If you need a visa to visit Uganda, apply online before you travel. Uganda does not issue tourist visas on arrival to visa-prone travellers.
The application is made through the official Uganda Electronic Visa and Permit System. Once your application is approved, you receive an approval letter that you travel with and present at immigration when you enter Uganda.
Do I need a visa to enter Uganda?
That depends on your nationality.
Uganda has a list of visa-exempt countries whose nationals do not need to apply for a visa before travelling. If your nationality is not exempt, you need to apply before travelling.
Check the current visa-exempt list through the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control before making your application.
How much is a Uganda tourist visa?
A single-entry Uganda tourist visa costs US$50.
Visa fees are non-refundable, and payment or bank charges may apply.
Use the official Uganda government visa portal. Private visa-processing websites may charge significantly more than the official fee.
How do I apply for a Uganda tourist visa?
Applications are made online through Uganda Immigration.
You will normally need:
A passport bio-data page from a passport valid for at least six months
A recent passport-size photograph
Your travel or tour plan
Your travel itinerary or booking
Your hotel reservation or address in Uganda
Uganda Immigration may request further documents during processing.
Make sure your name, passport number and other details match your passport exactly.
Keep your application ID after submitting the form. You can use it to check the progress of the application or respond to requests for additional information.
What is the official Uganda visa website?
Apply through the Uganda Electronic Visa and Permit System operated by the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control.
Search results for Uganda visas can include commercial visa-processing companies. To avoid paying unnecessary fees, access the application portal through Uganda Immigration's official website.
Can I get a Uganda visa on arrival?
No, if your nationality requires a visa.
Visa-prone travellers are required to apply online and receive travel authorisation before travelling to Uganda.
Your airline may also ask to see your approval before allowing you to board.
How long is a Uganda tourist visa valid?
A single-entry tourist visa may be granted for a stay of up to three months.
The visa approval authorisation is valid for 90 days from the date of approval. You should enter Uganda within that period.
If you do not travel within the validity period of the approval, you will need to submit a new application.
Avoid applying too far in advance, but do not leave the application until immediately before your flight.
How long does a Uganda tourist visa take?
Processing times vary.
Some applications are approved quickly, while others take longer if Immigration requires additional information or documentation.
Apply with enough time before departure and monitor your application in case further documents are requested.
Do I need a yellow fever certificate for a Uganda tourist visa?
Uganda Immigration's current requirements for the standard single-entry tourist visa do not list a yellow fever certificate among the documents required for the online application.
Uganda Civil Aviation Authority, however, continues to advise travellers to carry a valid yellow fever immunisation card when travelling to Uganda.
Requirements can change, so confirm the current position with Uganda Immigration, the Ministry of Health and your airline before departure.
Travellers should seek medical advice from an appropriate travel-health professional regarding vaccination.
What happens after my Uganda visa is approved?
Your visa approval letter is issued electronically.
Keep a digital copy and carry a printed copy with your passport when travelling.
At immigration, officers may verify your travel documents and capture biometric information before admitting you into Uganda.
The approval letter authorises you to travel to Uganda. Final admission remains subject to immigration checks at the border.
Can I extend my Uganda tourist visa?
The initial period granted at entry may be extended by up to another 60 days in two intervals.
Extensions can be handled through Uganda Immigration online or through designated immigration offices.
If you already know that you intend to stay in Uganda for an extended period, check whether another immigration category is more appropriate before travelling.
What if I am visiting Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya?
Travellers visiting Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya should also consider the East Africa Tourist Visa.
It allows eligible travellers to visit all three countries under one visa.
The visa should normally be obtained through the country where you first enter the participating region.
Before applying for a Uganda tourist visa
Use the official Uganda government visa portal and keep your application number, approval letter and supporting travel documents together.
Visa requirements can change. Check the current rules again shortly before travelling, particularly if several months pass between booking your Journey and departure.
