Uganda Visa for US Citizens
US citizens need an e-Visa to visit Uganda. The single-entry tourist e-Visa costs $50, is valid for 90 days, and can be applied for online at visas.immigration.go.ug. If you're also visiting Kenya and/or Rwanda, the East Africa Tourist Visa ($100) covers all three countries with multiple entries for 90 days. Apply online at least one week before travel. Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for all travelers entering Uganda.
Visa At a Glance
- Visa Type
- e-Visa
- Best Option
- Single-entry e-Visa ($50) or East Africa Tourist Visa ($100)
- Cost
- $50
- Processing
- 3-5 days
- Validity
- 90 days
- Entries
- Single
E-Visa Application
RecommendedCost
$50
Processing
3-5 business days
Stay Permitted
90 days
Entries
Single
How to Apply for E-Visa
Go to visas.immigration.go.ug and create an account
Select 'Ordinary/Tourist Visa' ($50) or 'East Africa Tourist Visa' ($100)
Fill in the application form with travel details
Upload a passport-size photo (JPEG, white background)
Upload passport bio page scan
Upload yellow fever vaccination certificate
Upload return/onward flight ticket
Upload hotel booking or invitation letter
Pay $50 (or $100 for East Africa visa) via credit card
Wait 3-5 business days for approval
Print the e-Visa approval letter to show at immigration
Requirements
E-Visa Documents
- Valid US passport (6+ months validity beyond entry, 2 blank pages)
- Passport-size photo (digital, white background)
- Scanned passport bio page
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate (mandatory)
- Return or onward flight ticket
- Proof of accommodation
- Proof of sufficient funds (may be requested)
At Immigration
What to Present
- •Valid US passport (6+ months validity, 2 blank pages)
- •Printed e-Visa approval letter
- •Yellow fever vaccination certificate (mandatory)
- •Return or onward flight ticket
- •Proof of accommodation
Tips
- •Print your e-Visa approval letter (don't rely on phone screenshots)
- •Have your yellow fever certificate easily accessible
- •Know your first accommodation name and address
- •Immigration at Entebbe is generally straightforward but can be slow during peak arrivals
Typical processing time: 10-20 minutes
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Forgetting the yellow fever certificate (you WILL be denied entry)
- Not printing the e-Visa approval letter
- Passport with fewer than 6 months validity
- Not having a return or onward ticket
- Applying for the wrong visa type (single-entry vs East Africa Tourist Visa)
Frequently Asked Questions
Do US citizens need a visa for Uganda?
Yes. US citizens need an e-Visa ($50) applied for online at visas.immigration.go.ug before travel. If also visiting Kenya and Rwanda, the East Africa Tourist Visa ($100) covers all three countries.
Do I need a yellow fever vaccine for Uganda?
Yes. Uganda requires yellow fever vaccination from ALL travelers regardless of origin. This is mandatory, not optional. Get vaccinated at least 10 days before arrival and carry the original yellow card.
How long can Americans stay in Uganda?
Up to 90 days on a single-entry e-Visa. Extensions of up to 90 additional days are possible through the immigration office in Kampala.
What is the East Africa Tourist Visa?
A $100 visa covering Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda for 90 days with multiple entries between the three countries. Apply through the e-Visa portal of the first country you enter. Great value if visiting multiple countries.
How do I get to Uganda from the US?
There are no direct flights. The most common routes are through Addis Ababa (Ethiopian Airlines, 2 hours to Entebbe), Istanbul (Turkish Airlines), or Nairobi (Kenya Airways, 1 hour to Entebbe).
Can I get a visa on arrival in Uganda?
Technically yes, but the e-Visa is strongly recommended. Applying online before travel avoids delays and uncertainty at immigration. The cost is the same ($50).