Uganda Visa Requirements for Tourists in 2025, 2026, 2027

Uganda Visa Requirements and Entry Procedures

Planning a Trip to Uganda Starts with Your Visa

Uganda is one of Africa’s most captivating travel destinations. From the misty jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to the vast savannahs of Queen Elizabeth National Park, the country offers an unforgettable mix of wildlife safaris, cultural encounters and once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking experiences. Whether you dream of tracking endangered mountain gorillas, cruising along the Nile, or immersing yourself in vibrant local traditions, Uganda welcomes visitors with open arms and unmatched natural beauty.

But before embarking on your journey, it’s crucial to understand the Uganda visa requirements and entry regulations for international travelers. Knowing what travel documents you need, how to apply for a Uganda tourist visa, and whether you qualify for the East Africa Tourist Visa can save you time, stress, and unexpected delays at immigration.

If your goal is to trek gorillas in Bwindi, many travelers have found that the easiest and fastest route is flying into Kigali International Airport in Rwanda, followed by a scenic 4-5 hour road transfer across the border into southwestern Uganda. This route not only shortens travel time but also makes it easier to combine gorilla trekking in Uganda with a brief visit to Rwanda.

In this complete Uganda Visa Requirements guide, we’ll walk you through:

• The Uganda visa application process
• Who needs a visa to enter Uganda
• How to apply for the East Africa Tourist Visa (Uganda, Rwanda & Kenya in one)
• Border crossing information for those flying into Kigali for Uganda gorilla tours
• Tips for avoiding common visa mistakes
• Everything else you need to know to enter Uganda smoothly

Uganda Tourist Visa – Single Entry: Everything You Need to Know Before You Travel

If you’re planning a safari adventure, gorilla trekking in Bwindi, or simply a cultural visit, the Uganda Tourist Visa is your key entry document. Designed for tourism, short family visits, medical treatment, and other temporary stays, this single-entry visa allows you to stay in Uganda for up to 90 days.

Whether you’re coming for a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounter or reconnecting with family, here’s everything you need to know about getting a tourist visa for Uganda.

Who Should Apply for a Uganda Tourist Visa?

This visa is perfect for:

• Safari travelers
• Gorilla trekking tourists
• Medical visitors
• Family and friend visits
• Attendees of cultural or religious events

Single-entry only – If you plan to exit and re-enter Uganda, consider a Multiple Entry Visa or the East African Tourist Visa.

Validity and Important Timeframes

• Once approved, the visa must be used within 90 days of the approval date.
• If you don’t travel within that window, your approval expires, and a new application will be required.
• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival.

Where to Apply for a Uganda Tourist Visa

Uganda uses an online visa application portal, making it easy to apply from anywhere in the world.

Apply here: Uganda e-Visa Portal

All travelers are advised to apply before arrival to avoid unnecessary delays at entry points.

Required Documents (Tourism Category)

To complete your application, you’ll need the following:

• Bio-data page of your passport (valid for 6+ months)
• A passport-sized photo taken within the last 6 months
• Vaccination certificate showing Yellow Fever immunization
• A clear travel itinerary or safari plan
• Hotel reservations or accommodation details (if staying with friends/family, provide address)
• Optional: Invitation letter (for family visits or hosted travel)

Other visa categories (Business, Studies, Family Visit) may require additional documents such as:

• Invitation letters
• Proof of host’s immigration status
• Admission letters for students
• Business meeting confirmation

Pro Tip: Make sure all uploaded documents are in English and clearly legible to avoid delays.

Uganda Visa Fees

• Tourist Visa (Single Entry): $50 USD
• Payments are non-refundable and may include small bank charges.
• Payments are made online during the application process.

Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for a Uganda Tourist Visa

1. Go to the Uganda Immigration Portal
2. Click Start New Application
3. Accept the terms and conditions
4. Select visa type: Visa > Tourist Visa > Single Entry
5. Fill out the application form
6. Upload your documents (you’ll get a unique application ID)
7. Pay the required fee (some applications may require a top-up)
8. Once approved, download the visa approval letter sent to your email
9. Print and carry the approval letter, payment receipt, and original passport upon entry to Uganda
10. Report to immigration at your point of entry for biometric capture

Visa Renewal or Extension

Planning to stay longer? Uganda allows you to extend your tourist visa twice, each for up to 60 additional days.

You can request an extension:

• Online, via the e-visa portal
• Or in person at the Immigration Headquarters in Kampala or a regional office

Be sure to apply before your current visa expires to avoid penalties or overstay issues.

Yellow Fever Vaccination Requirement

Yellow Fever vaccination is mandatory for all travelers entering Uganda. You must present a valid Yellow Fever certificate as part of your application and at immigration checkpoints.

Final Word: Make Your Travel Smooth

Whether you’re visiting for a classic Uganda safari, chimpanzee trekking, or cultural exploration, having your Uganda Tourist Visa ready makes your arrival seamless. With Uganda’s digital visa system, applying is quick and secure – just ensure you prepare your documents and apply early.

Need help planning your trip or applying for a visa?
Our team at Nextgen Safaris offers visa guidance, itinerary planning, and insider tips for a perfect stay in Uganda.

East African Tourist Visa (EATV): Travel Uganda, Kenya & Rwanda With One Visa

Planning to explore more than one East African country? The East African Tourist Visa (EATV) is the most convenient and cost-effective way to visit Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda using just one visa.

This multiple-entry tourist visa allows seamless movement across these three countries, making it ideal for travelers going on multi-country safaris, cultural trips, or gorilla trekking adventures.

What is the East African Tourist Visa?

The East African Tourist Visa is a joint visa initiative that allows visitors to travel freely between Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya for up to 90 days.

Important: You must first enter the country where you applied for the visa. For example, if you applied through Uganda, Uganda must be your first point of entry.

Who Should Use the EATV?

• Travelers planning to trek gorillas in Uganda and visit the Maasai Mara in Kenya
• Those flying into Kigali but trekking in Bwindi or Mgahinga in Uganda
• Visitors on multi-country East Africa safaris
• Backpackers exploring the Great Lakes region

This visa is for tourism purposes only and does not permit employment in any of the participating countries.

Visa Validity

• Valid for 90 days (3 months)
• Multiple-entry allowed within Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya
• Not renewable – once it expires or you leave the region, a new visa is required

Visa Fee

• USD $100 (subject to minor bank or processing fees)
• Payment is made online through the immigration portal of the issuing country

Documents Required for Application

To apply for the East African Tourist Visa through Uganda, you’ll need:

• A copy of your passport bio-data page (minimum 6 months validity)
• A recent passport-sized photo
• Yellow Fever vaccination certificate
• Return flight ticket
• A clear travel itinerary

All documents must be submitted in English. Additional documents may be requested during processing.

How to Apply for the East African Tourist Visa (Uganda Entry)

The EATV is processed online via Uganda’s Immigration Portal. Here’s the step-by-step guide:

1. Visit the Uganda Immigration Portal
2. Click on “Start New Application”
3. Accept the terms and conditions
4. Select Visa > East African Tourist Visa
5. Fill in the required personal and travel details
6. Upload the requested documents (you’ll get a 6-digit reference number)
7. Make the $100 payment online
8. Wait for visa approval via email (an approval letter will be sent)
9. Print the visa approval letter
10. Present the letter, your passport, and documents at your first port of entry for biometric capture

Example Itinerary: Enter Through Uganda, Trek Gorillas, Then Explore Rwanda & Kenya

Many visitors choose to fly into Entebbe International Airport in Uganda, begin with a Bwindi gorilla trekking safari, and then continue to Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park or Kenya’s Masai Mara – all without needing additional visas.

This route offers:

• Cost savings on visa fees
• Flexible multi-country travel
• An easy-to-manage travel experience

Travel Tip

If you plan to trek mountain gorillas in Uganda but arrive via Rwanda, the EATV is the best option. Simply apply through Rwanda (Kigali Airport), enter there, then transfer overland to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, just 4-5 hours by road!

Final Thoughts: Why Choose the East African Tourist Visa?

• Saves money (one visa for three countries)
• Simplifies border crossings
• Perfect for multi-country safaris or cultural tours
• Easily applied for online
• Available to tourists from most countries worldwide

Need Help With the EATV Application?
Our team at Nextgen Safaris provides visa assistance, East Africa itinerary planning, and seamless border transfers. Let us help you plan the adventure of a lifetime!

Countries That Do Not Require a Visa to Enter Uganda (2025 Update)

If you’re planning a trip to Uganda, you may not need a visa at all — depending on your nationality or the type of passport you hold.

Below is the latest list of visa-exempt countries, based on agreements with the Government of Uganda.

Visa-Exempt Countries (Ordinary Passport Holders)

Citizens from the following countries do not need a visa to enter Uganda for tourism, business, or family visits:

Note: Nationals from these countries with Conventional Travel Documents (CTDs) are also exempt from visa requirements.

Visa Exemptions for Diplomatic & Official Passport Holders

Holders of diplomatic or official passports from the following countries do not require a visa to enter Uganda

Laissez-Passer Holders Exempt From Uganda Visa

Uganda recognizes laissez-passers issued by international organizations. Holders do not require a visa when traveling on official business:

• United Nations (UN)
• African Union (AU)
• African Development Bank (AfDB)
• COMESA
• Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD)
• World Bank / International Monetary Fund (IMF)
• IATA – African Airlines Travel Association
• International Labour Organization (ILO)
• Environment Liaison Centre International (ELCI)
• European Union (EU)
• International Potato Centre (CIP)
• African Reinsurance Corporation (ARC)
• African Housing Fund (AHF)
• Preferential Trade Area / COMESA Bank

Also Exempt: Active members of the British Military traveling on official duty.

Stay Updated

Visa policies may change. Always check the Uganda Immigration Portal or consult with your travel advisor before departure.

Need Help With Uganda Visas, Passports & Immigration Services? We’re Here to Guide You

Traveling to Uganda or relocating can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to navigating visa rules, passport renewals, and immigration formalities. At Nextgen Safaris, we don’t just organize unforgettable gorilla trekking adventures, we also offer knowledge advice and support for all Uganda travel and immigration documentation. Whether you are visiting for a short safari or moving to Uganda for study, work or residence our team is here to help.

Passport Assistance – Ordinary, Diplomatic & More

We guide you through the application, renewal and replacement of all passport types:

• Ordinary Passport – For everyday travelers and citizens
• Service Passport – For government or official business
• Diplomatic Passport – For diplomats and envoys
• Passport Renewal & Replacement – We help you replace lost or damaged passports and renew expired ones
• Certification of Passport – Get official validation of your travel document
• Inter-State Pass and Temporary Movement Permits – Ideal for travelers making short cross-border visits within East Africa
• Certificates of Identity and CTDs (Conventional Travel Documents) – For stateless persons or refugees under Uganda’s protection

Uganda Visa Support – All Categories

From tourist visas to official diplomatic entries, we offer assistance in securing:

• Uganda Tourist Visa (Single Entry) – For holidays and short-term visits
• Transit Visa – If you’re passing through Uganda en route to another destination
• Multiple-Entry Visa – For frequent travelers and business visitors
• East African Tourist Visa – One visa for Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya!
• Diplomatic and Official Visas – For government and international representatives
• Visa-Exempt Countries – We will help you check if you need a visa at all

We stay updated with Uganda Immigration Authority policies to ensure accurate and fast application support.

Uganda Permits & Passes – Study, Work, Family & More

We support travelers, expats and families in applying for all Uganda entry and residence permits:

• Entry Permit – For long-term stays, work, or investment
• Student Pass – For international students enrolled in Ugandan institutions
• Dependant Pass – For spouses and children of permit holders
• Special Pass – Temporary permission to stay beyond visa period
• Certificate of Residence – For those settling long-term
• Security Bond Refunds – Assistance in claiming immigration bond returns

Legal, Inspections & Citizenship Advisory

We offer guidance and recommend representation for immigration-related issues including:

• Inspections and Investigations – Support during immigration enforcement
• Immigration Bond & Detention Issues
• Prosecution and Appeals
• Removals & Deportations – Legal support and repatriation assistance
• Legal Advisory Services – Professional immigration advice from licensed consultants

Interested in becoming a Ugandan citizen?

We help eligible clients through the full citizenship process:

• Citizenship by Registration or Naturalization
• Dual Citizenship applications
• Renunciation and Re-acquisition (especially for former Ugandans)
• Certification or Replacement of Citizenship Certificates
• Digitization of Manually Issued Certificates

Why Work With Us?

• Fast-track visa and passport processing advice
• Updated immigration knowledge
• Personalized one-on-one support via WhatsApp, in person and email
• Transparent and reliable guidance for all travel documents

Whether you are booking a gorilla trekking safari, moving to Uganda, or planning an extended East African stay, we’re just a message away.

Contact Nextgen Safaris today for free travel documentation advice and real-time updates.