Uganda entry requirements for Canada passport holders

Verified May 13, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked

Canadians need an eVisa to enter Uganda. Apply online before you travel; approval usually comes within a few days. The eVisa is valid for 90 days from issue, and you can stay up to 90 days per visit.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Required before travel
Apply for your Uganda eVisa at the official portal before departure. The standard tourist eVisa costs $50 USD and processing takes 2–3 business days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport — immigration at Entebbe will stamp the visa on arrival.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Must have at least 6 months validity
Your Canadian passport needs at least 6 months of remaining validity beyond your intended departure date from Uganda. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding.Required
Return or onward ticket
Required for entry
Immigration officers at Entebbe routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. Without it, you may be refused entry.Required
Proof of accommodation
Recommended to carry
Hotel booking confirmations or a letter of invitation from your host in Uganda satisfy this requirement. Immigration may ask where you are staying — having a printed reservation avoids delays.Recommended
Proof of funds
Recommended to carry
Carry evidence of sufficient funds for your stay — a bank statement or credit card showing available credit works. Immigration rarely asks, but having it ready prevents problems if they do.Recommended
eVisa required — no visa on arrival
Canadians cannot get a visa on arrival at Entebbe. You must have an approved eVisa before you board your flight. Apply at least two weeks before departure.
Yellow fever vaccine recommended
Even if you're coming directly from Canada, Uganda is a yellow fever endemic country. Carry your yellow card — immigration may ask for it.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to visas.immigration.go.ug, create an account, fill in the application, upload a passport-style photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (around $50 USD for a single-entry tourist visa) with a credit card. Processing takes 2–5 business days.
2
Receive approval letter
You'll get an email with an approval letter attached. Print it out and keep a digital copy on your phone. The letter is valid for 90 days from issue.
3
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport
Present your passport, approval letter, return ticket, and proof of accommodation at immigration. The officer will stamp you in. The whole process usually takes 10–20 minutes.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After clearing immigration, pick up your bags and proceed through customs. There's a duty-free shop and SIM card vendors in the arrivals hall.
Download Uganda Entry Checklist
PDF · Canada Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 13, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$50 USD (approx. $50 USD)

Standard eVisa for tourism.

Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. $100 USD)

Ideal for frequent travellers.

East Africa Tourist Visa
Max stay90 days total
Validity90 days from first entry
Cost$100 USD (approx. $100 USD)

Covers Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda.

work visa
Work Permit
1 year, renewable
$200–$500 USD depending on category
For those with a job offer in Uganda. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control.
student visa
Student Pass
Duration of course, renewable annually
$100 USD per year
For enrolled students at recognized Ugandan institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Permit
2 years, renewable
$500–$1,000 USD
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in Uganda. Requires business registration and investment proof.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Uganda eVisa (Single Entry)Standard tourist eVisa for up to 90 days.$50 USD (approx. $50 USD)
Uganda eVisa (Multiple Entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period.$100 USD (approx. $100 USD)
East Africa Tourist VisaAllows multiple entries to Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda for 90 days.$100 USD (approx. $100 USD)
Overstay FineCharged for each day overstay; pay at immigration office before departure.$50 USD per day (max $500 USD)

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete eVisa application20%

Approval probability calculator

Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.

Transiting through Uganda

No transit visa needed

Canadian passport holders transiting through Uganda do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to leave the airport or clear immigration, you must obtain an eVisa or visa on arrival.

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
  • No visa needed for airside transit up to 24 hours.
Transit hubsEntebbe International Airport (EBB)

Health & vaccines for Uganda

Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from endemic countries or if you have been in an endemic area; Uganda requires proof of vaccination.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Present throughout Uganda, especially in lowland areas; prophylaxis strongly recommended.

Dengue FeverModerate risk

Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance is key.

CholeraLow risk

Risk in areas with poor sanitation; vaccination recommended for high-risk travellers.

Malaria risk: high

Malaria is high throughout Uganda, including urban areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended. Use insect repellent and sleep under mosquito nets.

Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.

Immigration offices for extensions

Kampala
Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control
Plot 75 Jinja Road, Kampala
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00

Main office for visa extensions and permits.

Entebbe
Entebbe International Airport Immigration Office
Entebbe International Airport
24 hours

Handles visa on arrival and entry issues.

Practical information for CA travellers

Country basics
CapitalKampala
LanguageEnglish, Swahili
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 3 months; an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyUgandan shilling (UGX)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 3,725.79 UGX
updated May 13
Time zone
Local timeUTC+3
vs New York+8h
vs Los Angeles+11h
Electricity
Voltage240V / 50Hz
Plug types
GType G (three rectangular prongs)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Police112
Medical112
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

No. Canadians must have an approved eVisa before boarding their flight. There is no visa-on-arrival option for Canadian passport holders.
Usually 2–5 business days, but it can take up to 7. Apply at least two weeks before your trip to be safe. You'll receive an approval letter by email.
A single-entry tourist eVisa costs about $50 USD. You can pay by credit card on the official portal. There are also multiple-entry options for around $100 USD.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Uganda Immigration Headquarters in Kampala. Extensions are granted in 30-day increments and cost around $50 USD per extension. You must apply before your current visa expires.
Yes, if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (including transit). Even if you're coming directly from Canada, it's strongly recommended because Uganda itself has yellow fever. Carry your yellow card.
Rejections are rare for Canadians, but if it happens, you'll get a reason. Common issues: incorrect photo, missing documents, or passport validity too short. You can reapply with corrected information. There's no appeal process, but you can contact the immigration office for guidance.
Yes. You need proof of onward travel — a bus ticket, flight, or any transport booking that shows you will leave Uganda within your allowed stay. A screenshot or printed confirmation works.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 13, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.