Uganda entry requirements for France passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
French passport holders need an eVisa to enter Uganda. The application is entirely online, and you must have it approved before you travel. As of 2026, the process is straightforward but requires careful attention to passport validity and onward travel documentation.
Apply for Uganda eVisaOfficial portal: Uganda eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Uganda eVisa | Apply for your Uganda eVisa at visas.immigration.go.ug before you fly. The online form takes about 15 minutes — you'll need a passport scan, a passport photo, and a credit card. Approval usually comes within 3 business days, but apply at least a week ahead to be safe.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for 6 months beyond your intended departure date | Your French passport needs at least 6 months of validity left from the day you plan to leave Uganda. Airlines at CDG and ORY check this before they issue your boarding pass — if your passport expires sooner, you won't board. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Uganda | Immigration officers at Entebbe Airport routinely ask for a confirmed onward ticket showing you'll leave Uganda within your visa validity. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready — they won't let you through without it. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Uganda. Immigration may ask where you're staying, and having the paperwork ready avoids a 15-minute delay at the counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Evidence of sufficient money for your stay | Have a bank statement or a credit card showing you can cover your expenses. Uganda doesn't publish a fixed minimum, but $300–$500 USD equivalent for a short trip is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Uganda requires your passport to be valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter. If it's close to expiring, renew it before applying for the eVisa. You will be denied boarding or entry.
Apply for eVisa at least a week before travel
Processing times vary, and there's no official rush service. Applying early gives you a buffer in case of delays or requests for additional documents.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eVisa online
Go to visas.immigration.go.ug, create an account, 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) with a credit card. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days, but apply at least a week before your trip.
2
Receive and print eVisa approval
You'll get an email with a PDF approval letter. Print it out and keep a digital copy on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and on arrival.
3
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport
After landing, follow signs to immigration. Join the queue for 'Visitors' or 'Foreign Passports'. Hand over your passport, printed eVisa, and return ticket. The officer will stamp you in. The whole process usually takes 15–30 minutes.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, go to baggage claim, then customs. There's usually no customs declaration for personal items. Exit into the arrivals hall.
Download Uganda Entry Checklist
PDF · France Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
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. €46)
Standard eVisa for tourism, extendable once for up to 90 days.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. €92)
Ideal for travellers entering Uganda multiple times within the validity.
East Africa Tourist Visa
Max stay90 days total
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. €92)
Covers Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda with multiple entries.
Work Permit
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost$400 USD (approx. €368)
Requires a job offer and employer sponsorship. Allows long-term stay.
Student Visa
Max stayDuration of studies
Validity1 year, renewable
Cost$100 USD (approx. €92)
For enrolled students at recognized Ugandan institutions.
work visa
Work Permit
1 year, renewable annually
$400 USD (approx. €368) per year
For foreign nationals with a job offer from a Ugandan employer. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
$100 USD (approx. €92) per year
For enrolled students at accredited Ugandan institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Investor Permit
2 years, renewable
$500 USD (approx. €460) per year
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in a Ugandan business. Requires business plan and proof of investment. Leads to permanent residency.
retirement visa
Retirement Permit
1 year, renewable annually
$200 USD (approx. €184) per year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or savings of at least $1,000 USD per month. No work allowed. Simple application process.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Uganda eVisa (Single Entry)Standard tourist visa for up to 90 days, processed online before travel. | $50 USD (approx. €46) |
| Uganda eVisa (Multiple Entry)Allows multiple entries within 90 days, suitable for frequent travellers. | $100 USD (approx. €92) |
| East Africa Tourist VisaAllows multiple entries to Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda within 90 days. | $100 USD (approx. €92) |
| Overstay FineCharged for each day over the visa validity. Avoid by extending before expiry. | $50 USD per day (approx. €46), no cap |
| Visa ExtensionCan be applied at the Immigration Office in Kampala for up to 3 months. | $50 USD (approx. €46) per month |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa 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
France passport holders transiting through Uganda do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For landside transit or leaving the airport, a visa is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, UK, Schengen, or Canadian visa may transit without visa for 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 within 6 days of travel. Uganda has a risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsiderMeningococcal MeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Uganda, especially in lowland areas. Prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy seasons. Use mosquito repellent.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Transmitted by mosquitoes, common in outbreaks. No specific treatment.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present 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
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. Bring passport, visa copy, and fee.
Entebbe
Entebbe International Airport Immigration Desk
Entebbe International Airport
24/7
For visa on arrival issues and entry questions. Limited services.
Practical information for FR 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 = 3,741.97 UGX
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
Frequently asked questions
A single-entry tourist eVisa costs about $50 USD. The fee is paid online during the application via credit card. There are also multiple-entry options for around $100 if you plan to leave and re-enter Uganda.
Processing usually takes 3–5 business days, but can be faster. Apply at least a week before your flight to avoid stress. If it's urgent, you can contact the immigration office, but there's no official expedited service.
No. French passport holders must have an approved eVisa before boarding. Airlines check this at check-in. Without it, you'll likely be denied boarding.
You'll be denied entry. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before applying for the eVisa.
Yes, if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. French citizens coming directly from France don't need it, but if you've recently been in a risk area, you'll need to show the yellow card. It's recommended to get the vaccine anyway — it's valid for life.
Yes, but it's not straightforward. You need to visit the Uganda Immigration Headquarters in Kampala before your visa expires. Extensions are granted on a case-by-case basis and cost around $50–100. Overstaying can result in fines or deportation.
Your passport, printed eVisa approval, return or onward ticket, and proof of first night accommodation. The officer may also ask about your travel plans or how long you're staying. Keep everything in your hand luggage.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.