East Africa and Indian Ocean e-Visa Guide 2026-27: Where to Apply

East Africa and the Indian Ocean offer diverse travel experiences, from wildlife and historic cities to beaches and island destinations. Entry requirements vary between countries, and travellers may need an eVisa, Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) or another form of advance permission before departure.

This East Africa e-visa guide covers Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Egypt and Sri Lanka. It explains the main online entry systems and the important requirements travellers should check when planning their journey.

Understanding eVisas and ETAs in East Africa

An eVisa allows eligible travellers to complete the visa application process online before travelling. Applicants generally enter their personal and passport details, provide travel information, upload the required documents and complete the applicable payment online.

An ETA works differently from a traditional visa but is also obtained electronically. The exact process depends on the destination, nationality, travel purpose and length of stay.

Before starting an application, travellers should check:

• Whether their nationality requires advance permission
• Passport validity requirements
• Permitted travel purposes
• Required supporting documents
• Maximum permitted stay
• Number of entries
• Applicable fees
• Expected processing time

Travellers visiting several countries should check the rules for each destination separately, as approval for one country does not provide entry permission for another.

East African Community

Kenya

Kenya uses an Electronic Travel Authorisation system for many international visitors. However, exemptions apply to certain travellers, including citizens of East African Community partner states and some other eligible nationalities.

Travellers planning a trip can review Kenya's ETA system to understand the application process, eligibility conditions and information that may be required before departure.

Common requirements include a passport valid for at least 6 months after the planned arrival date with at least 1 blank page, a recent photograph, contact information, arrival and departure details and accommodation confirmation. Additional documents may be required depending on the travel purpose.

Applications are generally processed within 3 working days, although some may take longer. Travellers should wait until their authorisation is approved before beginning their journey.

Tanzania

Tanzania provides an electronic visa application system for eligible foreign travellers visiting Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar. Applicants complete the form online, provide the required documents, make payment and receive information about the application through email.

Travellers can check the Tanzania e-visa portal before applying to understand which visa category matches their nationality and intended travel purpose.

Applicants should have a passport with at least 6 months' validity and at least 1 unused visa page. Supporting documents vary according to the visa selected, and travellers should check their information carefully because an application cannot normally be changed after submission.

For tourism, Tanzania's ordinary single-entry visa can allow a stay of up to 90 days. Different arrangements apply to some nationalities, including US passport holders travelling for tourism, so the correct visa category should be confirmed before applying.

Uganda

Uganda uses an online visa application system for travellers who require a visa before arrival. Available categories include tourist visas, transit visas, multiple-entry visas and the East Africa Tourist Visa.

Before completing an application, travellers should review Uganda e-visa requirements to understand which visa type applies and what supporting information may be needed.

Depending on the purpose of travel, documents may include a passport bio-page with at least 6 months' validity, a recent passport photograph, accommodation information and other supporting documents.

After submission, applicants receive an Order ID that can be used to check the status. When an application is approved, an approval letter is issued electronically and should be available when travelling.

Horn of Africa and North-East Africa 

Ethiopia

Ethiopia provides an electronic visa system for tourism and several other permitted travel purposes. Tourist eVisas are available to travellers who meet the applicable eligibility and document requirements.

Travellers researching the official Ethiopia e-visa should check the visa category, permitted stay and documents required before submitting their application.

For a tourist eVisa, applicants need a recent passport-sized photograph and a passport valid for at least 6 months from the intended date of entry. Tourist eVisas are available for single-entry stays of 30 days.

The validity period begins from the intended arrival date entered in the application. Applicants should therefore make sure their expected arrival information is correct before submission. Passport and photograph copies should also be clear and readable.

Djibouti

Djibouti operates an electronic visa system that allows eligible travellers to complete the application process online and receive the approved visa electronically.

Travellers can review Djibouti's e-visa portal when preparing their application and checking the entry conditions that may apply to their visit.

Applicants generally need a passport valid for at least 6 months, photograph, travel or flight reservation information, an accommodation address and an invitation letter from a host or organisation. Payment is completed electronically during the application process.

Once an application has been approved, the eVisa can be downloaded in PDF format. Travellers should keep the approved document available during their journey and ensure that their travel dates remain within the period permitted by the visa.

Egypt

Egypt provides an electronic visa system for eligible nationalities. Applicants can register, complete the online visa application form, select the appropriate visa type, make payment and receive the application decision electronically.

Travellers who qualify for an eVisa can review the Egypt e-visa portal to understand the application process and prepare the necessary passport and travel information.

Egypt advises eVisa applicants to complete their application at least 7 days before departure. Once approved, the eVisa can be downloaded and printed for presentation when entering the country.

Egypt has also been expanding its digital entry procedures. A digital visa-on-arrival pilot began at Cairo International Airport in August 2026, using a Visa QR Code and digital application options.Travellers comparing different online entry routes, including information about Egypt's ETA system, should confirm which option applies to their nationality and arrival point before travelling.

Indian Ocean 

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka uses an Electronic Travel Authorisation system for many travellers visiting for short stays. An ETA may be used for purposes such as transit, tourist, short-term business. subject to the applicable entry conditions.

Travellers can review Sri Lanka's ETA system before applying to understand the authorisation process and requirements associated with their planned visit.

Sri Lanka introduced updated ETA arrangements in May 2026. Nationals of 40 listed countries can currently obtain a tourist ETA free of charge for a 30-day stay, while different fee arrangements apply to other nationalities.

Travellers entering with an ETA should be able to provide a return ticket when travelling by air, yellow fever vaccination certificate, evidence of sufficient funds for their stay. Applicants should also make sure that the passport details entered during the application are accurate and use the same travel document when entering Sri Lanka.

Before Applying for an East Africa e-Visa or ETA

Visa and travel authorisation rules differ across East Africa and the Indian Ocean. Travellers should therefore check their individual requirements rather than assuming that the same conditions apply throughout the region.

Check Eligibility by Nationality

Nationality is one of the main factors used to determine the appropriate entry process.

Some passport holders may need an eVisa or ETA, while others may qualify for an exemption or another entry arrangement. This should be checked before completing an application or paying any fee.

For multi-country journeys, repeat this check for every destination included in the itinerary.

Check Passport Validity

Passport requirements are not identical for every country. Several destinations covered in this guide require at least 6 months' passport validity.

Before applying, check:

• Passport expiry date
• Required blank pages
• Passport condition
• Correct passport number
• Passport type

The same passport used during the online application should generally be presented when travelling.

Prepare Clear Application Documents

Online applications rely on digital documents, so uploaded files should be easy to read.

Documents may include:

• Passport bio-page
• Recent applicant photograph
• Flight or travel reservation
• Accommodation details
• Return or onward ticket
• Invitation letter
• Documents related to the travel purpose

The exact list depends on the destination and visa type.

Check Application Details Before Submission

Names, passport numbers, nationality and dates should match the applicant's passport exactly.

Applicants should pay particular attention to:

• Full name
• Date of birth
• Passport number
• Passport expiry date
• Nationality
• Arrival date
• Contact information

Incorrect information may result in delays or require a new application.

Understand Visa Validity and Stay Duration

Visa validity and permitted stay are not necessarily the same.

The validity period tells travellers when the visa or authorisation can be used, while the permitted stay states how long they may remain after entry.

Travellers should also confirm whether the permission allows:

• Single entry
• Double entry
• Multiple entries
• Transit only
• Tourism or other approved activities

Check Fees Before Payment

There is no single East Africa e-visa fee. Charges depend on the destination, visa or authorisation type, nationality and sometimes the number of entries.

Applicants should check the final amount before making payment. Additional bank or currency conversion charges may also apply depending on the payment method used.

Apply Before the Travel Date

Processing times vary between destinations. Applications may also take longer when additional information or corrected documents are requested.

Travellers should allow enough time for processing and avoid waiting until immediately before departure to complete an application.

Keep the Approval Available

Approved eVisas and ETAs are normally issued electronically, but travellers may still need to present proof during check-in or immigration checks.

Depending on the destination, it may be useful or required to carry:

• Printed eVisa or ETA approval
• Electronic approval copy
• Passport used for the application
• Accommodation confirmation
• Return or onward ticket

East Africa and Indian Ocean Entry Overview

The correct entry route depends on nationality, travel purpose, passport type and length of stay. Requirements should therefore be checked separately for every destination.

Related East Africa and Indian Ocean Travel Guides

Travelling across several destinations requires separate entry planning for each country. An approved eVisa or ETA for one destination does not automatically permit entry into another.

Before confirming a multi-country itinerary, travellers should check passport validity, visa or ETA eligibility, permitted stay, required documents and entry conditions for every planned border crossing.

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Last updated: September 2026. Entry requirements can change. Travellers should verify current requirements with the relevant authorities, embassy and airline before departure.