Interstate Pass: What Is It and How To Apply For One

Foreign residents living in Kenya do not need to apply for a visa to visit Rwanda and Uganda. An Interstate pass grants them access to visit both countries without paying any visa fees. You can easily apply for this document through the eCitizen portal. What you need to do is to create an account as a foreign resident and this article will show you how to do that and how to get your Interstate pass in minutes.

What is an Interstate Pass?

An Interstate Pass in Kenya is a document that allows Kenyan foreign residents to travel to two other East African Countries (Uganda and Rwanda) without needing to apply for a visa or get on one arrival.

How to Get an Interstate Pass in Kenya

Applying for Insterstate Pass in Kenya

The process of getting an Interstate Pass in Kenya is quick and easy. The following article will guide you in creating your eCitizen profile and applying for this travel document.

Total Time: 5 minutes

Log in to eCitizen

Do Foreign Residents in Kenya need a visa to visit Rwanda or Uganda

You should already have a ‘Foreign Resident’ account. If you have not created one, click here to learn how to do so. If you have an account, simply sign in with your foreign resident number or email address and password.

Select a service on the displayed dashboard

inter-state pass east africa kenya

Once logged in, you will be presented with a dashboard. Select the first item – Directorate of Immigration Services (New Applications) and confirm your identity.

Select “Insterstate Pass” and Save the Generated File

inter-state pass east africa kenya application

Choose InterState Pass Application and select the applicant – you can only apply for yourself or dependents below 18. Enter the required details about your trip, save the generated file and you’re done!

Nairobi National Park Safari

How to Create a New eCitizen Account in Kenya

Kenya eCitizen Website interstate pass
  • Visit the eCitizen Website and click on Create Account
  • Click on the “Create Account” button under the eCitizen Foreign Residents section
  • Enter your ID number and first name as indicated and click on “Validate”
  • Fill out the remaining details and click “Continue”
  • Note: if you have previously used your email to register for a visitor’s account, you may need to use a different email address.

What is the Price for an Interstate Pass in Kenya?

The Interstate pass is free for foreign residents. If you are from a country that requires a visa to visit the two East African countries this pass grants you access to, then it helps you save costs on visa application fees. The pass is valid for one single entry.

Where to Travel with an Interstate Pass in East Africa?

Foreign residents in Kenya can travel to Rwanda and Uganda using the pass. For Nigerian citizens, you don’t need to apply for a pass if you are travelling to Rwanda. It is currently visa-free for Nigerian passport holders, along with all citizens of the Commonwealth, African Union and the Francophonie member states.

24 hours in Kigali

Enjoy your travels around East Africa!

7 comments

  1. Does the pass need to have kenya exit stamp or any kind of stamp from kenya Immigration??

    1. Hi Ivy, I have an update on your question. We just used the Interstate pass to enter Rwanda again. We asked the Kenyan Immigration staff to stamp the pass as well as our passports.

      From what I’ve heard, Uganda Immigration mandates this but Rwanda Immigration is a bit more relaxed. (Last time we went, we didn’t get it stamped).

      Long story short, it’s better to get it stamped when exiting the airport.

  2. can this interstate pass be extended? because kenya gave me one month

  3. Hi, if you are a resident in Kenya but are currently outside the EAC (e.g. in Dubai), can you still avail of an interstate pass (maybe online from the Kenyan portal?), print it, and fly directly from Dubai to Uganda? Or does the interstate pass only work if you travel from an EAC country to an EAC country?

I love to hear from you, Leave a comment here!

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Aesthetically pleasing spaces in Kenya 🍂🦒
Aesthetically pleasing spaces in Kenya 🍂🦒
17 hours ago
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1/9
Kenya had dropped the paid ETA requirement for most Africans, including Nigerians. 💃🏾🎉

And in celebration of that, I'm sharing some of my favourite places to include in your Kenyan holiday itinerary!

Will you be visiting or have you been to any of these places?
Kenya had dropped the paid ETA requirement for most Africans, including Nigerians. 💃🏾🎉 And in celebration of that, I'm sharing some of my favourite places to include in your Kenyan holiday itinerary! Will you be visiting or have you been to any of these places?
1 day ago
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2/9
This lodge in Taita-Taveta was such a great last-minute find for me!
___________________

I needed a quick break from Nairobi and thought to visit Diani and Tsavo. While finding accommodation in Diani was fairly easy, I struggled to find a place that fit my schedule, budget, and preference in the Voi/Tsavo area.

When I stumbled upon The Hildana Lodge, I couldn't be happier. Luckily, they had availability for the exact dates I wanted, a resident's rate, and no single supplement!

I stayed here for 2 nights but could have easily stayed longer! This place is magical, and I can't wait to return! ✨️
This lodge in Taita-Taveta was such a great last-minute find for me! ___________________ I needed a quick break from Nairobi and thought to visit Diani and Tsavo. While finding accommodation in Diani was fairly easy, I struggled to find a place that fit my schedule, budget, and preference in the Voi/Tsavo area. When I stumbled upon The Hildana Lodge, I couldn't be happier. Luckily, they had availability for the exact dates I wanted, a resident's rate, and no single supplement! I stayed here for 2 nights but could have easily stayed longer! This place is magical, and I can't wait to return! ✨️
2 days ago
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3/9
As someone who enjoys travelling and pursuing a fulfilling career, I don't believe that you have to give up one for the other. ✈️🍂✨️

You can maintain a healthy travel life without forfeiting a career you love, and here's one of the best ways to do so ⤵️

Taking advantage of public holidays, combined with your vacation days. For example, there's a public holiday coming up next month.

It'll be a 2-day holiday, and if you take only 2 days off work, you'll get 6 vacation days! - perfect for this "Beach and Bush" holiday in Kenya! 🐚🐘🌊

Work-life balance is key, so find ways to do the things that are important to you now that you can!💙
As someone who enjoys travelling and pursuing a fulfilling career, I don't believe that you have to give up one for the other. ✈️🍂✨️ You can maintain a healthy travel life without forfeiting a career you love, and here's one of the best ways to do so ⤵️ Taking advantage of public holidays, combined with your vacation days. For example, there's a public holiday coming up next month. It'll be a 2-day holiday, and if you take only 2 days off work, you'll get 6 vacation days! - perfect for this "Beach and Bush" holiday in Kenya! 🐚🐘🌊 Work-life balance is key, so find ways to do the things that are important to you now that you can!💙
4 days ago
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4/9
Weekends in Kenya that look like this! 🐘💙🦒

How wonderful!
Weekends in Kenya that look like this! 🐘💙🦒 How wonderful!
4 days ago
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5/9
Here's what you can expect when you ride the premium class train from Nairobi to Mombasa and vice versa 🚅

It's a slow but scenic ride to the coast, but I love it and rather prefer it to flying. ✨️

PS: If you want great views of Tsavo National Park as you pass through (Nairobi > Mombasa), sit on the left side of the train (i.e., even numbered seats)

But be aware that some seats have partial window views. Seats 26, 21, 25, 15, and 6 are great!(Nairobi > Mombasa)

Seat on the opposite side on the Mombasa > Nairobi train. I couldn't keep track of all the good seats on this train 🥹.

The train also has a first and economy class coach, which are significantly cheaper than premium class. And once you're back in Nairobi, all "premium services end" 🤭😋

Have you gone on this train before? What was your experience like? 💬

Are team train 🚆 or flight ✈️?
Here's what you can expect when you ride the premium class train from Nairobi to Mombasa and vice versa 🚅 It's a slow but scenic ride to the coast, but I love it and rather prefer it to flying. ✨️ PS: If you want great views of Tsavo National Park as you pass through (Nairobi > Mombasa), sit on the left side of the train (i.e., even numbered seats) But be aware that some seats have partial window views. Seats 26, 21, 25, 15, and 6 are great!(Nairobi > Mombasa) Seat on the opposite side on the Mombasa > Nairobi train. I couldn't keep track of all the good seats on this train 🥹. The train also has a first and economy class coach, which are significantly cheaper than premium class. And once you're back in Nairobi, all "premium services end" 🤭😋 Have you gone on this train before? What was your experience like? 💬 Are team train 🚆 or flight ✈️?
6 days ago
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6/9
The most relaxing staycation ever! Coastal vibes in Diani Beach and a wonderful safari in Taita-Taveta county! 🐚🐘

This trip was so easy to plan and embark upon from Nairobi. I travelled by rail from Nairobi to Mombasa and then to Diani. 🌊

On my return leg, I stopped in Voi and transferred to a super gorgeous lodge, where I spent the weekend enjoying massages, spotting elephants 🐘 and giraffes 🦒, and just having a swell and relaxing time!

Sharing details on my blog and IG stories!✨️
The most relaxing staycation ever! Coastal vibes in Diani Beach and a wonderful safari in Taita-Taveta county! 🐚🐘 This trip was so easy to plan and embark upon from Nairobi. I travelled by rail from Nairobi to Mombasa and then to Diani. 🌊 On my return leg, I stopped in Voi and transferred to a super gorgeous lodge, where I spent the weekend enjoying massages, spotting elephants 🐘 and giraffes 🦒, and just having a swell and relaxing time! Sharing details on my blog and IG stories!✨️
6 days ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
The Best of Both Worlds! 🥰

Just took the SGR again, and I got to try out the Premium Class coach - I loved the experience!

I'll be sharing all about this experience in my next blog post on www.travelwithapen.com -  what to expect from this train ride, the best seats for unobstructed views and elephant sightings in Tsavo National Park, and notable changes in the journey from Nairobi to Mombasa and Diani!

#diani #dianibeachkenya #sgr #railtravel #tsavo #tembeakenya
The Best of Both Worlds! 🥰 Just took the SGR again, and I got to try out the Premium Class coach - I loved the experience! I'll be sharing all about this experience in my next blog post on www.travelwithapen.com - what to expect from this train ride, the best seats for unobstructed views and elephant sightings in Tsavo National Park, and notable changes in the journey from Nairobi to Mombasa and Diani! #diani #dianibeachkenya #sgr #railtravel #tsavo #tembeakenya
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
Bougainvillea in full bloom in Nairobi 🌸, always a highlight of our strolls!
Bougainvillea in full bloom in Nairobi 🌸, always a highlight of our strolls!
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
9/9
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