Uganda e-Visa
Everything you need for your Uganda e-Visa: requirements, processing times and answers to the most common questions.
Official Uganda government portal- Validity
- 90 days
- Maximum stay
- 90 days
- Entry type
- Single
Overview
The Uganda e-Visa is the country's online travel authorisation for tourism, business and East African leisure visits, issued by the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control through its official portal. It is the standard route for most nationalities, including travellers from the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Canada and Australia, who cannot enter Uganda without a visa or an authorisation arranged in advance. A tourist e-Visa is valid for 90 days from the date of approval and allows a single entry, with each stay granted for up to 90 days, which immigration offices may extend by a further 60 days once you are in the country.
It covers leisure, family visits, business meetings and sightseeing, but it does not authorise paid employment, long-term study or residence, which need the relevant Ugandan permit. Members of the East African Community are exempt and travel without one. The e-Visa links to the passport you apply with, so you must arrive on that same document.
If your itinerary also takes in Kenya and Rwanda, the regional East Africa Tourist Visa is a separate product; this service prepares the single-country Uganda e-Visa, and gorilla-trekking permits are booked separately. Your application is completed in your own language, every answer and the supporting documents you upload are confirmed, and the e-Visa is submitted to the authority so nothing is missed before you travel.
Uganda e-Visa questions
How long does the Uganda e-Visa take?
Ugandan Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control typically issues e-Visas within 1 to 7 business days of submission. Our Rush tier reviews within 24 hours; Super Rush ships same-day with status tracking.
Is yellow fever vaccination mandatory?
Yes. Uganda requires a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate from all visitors regardless of country of origin. The certificate must be presented at the border alongside your passport and e-Visa. Our specialists verify your certificate validity before submission.
Is the East African Tourist Visa different?
Yes. The East African Tourist Visa (EATV) covers Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda in a single 90-day multi-entry product. It is applied for through the country of first entry. Our current service covers the single-country Uganda e-Visa only.
Can I drive into Uganda from Kenya?
Yes. Uganda's e-Visa is valid at land border crossings with Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan and the DRC, as well as Entebbe International Airport. The wizard verifies your entry point against the current authorised list.
What if my Uganda e-Visa is denied?
Most denials stem from yellow fever certificate gaps or passport validity issues. Our specialists pre-check these before submission. If denied for reasons outside your control, our service fee is refunded; the government fee is non-refundable.
How long is the Uganda e-Visa valid?
The e-Visa is valid for 90 days from arrival with single-entry use. East African Community members are exempt. The East African Tourist Visa covering Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda is a separate multi-country product.
What documents do I need for the Uganda e-Visa?
A passport valid at least six months, a recent photo, your travel details and a yellow fever vaccination certificate, which is mandatory for Uganda. A specialist checks everything before submission.
Do US citizens need a Uganda e-Visa?
Yes. United States passport holders need a visa to enter Uganda, and the tourist e-Visa is the standard online route, the same as for travellers from the United Kingdom, the European Union, Canada and Australia. It is a normal requirement for a holiday or business trip, and we prepare and submit your application for you.
Can I get a Uganda visa on arrival at Entebbe instead?
A visa on arrival is available at Entebbe International Airport, but the immigration authority strongly encourages travellers to obtain the visa in advance. Applying for the e-Visa beforehand means your application and documents are reviewed before you fly and your arrival is smoother. We prepare the e-Visa for you so it is ready before departure.
What kind of photo do I need for the Uganda e-Visa?
A recent passport-style digital photograph, taken against a plain light background with your whole face clearly visible and no hat or dark glasses. You upload it during the application along with a scan of your passport photo page. We check that your photo meets the specification before we submit, so it is not rejected at review.
Do I need to print my Uganda e-Visa before I travel?
Yes. Although the e-Visa is issued electronically, you should carry a printed copy and also keep a digital version on your phone. The approved e-Visa is checked at the airline desk and at the border together with your passport and your yellow-fever certificate, so having it ready on paper avoids any delay at check-in.
How much does the Uganda e-Visa cost?
You pay one all-inclusive price that includes the government tourist visa fee set by the Ugandan authority and our service fee, with no hidden charges and the government portion itemised on your receipt. The government fee is paid to the authority, while our fee covers completing your application in your language, checking every answer and your documents, and submitting it for you.
How can I avoid having my Uganda e-Visa refused?
Most problems trace back to small, avoidable details. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months with two blank pages, your name and passport number match the passport exactly, your photo meets the specification, and your yellow-fever certificate is current. We review every answer and document for completeness before submitting, so these common errors are caught early.
Do I need a yellow-fever certificate for Uganda?
Yes. A valid yellow-fever vaccination certificate is required for every traveller and is checked at the border with your passport and e-Visa. The vaccine must be given at least ten days before arrival to be valid, and children under five also need a polio vaccination. We do not give medical advice, so confirm the exact rules on the official portal or with your doctor.
Do I need to show proof of funds or an onward ticket?
It is wise to be ready. Immigration officers in Uganda may ask to see a return or onward flight booking and confirmed accommodation, and evidence that you can support your stay. The e-Visa application already asks for your itinerary and accommodation, so keep those documents and your booking references handy on arrival to answer any question quickly.
Can I visit Kenya and Rwanda on the same trip, and do I apply for Uganda first?
Yes, the regional East Africa Tourist Visa covers Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda on one multi-entry authorisation, but your journey must begin in the country you applied through, so plan to enter Uganda first. This service prepares the single-country Uganda e-Visa as standard; tell us your route and we can point you to the option that fits your itinerary.
When should I apply for the Uganda e-Visa?
The Ugandan Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control decides in 1 to 7 business days. Start at least a couple of weeks before departure so a public holiday or a request for clarification never threatens your travel dates. Submit once your passport, accommodation and flights are confirmed, and keep a comfortable buffer during the gorilla-trekking high season, when demand peaks. The Rush and Super Rush tiers are available for short-notice travel.
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Visit the full Help CenterUganda help desk
Have questions about your e-Visa? Email the Uganda desk and we reply within 24 hours.
uganda@visitpass-online.com