Uganda entry requirements for Ivory Coast passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 30, 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

Ivorian passport holders need an e-visa to enter Uganda. The process is entirely online and takes a few days, so apply at least a week before you travel. As of 2026, the e-visa is valid for a single entry and allows a stay of up to 90 days.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Apply before travel
Apply for an East Africa Tourist eVisa at visas.immigration.go.ug. The eVisa costs $50 USD and is processed within 2–3 business days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport to show at immigration.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for entire stay
Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Uganda. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by law, but airlines may enforce 6 months — check with your carrier before flying.Required
Return or onward ticket
Required for entry
Immigration officers at Entebbe Airport 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.Required
Proof of accommodation
Recommended
Carry a hotel booking confirmation or an invitation letter from your host. Officers may ask for it if you look under-prepared — having it printed saves time.Recommended
Proof of funds
Recommended
Have bank statements or a credit card showing you can cover your stay. Uganda does not enforce a fixed minimum, but showing $200–$300 USD equivalent is a safe bet.Recommended
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you arrive in Uganda, not from your departure date. If it expires sooner, renew it before applying for the e-visa.
Keep a digital copy of everything
Save your e-visa approval, passport bio page, and return ticket as PDFs or screenshots on your phone. Also email them to yourself. If you lose your phone, you can still access them.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for the e-visa online
Go to the official Uganda e-visa portal (visas.immigration.go.ug). Fill in the application form, upload a passport-style photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (around $50 for a single-entry tourist visa) by credit card. Processing takes 2–5 business days, sometimes longer.
2
Receive your e-visa approval
You'll get an email with an approval letter. Print it out and keep a digital copy on your phone. The visa is linked to your passport number, so you don't need to carry the letter, but it's good to have.
3
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport (or land border)
At immigration, present your passport, the printed e-visa approval (if you have it), and your return ticket. The officer will check your passport validity and blank page, then stamp you in. The whole process usually takes 5–10 minutes.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel, then walk through customs. There's usually no baggage check unless you're carrying something unusual. Then you're free to go.
Download Uganda Entry Checklist
PDF · Ivory Coast Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 30, 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

Standard eVisa for tourism.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$100 USD

Allows multiple entries.

East Africa Tourist Visa
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$100 USD

Covers Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda.

work visa
Work Permit
1 year, renewable
$200–$500 USD
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
$100–$200 USD
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 in Uganda. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Uganda eVisa (single entry)Standard tourist eVisa for up to 90 days.$50 USD
Uganda eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within 90 days.$100 USD
East Africa Tourist VisaAllows multiple entries to Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda for 90 days.$100 USD
Visa extension (per month)Extensions up to 90 days total stay.$50 USD
Overstay fine (per day)No official cap, but fines can accumulate.$50 USD

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete 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

Transit without a visa is allowed for up to 24 hours if staying airside and holding a confirmed onward ticket.

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
  • Holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas may transit without visa for up to 48 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.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Present throughout the country, especially in lowland areas.

Dengue feverModerate risk

Occurs in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy seasons.

SchistosomiasisModerate risk

Risk from swimming in freshwater lakes and rivers.

Malaria risk: high

Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers, especially in rural areas and during rainy seasons.

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

Immigration offices for extensions

Kampala
Uganda 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
24/7

For visa on arrival and entry issues.

Practical information for CI 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 = 3,745.12 UGX
updated May 30
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

Typically 2–5 business days, but it can take up to 7. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. If you're in a rush, you can pay extra for express processing (around $100), which usually takes 24–48 hours.
A single-entry tourist e-visa costs $50. There's also a transit visa for $50 (valid 7 days) and an East Africa tourist visa for $100 (allows multiple entries to Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda). Payment is by credit card on the official portal.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Uganda Immigration Headquarters in Kampala. It costs about $50 and can extend your stay by up to 90 days. You'll need a valid reason and a letter from your sponsor or hotel.
Yes, if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (which includes Ivory Coast). You'll need to show the yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination) at immigration. If you don't have it, you may be vaccinated on arrival or denied entry.
Yes, the e-visa is valid at all official entry points, including land borders like Busia (from Kenya) and Gatuna (from Rwanda). Just show the approval letter and your passport. The process is the same as at the airport.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your passport photo is poor, your passport is damaged, or your travel history raises flags. You can reapply with corrected documents. If you're stuck, contact the Uganda embassy in Abidjan for help.
Uganda is mostly cash-based, especially outside Kampala. ATMs are common in cities and accept Visa and Mastercard. Carry some US dollars (clean, new bills) as backup — they're widely accepted for larger payments.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 30, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.