Can I get an East African visa on arrival in Kenya?

No. Kenya does not issue the East African Tourist Visa. Travelers must apply for the EATV through Uganda or Rwanda before starting their trip.

As of January 2024, Kenya formally ceased the service of the visa-on-arrival system and was replaced by a fully digital immigration system. Travelers seeking the East African Tourist Visa must apply through the online portals of Uganda or Rwanda. Kenya’s eTA is a separate requirement and is not used to issue the EATV.

What Is the East African Tourist Visa (EATV)?

The East African Tourist Visa is a tri-country and multi-entry visa between Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda designed to facilitate tourism activities in the region as well as ease immigration.

It enables free movement of visitors within these three countries for up to 90 days. The holder can travel freely between the three member states within the validity period without having to seek single visas.

This visa is, however, restricted in that it is strictly limited to tourism purposes and not employment, study, or residence.

You need to apply to the embassy or e-Visa portal of the country where you are going to start your trip.

Why You Cannot Get It on Arrival in Kenya

1. Kenya Ended the Visa on Arrival in 2024

The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority and the Directorate of Immigration Services report that the government no longer issues visas upon arrival at the airports or land borders. Every overseas passenger needs to have an approved eTA or eVisa before boarding the plane.

2. Border Processing Is Now Fully Digital

The electronic pre-clearance system helps streamline border security of border protection, lessens the congestion as well, and improves the screening of travelers. The East African Tourist Visa must be approved in advance through Uganda or Rwanda, as Kenya does not process or issue this visa.

3. Arriving in Kenya without an approved eTA will result in denial of boarding or refusal of entry

When entering Kenya without authorization, the immigration officers will not give the East African Visa immediately. The airlines can even refuse to allow a passenger to board without a valid travel authorization.

How to Apply for the East African Tourist Visa

To travel, you have to apply for the East African Tourist Visa online. This can be applied using the official e Visa portal of the country that you intend to enter in the first place. During the application, you will need:

• A valid passport with at least six months of validity.
• A recent passport-size photo.
• A travel itinerary showing your entry and exit points.

In order not to face any problems, it is better to apply for your East African Tourist Visa online at least 7 days prior to your journey. After getting approved, print out your visa confirmation and take it along with you.

Final Advice

To have a hassle-free journey in Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda, remember to ensure that you apply online through East African Tourist Visa. Print your document of approval and store it along with your passport.

If you are visiting Kenya only, you should apply for the Kenya eTA instead. Remember —Kenya does not issue the East African Tourist Visa. Travelers who wish to use the EATV must obtain it in advance from Uganda or Rwanda. Entrance into the country and travelling within the East Africa region requires pre-approval.

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