The East African Tourist Visa(EATV)- Requirements, Process, Steps of Online Application
When talking about the East African Tourist Visa, we cannot miss out on the East Africa-allures. Kenya's safaris, Nile in Uganda, gorilla treks of Rwanda- and so much more. The traveller in you must be looking forward to each of these beautiful experiences- yes, we understand.
Well, where to start was perhaps the first logical question.
You start with the East Africa Tourist Visa. Much more than a mere document, the East Africa Tourist Visa is an addition to your passport that means a hassle-free tour for you.
The Power of One Document
Now let’s tell you why it is always a great choice to get your East Africa Tourist Visa.
It Provides Value Added Coverage
Did you know that national visa confines you to a single country? And guess what, once you apply for the East Africa Tourist Visa through our easy to use website, you are free to travel to Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. Many find the East Africa Tourist Visa to be a cost-effective option for these reasons.
You Enter Multiple-Entry Privilege
Yes, you can enjoy Multiple-Entries with the help of the EATV. You can travel to and from these three countries as many a times as you wish, but it has to be within the authorized time period.
Validity Period
The East Africa Tourist Visa remains valid for 90 days. Remember that this period begins as soon as you first set foot in the East African region.
First Entry Rule
There is a First Entry Rule you should follow. If you get an East Africa Tourist Visa, the traveler must take the first entry through the official government portal that is mentioned in the visa.
Example: If your flight lands in Nairobi, Kenya, and you plan to travel to Rwanda and Uganda afterward, you must apply for the EATV through the Kenyan e-visa system.
East Africa Travel Visa- Core Regulations
The East Africa Travel Visa simplifies travelling, sure, but an EATV has boundaries that one must follow.
Purpose
When you are using this Visa, you are confined to tourism and related activities. This means that you are forbidden from seeking employment or conducting business with the nations.
Non-Renewable Expiration
The EATV is a non-renewable permit. Importantly, it automatically expires the moment the traveler exits the bloc of the three countries that have been touring, namely Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda, even before the 90-day period has expired. Whereas visitors to only one country, for example Kenya, need to apply for the national permit in that case, say Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization-eTA, single entry is a permit.
EATV-What it is and How it Works
Understanding a few of the basic characteristics of the EATV holds the key to a successful journey-
Regional Coverage
The East Africa Tourist Visa is valid for travel dedicated to tourism only across the three countries of Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda.
Freedom of Movement
It is a highly in-demand Multiple-Entry Visa, which means that once you already have this visa, internal borders between the three states can be crossed multiple times either by land or by air, whichever is specified by your visa and allows flexibility for your itinerary.
Validity Period
It is valid for 90 days, three months starting with the date of first entry into the East African region.
First Entry is Important
To that effect, one important rule from EATV is that your first entry into the region must be through the country whose government portal was where you obtained it. In that case, if you applied via Kenya, for instance, then your entry into the region shall be in Kenya.
The Tourism Mandate
This visa should strictly be used for leisure, exploration, and tourism-related activities only. Some of the restrictions imposed on the holder include that one should not seek to work, conduct business, or engage in non-tourism commercial ventures with an EATV.
Non-renewable and Absolute Expiration
The EATV cannot be extended. In fact, it is immediately terminated - it is considered to have automatically expired - the moment you leave the block of the three countries, even if your 90-day period has not been fully used up.
EATV versus Single-Country Entry
Of course, the type of travel authorization you go for would depend on your planned itinerary. In case it involves at least two or all three of these participating countries, namely Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda, then an EATV would suit you best since it allows multiple entries and its validity extends to a combined 90 days from your first entry across the three nations.
On the other hand, if you happen not to fit into EATV, such as visiting just one country, you are supposed to apply for the respective Single-Country Authorization.
For example, this would be Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization known as an eTA in the case of a traveler visiting only Kenya.
The permit type allowed is a Single-Entry permit, allowing a stay in Kenya for up to 90 days. Thus, those visiting only Uganda need to apply for the Uganda Single Entry Visa; and for those visiting only Rwanda, the application will have to be for a Rwanda Single Entry Visa, both single-country visas with validity upon arrival.
Essential Documents to Accompany Your Application for EATV
To make the processing of your application as smooth and efficient as possible, kindly have them digitally prepared in advance. Also, please keep in mind that documents must be in the English language.
Your valid passport
A clear scan of the bio-data page. Your passport should have at least six months’ validity from the intended date of entry.
Recent Photo
Scanned version of one recent color photograph that broadly complies with the minimum requirements for passport photos.
Travel Itinerary
Detailed itinerary of your travel movements throughout Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda.
Proof of Exit
Photocopy of your return or onward ticket - should indicate the date you intend to leave the East African region.
Accommodation Details
Proof of accommodation booking is the proof of your place of stay, such as hotel reservations or an invitation letter by your host.
Yellow Fever Certificate
Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for arriving travelers from or passing through countries designated to have a risk of yellow fever transmission.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Our Online Application
Our goal is to make the application process as seamless and speedy as possible. To make your submission, please follow the general steps below on our online portal.
Choose Your Permit
Clearly choose between the EATV and a single entry permit depending on which one is required for the journey.
Our Easy Access Portal
You can easily access our portal to apply for the East Africa Tourist Visa.
Application Form
The candidate has to fill in the complete online application form. All the personal, passport, and travel information must be filled in by the applicant with extreme care.
Upload Your Files
Attach digital copies of all the required documents, ensuring that they are in the right format and size prior to uploading.
Review before final submission
Actually, quite an important step. Review all data for errors and make sure everything is exactly as per supporting documents.
Confirmation
After submission and making the payment, wait for an email confirming receipt with a unique application reference number. This number could be used to track the status of your EATV online.
Once your application has been accepted, the EATV will be sent to you directly by email. We advise all applicants to do a physical printout for an approved EATV due to convenience and immigration purposes.
READ MORE:
The Kenya eTA offers a streamlined online application process, allowing travellers to apply comfortably from home without visiting an embassy or consulate. Learn more at Guide to The Kenya Tourist Visa.