East African Community (EAC) Travel Guide 2026
The East African Community is a regional bloc of 8 member states with progressively integrated travel arrangements. Kenyan citizens can travel to most EAC countries using just a national ID card, with no visa required.
EAC Member States
| Country | Capital | Joined EAC | ID Travel from Kenya |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya | Nairobi | Founding (2000) | - |
| Uganda | Kampala | Founding (2000) | Yes - National ID |
| Tanzania | Dodoma | Founding (2000) | Yes - National ID |
| Rwanda | Kigali | 2007 | Yes - National ID |
| Burundi | Gitega | 2007 | Yes - National ID |
| South Sudan | Juba | 2016 | Passport recommended |
| DR Congo | Kinshasa | 2022 | Passport recommended |
| Somalia | Mogadishu | 2024 | Passport required |
Accepted Travel Documents
National ID Card
- Accepted for travel between Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi
- Must be a valid, undamaged Kenyan national ID (Huduma Namba/NIIMS card also accepted)
- For adults aged 18+ only
- Children must travel with a valid passport or birth certificate
EAC Passport
- Kenya ePassport follows EAC harmonised design
- Accepted at all EAC borders and globally
- Recommended for travel to South Sudan, DRC, and Somalia
- Required for air travel to most EAC destinations
While national ID travel is allowed by land, airlines typically require a passport even for domestic EAC routes. Always carry your ePassport for air travel.
Major Kenya Border Crossings
| Border Point | Countries | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Namanga | Kenya - Tanzania | One Stop Border Post | Busiest Kenya-Tanzania crossing, on Nairobi-Arusha road |
| Busia | Kenya - Uganda | One Stop Border Post | Major commercial crossing, 24-hour operation |
| Malaba | Kenya - Uganda | One Stop Border Post | Rail and road crossing, Northern Corridor |
| Isebania | Kenya - Tanzania | Border Post | Western Kenya route to Mwanza/Lake Victoria |
| Taveta/Holili | Kenya - Tanzania | Border Post | Near Kilimanjaro, route to Moshi |
| Lunga Lunga | Kenya - Tanzania | Border Post | Coastal crossing, Mombasa to Tanga/Dar es Salaam |
| Moyale | Kenya - Ethiopia | Border Post | Not EAC but visa-free arrangement with Ethiopia |
How Long Can You Stay?
| Destination | Duration (Tourist) | Extension? | Work Permit Needed? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uganda | 6 months | Yes, via immigration | Yes, for employment |
| Tanzania | 3 months | Yes, up to 6 months total | Yes, via work permit |
| Rwanda | 90 days | Yes | Yes |
| Burundi | 3 months | Yes | Yes |
| South Sudan | 30 days | Yes | Yes |
| DR Congo | Varies | Apply at immigration | Yes |
While EAC citizens enjoy free movement for tourism, work permits are still required for employment in another EAC country. The EAC Common Market Protocol is progressively harmonising work permit procedures.
East Africa Tourist Visa
The East Africa Tourist Visa is a joint visa that allows foreign tourists to visit Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda on a single visa:
- Cost: USD 100
- Validity: 90 days, multiple entry between the three countries
- Apply at: Any of the three countries (entry point determines issuing country)
- Purpose: Tourism only
Note: This visa is for non-EAC nationals visiting the region. EAC citizens do not need this visa.
Health Requirements for EAC Travel
- Yellow Fever Certificate: Required when travelling between most EAC countries. Get vaccinated at a KNH or county hospital (KSH 3,000-5,000)
- COVID-19: Requirements vary - check destination country rules before travel
- Malaria: Prophylaxis recommended for low-altitude and coastal areas
- Travel Insurance: Strongly recommended for all cross-border travel
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Kenyan citizens can enter Uganda using a valid national ID card at land border crossings. However, airlines typically require a passport even for this route. You can stay for up to 6 months without a visa.
Yes. Most EAC countries require a valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate for entry. Get vaccinated at least 10 days before travel. The certificate is valid for life under current WHO guidelines.
No. While EAC citizens enjoy free movement for tourism, work permits are still required for employment. The EAC Common Market Protocol is progressively harmonising work permit procedures, but as of 2026, each country still issues its own work permits.
The East Africa Tourist Visa (USD 100) allows non-EAC foreign tourists to visit Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda on a single 90-day multiple-entry visa. EAC citizens do not need this visa as they enjoy visa-free travel within the bloc.