What is a visa?
A visa is an official document or stamp placed in your passport by a government. It permits you to enter, stay in, or transit through a specific country for a certain period. A country’s embassy or consulate usually issues visas that are a key requirement for international travel.
Types of visas
Several visas include the following:
- Tourist visa
- Work visa
- Student visa
- Transit visa
- Business visa
- Diplomatic or official visa
- Immigrant visa.
All these have a time frame in which they can be used apart from the immigrant visa. This one allows one to live in a foreign country permanently. However, our focus will be on a tourist visa regarding East Africa. A visa will specify whether one is allowed to enter the country. If yes, how long is their stay, and is it single or multiple entries? This is within the validity period and the purpose of the visit or travel.
East Africa Tourist Visa
This is a joint visa that allows tourists to travel to three East African countries, Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda, using one visa. It’s a convenient option for travelers who plan to visit multiple countries in the region. Visitors don’t need to apply for separate visas for each. This visa lasts 90 days from the date of issue. It allows multiple entries between the three countries at a fee of USD 100. It normally takes 3-7 working days depending on the country of application.
How to get an East African Tourist Visa?
A tourist can apply for a visa through the embassies or consulates of the three countries upon arrival at major entry points like international airports, and land border crossings, or apply online. Requirements for applying for the East African Tourist Visa include;
- A passport valid for at least 6 months
- A passport-size photo
- Proof of travel itinerary such as flight and accommodation details
- Proof of funds for the trip
- The visa application fee.
In case the visa expires, an extension is possible. However, not within the countries, a tourist must exit and apply for a new one. Keep in mind that a tourist will go to the embassy or online for the first country to be visited. But if one doesn’t plan on visiting all three countries, then there is no need for this type of visa. Please remember that this visa is only used for tourism, not business work, or anything else outside tourism.