Uganda, known as the "Pearl of Africa", is an East African destination famous for its lush nature, biodiversity, and great lakes. The nickname is associated with Winston Churchill, who popularized it in his book My African Journey.
One of its greatest draws for those looking for a safari in Uganda is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site considered one of the best places in the world for gorilla trekking. Bwindi is home to a significant portion of the world's mountain gorillas, and Uganda as a whole (Bwindi and Mgahinga) is home to more than half of the global population of this species.
Uganda is more than just primates and safaris: it also stands out for its jungle, mountain, and lake landscapes, as well as its wealth of mineral resources such as gold, copper, and cobalt. Over recent decades, tourism has been helping to raise the profile of its parks, culture, and vast natural heritage.
Do you need a visa to travel to Uganda?
In most cases, yes. Uganda requires non-exempt travelers to apply for a visa online before traveling and to present the approval letter or Travel Authorization before boarding, as visas are not issued on arrival.
Visa-exempt countries for Uganda
Only certain nationalities are exempt under visa abolition agreements. According to Uganda's official immigration list, these currently include:
Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Burundi, Comoros, Cyprus, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, Fiji, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Mozambique, Rwanda, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Sudan, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Eswatini (Swaziland), Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tanzania, Vanuatu, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Hong Kong (SAR).
You can use our eligibility checker to find out whether your nationality requires a visa for Uganda, as the list is subject to change.
Types of eVisa for Uganda
Ordinary or tourist visa
There are five categories of tourist visas, all available to apply for online:
- Ordinary single-entry visa
- Multiple-entry visa (valid for 6, 12, or 24 months)
- Transit visa
- East African Tourist Visa (East African Tourist Visa), which allows entry into Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya
- Visa for diplomats and officials
How do you apply for a Uganda visa?
The Uganda visa is processed in most cases online. Once your application is approved, you'll receive the Travel Authorization or Visa Approval Letter, which you should download and preferably print to present when boarding and upon arrival in the country.
The safest option for most travelers is to apply for the eVisa online in advance, since Uganda requires you to present the approved travel authorization before boarding. This way you avoid lines and reduce the risk of issues due to missing documents or changes in border requirements.
For the Uganda tourist visa, the online process is the most practical: you fill out the form, attach your passport, photo, and travel documents (itinerary or accommodation booking), and wait for a decision. If additional information is requested during the review, you'll have the chance to correct it before your flight.
For more specific permits (business, residency, or long stays), it's worth reviewing the requirements for the relevant visa type before starting the process, as the documentation and procedure may vary depending on the purpose of your trip.
What do you need to apply for a Uganda visa?
The requirements for the Uganda eVisa depend on the type of visa and the purpose of the trip: tourism, transit, business, family visit, conference, or medical reasons. Below you'll find the standard documents required for each category.
Documents required for all visa types
To process the Uganda visa online, the following are typically always required:
- Passport copy (data page) in good condition
- Recent passport-style photo
- Active email address to receive notifications and the Travel Authorization
- Bank card to pay the fees on the official portal
Single-entry tourist visa
To apply for the single-entry Uganda tourist visa, in addition to your passport and photo, the following are typically required:
- Travel plan
- Flight itinerary or booking
- Accommodation booking or address where the traveler will be staying
If the purpose of the trip is specific (conference, family visit, or medical reasons), supporting documents such as an invitation letter or proof of appointment are usually required.
Multiple-entry visa
The multiple-entry visa for Uganda typically requires more documentation than the standard tourist visa. In addition to your passport and photo, the following are generally required:
- Police clearance certificate
- Letter explaining the reason for the application
- Recommendation letters and sponsorship documentation as applicable
- Yellow fever certificate
For this type of visa, immigration reviews the application more closely, so it's important that the letters and supporting documents are complete and consistent with your travel history.
Transit visa
For the Uganda transit visa, the standard documentation includes:
- Passport and photo
- Yellow fever certificate
- Letter explaining the reason for the transit
- Proof of onward travel (ticket or itinerary) and, if applicable, proof of entry authorization for the destination country
East African Tourist Visa
The East African Tourist Visa typically requires:
- Passport and photo
- Yellow fever certificate
- Travel itinerary and proof of return or onward travel
If the trip includes specific activities such as conferences or institutional visits, additional supporting documents may be requested depending on the assessment of the application.
Can the Uganda visa be changed after it has been submitted?
Once submitted, the application cannot be modified unless the immigration officer requests additional information. You can cancel the application at any time, but fees already paid are non-refundable.
You cannot apply for a new visa while one is still valid under the same passport: you must wait for it to expire. If it is absolutely necessary to process a new one while the previous visa is still valid, the application must be made through the embassy.
How much does a Uganda visa cost?
The cost of the Uganda visa varies depending on the type of eVisa. Official fees are published in USD. For reference:
- Single-entry tourist visa: USD 50
- Multiple-entry visa:
- 6 to 12 months: USD 100
- 24 months: USD 150 or USD 200 depending on the official source; it is recommended to confirm the final amount on the official Uganda immigration portal before starting the process
- Transit visa: USD 50
- East African Tourist Visa (Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda): USD 100
How far in advance should you apply for a Uganda visa?
The processing time by Ugandan authorities is approximately 4 to 5 business days. However, it is recommended to apply at least 15 days in advance to avoid any unexpected issues.
Visas with an entry date less than 72 hours from the time of application cannot be processed.
What are the entry points into Uganda?
Uganda is located in East Africa and shares borders with South Sudan (north), Kenya (east), Tanzania and Rwanda (south), and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (west). Its location makes it a common country for road trips across East Africa.
The main entry points are:
- Entebbe International Airport: the main air entry point for most international travelers
- Busia and Malaba: the most commonly used land border crossings from Kenya
- Elegu: border crossing with South Sudan
- Mutukula: border with Tanzania
- Katuna, Cyanika, and Bunagana: crossings in the Rwanda border area
- Mpondwe: border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Before applying for the eVisa, it's worth confirming the exact entry point, as this is usually a required field in the application form.
Is a transit visa required for Uganda?
It depends on the type of stopover. If you only have a connecting flight and remain in the international transit area without going through immigration, a transit eVisa is generally not required. Even so, it's worth checking with your airline, as conditions may vary depending on your nationality and itinerary.
If you wish to leave the international area, collect luggage, change terminals by going through immigration, or make a stopover with entry into the country, it is advisable to apply for the appropriate visa. The transit visa is designed for travelers passing through to a third country and allows a stay of up to 7 days.
