Uganda is a beautiful country located in East Africa. It was named the “Pearl of Africa” by Winston Churchill because of its rich natural beauty and culture. The country is home to the world’s longest river, the strongest waterfalls, half of the world’s mountain gorillas, over 1,000 bird species, many kinds of wildlife, scenic landscapes, snow-capped mountains, and more than 50 tribes with unique traditions.
Uganda is one of the top tourist destinations in Africa, attracting thousands of visitors every year. Below is useful information about the Uganda tourist visa and the requirements needed to obtain one.
Uganda Tourist Visa
Anyone planning to visit Uganda must get a visa before or upon arrival, unless they are from one of the visa-exempt countries. All visitors must have a passport valid for at least nine months. Citizens of visa-exempt countries can stay in Uganda without a visa for up to three months.
Visa on Arrival
Travelers from all countries except Somalia can obtain a visa on arrival at Uganda’s entry points. The visa fee is USD 50 per person. Holders of diplomatic, consular, service, official, or special passports can also receive a visa on arrival that is valid for three months.
E-Visa (Online Application)
Uganda now offers an e-visa system that allows travelers to apply online before arriving in the country. Once approved, you must print and present the e-visa confirmation letter upon arrival at immigration. This option is convenient and helps speed up entry procedures at the airport.
East Africa Tourist Visa
The East Africa Tourist Visa is a multiple-entry visa that allows travelers to visit Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda using a single visa. It is valid for 90 days and costs USD 100 per person. This option is ideal for travelers planning to explore the three countries during one trip.
Uganda Visa Requirements
Below are the main documents and requirements for obtaining a Uganda tourist visa.
- Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for all travelers. If you do not have one, you will be vaccinated upon arrival before entering the country.
- Passport: A valid passport is required for all visa applicants. It must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Uganda.
- Passport-Size Photo: Applicants must provide a recent passport-size photo taken against a white background. The photo should be clear and without hats, caps, glasses, or scarves. This applies to both online and on-arrival visa applications.
Transit Visa
If you are applying for a transit visa, you will need to provide a letter stating the reason for transit and your final destination country. This visa is meant for travelers passing through Uganda to another country.
