All U.S. citizens traveling to Uganda must obtain a visa. For most travelers, the most efficient method is the Uganda Electronic Visa (E-Visa).
Since 2016, the Uganda Wildlife Authority and the Ministry of Internal Affairs have required all foreign visitors to use the digital application system to obtain approval online before arrival.
To ensure your application meets all government specifications, including mandatory yellow fever certification and passport photo standards, you may choose to use an assisted service like iVisa for an expert review.
On This Page
- Understanding the Uganda E-Visa
- Do I Need a Uganda E-Visa?
- Visa Types, Fees, and Stay Limits
- Application Methods: DIY vs. Assisted Service
- Authorized Ports of Entry
- Step-by-Step Application Process
- Additional Uganda Entry Requirements
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Understanding the Uganda E-Visa
The Uganda E-Visa is an official travel document issued by the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control. It serves as a digital replacement for traditional embassy visas for tourism, business, and study. Once approved, the E-Visa system provides an Approval Letter via email, which you must print and present at the border to receive your physical visa sticker and entry stamp.
Do I Need a Uganda E-Visa?
Yes, as a U.S. citizen, a visa is mandatory for entry. Uganda has discontinued the traditional "Visa on Arrival" without pre-authorization; you must now have an approved E-Visa letter before boarding your flight.
You should apply for a Uganda E-Visa if your purpose is:
- Tourism: Vacationing, general sightseeing, and safari travel.
- Business: Attending meetings, conferences, or exploring commercial opportunities.
- Transit: Passing through Uganda to another destination.
Note on East Africa Travel: If you plan to visit Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda on the same trip, you must apply for the East Africa Tourist Visa.
Note: Holders of U.S. Diplomatic or Official passports should coordinate their entry through the Ugandan Embassy, as specific exemptions or procedures may apply.
Visa Types, Fees, and Stay Limits
Uganda offers several E-Visa categories based on the nature of your visit.
| Visa Type | Validity | Maximum Stay | Gov. Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Entry Tourist | 90 Days | 30–90 Days | $50 USD |
| East Africa Tourist Visa | 90 Days | 90 Days (Multi-Country) | $100 USD |
| Transit Visa | 7 Days | 2 Days | $50 USD |
Application Methods: DIY vs. Assisted Service
The Republic of Uganda manages all visa applications through its centralized digital portal. Accuracy in completing the visa application and the quality of the uploaded travel documents are crucial, as the immigration department frequently rejects applications with blurry scans or missing information.
- Direct Application (DIY): Travelers may apply directly via the official Uganda Immigration portal. This requires the user to independently manage digital uploads and monitor their application status using a generated personal file number.
- Assisted Service (iVisa): For travelers who prefer expert assistance and review, iVisa provides a comprehensive application process. Their team verifies that your documents, including your Yellow Fever certificate and passport scan, meet exact legibility standards, significantly reducing the risk of a "denied" status. They offer 24/7 bilingual support.
To enter Uganda, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of entry. You also need at least one fully blank visa page for the entry stamp. If you do not meet these requirements, renew your passport before applying for a Uganda tourist E-Visa.
Check Expedited Passport Renewal Options (1-Week Service Available)
Authorized Ports of Entry
The E-Visa Approval Letter is valid for entry at all major Ugandan checkpoints, including:
- Air: Entebbe International Airport (EBB).
- Land: Busia and Malaba (Kenya border), Katuna (Rwanda border), and Mutukula (Tanzania border).
Step-by-Step Application Process
Applications should be submitted at least 2–3 weeks before your intended date of departure.
Step 1: Get Your Information Ready
- Valid U.S. Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry.
- Yellow Fever Certificate: A digital scan of your International Certificate of Vaccination is mandatory for the application.
- Passport Photo: A recent digital passport-style color photo.
- Bio-Page Scan: A clear scan of your passport's information page.
Step 2: Complete the Online Application
- Access the official portal or use an assisted service like iVisa.
- Fill out your personal and travel details exactly as they appear on your U.S. passport.
- Upload your digital documents and pay the non-refundable government fees.
Step 3: Receive and Print Your Approval Letter
- Confirmation: Once approved, your E-Visa Approval Letter will be sent to your email.
- Physical Copy: You must print a physical copy of this letter to present to immigration officials upon arrival to receive your visa sticker.
Additional Uganda Entry Requirements
A visa approval letter allows you to travel to Uganda, but does not guarantee final admission. The final entry decision is determined by immigration officers at the port of entry.
Be prepared to show:
- Yellow Fever Card: You must carry the original physical yellow vaccination card to show at the airport health desk.
- Return Ticket: You may be asked to provide proof of a confirmed return or onward flight itinerary.
- Minors: Children traveling on their own U.S. passports require their own E-Visa. If a minor is traveling alone or with only one parent, a notarized consent form is recommended.
Uganda E-Visa Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
No. You must apply for the E-Visa online and have the Approval Letter in hand before you arrive in Uganda.
This is a joint visa that allows you to travel between Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda multiple times for up to 90 days, provided you start in the country that issued the visa.
Yes. You cannot complete the E-Visa application without uploading proof of vaccination, and you will be asked for your physical vaccination card upon arrival.
Yes. The "Approval Letter" is not the visa itself; it is the permission to receive the visa at the border. You must have a printed copy to present to the officer to obtain your visa sticker and entry stamp.
Yes. You can apply for a visa extension at the Immigration Office in Kampala before your initial 90-day period expires.
Secure your Uganda E-Visa through iVisa today to ensure your application meets all official documentation standards.
