The East African Community (EAC) is a regional intergovernmental organization made up of six partner states: Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and South Sudan. One of the key benefits of EAC membership is the free movement of people within the region. This means that nationals of these countries do not require a visa to travel to other EAC member states for short visits.
The East African Community (EAC) promotes regional integration and ease of movement among member states. As part of this agreement, citizens of EAC countries can travel freely within the region without needing a Tanzania eVisa. This policy strengthens economic ties, encourages tourism, and facilitates cross-border trade and cultural exchange.
Nationals of the following East African Community (EAC) member states do not require a visa to enter Tanzania:
✅ Tanzania
✅ Kenya
✅ Uganda
✅ Rwanda
✅ Burundi
✅ South Sudan
These nationals can travel freely within the EAC region without needing a visa, as long as they meet the basic entry requirements.
The East African Community (EAC) promotes free movement among member states, allowing citizens to travel without a visa. However, visa exemption does not mean unrestricted entry—travelers must still meet certain entry requirements. Understanding these requirements ensures a smooth and hassle-free experience when crossing borders.
EAC nationals can enter Tanzania using one of the following documents:
While no visa is required, travelers must still comply with standard entry regulations:
Visa-Free Entry – No need to apply for a visa, saving time and costs.
Extended Stay Privileges – EAC citizens are generally allowed longer stays compared to travelers from non-EAC countries.
Work and Business Opportunities – The EAC promotes regional economic integration, allowing citizens to engage in business and employment under certain agreements.
Use of National ID for Travel – Some EAC nationals (Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda) can travel using only their national ID, making cross-border movement easier.
Citizens of East African Community (EAC) member states can enter Tanzania without a visa and stay for an extended period under the region’s free movement agreement. However, there are limits on how long they can remain in the country without additional permits.
Up to 90 Days – EAC nationals can stay in Tanzania for a maximum of 90 days (3 months) per visit without a visa. This applies to tourism, business visits, family visits, and other short-term stays.
No Work Without a Permit – While EAC citizens can move freely within the region, engaging in formal employment or long-term business operations requires a relevant work or residence permit.
If an EAC national wishes to stay in Tanzania beyond 90 days, they must apply for an extension through Tanzania’s Immigration Services Department. The process includes:
For EAC nationals intending to stay beyond 90 days for work, study, or residency, different permits apply:
EAC nationals can enter Tanzania without a visa for the following purposes:
|
Purpose of Travel |
Description |
Additional Notes |
|
Tourism |
Visiting Tanzania’s national parks, beaches, historical sites, and other attractions. |
No work or business activities allowed under a tourist visit. |
|
Family Visits |
Visiting relatives, attending family events, or reuniting with loved ones. |
Stays beyond 90 days may require an extension. |
|
Short-Term Business Trips |
Attending meetings, networking, or engaging in temporary business discussions. |
Formal employment is not permitted without a work permit. |
|
Official Government Visits |
Government officials traveling for official duties within the EAC framework. |
Must carry relevant identification and official documents. |
While EAC citizens can travel visa-free, they may need additional permits for:
EAC nationals cannot work in Tanzania without a work permit, even if they are visa-exempt. Entrepreneurs or business owners planning to establish a company or engage in long-term trade may require a business permit or investor permit.
Enrolling in a Tanzanian university, college, or school requires a student permit. Some educational programs may have additional requirements, such as proof of financial support and health insurance.
EAC nationals who wish to live in Tanzania long-term must apply for a residence permit. There are different types of residence permits, depending on whether the applicant is a retiree, dependent, or business investor.
The EAC e-Passport is a biometric passport introduced to facilitate seamless travel within the region. It is currently issued by Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi, with South Sudan expected to implement it soon.
✅ Recognized by all EAC countries
✅ Allows easier border crossings with automated immigration systems
✅ Promotes regional integration and free movement of people
Tip: If you frequently travel within the EAC, consider applying for an EAC e-passport to avoid carrying multiple documents.
While not a visa exemption, the East African Tourist Visa (EATV) is a special initiative that simplifies travel between Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda for tourism purposes. This visa promotes regional tourism and enhances movement between these three participating East African Community (EAC) member states.
The EATV is a multiple-entry visa that allows visitors to travel freely between Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda using a single visa. It is designed to encourage multi-country tourism within the EAC region by reducing the need for separate visa applications for each country.
Key Features of the East African Tourist Visa include:
|
Country |
Participation in EATV |
|
🇰🇪 Kenya |
✅ Yes |
|
🇷🇼 Rwanda |
✅ Yes |
|
🇺🇬 Uganda |
✅ Yes |
|
🇹🇿 Tanzania |
❌ No |
|
🇧🇮 Burundi |
❌ No |
|
🇸🇸 South Sudan |
❌ No |
Tanzania, Burundi, and South Sudan are not yet part of the EATV program. Travelers visiting these countries must apply for separate visas.
Non-EAC Nationals – The EATV is designed for foreign tourists who are not citizens of EAC member states but want to visit multiple East African countries on one trip.
EAC Nationals Do Not Need the EATV – Citizens of Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, and South Sudan do not need this visa since they can travel visa-free within the region.
EAC nationals can enter another EAC country through official border points by presenting:
✔ A valid passport or national ID
✔ A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate (if required)
✔ A temporary travel permit (in exceptional cases)
At immigration, travelers may be asked about:
Tip: Even though visa-free travel is allowed, always carry identification documents to avoid delays at border crossings.
No, refugees living in East African Community (EAC) countries do not qualify for visa-free travel between member states. Even if they reside legally in an EAC country and hold refugee travel documents issued by that state, they must still apply for a visa when traveling to another EAC country. Each country has specific visa policies for refugees, and approval is not guaranteed.
Yes, individuals who hold dual citizenship, with one nationality from an EAC country, can benefit from visa-free entry when traveling within the EAC. However, they must use their EAC passport or national ID card at border crossings to qualify. If they enter using a non-EAC passport, standard visa rules for that nationality will apply, and they may need to obtain a visa before entry.
Overstaying beyond the allowed 90-day limit can lead to penalties, including fines, legal consequences, or even deportation in serious cases. To avoid these penalties, travelers must apply for a visa extension at the immigration office before their permitted stay expires. Extensions are granted at the discretion of immigration authorities, and failing to comply with the rules could impact future travel within the EAC region.
The EAC is working towards creating a fully integrated region, where people can travel, work, and live freely across all member states. Future plans include:
If these plans succeed, EAC nationals will enjoy even greater freedom of movement in the future.
✔ Always carry identification (passport or national ID) when traveling.
✔ Respect local immigration rules, even if no visa is required.
✔ Apply for work or study permits if staying long-term.
✔ Be aware of health regulations, such as Yellow Fever vaccine requirements.
✔ Stay updated on EAC travel policies, as they may change over time.
No, citizens of East African Community (EAC) member states (Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and South Sudan) can enter Tanzania without a visa for up to 90 days for tourism, family visits, and short-term business trips.
No, EAC nationals cannot work in Tanzania without a work permit. Even though they can enter without a visa, they must apply for the appropriate work authorization before starting any job.
Overstaying can result in fines, legal action, or deportation. To avoid penalties, travelers must apply for a visa extension before their 90-day stay expires.
No, the East African Tourist Visa (EATV) is only valid for Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. Travelers visiting Tanzania must obtain a separate visa if they are not EAC nationals.
Yes, but they must apply for a residence permit through immigration. The process depends on the reason for residence, such as employment, business, or family reunification.
Content Disclaimer: While this information was last updated in March 2025, we strongly suggest confirming all travel details with the appropriate governmental agencies, embassies, and airlines.