Uganda entry requirements for Rwanda 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
Rwandan passport holders can enter Uganda without a visa for stays up to 90 days. This policy has been in place since the East African Community agreements took effect. No advance application or fee is needed — just show up at the border with your passport.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for the entire period you plan to stay in Uganda. Airlines check this before boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Uganda | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at Entebbe Airport. Have a printed or digital copy ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers rarely ask, but having it avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | Have cash, a debit card, or a bank statement showing you can cover your expenses. Immigration may ask if you look underfunded. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine required
You must have a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (yellow card) to enter Uganda. Without it, you may be vaccinated at the border or refused entry. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
Keep your passport accessible
At land borders, you'll hand your passport to an officer through a window. Have it open to the photo page. At Entebbe Airport, follow signs for 'Foreign Passports' — the queue moves fast.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the border or airport
At Entebbe International Airport or any land border (e.g., Gatuna, Cyanika, Busia), join the queue for 'Foreign Passports' or 'East African Citizens'. Have your passport and boarding pass ready.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport and any supporting documents (return ticket, accommodation booking) if asked. The officer will check your passport validity and blank page.
3
Get stamped in
The officer stamps your passport with a 'Visa Free' entry stamp valid for up to 90 days. No fee is charged. The process usually takes 2–5 minutes.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim (if flying) and then customs. You're free to enter Uganda.
Download Uganda Entry Checklist
PDF · Rwanda 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, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue
CostUSD 50 (approx. UGX 190,000)
For those who need a visa for longer stays or multiple entries; apply at Ugandan embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, valid 1 year
Validity1 year from issue
CostUSD 100 (approx. UGX 380,000)
Allows multiple entries; suitable for frequent travellers.
East Africa Tourist Visa
Max stay90 days (single entry, multiple countries)
Validity90 days from issue
CostUSD 100 (approx. UGX 380,000)
Covers Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda; single entry only.
work visa
Work Permit (Class C)
1 year, renewable
USD 200 (approx. UGX 760,000) per year
For those with a job offer in Uganda. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications. Allows long-term stay and work.
student visa
Student Pass
Duration of course (up to 4 years)
USD 100 (approx. UGX 380,000) per year
For enrolled students at recognized Ugandan institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Permit
2 years, renewable
USD 500 (approx. UGX 1,900,000) per year
For those investing at least USD 100,000 in Uganda. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayCharged for each day over the allowed 90-day stay; no official cap but may lead to deportation. | USD 50 per day (approx. UGX 190,000) |
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
Rwanda passport holders transiting through Uganda do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For land borders or leaving the airport, a visa-free entry applies for up to 90 days.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsEntebbe International Airport (EBB)
Health & vaccines for Uganda
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from endemic countries (including Rwanda) or if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialCholeraConsiderRabiesConsider
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.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Transmitted by mosquitoes; symptoms include fever and joint pain.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is endemic throughout Uganda, including urban areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine) is strongly recommended for all travellers.
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 (Head Office)
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
24/7
For entry/exit issues and emergency permits.
Practical information for RW 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
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. Rwandan passport holders get visa-free entry for up to 90 days. No application or fee is required.
Up to 90 days per visit. If you need longer, you must apply for an extension at the Uganda Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control in Kampala before your 90 days expire.
Yes, but you need to apply for an extension before your current stay expires. Visit the immigration office in Kampala (Plot 75 Jinja Road) with your passport, a completed application form, and a fee (around USD 50–100 depending on duration). Extensions are granted at their discretion.
You will likely be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced at all entry points.
Yes. Uganda requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travelers over 1 year old. You must show your yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination) at the border. Without it, you may be vaccinated on the spot or denied entry.
Yes. The main border crossings are Gatuna (Kigali–Kampala route) and Cyanika (near Kisoro). Both are open 24/7. The process is the same as at the airport — just present your passport and get stamped in.
No. Entry is completely free. You do not pay anything at the border or airport.
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.