Planning your trip to Uganda? Unless you’re from a visa-exempt country, you’ll need a visa to enter. Uganda offers various visa types, and most travelers choose the convenient Uganda eVisa. Here’s everything you need to know about visa types, fees, and how to apply.
Uganda offers the following visa types for international visitors:
Valid for 90 days.
The most common visa for tourists visiting Uganda is the tourist visa. It allows a single entry into the country for tourism, visiting family, or short-term business.
Best for travelers visiting only Uganda.
Multiple entries, valid for 90 days.
This joint visa allows travelers to travel between Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda with no need for travelers planning an East Africa safari adventure.
Single entry, valid for 7 days.
This visa is for travelers passing through Uganda en route to another destination.
Perfect for short layovers or quick stopovers.
There are two types of fees when applying for a Uganda eVisa:
In this way, we assist you through the visa application process. Our service includes:
Once approved, your visa will be stamped at entry ports such as Entebbe International Airport (EBB) or land borders like Malaba, Katuna, Mutukula, and more.
| Processing Speed | Timeframe | Additional Fee |
| Normal | 3 Business Days | None |
| Urgent | Within 48 Hours | +$79 |
| Super Urgent | Within 24 Hours | +$99 |
| Number of Applicants | Fee (USD) |
| 1 Person | $69 |
| 2 People | $67 |
| 3–5 People | $65 |
| 6–9 People | $62 |
| 10+ People | $55 |
This is the official fee paid to the Uganda Immigration Department. It is mandatory and non-refundable.
Visa Type | Government Fee (USD) |
Tourist eVisa (90 days) | $50 |
East Africa Tourist Visa | $100 |
Transit eVisa (7 days) | $50 |
Note: Any changes after payment require a new application.
Citizens from the following countries can enter Uganda visa-free for up to 90 days:
Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Seychelles, Barbados, Mauritius, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Singapore, Ghana, Jamaica, Lesotho, Madagascar, Eritrea, Belize, Bahamas, Comoros, Fiji, Cyprus, Solomon Islands, and more.
Be sure to check the latest updates on visa exemptions before travel.
To apply for a Uganda eVisa, you must:
The government fee is $50, and service fees vary depending on urgency and group size.
The Uganda Tourist Visa is for Uganda only, while the East Africa Visa allows entry to Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda under one visa.
Most travelers must apply online for an eVisa in advance. Only a limited number of visas are available on arrival, which are not guaranteed.
No. Kenya is one of the visa-exempt countries that allow stays up to 90 days.
Need help with your visa?
Let Alpha Adventure Safaris guide you through it so that you can focus on your Uganda adventure.
Yes, all travelers must hold a valid passport to enter Uganda. Your passport is a key requirement for entry into the country, whether you’re visiting for tourism, business, or transit.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the intended entry date into Uganda.
It must have at least one blank page for visa stamping at immigration checkpoints.
Passports with a validity period of less than six months may be denied entry at the border or at check-in for your flight to Uganda.
Ugandan immigration officials require a minimum of six months’ validity to ensure:
Before you travel, make sure your passport:
Is in good condition (not torn or damaged)
Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your arrival in Uganda.
No, passports with less than 6 months validity may be denied entry by Ugandan immigration.
Yes, you need at least one blank page for the visa stamp when you arrive at the port of entry.
Uganda shares the East African Tourist Visa with Kenya and Rwanda, so if you plan to visit these countries on the same trip, check that your passport also meets their entry requirements.
Don’t forget to carry your Yellow Fever vaccination certificate, mandatory for entry into Uganda.
Yes, travelers to Uganda must show proof of Yellow Fever vaccination upon arrival. Your physician may recommend several other vaccinations for your health and safety during your trip.
Yellow Fever–Mandatory
While not required for entry, the following vaccinations are strongly recommended by health authorities:
Talk to your doctor about anti-malaria medication like Malarone, Doxycycline, or Lariam, and use insect repellent with DEET.
Vaccination | Requirement | Notes |
Yellow Fever | Mandatory | Must show certificate at port of entry |
Hepatitis A | Recommended | For most travelers |
Hepatitis B | Recommended | For long stays, healthcare workers |
Typhoid | Recommended | For food safety in rural areas |
Rabies | Optional but advised | Especially for outdoor & animal interactions |
Malaria Prophylaxis | Highly recommended | Take meds before, during & after travel |
COVID-19 | Recommended | Vaccination or recent negative test |
Tetanus, Polio, Diphtheria | Recommended | Routine booster for travelers |
Yes. Yellow Fever vaccination is mandatory for all travelers entering Uganda.
Recommended vaccines include Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Rabies, Malaria prevention, and COVID-19 vaccination.
No. You may be denied entry or quarantined without proof of Yellow Fever vaccination.
Yes. Uganda is a malaria-endemic country; travelers should take anti-malaria medication and use mosquito repellents.
Planning a trip to Uganda? Before you pack your bags, here’s what you need to know, from the best times to visit to currency, language, and essential travel items.
Uganda is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on your plans.
Month | Weather | Highlights |
January | Warm & dry | Good for gorilla tracking & safaris |
February | Dry, hot | Excellent for wildlife viewing |
March–May | Wet season | Best for birding, fewer tourists |
June–August | Dry & cool | Peak for gorilla trekking & safaris |
September–October | Light rains | Good mix of wildlife & greenery |
November | Short rains | Quiet season, some discounts |
December | Dry & festive | Popular month for travel & holidays |
Packing smart ensures you enjoy Uganda’s diverse landscapes and climates.
Uganda’s local currency is the Ugandan Shilling (UGX).
Tip: Carry small USD bills (clean, newer than 2009) and exchange at licensed bureaus.
Uganda is a multilingual country, but communication is easy for most travelers.
The dry seasons (June–August and December–February) are ideal for safaris and gorilla trekking.
Pack light safari wear, hiking boots, insect repellent, sunscreen, travel documents, and a universal power adapter.
Yes, Visa and MasterCard are accepted in major cities and lodges, but cash is carried for rural areas.
No, English is widely spoken, and most guides, drivers, and hotel staff communicate well in English.
Yes. Wi-Fi is available in most hotels and lodges, and mobile data through MTN or Airtel is reliable.
Traveling to Uganda is an exciting adventure, and staying healthy and safe ensures you enjoy every moment. While visiting, you must know about food safety, city security, and medical support.
Staying healthy in Uganda is mostly about good hygiene, hydration, and sun protection.
Having comprehensive travel insurance is essential for your Uganda trip.
Tip: Ensure your provider includes coverage for remote areas and air evacuation, especially if you visit national parks.
Uganda is generally safe for travelers, but like anywhere, awareness is key.
Tip: Never turn your back on wild animals for photos — always be alert!
Here’s a quick list of emergency numbers to keep handy during your trip:
Service | Contact Number |
Uganda Police | 112 or 999 |
Ambulance Services | 912 / St. John Uganda |
Fire Brigade | 112 or 999 |
Tourist Emergency Line | +256 393 881681 (Alpha Adventure Support) |
Your Embassy (UG Office) | Check embassy contact |
Uganda has modern private hospitals in major cities like Kampala and Entebbe.
For rural areas, medical services may be limited — carry a basic first aid kit and any prescription meds you need.
Uganda is generally safe for tourists, especially when traveling with a guide or tour operator. Stick to known routes and stay alert in busy city areas.
Absolutely. Travel insurance covering medical emergencies and evacuations is highly recommended for all travelers.
Seek care at a private hospital in Kampala or Entebbe. In remote areas, contact your tour operator for assistance.
No. Always drink bottled or filtered water to avoid waterborne illnesses.
Understanding Ugandan culture helps travelers connect meaningfully with locals while ensuring a respectful and enriching journey.
What should tourists wear in Uganda?
In rural Uganda and religious spaces, modest dress is expected. Avoid revealing clothing out of respect for local customs.
Alt Text: Tourist in modest attire visiting a rural Ugandan community. Caption: Dress modestly when visiting villages or religious sites in Uganda.
Ugandans are warm and polite and value respectful greetings — especially in rural areas.
Do:
❌ Don’t:
How can you travel responsibly in Uganda?
Support local economies and preserve the environment with these simple practices:
Uganda is home to gorillas, chimpanzees, elephants, and rare birds — all requiring our protection.
Respect for nature is not just about animals — leave no trace, avoid littering, and conserve water and energy in lodges.
In cities and tourist areas, yes — but avoid them in rural villages, churches, or traditional ceremonies.
Yes, if you do it without asking. Always seek permission first.
Greet everyone, accept what’s offered, and use polite language and body posture — standing while elders are seated can be disrespectful in some regions.
Public arguments, pointing fingers, and refusing a meal or drink offered in hospitality may be seen as rude.