The East African countries have the intention to cooperate more closely in the area of tourism. These intentions were the reason for the introduction of the East African Tourist Visa, allowing travellers to visit Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda. At this time, Tanzania is not keen on the idea of extending the joint visa.
Travel destinations in East Africa
The East African countries are becoming increasingly popular among tourists. The number of tourists arriving in Kenya and Tanzania was significantly higher in 2023 than in 2019, before the covid-outbreak. This is remarkable, since most countries were still recovering in the year 2023, and were unable to reach the pre-pandemic numbers. This is a clear indicator of the increasing popularity of the East African region.
The region is especially well-known for the safaris in countries like Kenya and Tanzania, where visitors can admire the ‘Big Five’ in the wilderness. There are also many other ways to get to know the unique nature in this region, besides the well-known safaris. Another popular activity is climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain. Furthermore, Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo are the only places in the world where you can observe Mountain gorillas during a trek in the wilderness. Last but not least, the region also has plenty of beautiful sandy beaches, for example in Malindi in Kenya or on the island Zanzibar in Tanzania.
East African visa
Three East African countries have introduced a joint tourist visa to promote regional tourism. The East African Tourist Visa allows travellers to visit Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda within a timeframe of 90 days. Recently, some East African countries, spearheaded by Rwanda, were urging for an extension of the participating countries. Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan already expressed their interest in a joint regional visa. Tanzania, however, still has doubts about the plans.
Tanzania does not want a joint tourist visa yet
Besides Kenya, Tanzania is the most visited tourist destination in East Africa. Tanzania is particularly well-known for the Serengeti National Park, Mount Kilimanjaro and the island Zanzibar, all of which are internationally famed tourist sites. Tanzania is not yet convinced that a joint East African tourist visa would be advantageous for the country. This is because Tanzania claims that the current East African Tourist Visa would mostly profit Kenya, since most travellers would arrive in Kenya first, before continuing to a neighbouring country. If Tanzania were to join the visa, it might result in fewer tourists travelling to Tanzania directly, causing a loss of income. Additionally, a joint visa might result in the issuance of fewer national visas for Tanzania, which would reduce the income in that area as well.
There are also unclarities about the processing of visa applications. It is not yet clear which institution should be responsible for this, as reviewing visa applications is currently a task of the national immigration services. A joint visa for multiple countries requires an alternative solution. Therefore, Tanzania has asked for a study of the region’s readiness to implement a joint tourist visa. However, according to Uganda’s Minister for Tourism, this is not needed, as a high-quality study was conducted in the past already. A new research would only cost more time and money.
Possible extension East African visa end of 2024
Most East African countries support an extension of the joint visa. Multiple countries hope for an extension at the end of 2024. However, there are still some obstacles on the road. The security situation in some East African countries, particularly in South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, has worsened in the past years. This may be the greatest obstacle for an extension of the joint East African visa, besides Tanzania’s objections. For the time being, travellers to Tanzania still have to apply for the regular Tanzania visa.