Planning a gorilla trekking trip or wildlife safari to Uganda? Getting your Uganda visa sorted is the first step. The good news is that Uganda has a straightforward online visa application system, and most travellers can have their visa approved within 48 to 72 hours. This guide covers everything you need to know about Uganda visa requirements, types, costs, and how to apply.
Does Uganda Require a Visa?
Yes, most international travellers need a Uganda visa to enter the country. Uganda requires visas for citizens of most countries outside East Africa. Citizens of East African Community (EAC) member states — Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Somalia — may enter without a visa. Citizens of a small number of other countries also enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access under bilateral agreements.
For the vast majority of visitors — including those from the United States, United Kingdom, European Union countries, Canada, Australia, and most other nations — a valid Uganda visa is required before or upon arrival.
Types of Uganda Visas
1. Uganda Single Entry Tourist Visa
The most common visa for safari and gorilla trekking visitors. It allows one entry into Uganda and is valid for 90 days from the date of issue, with a permitted stay of up to 90 days. Cost: USD 50.
2. East Africa Tourist Visa (Multiple Country)
The East Africa Tourist Visa is an excellent option for travellers combining Uganda with Kenya and Rwanda — the three most popular gorilla and safari destinations in the region. It grants multiple-entry access to all three countries on a single visa. Cost: USD 100.
This is highly recommended for guests on combined itineraries such as gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda or a Uganda safari followed by a Masai Mara game drive. You gain multiple entries across all three countries, making it much more flexible than purchasing three separate single-entry visas.
3. Uganda Multiple Entry Visa
Designed for frequent travellers, business visitors, or those making several trips into Uganda within a 12-month period. Cost: USD 100. Valid for 12 months with unlimited entries, each stay up to 90 days.
4. Transit Visa
For travellers passing through Uganda on their way to another destination without leaving the airport transit zone. Cost: USD 30. Valid for 7 days.
Uganda Visa Requirements: What You Need
- Valid passport — must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended travel dates and have at least one blank page for the visa stamp
- Passport-size photograph — a recent colour photo with a white background (digital copy for online applications)
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate — Uganda requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers aged 1 year and above. This is a mandatory health requirement and you will be denied boarding or entry without it
- Return or onward ticket — proof of travel plans out of Uganda
- Proof of accommodation — hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from a host in Uganda
- Proof of sufficient funds — bank statement or confirmation of funds to cover your stay (typically USD 50 per day is used as a guideline)
- Travel itinerary — your confirmed travel plans including entry and exit dates
How to Apply for a Uganda Visa Online
Uganda processes most tourist visas through its official immigration e-visa portal. Applying online is strongly recommended as it saves time, avoids queues at the airport, and gives you a confirmed visa before you travel. Follow these steps:
- Visit the official Uganda e-immigration portal — go to the Uganda Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control website
- Create an account — register with your email address and set a password
- Complete the application form — fill in your personal details, travel dates, purpose of visit, and accommodation details
- Upload required documents — scan and upload your passport bio page, passport photo, yellow fever certificate, flight booking, and hotel confirmation
- Pay the visa fee online — payment accepted by credit card or debit card (Visa, Mastercard)
- Receive your visa approval — you will receive an email with your visa reference number and approval letter within 48 to 72 hours
- Print your visa — print the approval letter and present it upon arrival at the port of entry along with your passport
Processing is generally fast, but we recommend applying at least 2 weeks before your travel date to allow time for any additional document requests or corrections.
Visa on Arrival in Uganda
Uganda does offer visa on arrival at Entebbe International Airport (EBB) for most nationalities. However, visa on arrival is not recommended for the following reasons:
- Long queues, especially on peak arrival days when multiple international flights land at similar times
- Limited payment options — cash in USD is often preferred; card machines can be unreliable
- Risk of being denied entry if your documents are not in order
- Added stress at the start of your holiday
It is strongly advisable to apply online well in advance. The online process is straightforward and gives you peace of mind before you travel.
Uganda Visa Cost Summary
| Visa Type | Cost (USD) | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Single Entry Tourist Visa | $50 | 90 days from issue |
| East Africa Tourist Visa (Uganda + Kenya + Rwanda) | $100 | 90 days, multiple entries across 3 countries |
| Multiple Entry Visa | $100 | 12 months, unlimited entries |
| Transit Visa | $30 | 7 days |
Yellow Fever Certificate: Mandatory for Uganda Entry
Uganda is strict about yellow fever vaccination. The International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP), also known as the yellow card, is required for all travellers entering Uganda. This applies regardless of which country you are flying from.
Yellow fever vaccination is available at most travel clinics and hospitals. The vaccine takes effect within 10 days, so get vaccinated at least 10 to 14 days before your departure. The yellow fever vaccine is considered a lifetime protection as of 2016 (no booster required after 10 years under WHO guidelines), but check current recommendations with your doctor or travel clinic.
Entry Points into Uganda
Most international visitors arrive by air at:
- Entebbe International Airport (EBB) — the main international gateway, located 40 km from Kampala on the shores of Lake Victoria. Served by major airlines including Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, RwandAir, and others.
Land border crossings with visa facilities include:
- Malaba — Uganda/Kenya border (western Kenya to eastern Uganda, on the road from Nairobi)
- Busia — Uganda/Kenya border (alternative road route)
- Katuna/Gatuna — Uganda/Rwanda border (near Kabale, gateway to Bwindi)
- Cyanika — Uganda/Rwanda border (alternative crossing near Kisoro)
- Mutukula — Uganda/Tanzania border
If you are combining gorilla trekking in Bwindi (Uganda) and Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda), you will cross at Katuna or Cyanika — both straightforward border crossings that your tour operator will handle.
Uganda Visa Extension
If you wish to extend your stay beyond your initial visa validity, you can apply for a visa extension at the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control offices in Kampala. Extensions are typically granted in 30-day increments. You must apply before your current visa expires.
Health Requirements Beyond Yellow Fever
While only yellow fever is a mandatory requirement, the following vaccinations and health precautions are recommended by travel health authorities for Uganda:
- Typhoid — recommended, especially if you plan to eat local food or travel off the beaten path
- Hepatitis A and B — recommended for most travellers
- Malaria prevention — Uganda is a malaria-endemic country. Anti-malarial medication (such as Malarone/atovaquone-proguanil or Doxycycline) is strongly recommended. Consult your doctor at least 6 weeks before travel
- Cholera — recommended if visiting areas with limited sanitation
- COVID-19 — check current entry requirements as these change periodically
What to Expect at Uganda Immigration
On arrival at Entebbe, the immigration process is generally smooth. You will be asked to:
- Present your passport and visa approval letter (if you applied online)
- Complete an arrival card (distributed on the flight or available at the airport)
- Present your yellow fever certificate
- Have your fingerprints scanned and photo taken
- Declare any items on your customs declaration form
Immigration officers may also ask to see your return ticket and proof of accommodation. Having these printed or easily accessible on your phone makes the process faster.
Planning Your Uganda Safari
With your visa sorted, you can focus on planning the adventure itself. Uganda offers some of East Africa’s most extraordinary wildlife experiences, chief among them gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Uganda is home to over half the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population, making it the single best destination on earth for this extraordinary encounter.
Beyond gorillas, Uganda’s national parks offer chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest, tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park, the dramatic Murchison Falls, and some of Africa’s finest birding across all habitats.
Superfine Safaris Limited handles all aspects of your Uganda safari, including coordinating your gorilla trekking permits, lodge bookings, and in-country transfers. Contact us to start planning your Uganda safari itinerary.
