Uganda entry requirements for Madagascar passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 30, 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
As of 2026, Madagascar passport holders can enter Uganda without a visa for stays up to 90 days. Just arrive at Entebbe International Airport with your passport and a return ticket — no application, no fee, no embassy visit needed.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least the length of your stay in Uganda. Carry a photocopy of the bio-data page separately from your passport. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Uganda | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital version ready on your phone. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have bank statements or a credit card ready. Officers may ask how you plan to fund your stay, especially if you arrive without a return ticket. | Recommended |
Yellow fever certificate required
If you're arriving from Madagascar (which has yellow fever), you must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate at immigration. Without it, you may be quarantined or denied entry. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
No visa, no fee — but have your documents ready
The visa-free entry is straightforward, but immigration officers still check passport validity and return tickets. Keep a printed or phone screenshot of your onward ticket and first night's accommodation handy.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport
You'll land at Entebbe (EBB), the main international gateway. Follow signs to 'Immigration' — it's a single hall, usually not too crowded.
2
Queue at the visa-free counter
Join the line for 'Foreign Passports' or 'Visa on Arrival' — there's no separate visa-free lane. When it's your turn, hand over your passport and return ticket.
3
Get your entry stamp
The officer will check your passport validity, stamp you in, and write the number of days allowed (usually 90). No fee, no forms to fill. The whole process takes 5–15 minutes.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, grab your bags from the carousel, then walk through customs (green channel if nothing to declare). You're in Uganda.
Download Uganda Entry Checklist
PDF · Madagascar Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 30, 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, extendable up to 180 days
Validity3 months from issue date
CostUSD 50 (approx. 190,000 UGX)
Apply at Ugandan embassy or online via e-Visa portal. Requires passport, photo, and itinerary.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
CostUSD 100 (approx. 380,000 UGX)
Ideal for frequent travellers. Must have proof of sufficient funds and return ticket.
Work permit
Max stayUp to 2 years, renewable
Validity2 years
CostUSD 200–500 depending on category
Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ugandan Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Student visa
Max stayDuration of course, up to 2 years
Validity1 year, renewable
CostUSD 100 (approx. 380,000 UGX)
Must have admission letter from a recognized Ugandan institution and proof of financial support.
work visa
Work Permit (Class A, B, C, D)
Up to 2 years, renewable
USD 200–500 depending on class
For foreign nationals employed in Uganda. Requires employer sponsorship, contract, and proof of qualifications. Allows long-term residence and multiple entries.
Apply student visa
Student Pass
Duration of course, up to 2 years
USD 100 (approx. 380,000 UGX)
For full-time students at recognized Ugandan institutions. Requires admission letter, financial proof, and medical clearance. Renewable annually.
Apply investor visa
Investor Permit
Up to 2 years, renewable
USD 500 (approx. 1,900,000 UGX)
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in Uganda. Requires business plan, proof of funds, and registration. Includes family dependents.
Apply retirement visa
Retirement Permit
Up to 2 years, renewable
USD 200 (approx. 760,000 UGX)
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds (approx. $1,000/month). Allows residence but not employment. Renewable.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayOverstaying beyond 90 days incurs a daily fine. Avoid overstay to prevent penalties or future entry issues. | USD 50 per day (no official cap, but may be negotiated) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return 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
Madagascar passport holders transiting through Uganda do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if leaving the airport or changing terminals, a visa may be required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for Uganda or a third country may transit without visa for up to 24 hours airside.
Transit hubsEntebbe International Airport (EBB)
Health & vaccines for Uganda
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for travellers arriving from countries with yellow fever risk (including Madagascar). Must show certificate at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Uganda, especially in lowland areas. Use prophylaxis and mosquito avoidance.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas. No vaccine; prevent mosquito bites.
SchistosomiasisModerate risk
Risk from swimming in freshwater lakes and rivers. Avoid contact with untreated water.
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
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 application forms.
Entebbe
Entebbe International Airport Immigration Office
Entebbe International Airport, Entebbe
24/7
Handles visa-on-arrival and entry issues. For extensions, visit Kampala office.
Practical information for MG 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 = 3,742.91 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 entry is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you must leave Uganda before day 90 and re-enter, or apply for a different visa category (like a work or student permit) from within Uganda before your 90 days expire.
No. There is no arrival declaration or pre-registration required for Madagascar passport holders. Just show up with your passport and return ticket.
You will be denied entry. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes. The visa-free entry applies at all official border crossings, not just Entebbe airport. You'll still need a passport valid for 6 months and a return ticket.
Yes, if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (including Madagascar). You'll be asked for the yellow fever certificate at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
Overstaying is taken seriously. You'll be fined approximately $50–$100 per month overstayed, and you may be banned from re-entering Uganda for a period. Always leave on time.
No. The visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, or short visits only. Any paid work, volunteering, or study requires a proper work permit or student visa obtained before arrival.
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.