Last updated: July 2026. Information verified against current Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control guidelines. This independent guide provides entry requirements for travelers; it is not affiliated with any government agency.
US citizens traveling to Uganda for leisure must obtain a Uganda tourist visa prior to departure. Issued electronically by the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control, this single entry permit costs USD 50 (plus standard bank processing fees) and allows a maximum stay of 90 days.
Applications are submitted through the electronic portal at visas.immigration.go.ug. Travelers cannot obtain a tourist visa on arrival at Entebbe International Airport or land borders without prior online approval. Third-party processing services like Sherpa charge additional service fees (typically USD 60 on top of government fees).
Applicants must upload supporting documents in English: a scanned passport bio-data page, a digital photo, hotel booking proof, a travel itinerary or tour plan, and a mandatory Yellow Fever vaccination certificate — see our full upload and exemption guide for details.
Eligibility and Visa Validity (90-Day Single Entry)
The Uganda tourist visa covers tourism, family visits, and medical treatment. Paid employment, academic research, and volunteering remain strictly prohibited under single entry visitor authorization.
To qualify for a Uganda single entry tourist visa, applicants must hold a passport valid for at least 6 months from the application date with at least 1 blank visa page. Departure from Uganda automatically voids the visa, as single entry permits do not allow re-entry. Citizens of East African Community (EAC) member states (such as Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania) and select COMESA nations are exempt from visa requirements, though Yellow Fever documentation remains mandatory for all arrivals.
Travelers requiring additional time can request a Uganda tourist visa extension of 60 days per interval, up to a maximum of two extensions (total stay up to 210 days). Extension applications must be submitted in person before current authorization expires at the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control headquarters in Kampala or regional immigration offices. Our detailed Uganda visa extension guide covers the full Kampala application process and required documents.
Required Documents and Health Certificates Checklist
Applying for a Uganda tourist visa requires digital uploads of supporting documents. The Directorate mandates that all supporting documentation for the Uganda single entry tourist visa be submitted in English. For a complete breakdown of each file, see our Uganda eVisa documents guide.
| Document | Specific Requirements |
|---|---|
| Passport Bio-Data Page | Valid 6+ months from application date; minimum 1 blank page required. |
| Passport Photograph | Recent headshot with a white background in JPEG or PNG format. |
| Yellow Fever Certificate | Mandatory WHO international vaccination card for all arriving travelers. Clear color scan required. |
| Accommodation & Itinerary | Confirmed hotel booking or tour plan alongside a round-trip flight itinerary. |
Photo Specifications for the Uganda eVisa
The portal for the Uganda tourist visa requires photos taken within the last 6 months. Applicants must face forward against a solid white background without wearing glasses or head coverings, unless worn for religious reasons. For complete image dimensions, format requirements, and common rejection reasons, consult our Uganda eVisa passport photo requirements guide.
How to Apply Online and Visa Fee Payment
Obtaining a Uganda tourist visa requires completing an online application via visas.immigration.go.ug, uploading documents, and paying a non-refundable USD 50 government fee. Travelers unfamiliar with the portal can follow our step-by-step Uganda eVisa application guide for screen-by-screen instructions.
- Access the portal and select the single entry tourist visa application category.
- Complete personal, travel, and passport details accurately in the online form.
- Upload required supporting files: passport bio-data page, photo, Yellow Fever certificate, and itinerary (all in English).
- Pay the non-refundable USD 50 fee using Visa or Mastercard (subject to standard bank processing charges).
- Submit the application and record your 6-digit reference ID to track approval status online.
Official processing for the Uganda single entry tourist visa takes 2 to 3 working days, though submitting applications at least 10 working days before departure is recommended to account for peak delays. For detailed timelines and submission advice, see our Uganda eVisa processing time guide. Upon approval, applicants receive a travel authorization letter via email, which must be printed and presented at border control.
Uganda Border Entry Procedure vs. East Africa Tourist Visa
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport or land borders (such as Busia or Mutukula), holders of a Uganda tourist visa present their printed approval letter, passport, and Yellow Fever certificate. Immigration officers conduct biometric capture (digital fingerprints and a facial photograph) before stamping the passport.
Travelers planning to visit Kenya or Rwanda alongside Uganda should compare the single entry permit against the East Africa Tourist Visa before applying:
| Feature | Uganda Single Entry Tourist Visa | East African Tourist Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Government Fee | USD 50 | USD 100 |
| Countries Covered | Uganda only | Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda |
| Entry Type | Single entry | Multiple entry |
| Validity Period | 90 days | 90 days |
| Extensible | Yes (additional 60 days) | No |
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About the Uganda Tourist Visa
How much does a Uganda tourist visa cost for US citizens?
The non-refundable government fee for a single entry Uganda tourist visa is USD 50 per applicant. Payment is made online via Visa or Mastercard on the portal, subject to bank processing charges. Third-party visa services (such as Sherpa) add service charges on top of government fees.
Is a Yellow Fever vaccination mandatory for entering Uganda?
Yes. An international certificate of Yellow Fever vaccination is mandatory for all foreign travelers entering Uganda, including US citizens. Applicants must upload a clear color copy during the online application process and present the physical certificate to immigration officers upon border arrival.
Can I obtain a tourist visa on arrival in Uganda without prior application?
No. Uganda does not issue tourist visas on arrival without prior online approval. All travelers must submit their application at visas.immigration.go.ug and receive an approved travel authorization letter before boarding their flight. Border officials require this printed document to process entry.
How long does it take for a Uganda tourist visa to be approved?
Official processing takes 2 to 3 working days from submission. However, processing can extend to 5 to 7 working days during peak periods or if document verification is required. Applicants are advised to submit their request at least 10 working days before departure.
Can I leave Uganda to visit Kenya or Rwanda and return on a single entry visa?
No. Departing Uganda automatically voids a single entry tourist visa. Travelers visiting neighboring countries like Kenya or Rwanda must apply for a new visa to re-enter Uganda, or obtain an East Africa Tourist Visa prior to departure for multiple entries across member states.
How can I extend my Uganda tourist visa beyond 90 days?
Apply in person before your current visa expires at the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control headquarters in Kampala or regional immigration offices. Each extension adds up to 60 additional days, with a maximum limit of two extensions (up to 210 days total stay).
What is the difference between a Uganda single entry visa and the East Africa Tourist Visa?
The single entry Uganda tourist visa costs USD 50, lasts 90 days, and permits entry only into Uganda. The East Africa Tourist Visa costs USD 100, lasts 90 days, and permits multiple entries across Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda, provided travel begins in the issuing country.
Do children and infants need a separate visa application for Uganda?
Yes. Every traveler, including infants and minors, requires an individual visa application and the USD 50 fee. Parents or legal guardians complete the online form for the child, uploading the minor’s passport copy, photo, Yellow Fever card, and birth certificate. See our full Uganda eVisa for children guide for age-specific requirements and parental consent rules.
How do I track the status of my online Uganda visa application?
Visit visas.immigration.go.ug and select the application status option. Enter your passport number, date of birth, and the unique 6-digit reference ID provided upon online submission to view real-time processing updates.
What happens if I overstay my tourist visa in Uganda?
Overstaying a tourist visa is illegal under Ugandan immigration law. Unlawful stays incur daily financial fines payable at border control prior to departure. Significant overstays can result in formal detention, deportation, and an entry ban preventing future travel to Uganda.
