Practical observations on visas, border crossings and timing across Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda.
Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda all work with official online visa systems. Applications are submitted in advance and processed digitally. Once approved, you receive a document with your personal details and a barcode or QR code. You print this and hand it over at immigration, together with your passport, after which the visa is placed inside. In practice, this part of the journey is usually straightforward.
Most visas are approved within a few days. Occasionally it takes longer, but delays are not common. Applying well ahead of your departure removes most uncertainty and keeps arrival days calm, especially after long flights. The process itself is rarely complicated, but it does reward a bit of foresight.
or travellers moving between Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda, the East Africa Tourist Visa is often mentioned as the most convenient option. With one application, it allows travel between all three countries for up to ninety days.
That said, availability is not always consistent. When entering East Africa via Kenya, the East Africa Tourist Visa does not always appear as an option in the online system. This can change without much notice, so it is worth checking early rather than assuming it will be available.
Route and cost matter. If you are visiting only two countries — for example Kenya and Uganda — applying for two separate visas can sometimes be more practical, and even cheaper, than a combined visa. In that case, you simply apply for each country individually, following the same online process.
There is no single best option; it depends on how and where you enter the region.
Border crossings in East Africa are rarely fast. Expect multiple checks, especially for luggage and paperwork. Waiting is normal and usually not a sign of problems. It is simply part of the rhythm of travel in the region.
What matters most is timing. Even with all documents in order, crossings can take hours. Planning generous margins — especially when continuing by road or catching flights the same day — avoids unnecessary stress.
Visas in East Africa are generally uncomplicated. Knowing where to apply, which option suits your route, and allowing time at borders makes all the difference once you are on the road.
From preparation to orientation
Visas and borders are part of getting there. Once those are settled, the question becomes where to go — and how regions, parks and routes relate to one another.
An overview of where the Big Five can be found across East Africa is outlined in Big 5 safaris in East Africa, where to find them.