Do you need a visa to visit Uganda? UK, US & EU travellers. Planning a safari to see mountain gorillas in Bwindi, a boat cruise on the Nile, or a wildlife drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park? Uganda is one of Africa’s most extraordinary destinations — and the good news is that getting there is simpler than you might think. Whether you’re travelling from the UK, the United States, or Europe, here is everything you need to know about Uganda visa requirements before you book your trip.

Does Uganda Require a Visa?

Yes, Uganda requires a visa for most international visitors, including citizens of the United Kingdom, the United States, and European Union countries. However, the process has been made remarkably straightforward in recent years thanks to Uganda’s online e-visa system, which allows travellers to apply from the comfort of their own home before departure.

Uganda does not offer visa-free entry to UK, US, or EU nationals, but the application process is fast, affordable, and fully digital. There is no need to visit an embassy or consulate in most cases.

How to Apply: Uganda’s E-Visa System

The easiest and most recommended way to get your Uganda visa is through the official Uganda e-Visa portal at evisa.go.ug. This government-run platform allows you to apply online, upload your documents, pay securely, and receive your visa electronically — all before you travel.

Steps to apply:

1. Visit evisa.go.ug and create an account
2. Select the type of visa you require (tourist, business, transit, etc.)
3. Fill in your personal and travel details
4. Upload the required supporting documents
5. Pay the visa fee online
6. Receive your e-visa by email, usually within 3–5 working days

You will then print your approved e-visa and present it on arrival at Entebbe International Airport or any other official port of entry.

Visa Types Available for Tourists

Single Entry Tourist Visa — $50 USD This is the standard option for most holidaymakers. It allows you to enter Uganda once and stay for up to 90 days. It is valid for six months from the date of issue, so you can apply a little in advance.

Multiple Entry Tourist Visa — $100 USD If you are planning to cross into Rwanda, Kenya, or Tanzania and re-enter Uganda during the same trip, a multiple entry visa is highly advisable. This is particularly common for travellers combining a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda with a visit to Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.

East Africa Tourist Visa — $100 USD This is one of the best-value options available. The East Africa Tourist Visa covers Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda under a single visa. It is ideal for travellers planning a multi-country itinerary across the region. You can start your application through evisa.go.ug and select the East Africa Tourist Visa option.

Transit Visa — $30 USD If you are transiting through Uganda for fewer than 48 hours, a transit visa applies. This is uncommon for leisure travellers but relevant to those passing through Entebbe en route to another destination.

UK Travellers: What You Need to Know

British citizens require a visa to enter Uganda. The UK government’s official travel advice page for Uganda, hosted at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/uganda, confirms the visa requirement and recommends applying online before travel rather than on arrival.

UK travellers should note:

• Apply via the official e-visa portal at least two weeks before departure to allow processing time
• Your UK passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date from Uganda
• You must have a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate — this is a legal entry requirement, not just a recommendation
• Travel insurance with medical coverage is strongly advised

If you are a British national with dual citizenship in an East African country, different rules may apply — always check the latest FCO guidance before travelling.

For a smooth experience, speak to our team  and we can guide you through the full arrival process.

US Travellers to Uganda: What You Need to Know

American citizens also require a visa to enter Uganda. The United States Embassy in Kampala provides guidance for US nationals on the ug.usembassy.gov website, including details on documentation requirements and emergency consular assistance during your stay.

US travellers should be aware of the following:

• The e-visa system accepts US passport holders without any issues
• The $50 single entry tourist visa is the most popular option for Americans visiting for gorilla trekking, wildlife safaris, and cultural tours
• Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for entry — you must carry your International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (the yellow card)
• Uganda operates on UTC+3 (East Africa Time), and Entebbe International Airport has daily connections via major hubs including London Heathrow, Dubai, Nairobi, and Doha

Many American travellers combine Uganda with Kenya or Rwanda. If this sounds like your ideal trip, our Uganda safari packages include multi-country itineraries designed for US visitors.

EU Travellers to Uganda: What You Need to Know

Citizens of EU member states — including Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and others — are required to obtain a visa before entering Uganda. There is no visa-free arrangement between Uganda and the European Union.

The application process is identical to that for UK and US citizens: apply through evisa.go.ug, pay the appropriate fee, and receive your e-visa electronically.

Key points for EU travellers:

• Schengen passports are accepted through the e-visa system
• Processing typically takes 3–5 business days, but it is advisable to apply at least two weeks before departure
• Yellow fever vaccination is compulsory — check with your local travel health clinic well in advance
• Some EU airlines operate direct or connecting routes to Entebbe via Addis Ababa (Ethiopian Airlines), Nairobi (Kenya Airways), or Doha (Qatar Airways)

European travellers are increasingly choosing Uganda as a destination for sustainable, responsible wildlife tourism. Explore our things to do in Uganda guide for inspiration.

Documents You Will Need

Regardless of your nationality, all applicants will need the following to complete their Uganda visa application:

• A valid passport with at least six months’ validity and two blank pages
• A recent passport-sized photograph (digital, against a white background)
• Proof of onward or return travel (flight booking confirmation)
• Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter)
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate
• Proof of sufficient funds for your stay (bank statement or equivalent)
• Payment for the visa fee (major credit and debit cards are accepted)

Can You Get a Visa on Arrival in Uganda?

Technically, Uganda does offer visa on arrival at Entebbe International Airport and select land borders. However, this is strongly discouraged for several reasons. Queues can be long and unpredictable, particularly during peak travel periods, and you risk delays or complications if your documentation is not in order.

The e-visa is the official, preferred method and is accepted at all ports of entry. Apply online at evisa.go.ug to save time and ensure a smooth arrival.

Yellow Fever Vaccination: Non-Negotiable

It is worth emphasising this point clearly: a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate is a mandatory entry requirement for Uganda, not optional. This applies to all nationalities, including UK, US, and EU travellers. If you cannot produce proof of vaccination on arrival, you may be denied entry or required to be vaccinated at the airport at your own expense.

Book your yellow fever jab at a registered travel health clinic at least 10 days before departure, as the vaccine requires time to take effect.

Start Planning Your Uganda Adventure

Securing your Uganda visa is a simple first step toward one of the most rewarding travel experiences in the world. From tracking mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to spotting tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda genuinely delivers on every promise.

At Kenlink Tours, we handle the logistics so you can focus on the experience. Our expert team is based in Uganda and available to answer your questions about visas, itineraries, permits, and everything in between.

Ready to start planning? Browse our Uganda tours or get in touch with our team for a personalised quote today.

Information correct as of May 2026. Visa regulations can change — always verify the latest requirements through the official Uganda e-Visa portal or your government’s travel advisory page before booking.

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