in the visa-exempt list, Kenya operates a fully online Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system. Applications are made through the official Kenya e-Visa portal, and processing typically takes between 2 to 5 business days. It is advisable to apply at least one week before travel to avoid any last-minute complications.

Required documents for Kenya’s ETA or e-Visa:

• A valid passport with at least 6 months’ remaining validity from your entry date
• A recent digital passport-sized photograph
• Confirmed flight and accommodation details
• Proof of sufficient funds for the duration of your stay
• Return or onward travel ticket

Kenya offers several visa types. A standard single-entry tourist visa costs approximately USD 32.50, valid for 90 days. A multiple-entry visa is available for travellers who will be crossing borders repeatedly, and is particularly useful for combined safaris through Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda. The East African Tourist Visa is also applicable for Kenya and is discussed in detail below.

For those interested in exploring Kenya’s wildlife in combination with Uganda’s gorilla forests, the 4-Day Uganda–Rwanda Safari offers an excellent cross-border experience. For extended itineraries including Kenya’s Maasai Mara, visiting our full tours page will help you identify the best package for your needs.

Rwanda Visa Requirements

Rwanda has become one of Africa’s most accessible and progressive travel destinations. The country’s visa policy is among the most open on the continent, making it a very easy entry point for international travellers who want to experience gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park or explore Akagera National Park and the Nyungwe Forest.

Since January 2018, Rwanda has extended visa-on-arrival to nationals of all countries at Kigali International Airport and all land border crossings. Citizens of African Union, Commonwealth, and La Francophonie member nations receive their visa upon arrival with no visa fees for visits of up to 30 days — a remarkable policy that reflects Rwanda’s commitment to tourism. Citizens of EAC member states enjoy entry free of charge with a valid pass for up to six months.

For travellers who prefer to arrange things in advance, Rwanda also offers an e-Visa option through the Irembo online portal. A single-entry Rwanda Tourist Visa (V1) costs USD 50 and is valid for 30 days. A multiple-entry option is available for USD 70, valid for 90 days.

Documents required for Rwanda entry:

• A valid passport with at least 6 months’ validity
• Two recent passport-sized photographs (white background)
• Completed visa application form
• A letter explaining the purpose of your visit
• Proof of accommodation

Rwanda’s openness makes it an ideal starting point for a gorilla trekking holiday. A short 3-Day Gorilla Safari in Volcanoes National Park is one of the most popular ways to experience Rwanda’s incredible primate life. For those wishing to explore both Rwanda and Uganda’s gorilla habitats on one trip, Trek Gorilla Safaris offers a compelling Double Gorilla Trekking experience across both countries, and you can also browse Rwanda gorilla trekking safari options from the same operator for detailed itinerary inspiration.

The East African Tourist Visa — One Visa for Three Countries

Perhaps the most convenient option for travellers planning to visit Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda together is the East African Tourist Visa (EATV). This joint visa was created through an initiative by the heads of state of all three nations to simplify regional tourism and encourage multi-country exploration.

The EATV costs USD 100, is valid for 90 days, and allows multiple entries between Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda. It covers tourism purposes only — employment is strictly prohibited under this visa type. The visa cannot be extended once issued or upon exit from the three-country bloc.

A critical rule to note: your first point of entry must be the country through which you applied for the visa. So if you apply for the EATV through Uganda’s immigration portal, Uganda must be your first entry point. The same logic applies if you apply through Rwanda or Kenya. All three countries accept the EATV, and it can be applied for online through the official portals of any of the three member nations.

For gorilla enthusiasts planning an extended East Africa adventure, this single visa offers tremendous value. You can explore Uganda’s gorilla trekking experiences in Bwindi, then cross into Rwanda for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, and continue to Kenya’s Maasai Mara — all on one visa document. The EATV does not cover Tanzania, Burundi, or South Sudan, so separate visas are required if your itinerary extends beyond the three-country bloc.

For safari inspiration and itinerary ideas combining these three destinations, visit our Our Blog or contact our expert team at African Gorilla Safaris to start planning your dream East Africa trip today.

Final Tips for a Smooth Entry into East Africa

Regardless of which country or countries you are visiting, a few universal tips apply across Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda. Always ensure your passport has at least six months’ validity remaining from your date of entry. Apply for your visa or ETA well in advance — at least two to three weeks before travel — to avoid delays. Keep printed copies of all approval letters and supporting documents, as border officers across all three nations now scrutinise paperwork carefully. Yellow Fever vaccination is mandatory for Uganda and strongly recommended for the wider region. Lastly, always verify the latest entry requirements directly with official immigration portals before departure, as policies can change at any time.

With the right documentation in place, entering Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda is a straightforward and rewarding process. East Africa is ready to welcome you — and the mountain gorillas of Bwindi and Volcanoes are waiting.

Ready to book your gorilla safari? Browse our full range of tours or contact us today to plan your personalised East Africa adventure. You can also find additional safari inspiration at Trek Gorilla Safaris and explore their range of Big 5 Safari experiences in Uganda.