Uganda entry requirements for Hong Kong passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 25, 2026·View sources
Visa 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

Hong Kong passport holders need a visa to enter Uganda. You must apply online before you travel — there is no visa on arrival for HK passport holders. Plan ahead, as processing can take a few business days.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Apply before travel
You need a visa to enter Uganda. Apply online through the official Uganda eVisa portal at visas.immigration.go.ug. The application takes about 15 minutes — upload your passport photo and passport data page. Processing usually takes 2–5 business days, and you'll receive an approval letter by email. Print that letter and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Must have at least 6 months validity
Your Hong Kong passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Uganda. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. Carry a photocopy of the bio-data page separately.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. If you're overlanding out, show a bus or ferry booking.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or invitation letter
You may be asked where you're staying. Have a hotel confirmation or a letter from your host in Uganda. If you're camping or staying with friends, a simple address and phone number works — but a booking confirmation is cleaner.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can support yourself
Officers sometimes ask for evidence of sufficient funds. Carry a recent bank statement or a credit card with a decent limit. There's no fixed amount, but having $500–$1,000 USD equivalent in cash or available credit covers most scenarios.Recommended
Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory
You must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (yellow card) at immigration. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport at your own cost.
Apply early for your e-visa
Processing can take up to 5 business days. Don't wait until the last minute — apply at least a week before your departure to avoid stress.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for the e-visa online
Go to visas.immigration.go.ug, create an account, fill in the application, upload your passport scan and a passport-style photo, and pay the fee (around $50 USD for a single-entry tourist visa). Processing takes 2–5 business days. You'll get an approval email — print it or save the PDF.
2
Pack your documents
Before you leave, gather: passport (6+ months validity), printed e-visa approval, return/onward ticket, first night hotel booking, and travel insurance details. Keep digital copies on your phone as backup.
3
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport
At immigration, present your passport and e-visa approval. The officer will stamp the visa sticker into your passport. Expect a short queue — 15–30 minutes usually. Have your return ticket and hotel booking ready in case they ask.
Download Uganda Entry Checklist
PDF · Hong Kong Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 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. 390 HKD)

Standard option for tourism; can be extended once for up to 60 days.

Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. 780 HKD)

Ideal for travellers planning multiple visits within the validity period.

East Africa Tourist Visa
Max stay90 days total
Validity90 days from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. 780 HKD)

Allows travel between Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda; single entry to each.

Work Permit
Max stayVaries with contract
Validity1 year, renewable
Cost$400 USD (approx. 3,120 HKD) plus processing

Requires a job offer and employer sponsorship; processed by the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control.

work visa
Work Permit
1 year, renewable
$400 USD (approx. 3,120 HKD) plus processing
For those with a job offer in Uganda. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Allows long-term residence.
Apply
student visa
Student Pass
Duration of course, renewable
$100 USD (approx. 780 HKD) per year
For enrolled students at recognized Ugandan institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
Apply
investor visa
Investor Permit
2 years, renewable
$500 USD (approx. 3,900 HKD) plus investment proof
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in Uganda. Requires business plan and proof of funds. Leads to permanent residence after 5 years.
Apply
Other fees
ServiceCost
Tourist Visa (Single Entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist visa, payable online or on arrival.$50 USD (approx. 390 HKD)
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)Allows multiple entries within the visa validity period.$100 USD (approx. 780 HKD)
East Africa Tourist VisaValid for multiple entries to Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda for 90 days.$100 USD (approx. 780 HKD)
Visa ExtensionExtensions may be granted for up to 60 days at the immigration office.$50 USD (approx. 390 HKD) per extension
Overstay FineNo maximum cap; overstaying can also lead to deportation.$50 USD (approx. 390 HKD) per day

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

Hong Kong passport holders transiting through Uganda do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to enter the country (e.g., to change airports or overnight), a visa is required.

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
  • Holders of a valid visa for Uganda do not need a separate transit visa.
  • Diplomatic or official passport holders may have different rules.
Transit hubsEntebbe International Airport (EBB)

Health & vaccines for Uganda

Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission; certificate must be presented upon entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialRabiesRecommendedCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

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

Dengue FeverModerate risk

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

SchistosomiasisModerate risk

Risk from swimming in freshwater lakes and rivers; avoid contact with untreated water.

Malaria risk: high

Malaria is endemic throughout Uganda, including urban areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine) 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 (DCIC)
Plot 75 Jinja Road, Kampala
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00

Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport, visa, and fee.

Entebbe
Entebbe International Airport Immigration Office
Entebbe International Airport, Entebbe
24/7

Handles visa-on-arrival and entry issues; located in the arrivals hall.

Practical information for HK 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 = 3,766.31 UGX
updated May 29
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. Hong Kong passport holders must get an e-visa before travel. There is no visa on arrival option for HK passports.
A single-entry tourist visa costs around $50 USD. You pay online during the application. Fees are subject to change — check the official portal for the latest.
Usually 2–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. Processing can be slower during peak travel seasons.
Yes. Uganda requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers over 1 year old. You'll need to show the yellow card at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
No. The e-visa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and re-apply for a new visa.
Your application will be rejected. Renew your passport first, then apply for the visa. The 6 months is counted from your entry date into Uganda.
It's not officially required for the e-visa application, but immigration officers may ask. Having a bank statement or credit card with sufficient funds is a good idea.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.