East Africa Visa Rules for Australian Passport Holders in 2026
Australian passport holders need a pre-approved entry document for every country in this list. Kenya requires an electronic travel authorisation (eTA) costing US$51, while Uganda, Tanzania and Ethiopia each issue tourist e-visas online. A Kenyan eTA is valid for 90 days from issue, Uganda's eVisa allows a stay of up to 90 days, and Ethiopia's tourist e-visa is listed at US$50 for 30 days or US$70 for 90 days, plus a US$2 processing fee.
- Kenya: eTA, US$51, valid 90 days from issue
- Uganda: eVisa, about US$50 single entry, stays up to 90 days
- Tanzania: eVisa, single-entry stay up to 90 days, fee to confirm
- Ethiopia: e-visa, US$50 for 30 days or US$70 for 90 days, plus US$2
1. Kenya: apply for the eTA at least a week early
Australia is not on Kenya's eTA-exempt list, so you need approval before boarding. Apply only through the official eTA site at etakenya.go.ke, where the fee is US$51. Third-party booking sites often charge US$95 or more for the same document. Standard processing takes three to five business days, and immigration sets the actual stay on arrival, up to 90 days.
2. Uganda: no visa on arrival, so apply online first
Australians must apply for a visa online before departure, through the Ugandan government eVisa portal at visas.immigration.go.ug. The single-entry tourist fee is about US$50, and an approved eVisa must be used within 90 days of approval. Check the Australian government's Smartraveller Uganda page for any changes before you pay.
3. Tanzania: the eVisa beats the airport queue
Australians need a visa to enter Tanzania, and the online eVisa at visa.immigration.go.tz is the recommended route. Reported airport queues for visa on arrival run from 30 minutes to more than two hours. A single-entry tourist eVisa is valid for 90 days from issue, while a multiple-entry eVisa lasts 12 months with stays of up to 90 days per visit. Published estimates for the fee vary widely, so confirm it on the official Tanzanian fee schedule before you pay.
4. Ethiopia: choose your stay length at application
Tourist visas for Australians are applied for online through Ethiopia's official e-visa portal. The embassy fee table lists US$50 for a single-entry visa of up to 30 days and US$70 for up to 90 days, each with a US$2 processing fee. The amount shown on the portal when you apply is the one that counts, and your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of entry.
A note on Rwanda
Rwanda is excluded because the sources I checked did not confirm Australian eligibility for visa on arrival. Check the Rwandan immigration department's visitor visa page before planning that leg.
People also ask
Do Australians need a visa for Kenya?
Yes. Australians must obtain an electronic travel authorisation (eTA) before travelling to Kenya. The official fee is US$51, and a single-entry eTA is valid for 90 days from issue. Standard processing takes three to five business days, so apply at least a week ahead. Avoid third-party sites, which often charge far more; the official how-to-apply page lists the correct route.
Can Australians get a visa on arrival in Uganda?
No. Australians must apply for a visa online before departure through the official portal at visas.immigration.go.ug. The tourist fee is about US$50 for a single entry, and an approved eVisa is valid for 90 days from approval. Uganda's government warns that other websites offering visa services may be fraudulent, so use only the official portal.
How long can Australians stay in Tanzania on an eVisa?
A single-entry tourist eVisa allows one continuous stay of up to 90 days and is valid for 90 days from issue. A multiple-entry eVisa is valid for 12 months, with stays of up to 90 days per visit. Confirm the current fee on the official Tanzanian fee schedule before paying, because published estimates differ.
Does Ethiopia offer visa on arrival for Australians?
The sources I reviewed did not confirm a visa-on-arrival entitlement for Australian passport holders, so apply for a tourist e-visa through the official portal before you travel. Tourist visas are issued for either 30 or 90 days, depending on what you choose, and the fee shown at application time is the one you pay.
Facts were checked against official and current sources as of October 15, 2026. Fees and entry rules change often, so confirm details on each official portal before you book.