Uganda visa requirements: what travelers need
5 min read · updated July 2026 · written by the Olthru team in Kampala
Short answer
Most visitors need a visa. Apply online at the official Uganda immigration e-visa portal before you travel: a single-entry tourist visa costs $50 and is valid for 90 days. If you are also visiting Kenya or Rwanda, the $100 East Africa Tourist Visa covers all three. A yellow fever certificate is mandatory either way.
Which visa fits your trip
If your itinerary crosses into Rwanda for gorilla trekking and comes back into Uganda, the East Africa Tourist Visa is almost always the cheaper and simpler choice.
| Visa | Cost | Use it when |
|---|---|---|
| Uganda single entry tourist | $50 | Uganda only |
| East Africa Tourist Visa | $100 | Uganda + Kenya + Rwanda, multi-entry between them |
| Uganda multiple entry (6-12 mo) | $100+ | Repeat visits, or a Rwanda side trip and return |
| Transit | $50 | Under 7 days, no touring |
What you need to apply
- Passport valid at least six months beyond arrival, with a blank page
- Passport bio-page scan and a recent passport photo
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate
- Return or onward ticket
- Proof of accommodation - we provide your confirmed itinerary letter
- Card payment on the portal; approval usually arrives in 2-5 working days
Practical notes
- Apply two to four weeks before travel; the portal is the only official route and there is no need to pay an agent
- Print your approval letter - immigration asks for it at Entebbe
- Biometrics are captured on arrival
- Overstaying carries daily fines, so check the exact expiry on your approval
- A handful of nationalities are visa-exempt; check the official list for your passport
What we handle for you
We cannot submit the application on your behalf - it is tied to your own biometrics and card - but we send you the confirmed itinerary and accommodation letter the portal asks for, and we check your approval details against your permit names before you fly. Name mismatches between passport, visa and gorilla permit are the single most common avoidable problem we see.
Frequently asked
- Can I get a visa on arrival at Entebbe?
- Uganda officially requires an e-visa obtained in advance. Do not plan on arrival processing.
- Does the East Africa Tourist Visa include Tanzania?
- No. It covers Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda only.
- Do children need their own visa?
- Yes, every traveler needs an individual visa regardless of age.
Still deciding? Ask us directly.
We will tell you honestly if a cheaper or shorter trip suits you better.