Entry Procedures
Visa and entry requirements depend on the country that issued your passport. The information here is general guidance. Always confirm the requirements for your own nationality with the official source.
This information is for general guidance only. Please verify with the embassy or official government sources before traveling.
Visa Requirements
Types of visas required and their conditions
Most visitors to Uganda need a visa. The usual method is an eVisa applied for online in advance through the official immigration portal before you travel. The East Africa Tourist Visa, valid for Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda, is another option for multi-country trips. Rules depend on your nationality and can change, so check the official Ugandan immigration sources and your embassy before you travel.
- Visa
- Required for most
- Method
- eVisa online
- Region
- EA Tourist Visa option
- Apply for the eVisa online in advance through the official portal
- The East Africa Tourist Visa covers Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda
Passport Conditions
Required validity period and blank pages
Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of entry into Uganda and have blank pages for stamps. When applying for an eVisa you upload a passport bio-data page and other supporting documents, so make sure your passport meets the validity requirement before you apply. Check your specific requirements before you travel.
- Validity
- 6 months recommended
- Pages
- Blank pages needed
- eVisa
- Upload bio-data page
- Passport recommended valid for at least 6 months
- You upload a passport bio-data page for the eVisa
Required Documents & Pre-registration
Arrival cards, health declarations, and other preparations
For the eVisa and at the border you may need supporting documents in addition to your passport. These can include your approved eVisa printout, a yellow fever vaccination certificate, a return or onward ticket, proof of accommodation, and evidence of sufficient funds. Have these ready to speed up entry.
- eVisa
- Approval printout
- Health
- Yellow fever certificate
- Ticket
- Return/onward
- Carry your eVisa approval and yellow fever certificate
- Proof of accommodation and funds may be requested
Pre-arrival procedure — Uganda e-Visa: most visitors must apply online before travel on the official portal visas.immigration.go.ug (DCIC); there is no visa on arrival for visa-required nationalities. The tourist visa is reported around USD 50 (East Africa Tourist Visa USD 100). You receive an approval letter by email; a yellow fever certificate is required. Beware paid look-alike sites.
Official Uganda e-Visa (visas.immigration.go.ug)- Surname
- SMITH
- Given name
- MICHAEL
- Nationality
- Your nationality (e.g. a representative country)
- Passport number
- A1234567
- Arrival date
- 2026-04-10
- Entry city
- Entebbe
Steps
- 1 On visas.immigration.go.ug check whether your nationality needs e-Visa or is visa-free/exempt
- 2 Complete the application and upload the passport page/photo as required
- 3 Pay the official fee and save the approved e-Visa (print or keep on your phone)
- 4 Present it at check-in and immigration together with your passport
Eligibility, fees, processing time and validity can change; for accurate details we recommend checking with the official government portal before you travel.
Last updated: 2026-08-30
Cash Import Limits
Declaration-free limits and procedures for excess amounts
If you carry cash or negotiable instruments at or above the declaration threshold when entering or leaving Uganda, you must declare it to customs. Thresholds and rules can change, and US dollars in cash are commonly used for items such as safari and gorilla trekking permits. Failure to declare can lead to penalties, so complete a cash declaration when required and check current rules with Ugandan authorities.
- Declare
- Above threshold
- When
- Entering/leaving
- Cash
- US dollars common
- Declare cash at or above the threshold to customs
- US dollars are widely used for permits and tours
Duty-Free Allowances & Restricted Items
Limits on tobacco, alcohol, food, and other goods
Arriving in Uganda, you have duty-free allowances for personal-use goods such as a limited quantity of alcohol and tobacco, within set limits. Goods above the allowance or clearly for commercial use may be subject to duty. Rules and limits can change, so check current allowances with the Uganda Revenue Authority before you travel.
- Personal use
- Duty-free limits
- Alcohol/tobacco
- Limited quantity
- Above limit
- Duty may apply
- Duty-free allowances apply to alcohol and tobacco
- Goods above the allowance may be subject to duty
Prohibited Items
Items that are strictly forbidden from import
Illegal drugs are strictly prohibited and penalties are severe. There are restrictions on weapons and ammunition, and on products from protected species under CITES (such as ivory or certain skins), which are strictly controlled. Certain plant, animal and food products may also be restricted. Check Uganda Revenue Authority rules and obtain any required permits before you travel.
- Drugs
- Prohibited
- Weapons
- Restricted
- CITES
- Protected species
- Ivory and protected species products are strictly controlled
- Some plant, animal and food products may be restricted
Medication Import Rules
Rules for bringing prescription and over-the-counter drugs
Bring enough of your prescription medicines for your trip, ideally in their original packaging with the prescription or a copy. Some controlled medicines may require a doctor’s letter explaining your need. It is wise to carry a supply in your hand luggage. Check the rules with Ugandan authorities before you travel.
- Prescription
- Carry a copy
- Controlled
- Doctor’s letter
- Packaging
- Keep original
- Keep medicines in original packaging with documentation
- Carry a supply in your hand luggage
Vaccinations & Health Requirements
Required and recommended vaccines for entry
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter Uganda, and you may be asked to show it on arrival. It is also recommended that your routine vaccinations are up to date and that you consider vaccines such as hepatitis A and typhoid. Malaria is present, so discuss antimalarial precautions with your doctor. Consult a travel clinic well before departure for personalised advice.
- Yellow fever
- Certificate required
- Routine
- Keep up to date
- Malaria
- Present
- A yellow fever certificate is required for entry
- Malaria is present; discuss precautions with your doctor
Immigration Process
Step-by-step guide from arrival to clearing immigration
Most international travellers arrive at Entebbe International Airport (EBB), the main gateway near Kampala. On arrival you go through immigration and passport control, where officers may check your eVisa approval, yellow fever certificate and supporting documents. Have your travel documents ready and follow the signage. English is an official language, which makes communication with officials straightforward.
- Airport
- Entebbe (EBB)
- Checks
- eVisa / documents
- Language
- English official
- Entebbe (EBB) is the main international gateway near Kampala
- Officers may check your eVisa and yellow fever certificate
Tips for Smooth Entry
Practical advice for a hassle-free arrival
Uganda lies on the equator, so pack light, breathable clothing plus a layer for cool highland evenings and rain gear for the wet seasons. English is an official language and widely spoken, making communication easy. Mobile money such as MTN MoMo and Airtel Money is very widely used, so a local SIM can be handy for payments and getting around.
- Clothing
- Light / rain gear
- Language
- English widely spoken
- Payments
- Mobile money common
- Bring rain gear for the wet seasons and a layer for highlands
- A local SIM with mobile money helps with payments