Uganda Visa & Entry Requirements – What You Need to Know Before You Go
Planning a gorilla trekking safari or visiting Uganda’s national parks? Your journey begins before boarding the plane: with your visa and entry requirements. Getting this essential step right makes your trip smoother, safer, and more focused on what matters most—exploring, connecting, and discovering.

This guide explains the current visa rules for Uganda, steps to secure your permit, eligible nationalities, necessary documentation, fees, and insider tips to ensure you’re ready to enter the Pearl of Africa with confidence.

Who Needs a Visa to Enter Uganda?
Uganda requires visitors to secure a visa unless they come from one of the countries under the East African Tourist Visa (EATV) arrangement—covering Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, and Kenya.

Nationals from Kenya, Rwanda, and South Sudan (residents) enjoy visa-free access.

Other nationalities typically require a single-entry tourist visa or the EATV.

Travelers transiting through Kampala (e.g., domestic flights) usually need a short-stay visa unless visa-exempt.

The EATV is particularly convenient for travelers planning to visit multiple East African countries during one trip.

Types of Visas & Fees
1. Uganda Single-Entry Tourist Visa
Valid for up to 90 days

Fee: USD 50–$100, depending on your nationality

Permits one arrival and exit

2. East African Tourist Visa (EATV)
Allows multiple entries into Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya

Valid for up to 90 days

Fee: ~USD 100 (shared among the three countries)

3. East African Visa on Arrival (subject to change)
Some nationalities may be eligible to obtain the EATV upon entry at Entebbe International Airport or major land borders. Check current policy before departure, as rules can change without notice.

How to Apply for a Uganda Visa
Online (Recommended)
Use the Uganda eVisa system (“visa2uganda”) to submit your application:

Visit the official government portal

Complete your personal and travel details

Upload a digital passport photo and scanned passport bio-data page

Pay the appropriate fee by credit/debit card

Expect confirmation within 3–10 business days

Print your evisa approval letter to show on arrival

At Port of Entry (if eligible)
Some travelers can obtain the EATV or single-entry visa on arrival at Entebbe Airport or land borders like Cyanika, Katuna, or Malaba. This method is riskier (due to long lines), so applying in advance is strongly recommended.

Through Ugandan Diplomatic Missions
If you live in a country without the eVisa system, contact your closest Ugandan embassy or consulate to apply in person or by mail.

Required Documents
Be sure you have the following ready before applying or arriving:

Valid passport – At least 6 months beyond entry date and with 2 blank visa pages

Recent passport photograph (35×45 mm for online upload)

Proof of yellow fever vaccination – Mandatory during check-in or immigration

Travel itinerary – Flight details or tour confirmation

Proof of funds/accommodation – Bank statement, lodge booking, or tour voucher

Entry Process on Arrival
Present your evisa approval letter or have your visa issued at entry

Show your yellow fever certificate

Complete immigration form, unless your paperwork is complete

Be ready to confirm your tour plan, accommodation, and onward flight

Immigration officers may ask simple questions about your length of stay and travel plans. Honest answers and preparedness expedite the process.

Common Questions & Troubleshooting
Q: Can I apply for an EATV after entering Uganda?
No. The EATV must be secured before your first country entry; it cannot be added or upgraded after arrival.

Q: How long is the Uganda visa valid?
Typically, 90 days from entry. Extensions may be possible with UWA approval—though it’s easier to exit and re-enter with a new EATV.

Q: Can I extend my visa from within Uganda?
Yes, but it’s time-consuming and may involve official visits to immigration offices, delay, and additional fees. Exit and re-entry are generally faster and less complex.

Q: I’m traveling with a group—can I apply together?
Yes, the eVisa system allows multiple applications from the same trip—but each traveler must apply individually.

Q: Do I need proof of travel insurance?
While not officially required, carrying insurance is highly advisable, especially for medical treatment or emergencies during trekking.

Travel Tips & Best Practices
Apply online early—at least 1 month before travel—to avoid delays

Print your eVisa! Keep copies accessible during your journey

Carry yellow fever proof—no other immunization records are asked for arrival

Double-check visa type matches your trip—tourist, single-entry, or EATV

Avoid visa stress on arrival—park at immigration, not on your tour day

Keep photocopies of your passport and visa—store separately in case of loss

Know border times—land border hours vary; arrive mid-morning for smoother entry

Check dual-citizen rules—some travellers with dual nationality need specific visas