The Uganda eVisa is a mandatory digital travel authorization for foreign nationals visiting Uganda for tourism, business, or transit. Travelers from eligible countries, including US citizens, must apply online before departure. A single-entry tourist eVisa costs USD 50 and requires 3 to 10 business days for approval.
Applications are processed through the government platform at visas.immigration.go.ug, where travelers submit digital documents and pay the standard processing fee. Approved travelers receive a Visa Approval Authorisation letter via email to present upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport or other gazetted entry points.
Last verified: July 2026 by travel visa advisory team. Independent information portal – verify current entry details directly at visas.immigration.go.ug.
What Is a Uganda eVisa?
The Uganda eVisa serves as a digital entry permit issued electronically by the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control under the Uganda Citizenship and Immigration Control Act CAP 313. Eligible foreign nationals must submit their application online through visas.immigration.go.ug prior to departure for tourism, business, or transit purposes.
eVisa vs. Legacy Visa on Arrival
The Uganda eVisa completely replaced the traditional visa on arrival system on July 1, 2016. Airlines require travelers to present an approved visa authorization letter before boarding. A standard single-entry tourist Uganda eVisa costs USD 50 and permits a stay of up to 90 days. For a detailed comparison, see our Uganda eVisa vs Visa on Arrival guide.
Who Needs a Uganda eVisa?
The Uganda eVisa is mandatory for citizens of over 100 countries, including US, UK, and EU passport holders, before traveling to Uganda in 2026.
US Citizen Entry Requirements
All US passport holders must obtain a Uganda eVisa before departure. Airlines enforce pre-boarding checks, denying boarding to passengers without an approved digital permit obtained online via visas.immigration.go.ug. For a full breakdown of fees, documents, and application steps specific to American travelers, consult our Uganda eVisa for US Citizens guide.
Visa-Exempt Nationalities
Certain foreign nationals do not require an advance Uganda eVisa under regional agreements:
- Citizens of East African Community (EAC) member states (Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Burundi, and South Sudan) receive visa-exempt entry.
- Exempt visitors must present a passport with at least 6 months remaining validity upon arrival.
Types of Uganda eVisas Available
The Uganda eVisa system provides specialized permits including single-entry, multiple-entry, transit, business, and regional East Africa Tourist Visas for 2026 travel. Explore the full range of categories in our Uganda Visa Types guide.
| Visa Category | Validity / Stay Duration | Primary Requirement / Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Single-Entry Tourist | 90 days stay | USD 50 government fee; single entry |
| Multiple-Entry Tourist | 6, 12, or 24 months | Requires proof of previous Ugandan travel |
| East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV) | 90 days regional validity | Covers Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda ($100 USD) |
| Business Visa | Up to 90 days | Requires invitation letter; no gainful work allowed |
| Transit Visa | Short layovers | For connecting travel through gazetted ports |
Tourist Single Entry vs. Multiple Entry
Frequent visitors must select the multiple-entry Uganda eVisa (6, 12, or 24 months), which requires proof of prior Ugandan travel and a written justification letter. Standard holiday itineraries qualify for the single-entry Uganda eVisa valid for 90 days.
East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV)
The East Africa Tourist Visa costs USD 100, covers Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda under a single 90-day permit, and requires applicants to apply through their initial country of entry. Read more in our East Africa Tourist Visa Guide.
Uganda eVisa Requirements & Required Documents
Applicants must submit a passport valid for at least 6 months, a passport-style photograph, travel itinerary, and health documentation to receive an approved Uganda eVisa. For the complete document checklist, see our Uganda eVisa Requirements 2026 guide.
Passport & Photo Specifications
The Uganda eVisa application mandates specific document standards:
- Passport Bio-Data Scan: Clear digital scan of the main bio-data page with at least 6 months validity remaining from entry date.
- Photograph Format: Coloured photo measuring 35x45mm on a white background, taken within 6 months (no eyeglasses, file size under 500KB).
- Language Standard: The Uganda eVisa portal requires all uploaded supporting documentation to be in English.
Accommodation & Itinerary Proof
- Travel Itinerary: Flight confirmation displaying return or onward travel arrangements.
- Accommodation Proof: Confirmed hotel booking, tour operator itinerary, Airbnb confirmation, or host invitation letter with full residential address.
Health Requirements for the Uganda eVisa
A valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for entry and must be uploaded during the online Uganda eVisa application process. The certificate remains valid for life. Full details on certificate formats, exemptions, and upload instructions are available in our Uganda eVisa Yellow Fever Certificate guide.
Yellow Fever Certificate & Health Guidance
When completing the Uganda eVisa form, travelers must upload a clear scan showing both sides of their Yellow Fever immunization card. While the Uganda eVisa framework enforces no COVID-19 entry restrictions in 2026, health authorities strongly recommend malaria prophylaxis alongside typhoid and hepatitis immunizations. Travel insurance is highly recommended.
How to Apply for a Uganda eVisa Online
The Uganda eVisa application requires submitting personal details, uploading travel documents, paying the non-refundable fee, and obtaining an approval PDF by email. For a detailed walkthrough of each portal field, consult our How to Apply for Uganda eVisa Online step-by-step guide.
Step-by-Step Application Walkthrough
- Access visas.immigration.go.ug using a desktop browser and select the appropriate visa category.
- Enter passport data, personal information, and intended travel dates into the electronic form.
- Upload required attachments: passport bio-data scan, 35x45mm photo, travel itinerary, and Yellow Fever certificate.
- Pay the USD 50 fee via credit or debit card and submit the form to receive a 6-digit reference number.
Processing Timeframe & Tracking
The Uganda eVisa status tracking tool requires the 6-digit reference number and passport ID. Review generally takes 3 to 10 business days in 2026, so applying at least 2 weeks prior to travel is strongly advised. Upon arrival at Entebbe Airport or land borders, applicants present their printed approval letter for biometric capture.
Uganda eVisa Fees & Cost Breakdown (2026)
The government fee for a single-entry tourist Uganda eVisa is $50 USD, whereas third-party agency packages charge $116.50 to $240.00. For a complete pricing breakdown including hidden charges and intermediary rates, visit our Uganda eVisa Fees and Costs in 2026 page.
| Visa Type | Government Pricing | Intermediary Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist Single Entry | $50 USD | $116.50 to $240.00 |
| East Africa Tourist Visa | $100 USD | Varies by provider |
Government Pricing vs. Intermediary Rates
All payments for the Uganda eVisa submitted on the portal are strictly non-refundable regardless of approval outcome and include bank transaction surcharges.
Avoiding Uganda eVisa Scams & Fake Portals
Travelers must avoid fraudulent websites posing as authorized portals or charging inflated fees for entry permits. Applying for a Uganda eVisa through legitimate systems protects against financial loss and identity theft in 2026. Our Uganda eVisa Scam Warning guide covers red flags, fake domains, and verification steps in detail.
Red Flags of Scam Portals
- Inflated Fees: Fake platforms charge $116 to $240, whereas a single-entry tourist Uganda eVisa costs strictly USD 50.
- Unverified Domains: Fraudulent portals lack the
.go.ugdomain extension. Valid applications proceed only at visas.immigration.go.ug. - Untraceable Payments: Scam sites demand wire transfers to personal accounts rather than card processing.
What to Do If Scammed
Victims should dispute unauthorized charges with their bank and contact consular services or the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control:
Plot 65/67 Old Port Bell Road, Kampala, UgandaPhone: +256 417 102 600
Email: [email protected]
Uganda eVisa 2026 Updates & Policy Changes
The Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control issued administrative directives in July 2026 reinforcing photo and scan clarity standards for uploaded documents on the Uganda eVisa platform. For a full summary of all 2026 policy shifts, see our Uganda eVisa Changes 2026 article.
What Changed in 2026?
Applications submitted with blurry passport bio-data scans or non-compliant photo backgrounds are now rejected at initial review. Key policy parameters remain steady for 2026 travel:
- Fee Consistency: The single-entry tourist Uganda eVisa fee remains USD 50, maintaining price parity with 2025.
- Processing Timeline: Technical workflows on visas.immigration.go.ug maintain typical processing windows between 3 to 10 business days.
- Document Rules: Strict digital image resolution guidelines apply while keeping the standard 6-month passport validity requirement.
Validity, Stay Duration & Entry Points
An approved single-entry Uganda eVisa grants a 90-day approval window to enter the country, permitting a maximum stay of 90 days from arrival. For more on validity rules and stay limits, check our Uganda eVisa Validity Period guide.
| Visa Category | Approval Validity | Maximum Stay |
|---|---|---|
| Single Entry Tourist | 90 days from approval | Up to 90 days |
| Multiple Entry | 6, 12, or 24 months | Up to 90 days per visit |
Visa Approval Validity & Extensions
Travelers holding a Uganda eVisa can extend their stay in-country for up to 60 additional days in two intervals at the immigration headquarters on Plot 65/67 Old Port Bell Road, Kampala.
Gazetted Border Ports
The Uganda eVisa is accepted exclusively at recognized ports of entry equipped for biometric capture, including Entebbe International Airport and major land checkpoints at Busia and Malaba.
Uganda eVisa Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can US citizens get a visa on arrival in Uganda?
No, US citizens cannot get a visa on arrival in Uganda. Visa on arrival services ended July 1, 2016. All American travelers must obtain an approved Uganda eVisa online before departure. Traveling without approval results in denied boarding or entry refusal at border ports.
How much does the Uganda eVisa cost in 2026?
In 2026, the government fee for a single-entry tourist Uganda eVisa is $50. Third-party application assistance services charge higher service rates between $116 and $240. All government visa payments are strictly non-refundable.
How long does it take to process a Uganda eVisa?
Processing for a single-entry Uganda eVisa generally takes 3 to 10 business days. Multiple-entry applications may require 15 to 20 business days. Applicants should submit forms online at least two weeks before scheduled departure.
Can I obtain a Uganda visa at Entebbe Airport without pre-applying?
No, travelers cannot obtain a visa at Entebbe International Airport without pre-applying online. Immigration officers at Entebbe Airport require a pre-approved Visa Approval Authorisation letter to complete biometric processing and passport stamping.
What documents are required to apply for a Uganda eVisa?
Applying for a Uganda eVisa requires a passport valid for 6 months, a passport bio-data scan, and a 35x45mm photo with a white background. Applicants must also provide accommodation proof, a flight itinerary, and a Yellow Fever vaccination card in English.
Is Yellow Fever vaccination mandatory for Uganda?
Yes, a valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for all foreign travelers entering Uganda. Applicants must upload a digital scan during the online application and present their physical card to health officials upon arrival.
How do I check the status of my Uganda eVisa application?
Applicants can check application status on the immigration portal using their unique six-digit reference number and passport ID. System status notifications are also sent via email when the Visa Approval Authorisation letter is issued.
What is the East Africa Tourist Visa and who qualifies?
The East Africa Tourist Visa is a joint regional entry permit valid for 90 days across Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda. Travelers must apply through the portal of the country where their regional journey begins.
Are Uganda eVisa fees refundable if my application is denied?
No, all Uganda eVisa application fees and associated bank processing charges are non-refundable regardless of outcome. Rejections or errors require submitting a new application with a new payment.
Do children need a separate Uganda eVisa?
Yes, all minor children require an individual passport and a separate approved Uganda eVisa. Parents or legal guardians may complete the online application process on behalf of minors.
