Disclaimer: This portal provides informational guidance and is not affiliated with the Government of Uganda or the Uganda Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control. Last updated: August 2026.
Every traveler entering Uganda, including U.S. citizens, must hold a valid Uganda eVisa yellow fever certificate to obtain visa approval and clear border control. The required document is an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP), which must be issued at least 10 days before arrival, uploaded during online registration, and carried physically throughout your journey. For a complete overview of all entry prerequisites, consult our Uganda eVisa complete guide.
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Requirement | Mandatory for ALL foreign visitors |
| Accepted Format | WHO-standard ICVP card |
| Validity Period | Lifetime (since July 11, 2016) |
| Upload Specs | PDF, JPG, or PNG format (300 DPI recommended) |
| Exemption Groups | Infants under 9 months, pregnant women, HIV (CD4 <200), seniors 60+, egg allergies |
| Non-Compliance | Boarding denial, Entebbe vaccination (USD 40), or mandatory quarantine |
Is a Yellow Fever Certificate Mandatory for Uganda eVisa?
A Uganda eVisa yellow fever certificate is mandatory for every foreign visitor entering Uganda in 2026, regardless of nationality or departure point.
U.S. travelers departing from low-risk regions must receive their vaccination at a CDC-authorized clinic. Travelers can locate an approved immunization facility using the CDC Yellow Fever Vaccination Center Directory before submitting their online visa application. See also our Uganda eVisa requirements for US citizens for a complete list of documents American travelers need.
10-Day Rule: When Your Certificate Becomes Valid
The Uganda eVisa yellow fever certificate becomes legally active exactly 10 days after vaccination. Immunization must occur at least 10 days prior to arrival. The Uganda Ministry of Health advises against entering dense forest regions during this initial 10-day window before protective immunity fully develops.
Accepted Yellow Fever Certificate Formats for Uganda eVisa
Uganda immigration recognizes only the standardized WHO International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) as a valid Uganda eVisa yellow fever certificate format.
Required ICVP Card Details
The physical ICVP card must originate from a WHO or ICAO-approved health facility and contain four required fields:
- Applicant’s full name matching passport details
- Vaccine batch or lot number
- Official stamp and signature of the authorized facility
- Traveler’s passport number
Lifetime Validity and Booster Policy
Under World Health Organization International Health Regulations effective since July 11, 2016, a valid Uganda eVisa yellow fever certificate provides lifetime immunity. No country may demand a booster dose as a condition of entry. Travelers should note that Ugandan authorities enforce strict physical checks at border entry points due to past cases of forged cards detected abroad.
Yellow Fever Exemption Rules for Uganda Entry
Medical exemptions for the Uganda eVisa yellow fever certificate apply only to five qualifying categories under official health guidelines.
| Category | Eligibility Criteria | Required Documentation |
|---|---|---|
| Infants | Under 9 months of age | Passport or birth certificate |
| Pregnant Women | Conditional medical risk | Doctor’s medical certificate |
| HIV/AIDS Patients | CD4 count below 200 | Official clinical report |
| Seniors | Age 60 years or older | Ministry-compliant medical exemption letter |
| Egg Allergies | Severe hypersensitivity to egg protein | Licensed physician exemption letter |
Age Requirement: 9 Months Threshold
The Uganda eVisa yellow fever certificate requirement is waived for infants under 9 months of age under WHO International Health Regulations. While some third-party sources mistakenly cite a 1-year threshold, Uganda Ministry of Health officers strictly enforce the 9-month limit.
Obtaining a Medical Exemption Letter
Travelers with qualifying medical contraindications must obtain an official exemption letter signed by a licensed physician. Uploading this document during portal registration prevents mandatory vaccination charges of USD 40 upon arrival.
How to Upload Your Yellow Fever Certificate to the Uganda eVisa Portal
Applicants must submit a clear digital copy of their Uganda eVisa yellow fever certificate during initial portal registration. Our Uganda eVisa documents guide covers all required uploads and their specifications in detail.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Accepted File Formats | PDF, JPG, PNG |
| Recommended Resolution | 300 DPI (unblurry, uncropped) |
| Document Language | English (or WHO standardized bilingual) |
| Submission Timing | Uploaded during initial eVisa registration step |
Before completing payment, verify that your full name, vaccination date, vaccine batch number, and official stamp on the Uganda eVisa yellow fever certificate scan match your passport data exactly. Our Uganda eVisa application form guide provides field-by-field instructions to help avoid common mistakes.
What Happens If You Arrive Without a Yellow Fever Certificate?
Arriving without a valid Uganda eVisa yellow fever certificate results in immediate enforcement measures at airline gates and border checkpoints.
Immigration enforcement follows a three-stage consequence chain:
- Denial of aircraft boarding by airline staff at foreign departure airports.
- Mandatory on-site vaccination at Entebbe International Airport costing approximately USD 40. Refer to our Uganda eVisa fees and costs breakdown for a full overview of all potential charges.
- Mandatory quarantine at traveler expense until the 10-day immunity threshold elapses.
A valid Uganda eVisa yellow fever certificate must be kept in your carry-on luggage, as physical inspection occurs at border entry regardless of prior online eVisa approval.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is a yellow fever certificate mandatory for US citizens entering Uganda?
Yes. The yellow fever certificate is mandatory for all foreign visitors entering Uganda, including U.S. citizens traveling from low-risk countries. Immunization must occur at least 10 days prior to arrival.
Does the yellow fever certificate for Uganda expire?
No. Under WHO International Health Regulations effective since July 11, 2016, yellow fever vaccination certificates provide lifetime immunity. Older cards remain valid without booster requirements.
Can I show a photo of my yellow fever certificate on my phone at Uganda immigration?
No. Digital photos on mobile devices are not accepted at physical border checkpoints. You must present the original, physical WHO yellow card to immigration officers upon arrival.
What is the minimum age requiring a yellow fever certificate for Uganda?
The requirement applies to all travelers aged 9 months and older. Infants under 9 months of age are exempt under WHO standards and Uganda Ministry of Health entry regulations.
What happens if I arrive at Entebbe Airport without a yellow fever certificate?
Unvaccinated arrivals face mandatory on-site vaccination costing approximately USD 40, potential quarantine at individual expense, or boarding denial at departure airports.
Do I need a booster shot for my yellow fever certificate?
No. International health regulations forbid countries from requiring yellow fever booster doses for entry once a single valid dose has been administered.
How do I find a CDC-authorized vaccination clinic in the USA?
U.S. travelers can locate authorized yellow fever vaccination providers through the official CDC Travel Health Directory or state health department registries.
What file formats are accepted when uploading to the eVisa portal?
The eVisa portal accepts digital document uploads in PDF, JPG, or PNG formats. Scans must be fully legible and uncropped at a recommended 300 DPI resolution.
Must I carry my physical yellow card if I already uploaded it online?
Yes. Airlines at departure and Ugandan immigration officers at arrival perform physical checks of the original yellow ICVP card even if your eVisa was pre-approved online.
Sources and References
- Uganda Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control (DCIC) – Entry Documentation Guidelines
- World Health Organization (WHO) – International Health Regulations (2005) Amendment on Yellow Fever Booster (July 2016)
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Yellow Fever Vaccination Clinics Directory
- Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Uganda – Entebbe International Airport Passenger Health Requirements
Featured Snippet
Yes, a yellow fever certificate is mandatory for all foreign travelers entering Uganda, including U.S. citizens. You must present a WHO-standard International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) issued at least 10 days before arrival. The certificate is valid for life and must be uploaded in PDF, JPG, or PNG format during eVisa application.
