Uganda eVisa
Online application

Passport

You must have a passport valid for at least six months, and a copy of the bio-data page is part of every eVisa application. Check the expiry date before you apply, as your eVisa is issued against the passport details you submit.

Visas and eVisa

Most travelers need a visa to enter Uganda, and all applications are made online. The Single-entry Tourist eVisa covers tourism, family visits and medical treatment for a stay of up to three months. The East Africa Tourist eVisa is a joint visa for Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda. It allows multiple entries between the three countries for 90 days, and your first entry must be through the country that issued it. Frequent visitors can choose the 1-year or 2-year Multiple-entry Tourist eVisa. Travelers passing through Uganda on their way to another country can apply for the Transit eVisa, which is valid for a maximum of seven days and cannot be extended.

All applications require a recent passport-size photo. For tourist eVisas, you'll also need your travel itinerary and your hotel booking or the address where you'll be staying. Multiple-entry applications require more documents, including a police clearance certificate, recommendation letters from referees in Uganda, and a cover letter explaining why you need multiple entries.

Once approved, a tourist eVisa must be used within 90 days of the approval date, or it is automatically cancelled. On arrival, your fingerprints and photo are taken at the border.

The Uganda eVisa is a mandatory travel document for citizens of eligible countries. It is obtained fully online, designed to make the immigration process easier and smoother.

You can find all the details and eligible countries below.

When traveling to Uganda, it is wise to make health insurance a priority. Healthcare has improved in recent years, but medical facilities and standards vary, and treatment can be costly for foreign visitors. Reliable travel medical insurance lets you access the care you need without large out-of-pocket expenses.

Choose a policy that covers medical expenses, emergency treatment and medical evacuation. In severe cases, you may need to be transferred to a facility with more specialized treatment, sometimes in a neighboring country. Uganda's national parks, remote areas and adventure activities can also involve additional risk, so comprehensive coverage means you can explore more freely, whether you are on safari, hiking or discovering local culture. Keep your policy details and emergency assistance number easily accessible throughout your trip.

Uganda also requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for all travelers over one year old, regardless of where they are arriving from. You will need to upload it with your eVisa application and carry it with you on arrival.

Uganda's currency is the Ugandan Shilling (UGX), and cash is the easiest way to pay for everyday expenses. You can exchange money at banks, authorized forex bureaus and some hotels in major towns. Stick to official exchange services for fair rates and to avoid counterfeit notes.

US dollars are also commonly accepted by larger hotels and tour operators. Bring clean, undamaged notes printed in 2009 or later, as older or marked bills are often refused. Larger notes ($50 and $100) get better exchange rates, while smaller ones are useful for tips.

Visa and Mastercard are accepted at larger hotels, restaurants and businesses in cities, but markets, smaller shops and rural areas are often cash-only. ATMs are widely available in major towns and dispense shillings. Tell your bank before you travel to avoid card blocks, and carry a backup payment option in case an ATM is out of service.

Uganda is culturally diverse, with a rich heritage, and Ugandans are generally friendly and welcoming. Showing genuine interest in local customs is always well received.

It is customary to greet people with a handshake and to use titles such as Mr., Mrs. or Doctor when addressing someone. Polite, respectful language is expected, and learning a few greetings in a local language helps you make a great first impression.

Modest dress is recommended, especially in rural areas and at religious sites. Both men and women should choose clothing that covers shoulders and knees. Public displays of affection are best kept to a minimum, as they may be considered inappropriate. Same-sex relationships are illegal in Uganda and can carry severe penalties. Photographing military, police or government buildings is also prohibited.

If you are visiting someone's home or a local community, it is polite to remove your shoes before entering if others do. You may also be offered food or drinks. Accepting, even just a little, is a courteous way to acknowledge local hospitality.

Uganda is known for its flavorful cuisine, and trying traditional dishes is a great way to connect with local culture. Many people traditionally eat with their right hand, though using cutlery is also perfectly acceptable.