Most visitors apply online for a Uganda tourist e-visa (single entry, US$50) or, if also visiting Rwanda or Kenya, the East Africa Tourist Visa (US$100, valid 90 days with multiple entries between the three). Apply at least two to three weeks before travel through the official immigration portal. Your passport should be valid for six months with blank pages. Rules vary by nationality, so always check the official portal.
Key takeaways
- Uganda single-entry tourist e-visa: US$50.
- East Africa Tourist Visa: US$100, covers Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya for 90 days.
- Apply online at least 2–3 weeks before travel.
- Passport valid six months, with blank pages.
- Uganda no longer requires a yellow fever certificate for entry (October 2026).
Getting a visa for Uganda is straightforward for most visitors, thanks to an online application system. The key decision is whether to apply for a single-country visa or the East Africa Tourist Visa, which covers three countries.
Option 1: Uganda tourist e-visa
- Cost: US$50 (single entry) for most nationalities.
- Validity: typically up to 90 days.
- How to apply: online through Uganda’s official immigration e-visa portal.
- Processing: usually a few working days, but apply at least two to three weeks before travel.
This is the right choice if you are visiting only Uganda.
Option 2: East Africa Tourist Visa
- Cost: US$100.
- Covers: Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya.
- Validity: 90 days, with multiple entries between the three countries.
- How to apply: online through the portal of the country you will enter first (currently via Uganda or Rwanda).
It is ideal for trips like our 6-day Uganda and Rwanda double gorilla safari or the 10-day Uganda gorillas and Masai Mara safari. Note that you must enter first through the country that issued the visa.
What you need
- A passport valid for at least six months after your arrival, with blank pages.
- A digital passport photo and a scan of your passport’s photo page.
- Your travel itinerary and accommodation details (we provide these).
- A credit or debit card for payment.
Yellow fever: the latest
In October 2026 Uganda’s immigration directorate confirmed that a yellow fever vaccination certificate is no longer required for entry. Vaccination is still recommended for health reasons, and other countries, including Tanzania and Zanzibar, may require a certificate if you arrive from Uganda or Kenya. We recommend getting vaccinated and carrying the card.
Visiting other countries
- Rwanda: e-visa or visa on arrival for many nationalities (US$50 single entry), or the East Africa Tourist Visa.
- Kenya: an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) for most visitors, or the East Africa Tourist Visa.
- Tanzania and Zanzibar: a separate Tanzanian visa, plus Zanzibar’s mandatory US$44 travel insurance.
Tips for a smooth application
- Use only the official government portals, not third-party websites that charge extra fees.
- Apply early, especially in peak season.
- Print your visa approval and carry it with your passport.
- Check the rules for your nationality, as they can change.
we send every traveller a pre-departure pack with up-to-date visa guidance, and we can answer questions about your specific situation.
For more on preparing your trip, see our travel essentials guide and safari FAQs.
Which visa should I choose?
| Your trip | Best option |
|---|---|
| Uganda only | Uganda single-entry e-visa (US$50) |
| Uganda and Rwanda | East Africa Tourist Visa (US$100) |
| Uganda and Kenya | East Africa Tourist Visa (US$100) |
| Uganda and Tanzania | Uganda e-visa plus a Tanzania visa |
| Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya | East Africa Tourist Visa (US$100) |
Arriving at Entebbe
At Entebbe International Airport, have your passport, printed visa approval and accommodation details ready. Immigration is usually straightforward. Our team meets you in the arrivals hall with a name board and takes you to your hotel or straight to your first activity, such as the shoebill trip to Mabamba.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a Uganda tourist visa?
US$50 for a single-entry tourist e-visa for most nationalities.
What is the East Africa Tourist Visa?
A US$100 visa covering Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya, valid for 90 days with multiple entries between the three countries.
Does the East Africa Tourist Visa cover Tanzania?
No. Tanzania requires its own visa.
Do I need a yellow fever certificate for Uganda?
Not for entry since October 2026, but vaccination is still recommended, and Tanzania, Zanzibar or Rwanda may ask for a certificate if you arrive from Uganda.
Can I get a visa on arrival?
Policies vary by nationality and can change. We strongly recommend applying online before you travel.
How long does the e-visa take?
Usually a few working days, but processing can take longer in busy periods, so apply at least two to three weeks before travel.
Can I extend my Uganda visa?
Extensions are possible through Uganda’s immigration offices in Kampala; ask us for current guidance if you plan a longer stay.
Written by our Kampala-based planners and guides, who arrange these trips every season. Prices and rules are checked before every quote.
