Most international visitors to Uganda require a visa, and while the e-visa obtained before travel is strongly recommended, the visa on arrival at Entebbe International Airport is available for most nationalities as a backup option. This step-by-step guide explains exactly what to expect at Entebbe Airport visa on arrival in 2027, the costs involved, and how to prepare to make the process as smooth as possible.
E-Visa vs Visa on Arrival: Use the E-Visa
Before explaining the visa on arrival process, it is worth emphasising: the Uganda e-visa obtained before travel is strongly preferred. Apply at the Uganda e-immigration portal (immigration.go.ug) at least 2 to 3 weeks before travel. The e-visa costs the same as the visa on arrival ($50 for single entry) but avoids the queue at the airport — which can be 30 to 60 minutes or more at busy periods when multiple long-haul flights arrive simultaneously.
If you have an e-visa: proceed to the dedicated e-visa lane at immigration, present your passport and e-visa approval letter, and clearance typically takes just a few minutes. Skip directly to the baggage claim section of this guide.
Step 1: Collect Arrival Card
On your flight you will be given an arrival card to complete before landing. Fill in your full name as it appears in your passport, passport number, flight number, purpose of visit (tourism), intended length of stay, accommodation address in Uganda (use your first hotel’s address), and your home country address. Have this card ready with your passport when you approach immigration.
Step 2: Join the Visa on Arrival Queue
After disembarking and following airport signs for immigration, identify the visa on arrival queue (usually clearly signposted and separate from the e-visa and EAC citizen queues). Queue length varies significantly — arriving on the first flight of the day means minimal queuing; arriving when three long-haul flights land simultaneously can mean 45 to 60 minutes of waiting.
Step 3: Pay the Visa Fee
The single-entry tourist visa costs $50 USD. Payment is accepted in US dollars (cash), Euros (cash), or by major credit/debit card (Visa and Mastercard). Have your payment method ready before reaching the counter. Bring small denomination USD if paying cash — the immigration officers may not have change for large bills. The $100 East Africa Tourist Visa (covering Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda) is also available at this stage if you plan to visit multiple countries.
Step 4: Immigration Officer Interview
Present your passport, completed arrival card, yellow fever certificate, and payment to the immigration officer. You will be asked brief questions about your visit: purpose (tourism/gorilla trekking), length of stay, accommodation in Uganda. Answer concisely and truthfully. The officer will attach the visa sticker to your passport and stamp the entry permit. The process takes 2 to 5 minutes per person at the counter.
Step 5: Yellow Fever Certificate Check
Yellow fever vaccination certificate presentation may occur at a health desk before immigration counters or at the immigration counter itself depending on airport layout at the time. Your International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow booklet) must show a valid yellow fever vaccination. The vaccination is considered valid for life (WHO guidelines 2016). If you cannot present a valid certificate, you may be required to be vaccinated at the airport or denied entry.
Visa Validity and Conditions
The standard single-entry Uganda tourist visa issued on arrival is valid for 90 days from the date of entry. Multiple-entry visas are available at a higher fee for travellers who will be crossing into neighbouring countries and returning. If you plan to visit Rwanda or Kenya and return to Uganda, ensure you have either a multiple-entry Uganda visa or check that your routing allows re-entry.
Plan Your 2027 Uganda Arrival Smoothly
The gorilla trekking permit costs $800 in 2027. Obtaining the e-visa before travel is the single most effective preparation for a smooth Entebbe arrival. Contact us to plan your 2027 Uganda safari — we provide pre-departure information packs that cover all visa, health, and arrival requirements in detail so you arrive prepared and confident.
