Uganda entry requirements for Kenya passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 24, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Kenya passport holders can enter Uganda without a visa for stays up to 90 days. This visa-free arrangement applies to tourism, business visits, and short-term stays. Ensure your passport is valid and you have a return ticket ready.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid on arrival | Your passport needs to be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Uganda. No minimum validity period beyond your departure date is required by Ugandan immigration, but your airline may enforce a 6-month rule — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Entebbe Airport routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready — they may deny entry without one. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed or digital copy of your hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers occasionally ask for this, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient cash or bank statement | Immigration may ask you to show you have enough money for your stay. Have a bank statement or a credit card ready — there is no fixed minimum amount, but $200–$300 USD equivalent is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Overstay fines are steep
Overstaying even a day costs USD 50 per day. There is no cap, so a week's overstay will cost you USD 350. Set a reminder to leave before your 90 days are up.
Yellow Fever certificate is mandatory
Uganda requires a valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate from all travellers arriving from endemic countries, including Kenya. Without it, you may be vaccinated on arrival (at your cost) or denied entry. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
Visa-free entry is straightforward
Kenya passport holders have one of the easiest entry processes into Uganda. No visa application, no fees, no lengthy paperwork. Just show up with a valid passport and a return ticket, and you are in.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport
After landing, follow signs to immigration. There are separate queues for East African citizens and other nationals. As a Kenyan, you will use the East African queue if available, otherwise the general queue.
2
Present your documents to the immigration officer
Hand over your passport, completed arrival card (usually given on the plane), and any supporting documents if asked. The officer will check your passport, ask about your stay, and may request proof of onward travel or accommodation.
3
Get your passport stamped
If everything is in order, the officer will stamp your passport with the entry date and the allowed stay (usually 90 days). Check the stamp before leaving the counter to ensure the dates are correct.
4
Collect your luggage and proceed to customs
After immigration, head to baggage claim, then pass through customs. Declare any items as required. You are now free to enter Uganda.
Download Uganda Entry Checklist
PDF · Kenya Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 24, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
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 date
CostUSD 50 (approx. UGX 185,000)
For those who need a visa or want a longer stay; apply at Ugandan embassy or online.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue date
CostUSD 100 (approx. UGX 370,000)
Allows multiple entries; suitable for frequent travellers.
East Africa Tourist Visa
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
CostUSD 100 (approx. UGX 370,000)
Allows travel to Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda; single entry to each country.
work visa
Work Permit
1 year, renewable annually
USD 500–1,000 (approx. UGX 1,850,000–3,700,000)
For those with a job offer in Uganda. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Pass
Duration of course, renewable
USD 100 (approx. UGX 370,000) per year
For enrolled students at recognized Ugandan institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Permit
2 years, renewable
USD 2,000 (approx. UGX 7,400,000)
For those investing at least USD 100,000 in Uganda. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
retirement visa
Retirement Permit
1 year, renewable annually
USD 500 (approx. UGX 1,850,000)
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. No work allowed.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay beyond 90 days incurs a fine of USD 50 per day, with no official cap. | USD 50 per day (approx. UGX 185,000) |
| Stay extension (if applicable)Visa-free stays cannot be extended; must leave and re-enter if needed. | Not available for visa-free entry |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds for stay30%
No return or onward ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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
Kenya passport holders transiting through Uganda do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsEntebbe International Airport (EBB)
Health & vaccines for Uganda
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from endemic countries (including Kenya) or if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, Polio)EssentialCholeraConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Malaria is prevalent throughout Uganda, especially in lowland areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Dengue outbreaks occur, especially during rainy seasons; use mosquito repellent.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Transmitted by mosquitoes; symptoms include fever and joint pain.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high risk in all regions, including urban areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended.
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 (DCIC) Headquarters
Plot 75 Jinja Road, Kampala
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Entebbe
Entebbe International Airport Immigration Office
Entebbe International Airport, Entebbe
Open 24 hours
Handles entry/exit and visa issues at the airport.
Practical information for KE 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
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
No. The visa-free stay cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer, you must leave Uganda and re-enter. Alternatively, apply for a tourist visa (single or multiple entry) before travel, which also allows 90 days but can be extended at the immigration office in Kampala.
You will be fined USD 50 per day (about UGX 185,000) for each day over. There is no official cap, so the bill can add up fast. Pay at the immigration office before you leave, or at the airport on departure.
No. If you stay airside and do not pass through immigration, you do not need a transit visa. This applies at Entebbe International Airport. If you need to enter Uganda (e.g., to switch terminals or stay overnight), you will need to use the visa-free entry or a visa.
No. The visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, and short visits only. To work, you need a work permit (USD 500–1,000 per year, renewable). Working without a permit is illegal and can lead to deportation and a ban.
A recent bank statement (last 3 months), a credit card with a decent limit, or cash (USD or UGX). Immigration does not specify a minimum, but having $200–$300 equivalent is a safe bet. If you are staying with family, a letter from them plus their bank statement can help.
Since Kenyans already get visa-free entry to Uganda, the East Africa Tourist Visa (USD 100) is only useful if you plan to also visit Rwanda and Kenya in one trip. It allows single entry to each country for 90 days. For Uganda-only trips, stick with visa-free.
The main immigration office is in Kampala at Plot 75 Jinja Road (DCIC Headquarters). Open Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00. Phone: +256 414 595 945. For airport issues, the Entebbe Airport immigration office is open 24/7.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 24, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.