Planning a multi-country East Africa trip? Understanding how visas work across Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda is essential for your itinerary. The East Africa Tourist Visa covers Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda — but Tanzania requires its own separate e-Visa. This guide explains all your options.
East Africa Tourist Visa: What It Covers
The East Africa Tourist Visa (EAC Tourist Visa) is a single visa that allows entry to three countries:
- Kenya
- Uganda
- Rwanda
Cost: $100 USD
Validity: 90 days
Entries: Multiple between the three covered countries
This visa is ideal for travelers doing a Kenya-Uganda-Rwanda circuit.
Tanzania is NOT part of the East Africa Tourist Visa. Despite being an EAC member, Tanzania operates its own separate e-Visa system.
Tanzania e-Visa for East Africa Trips
If your East Africa itinerary includes Tanzania, you need:
- Tanzania e-Visa — applied separately at eservices.immigration.go.tz ($50–$100 depending on entry type)
- EAC Tourist Visa OR individual country visas for Kenya/Uganda/Rwanda
For a Tanzania + Kenya circuit (e.g., Serengeti → Masai Mara → back to Tanzania):
- Tanzania Multiple Entry e-Visa — $100 USD (allows re-entry into Tanzania)
- Kenya e-Visa — $30–$50 USD (applied at etakenya.go.ke)
For Tanzania + Uganda:
- Tanzania e-Visa — $50–$100 USD
- Uganda e-Visa — applied at visas.immigration.go.ug
Popular East Africa Multi-Country Itineraries
Itinerary 1: Classic Kenya + Tanzania Safari
Tanzania (Serengeti, Ngorongoro) → Kenya (Masai Mara) → Tanzania (Zanzibar)
Visas needed:
- Tanzania Multiple Entry e-Visa: $100
- Kenya e-Visa: $30 (or EAC Tourist Visa: $100 if also visiting Uganda/Rwanda)
Itinerary 2: Tanzania + Zanzibar Only
Kilimanjaro → Serengeti → Ngorongoro → Zanzibar
Visa needed:
- Tanzania Single Entry e-Visa: $50 (covers all of Tanzania including Zanzibar)
Itinerary 3: Rwanda + Uganda + Kenya + Tanzania
Big 5 safari + gorilla trekking + beach
Visas needed:
- EAC Tourist Visa (Kenya + Uganda + Rwanda): $100
- Tanzania e-Visa (single or multiple entry): $50–$100
Itinerary 4: Tanzania + Kilimanjaro + Zanzibar
Serengeti → Kilimanjaro climb → Zanzibar beach
Visa needed:
- Tanzania Single Entry e-Visa: $50
East Africa Visa Costs Summary
| Country | Visa Type | Cost | Apply At |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tanzania | e-Visa (single) | $50 | eservices.immigration.go.tz |
| Tanzania | e-Visa (multiple) | $100 | eservices.immigration.go.tz |
| Kenya | e-Visa | $30–$51 | etakenya.go.ke |
| Uganda | e-Visa | $50 | visas.immigration.go.ug |
| Rwanda | e-Visa | $30 | or included in EAC Tourist Visa |
| EAC Tourist Visa | Kenya+Uganda+Rwanda | $100 | Through any member country's portal |
Zanzibar vs. Kenya: Same Tanzania Visa
A common question: if I go to Zanzibar from Tanzania's mainland, do I need a new visa?
Answer: No. Zanzibar is part of Tanzania. You do not exit Tanzania when traveling to Zanzibar. Your single Tanzania e-Visa covers both mainland and Zanzibar with no additional authorization required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related guides: Requirements | Fees | Processing Time