Uganda Tourist Visa Requirements: How to Apply & What You Need (2025 Guide)

Visitor Visa Application Guide for Travellers from USA, UK, Europe, UAE, Australia, Canada & Worldwide

Are you planning to travel to Uganda for tourism, business, or visiting friends and family? This comprehensive Uganda visa guide provides the latest information on Uganda tourist visa requirements, how to apply online, visa validity, required documents, and helpful tips to ensure a smooth entry into the Pearl of Africa.

⚠️ Important: This is a general guideline. Always verify visa details with your nearest Uganda embassy or the official Uganda immigration website.

What Is a Uganda Visa?

A Uganda visa is an official travel document required by most foreign nationals to legally enter and stay in Uganda for a specific period. It allows for tourism, transit, or short business visits but does not authorize work, study, or permanent residency.

Who Needs a Visa to Visit Uganda?

Citizens from most countries, including the USA, UK, EU member states, Canada, Australia, UAE, and Asia, must obtain a visa.
Visa exemptions apply to passport holders from some East African Community (EAC) countries and select others — check the Uganda immigration website for the full list.

Uganda eVisa – The Easiest Way to Apply

Uganda offers a convenient electronic visa (eVisa) system. You can apply online before your trip via the official visa portal:

👉 https://visas.immigration.go.ug

Uganda eVisa Types:

• Tourist Visa (Single Entry) – $50 USD

• East Africa Tourist Visa (for Uganda, Kenya & Rwanda) – $100 USD

• Transit Visa – $50 USD

• Multiple Entry Visas (6 months – 5 years) – $100–$500 USD

Uganda Visa Requirements – What You Need

To apply for a tourist eVisa, prepare the following documents in PDF format:

1. Valid passport – At least 6 months validity from the date of arrival

2. Recent passport-size photo – Taken within the last 6 months

3. Flight itinerary – Return flight confirmation

4. Yellow fever vaccination certificate – Mandatory

5. Proof of accommodation – Hotel booking or invitation letter from host

6. Travel insurance (recommended) – Covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation, baggage loss, etc.

❗Only PDF documents are accepted. JPG, PNG, and other formats will be rejected.

How to Apply for a Uganda eVisa – Step-by-Step

1. Visit: https://visas.immigration.go.ug

2. Select your visa type (Tourist, Transit, East Africa, etc.)

3. Fill out the online form with your personal information

4. Upload documents in the correct format (PDF only)

5. Pay the visa fee via secure online payment system

6. Submit your application

7. Receive your visa approval via email (within 2–5 working days)

When to Apply for a Uganda Visa

• Apply at least 5 business days before travel

• Applications are processed in 2–3 working days, though some cases may take longer

• Apply within 3 months of your planned travel date

• Do not rely on visas on arrival — apply online in advance

Visa Validity & Duration of Stay

• Single Entry Visa: Valid for 90 days from the date of issue

• East Africa Visa: Valid for 90 days, multi-country travel

• Transit Visa: Valid for 7 days

• Multiple Entry Visa: Valid for 6, 12, 24 months, or up to 5 years

Upon entry, most tourists are stamped with a 60-day stay limit. This can be extended at a local immigration office.

Extending a Tourist Visa in Uganda

If you wish to stay longer:

• Visit the nearest Immigration Office in Uganda to apply for an extension

• 60-day visas can be extended by an additional 30–90 days, depending on your case

• Fees vary and are communicated at the time of the extension request

Approval is at the discretion of the immigration officer.

Beware of Fake Visa Websites

Only use the official website: https://visas.immigration.go.ug
Fake websites often limit options to only tourist and transit visas. The official portal offers:

• Ordinary Tourist Visa

• East Africa Visa

• Transit Visa

• Multiple Entry Visa

• Diplomatic/Official Visas

• Work & Study Permits

• Dependent, Student, and Special Passes

Uganda Entry Checklist for Tourists

Before traveling, make sure you have:

✅ Approved eVisa printout
✅ Valid passport (with at least 2 blank pages)
✅ Yellow Fever certificate
✅ Travel insurance
✅ Proof of accommodation
✅ Return flight ticket

Yellow Fever Vaccination Requirement

• A valid yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry into Uganda

• It must be administered at least 10 days before travel

• Valid for 10 years

• Entry will be denied if this requirement is not met

Recommended Books Before Visiting Uganda

Immerse yourself in Uganda’s history, culture, and stories:

• The Last King of Scotland – Giles Foden

• The Abyssinian Chronicles – Moses Isegawa

• The Impenetrable Forest – Thor Hanson

• Aboke Girls – Els de Temmerman

• First Kill Your Family – Peter Eichstaedt

• Uganda – The Pearl of Africa – Paul Joynson-Hicks

Can I Get a Uganda Visa on Arrival?

As of 2025, Uganda no longer offers visas on arrival for most travellers. All tourists must apply online in advance. Avoid airport delays by securing your eVisa before travel.

ℹ️ Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only. Always check with the Uganda Directorate of Immigration or your local embassy for the most up-to-date visa requirements.
Visit the official website: https://visas.immigration.go.ug

📞 Need Help With Your Visa or Trip to Uganda?

Msafiri Tours offers support for:

• Uganda tourist visa assistance

• East Africa visa guidance

• Gorilla trekking permit booking

• Tailor-made tours and safaris

• Educational trips & volunteer programs