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How to Apply for a Visa to Uganda – Complete Guide for International Travellers

Most international travellers are required to have a visa to enter Uganda. This guide gives you a simple and up-to-date overview of how to apply for a Uganda e-visa, what you need to prepare, and what to keep in mind before departure.

Apply Before You Travel

In the past, travellers could purchase a visa on arrival at Entebbe Airport, but this is no longer possible. You must now apply for and receive approval for your visa before departure, otherwise airlines may deny boarding.

Apply only through Uganda’s official visa portal:
visas.immigration.go.ug

It is very important to use the official website. Many third-party agencies charge unnecessary fees, and in the worst case, you risk paying for a visa you never receive.

Who Needs a Visa for Uganda?

Most nationalities are required to apply for a visa before entering Uganda, but some countries are visa exempt. You can check whether citizens of your country need a visa using the official overview here:
visas.immigration.go.ug/#/help

If you hold dual citizenship or are travelling with people from different countries, make sure to verify the rules for each nationality.

What You Need Before You Apply

Before starting your application, prepare the following:

A passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry
A recent, clear passport photo
A photo of your passport’s biodata page
Your flight ticket or travel booking

These documents will be uploaded as part of the e-visa application.

How to Apply for a Uganda E-Visa – Step by Step

The application process is usually simple:

Visit visas.immigration.go.ug
Select “Ordinary Tourist Visa”
Upload your supporting documents

Uploaded files must be max 250 KB. If you receive an upload error, it usually means the file is too large — compress it and try again.

You will also be asked to provide an address in Uganda. If you are travelling with Alakara, we will send you the correct address well in advance of your trip.

Yellow Fever Vaccination Requirements

A yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for entry into Uganda.

At the moment, you do not need to upload the certificate during the online visa application. However, you must still bring the physical certificate on your trip, as it may be checked by health officials upon arrival.

If You Cannot Take the Vaccine

Some travellers may receive an exemption for medical reasons. If this applies to you, you must carry:

A doctor’s letter confirming the medical contraindication. This is called “Yellow Fever Vaccination Exemption Letter”

You must present this if requested at the border.

Processing Time and Payment

After submitting your application:

Fee: 50 USD + 1.5 USD card charge
You will immediately receive an email confirming your application
Most travellers receive their visa approval within 2–3 working days

Your visa approval letter arrives as a PDF. We advise that you print it and bring with you.

Common Technical Issues

The system generally works smoothly, but occasional technical problems can occur. Some travellers have experienced payment errors that were solved simply by selecting a different card type — for example, choosing Visa instead of Mastercard.

Because of such occasional glitches, it is wise to apply at least a few weeks before departure so you have time to troubleshoot if needed.