Planning a safari? Here are the Uganda visa requirements in plain language. Most visitors need a visa. You must apply online before you travel. Uganda no longer gives standard tourist visas on arrival.
This guide explains who needs a visa, what it costs and how to apply. We also list the documents you need. Finally, we show you how to apply on the official Uganda eVisa portal, step by step.
Last checked: October 2026. Visa rules can change. Always confirm the latest fees on the official portal before you apply.
Uganda Visa Requirements at a Glance
This table sums up the main Uganda visa requirements and costs:
| Visa Type | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Single-entry tourist visa | US$50 | One trip to Uganda |
| East Africa Tourist Visa | US$100 | Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda in one trip |
| Multiple-entry visa | From US$100 | Frequent visitors |
| Transit visa | US$20 | Passing through for up to 7 days |
You pay online by Visa or Mastercard. A small processing charge may be added.
Who Needs a Visa for Uganda?
Uganda visa requirements depend on your passport. Citizens of the USA, UK, Canada, Australia and the EU all need a visa.
However, some travellers are exempt. These include citizens of East African Community countries, such as Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi and South Sudan. Uganda also exempts some other African, Caribbean and Asian countries.
The exempt list changes from time to time. So check the latest list on the Uganda immigration website before you travel.
Uganda Visa Types and Costs
1. Single-Entry Tourist Visa
Most safari travellers need this visa. It costs US$50 and lets you enter Uganda once. At the airport, ask for the number of days you need, up to 90 days.
These are the Uganda visa requirements for a tourist visa:
- A passport valid for at least six months, with blank pages.
- A scan of your passport photo page.
- A recent passport photo with a plain background.
- Your safari itinerary or booking confirmation.
- A return or onward flight ticket.
- A yellow fever certificate (see the note below).
2. East Africa Tourist Visa
This visa costs US$100. It covers Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda for up to 90 days. That makes it perfect for a gorilla trek in Uganda plus a safari in Kenya or Rwanda.
Apply through the country you will enter first. Then start your trip in that country. The documents are the same as for the tourist visa.
3. Multiple-Entry Visa
This visa suits people who visit Uganda often. It lasts for 6, 12 or 24 months. Fees start at about US$100.
The Uganda visa requirements here are stricter, so you may need extra documents. For example, you may need a cover letter or a letter from a host in Uganda.
4. Transit Visa
Are you only passing through? A transit visa costs US$20 and lasts up to seven days. You will need proof of your onward trip.
5. Student Pass and Work Permits
Students and researchers need a student pass. Anyone working in Uganda needs a work permit, and this includes volunteers. Ask your school or host for advice.
Yellow Fever Certificate for Uganda
Uganda is in the yellow fever zone. For many years, a yellow fever certificate has been one of the main Uganda visa requirements. Some recent reports say the entry check has been relaxed. Still, rules can change without notice.
Our advice is simple. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before you travel, and carry your yellow card. You will also need it for Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania.
How to Apply for a Uganda eVisa
Every visa is applied for on the official Uganda eVisa portal. Avoid unofficial websites. They charge extra fees, and some are scams.
Step 1: Start Your Application
Go to the official portal. Choose your visa type and accept the terms.
Step 2: Fill in the Form
Add your personal and passport details. Then add your travel dates and where you will stay. Check every detail, because mistakes cause delays.
Step 3: Upload Your Documents
Upload your passport page, photo, yellow fever card and itinerary. Keep each file small, as the portal has a size limit.
Step 4: Pay the Fee
Pay with a Visa or Mastercard. Save your application number to track your visa.
Step 5: Get Your Approval Letter
Approval usually comes by email within a few working days. Print the letter. Then show it with your passport when you arrive.
We suggest applying at least four weeks before you travel. This matters most in the busy June to September season.
Can You Get a Uganda Visa on Arrival?
No. Uganda no longer gives standard tourist visas on arrival. You need your approval letter before you fly. Without it, your airline may refuse to let you board.
How to Extend Your Uganda Visa
Want to stay longer? Visit an immigration office in Uganda, such as the one in Kampala. Do this before your current stay ends. Overstaying can lead to fines.
Let Tulambule Help with Your Visa
We help every safari guest meet the Uganda visa requirements for their passport. When you book with us, we:
- Send you a document checklist for your passport.
- Give you the itinerary and booking letter you need.
- Meet you at Entebbe International Airport.
- Book flights and help with other visas through our air ticketing and visa assistance service.
Ready to plan? See our 3-day gorilla trekking tour and 7-day Uganda safari. For Uganda and Rwanda together, try the 10-day Rwanda and Uganda safari.
You may also like our guides to the best time to visit Uganda and Uganda national park fees.
Frequently Asked Questions About Uganda Visa Requirements
Do I need a visa to travel to Uganda?
Most visitors do. Under Uganda visa requirements, citizens of the USA, UK, Canada, Australia and the EU need a visa. Citizens of East African Community countries do not.
How much does a Uganda visa cost?
A tourist visa costs US$50. The East Africa Tourist Visa costs US$100, and a transit visa costs US$20.
Can I get a visa on arrival in Uganda?
No. You must apply online and carry your printed approval letter.
How long does a Uganda eVisa take?
Most visas are approved within a few working days. Apply at least four weeks before you travel.
Do I need a yellow fever certificate for Uganda?
We strongly recommend it. It has long been required for Uganda, and you need it for other East African countries too.
Which visa covers Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda?
The East Africa Tourist Visa. It costs US$100 and lasts up to 90 days.
Final Thoughts on Uganda Visa Requirements
The Uganda visa requirements are easy to meet. Apply early, use the official portal and carry the right documents. Then all that is left is the adventure.
Tell us your nationality and dates. Our team will guide you through every visa step as part of your safari plan.
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