Uganda entry requirements for United States passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 14, 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
US passport holders need an eVisa to enter Uganda. Apply online before you travel — there's no visa on arrival for tourism. As of 2026, the process is straightforward if you have your documents ready.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a Uganda eVisa at visas.immigration.go.ug at least 2 weeks before departure. The single-entry tourist eVisa costs $50 USD and is valid for 90 days from issue. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport — immigration at Entebbe will stamp the visa on arrival.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must have 6+ months validity | Your US passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Uganda. Airlines at US departure gates check this strictly — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration at Entebbe International Airport will ask for proof of a return or onward flight before they stamp you in. Have a printed or digital copy of your ticket ready — they do not accept verbal promises. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Have a hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Immigration officers occasionally ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry evidence of sufficient funds — a bank statement showing at least $500 USD or a credit card with available limit. Immigration rarely checks, but it can help if you look underprepared. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine required
Uganda requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travelers. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel and carry your yellow card. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport.
Apply early for your eVisa
Processing can take up to 5 business days. Don't wait until the last minute — apply at least a week before your flight. The portal is straightforward, but delays happen.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to visas.immigration.go.ug, create an account, fill in your details, upload a passport photo and passport scan, and pay the fee. Processing takes 2–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight.
2
Pack your documents
Print or save on your phone: eVisa approval, passport, return ticket, hotel booking, travel insurance. Keep them in a folder you can grab quickly.
3
Arrive at Entebbe Airport
At Entebbe International Airport (the main entry point), go to immigration after baggage claim. Join the 'Visitors' queue. Hand over your passport and eVisa approval. They'll stamp you in — usually takes 5–10 minutes.
4
Get your SIM or eSIM
After clearing immigration, you'll find MTN and Airtel kiosks in the arrivals hall. Or activate an Airalo eSIM before you land — no queue needed.
Download Uganda Entry Checklist
PDF · United States Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 14, 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
Standard option for tourism.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$100 USD
Good for multiple visits.
East Africa Tourist Visa
Max stay90 days
Validity90 days from issue
Cost$100 USD
Covers Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda.
work visa
Work Permit
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD
For those with a job offer in Uganda. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control.
student visa
Student Pass
Duration of studies, renewable
~$100 USD
For enrolled students at recognized Ugandan institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Permit
2 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in Uganda. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Uganda eVisa (Single Entry)Standard tourist eVisa for up to 90 days. | $50 USD |
| Uganda eVisa (Multiple Entry)Allows multiple entries within 90 days. | $100 USD |
| East Africa Tourist VisaAllows multiple entries to Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda for 90 days. | $100 USD |
| Overstay FineCharged for each day over the allowed stay. | $50 USD per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete 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
US passport holders transiting through Uganda do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa is required.
Transit hubsEntebbe International Airport (EBB)
Health & vaccines for Uganda
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk; may be required for all travellers.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in rural areas.
DengueModerate risk
Mosquito-borne, risk in urban and semi-urban areas.
CholeraLow risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially during rainy season.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Prophylaxis 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
Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control
Plot 1, Jinja Road, Kampala
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits.
Entebbe
Entebbe International Airport Immigration Office
Entebbe International Airport
24/7
For visa on arrival and entry issues.
Practical information for US 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 = 3,724.25 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
The standard single-entry tourist eVisa costs $50 USD. You pay online during the application. There's also a multiple-entry option for $100 if you plan to leave and re-enter Uganda.
Processing usually takes 2–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. You'll get an email with the approval — print it or save the PDF.
No — for tourism, US citizens must have an eVisa approved before travel. There's no visa on arrival option. Border crossings from Kenya or Rwanda also require the eVisa.
The standard tourist eVisa allows a stay of up to 90 days. Extensions are possible but not automatic — you'd need to visit the Immigration Office in Kampala.
You'll be denied boarding or entry. Renew your passport first, then apply for the eVisa. The 6 months are counted from your entry date into Uganda.
Yes — Uganda requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travelers over 1 year old. Carry your yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination) — immigration may check it.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Immigration Headquarters in Kampala. It costs about $50 and can add up to 90 more days. Start the process before your current visa expires.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 14, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.