Uganda welcomes thousands of visitors every month: tourists heading for the gorillas and the Nile, business partners coming for meetings, relatives returning for weddings and burials, and conference delegates. Many trips go wrong before they start because someone arrives with the wrong visa, an expiring passport or no yellow fever card.
Whether you are travelling to Uganda yourself or inviting someone, this guide explains who needs a visa, how to apply online, what it costs at the time of writing and how the East Africa Tourist Visa works. Immigration rules can change at short notice, so always confirm on the official portal before travel.
Who needs a visa to enter Uganda?
Most foreign visitors need a visa, and for most nationalities it must be obtained online before travel. Uganda's immigration system is run by the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control (DCIC) under the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Some people do not need a visa for short visits:
- East African Community citizens from Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan and other EAC partner states can generally enter without a visa, and many can travel within the region using a national ID.
- Citizens of a number of other countries, including several COMESA members and some Commonwealth and Caribbean states, have been listed as visa-exempt.
The exempt list changes from time to time, so check the current list on the immigration portal or with the nearest Uganda embassy. Ugandan citizens, of course, do not need a visa to come home, but must travel on a valid Ugandan passport (or a national ID within parts of East Africa).
Types of Uganda visa and fees
At the time of writing, the main visa options and fees published for visitors were:
- Single entry visa (tourist or business): around USD 50, for stays of up to three months.
- Transit visa: around USD 50.
- East Africa Tourist Visa: USD 100, covering Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda for 90 days.
- Multiple entry visas: around USD 100 for 6 to 12 months, with higher fees for longer validity.
Visa fees are non-refundable, even if the application is rejected. People coming to work, study or live in Uganda need a work permit, student pass or other entry permit, which is a different process with different fees.
How to apply for a Uganda eVisa online
Applications are made on the official portal, visas.immigration.go.ug. Be careful of look-alike websites that charge extra "service fees". The process is:
- Choose the visa type and category, for example single entry tourist visa.
- Fill in the online form with your passport details, travel dates and where you will stay.
- Upload documents: a scan of your passport bio-data page, a recent passport photo, your yellow fever vaccination certificate and any supporting documents.
- Pay online by card and keep the receipt.
- Wait for approval, usually sent by email. Processing commonly takes a few working days, so apply at least a week before you travel.
- Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport. Your visa is endorsed when you arrive at Entebbe or a land border.
Documents to have ready
- A passport valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date, with blank pages.
- A yellow fever vaccination certificate. This is a standard entry requirement for Uganda.
- A return or onward ticket and accommodation details.
- For business or family visits: an invitation letter from the host in Uganda, ideally with a copy of the host's ID or company registration.
The East Africa Tourist Visa explained
The East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV) was launched in 2014 by Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda. It allows multiple entries between the three countries for 90 days for tourism purposes, for USD 100. It is popular with visitors who combine gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda with a safari in Kenya.
Key rules to know:
- Apply through the country you will enter first. If Uganda is your first stop, apply on the Uganda portal.
- It is for tourism only, not work or business.
- It cannot be extended beyond the 90 days.
- Leaving the three countries ends it. If you travel to Tanzania or elsewhere outside the bloc, you may need a new visa to return.
Kenya replaced its traditional visas with an electronic travel authorisation (eTA) system in 2024 and has since widened exemptions for many African nationals. If Kenya is your first stop, check how the EATV is currently handled there before you book.
Health and entry rules on arrival
At the airport or border, immigration officers can ask to see your return ticket, accommodation and proof of funds. Health officials may check your yellow fever certificate.
In 2026, the Ministry of Health and the Civil Aviation Authority introduced extra port health measures at Entebbe in response to an Ebola outbreak in the region, including health screening and a passenger locator form. Check the latest Ministry of Health and airline guidance before you fly, as these measures can change quickly.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using unofficial visa websites that look official but charge much more.
- Applying too late. Give yourself at least a week, longer in peak season.
- Forgetting the yellow fever card, which can lead to delays or vaccination at the border.
- Working on a tourist visa. Paid work needs a work permit. Overstaying or working illegally can lead to fines, deportation and future bans.
- Poor photo or scan quality, which causes rejections.
- Passport close to expiry. Renew it before you apply.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a visa on arrival in Uganda?
Uganda moved to online visa applications, and most visitors are expected to apply on the eVisa portal before travelling. Do not count on getting a visa at the airport without prior approval.
How long can I stay on a Uganda tourist visa?
A single entry visa is usually issued for up to three months. The officer at entry decides how many days you are allowed, so check the stamp in your passport.
Can I extend my visa while in Uganda?
Extensions may be possible through the immigration offices in Kampala before your current permission expires. The East Africa Tourist Visa cannot be extended.
How do I write an invitation letter for a visitor to Uganda?
Include your full name, address, phone, the visitor's details, the purpose and dates of the visit, where they will stay and who will pay for the trip. Attach a copy of your ID or company documents.
Do East Africans need a passport to visit Uganda?
Citizens of EAC partner states can often travel within the region with a national ID, depending on the border and the rules at the time. A passport is still the safest option.
Get help with your application
If you are hosting a business partner, applying for a work permit or dealing with a refused visa, getting the paperwork right the first time saves money and stress. You can book a verified immigration lawyer on The Quick Consult for a short call on your situation. Fees and rules here are a guide at the time of writing, so always confirm on the official immigration portal.