Visa Requirements
Entry requirements for Uganda
Mandatory — Yellow Fever Certificate
A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is legally required to enter Uganda. Carry the original certificate — photocopies are refused. Get vaccinated at least 10 days before departure.
Uganda Single-Entry Visa
$50
Per person (USD)
90 Days
Maximum stay
1 Country
Uganda only
- Apply online at visas.immigration.go.ug or on arrival at Entebbe Airport
- Apply at least 2 weeks before travel when applying online
- Payment by credit/debit card for online applications
- Print your e-visa approval letter and carry it alongside your passport
Documents Required at Entry
East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV)
Uganda · Kenya · Rwanda — one visa, three countries
$100
Visa fee (USD)
90 Days
Maximum stay
3 Countries
Uganda · Kenya · Rwanda
What is the East Africa Tourist Visa?
The East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV) is a joint visa allowing you to travel freely between Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda on a single visa for USD $100. It's perfect for multi-country itineraries — combine a gorilla trek in Uganda with a Maasai Mara safari in Kenya or a Kigali city visit in Rwanda. The EATV permits multiple entries between the three partner countries throughout its 90-day validity.
Key Benefits
- Single application — no separate visas for each country
- Multiple entries between Uganda, Kenya & Rwanda within 90 days
- Perfect for multi-country safari itineraries
- Same cost or cheaper than buying 3 individual visas
- Apply through any of the three countries' portals
Important Limitations
- NOT valid for Tanzania — separate $50 Tanzania visa required
- NOT valid for Burundi, South Sudan, or other EAC states
- Must first enter through Uganda, Kenya, or Rwanda
- Cannot be extended beyond 90 days
EATV — Full Requirements & Details
Visa Fee
USD $100 — non-refundable. Payable by credit/debit card online.
Entry Points
Must enter through Uganda, Kenya, or Rwanda. Cannot use for Tanzania, Burundi, or other EAC states.
Maximum Stay
90 days total across all three countries combined. Not extendable.
Validity Period
90 days from the date the visa is issued — not from your arrival date.
Passport Validity
Minimum 6 months beyond intended stay. At least 2 blank pages.
Yellow Fever
MANDATORY for Uganda and Kenya entry. Must be the original certificate.
Onward Ticket
Proof of travel out of the East Africa region at immigration.
Accommodation
Hotel bookings, safari confirmation letter, or host invitation.
Financial Means
Bank statement showing sufficient funds (~$50 USD/day minimum).
Photographs
2 recent passport-size photographs (white background).
Application Portals
visas.immigration.go.ug (UG) | evisa.go.ke (KE) | irembo.gov.rw (RW)
Processing Time
3–10 business days online. On-arrival EATV at Entebbe, Nairobi JKIA, and Kigali airports.
How to Apply — Step by Step
1
Choose your portal
Visit visas.immigration.go.ug, evisa.go.ke, or irembo.gov.rw. Choose the country you enter East Africa through first.
2
Create an account
Register with a valid email address. You'll use this to track your application.
3
Select "East Africa Tourist Visa"
Make sure to select EATV — not single-entry. If you're only visiting Uganda, single-entry ($50) is cheaper.
4
Complete the form
Fill in personal details, passport info, travel dates. Attach your passport bio page, photo, Yellow Fever certificate, and proof of accommodation.
5
Pay the $100 USD fee
Pay by Visa or Mastercard. Keep your payment receipt and reference number.
6
Wait for approval (3–10 days)
You'll receive an approval email when ready.
7
Print your e-visa
Print the approval letter and present it alongside your passport at immigration.
Health & Vaccinations
Stay healthy on your safari
Mandatory: Yellow Fever certificate required for entry into Uganda. Vaccinate at least 10 days before departure and carry the original.
Vaccinations Guide
| Vaccine | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow Fever | MANDATORY | Required by law for entry. Original certificate essential. |
| Malaria prophylaxis | Critical | Consult your doctor — Malarone, Doxycycline, or Lariam. Start before travel. |
| Hepatitis A & B | Strongly Recommended | Food/waterborne disease risk. |
| Typhoid | Recommended | Food/waterborne disease. |
| Rabies | Recommended | For trekking and wildlife activities. |
| Meningitis | Recommended | Especially October–April. |
| Tetanus & Diphtheria | Ensure up to date | Standard booster if overdue. |
| COVID-19 | Check requirements | Verify current rules before travel. |
Malaria Prevention
- Take anti-malarials — complete the full course including after returning
- DEET insect repellent 50%+ on all exposed skin at dawn/dusk
- Wear long sleeves and trousers during high-risk periods
- Sleep under a mosquito net (provided at reputable lodges)
- Carry a rapid malaria test kit for remote areas
- Seek medical help if fever develops within 3 months of return
General Health Tips
- Drink bottled or purified water only — never tap water or ice
- Apply SPF 50+ sunscreen daily — the equatorial sun is intense
- Carry all prescription meds in hand luggage with a doctor's letter
- Gorilla trekking: visitors with colds or flu are denied access (gorilla protection)
- Altitude sickness possible on Rwenzori/Elgon treks — acclimatise gradually
Best Time to Visit
When to plan your safari
Dry Seasons (Peak)
June – September
Long dry season. Best game viewing. Ideal gorilla trekking — drier trails. Peak season, book early.
December – February
Short dry season. Excellent wildlife and birdwatching. Quieter with slightly lower prices.
Wet Seasons (Value)
March – May
Long rains. Lush landscapes, excellent birdwatching. Lower prices and far fewer tourists.
October – November
Short rains. Brief afternoon showers. Wildlife still excellent. Good shoulder-season value.
Month-by-Month Quick Guide
| Month | Weather | Wildlife | Crowds | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | Dry | Excellent | Low | ★★★★★ |
| Feb | Dry | Excellent | Low | ★★★★★ |
| Mar | Rains begin | Good | Very Low | ★★★ |
| Apr | Wet | Good | Very Low | ★★★ |
| May | Wet | Good | Very Low | ★★★ |
| Jun | Dry | Excellent | High | ★★★★★ |
| Jul | Dry | Excellent | Peak | ★★★★★ |
| Aug | Dry | Excellent | Peak | ★★★★★ |
| Sep | Dry | Excellent | High | ★★★★★ |
| Oct | Light rains | Very Good | Moderate | ★★★★ |
| Nov | Light rains | Very Good | Low | ★★★★ |
| Dec | Dry | Excellent | Moderate | ★★★★★ |
Money & Currency
Managing your finances in Uganda
Money Tips
- Bring USD cash in small denominations ($1, $5, $10, $20)
- Only USD notes printed after 2006 are accepted — older notes refused
- ATMs in Kampala and major towns (Stanbic, Centenary, Dfcu are reliable)
- ATMs rare in remote parks — withdraw before leaving the city
- Visa and Mastercard accepted at most upmarket lodges
- Notify your bank before travel to avoid cards being blocked
- Use licensed forex bureaus — better rates than hotels
Tipping Guide (USD)
Safari Guide
$10–20 / day
Safari Driver
$5–10 / day
Gorilla Guide/Tracker
$10–20 / trek
Porter (trekking)
$5–10 / trek
Lodge/Hotel Staff
$1–5 / day
Restaurant
10% of bill
Airport Transfer
$3–5
What to Pack
Your complete safari packing checklist
Clothing colours: Neutral only — khaki, beige, olive, brown, grey. Avoid bright colours (tsetse flies) and white (dust). Camouflage is illegal in Uganda.
Clothing
- Lightweight long-sleeved shirts × 3–4 (neutral colours)
- Long trousers, neutral × 2–3 pairs
- Comfortable shorts × 2
- Fleece or light jacket
- Waterproof rain jacket or poncho
- Wide-brimmed sun hat
- Warm layer for gorilla trekking altitude
- Sturdy waterproof hiking boots (broken in)
- Sandals for lodge evenings
- Swimwear
Health & Hygiene
- Yellow Fever certificate — MANDATORY original
- Anti-malarial tablets (full course)
- DEET insect repellent 50%+
- Sunscreen SPF 50+ and SPF lip balm
- Basic first aid kit
- Oral rehydration sachets + Imodium
- Prescription meds (excess supply + doctor's letter)
- Hand sanitiser and wet wipes
Photography & Tech
- Camera with zoom lens (200mm+ recommended)
- Extra memory cards and batteries
- Portable power bank
- Universal adaptor (Uganda uses Type G — UK plug)
- Binoculars (8×42 or 10×42)
- Waterproof bag for electronics
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Smartphone with offline maps downloaded
Documents & Money
- Passport (6+ months validity)
- Visa / EATV approval letter (printed)
- Travel insurance documents + emergency number
- Flight tickets printed and digital
- Hotel and tour booking confirmations
- USD cash (small denominations, post-2006 notes)
- Credit/debit cards (notify your bank)
- Copies of all documents stored separately
Safari Essentials
- Dust-proof daypack for game drives
- Reusable water bottle (2 litres minimum)
- Snacks for long game drives
- Field guidebook (birds and mammals)
- Notebook and pen
- Bandana or buff (dust protection)
Gorilla Trek Specific
- Sturdy waterproof hiking boots — ankle support essential
- Long trousers and long-sleeved shirt (nettles)
- Waterproof jacket
- Thick gardening gloves (grip vegetation)
- Small backpack only — no large bags
- Walking stick (hire at the gate)
- Must be 15+ years old — UWA rule
- No colds or flu — health check at briefing
Safety in Uganda
Travel with confidence
Uganda is a safe destination. Violent crime against tourists is rare. With sensible precautions, the vast majority of visitors have a completely trouble-free experience.
In Kampala & Towns
- Avoid walking alone at night — use taxis or ride-hailing apps (Bolt, SafeBoda)
- Keep valuables out of sight in public
- Use ATMs inside banks or shopping malls
- Carry a passport photocopy; keep original in hotel safe
- Be aware of pickpockets in crowded markets
- Only use registered taxis or app-based transport
In the Parks & Bush
- Always follow your ranger guide's instructions exactly
- Maintain required distances from wildlife at all times
- Never feed or approach animals
- Stay in the vehicle unless guide says otherwise
- Carry a charged phone with emergency numbers saved
- Gorilla trekking: stay calm if charged — crouch and look away
Getting There & Getting Around
Flights, transfers, and transport in Uganda
Flying to Uganda
Main entry: Entebbe International Airport (EBB), 37km south of Kampala.
Kenya Airways
Ethiopian Airlines
Emirates
Qatar Airways
KLM
British Airways
RwandAir
Turkish Airlines
Fly Dubai
- Nairobi → 1h 15min
- Addis Ababa → 2h 30min
- Dubai → 5h 30min
- Amsterdam / London → 8–9h
Getting Around Uganda
Safari 4WD
Your guide drives you — included in all Calm Africa tours
Domestic Flights
Charters to Kihihi (Bwindi), Kasese, Murchison available
Airport Transfers
All pick-ups and drop-offs arranged by us
Boat Transfers
For lodge access and lake crossings
Culture & Etiquette
Respect and engage with Uganda's people
Do's
- Greet people warmly — greetings are very important in Ugandan culture
- Use both hands or right hand when giving/receiving
- Dress modestly in rural areas and religious sites
- Ask permission before photographing people
- Remove shoes before entering a mosque or traditional home
- Bargain respectfully at markets — expected
- Learn a few Luganda words — always appreciated
Don'ts
- Do NOT photograph military, government buildings, or airports — illegal
- Do NOT wear camouflage — illegal for civilians
- Avoid public displays of affection beyond holding hands
- Do not pass items with your left hand
- Do not raise your voice or show impatience
- Do not litter — strict laws apply
- Do NOT bring plastic bags — banned in Uganda
Useful Luganda Phrases
Hello
Oli otya
Good morning
Wasuze otya
Thank you
Webale nyo
You're welcome
Kale
Yes
Yee
No
Nedda
Please
Mwattu
How much?
Semanga?
Welcome
Tukusanyukidde
Good
Bulungi
Climate & Weather
What to expect from Uganda's weather
Regional Climate Guide
Kampala & Central Uganda
24–29°C
Warm and humid. Two wet seasons (March–May, Oct–Nov). Pleasant year-round.
Murchison Falls (North)
25–35°C
Hotter and drier. Best game viewing in dry season (June–Sept).
Queen Elizabeth NP
20–27°C
Moderate. Rainfall spread evenly throughout the year.
Bwindi Forest (Gorillas)
7–20°C
Cool to cold at altitude (1,190–2,607m). Warm layer essential. Rain year-round.
Rwenzori Mountains
0–25°C
Extreme range. Snow above 4,000m. Prepare for all conditions.
Lake Victoria Region
20–27°C
Humid. Afternoon thunderstorms common April–May.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers for travellers
Yes. Uganda is one of East Africa's safer destinations. Solo travellers are warmly welcomed. Stay in reputable lodges and book guided activities — going alone into parks is not permitted.
No. English is Uganda's official language, widely spoken in hotels, lodges, parks, and cities.
No. The EATV covers Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda only. Tanzania requires a separate visa ($50, available on arrival or at immigration.go.tz).
Permits are extremely limited (only 8 visitors per gorilla family per day). Book 3–6 months ahead for peak season (June–Sept), 1–3 months off-season.
The Uganda Wildlife Authority requires all participants to be at least 15 years old. No exceptions.
Yes. MTN and Airtel have good coverage in cities and main roads. Coverage is patchy in remote parks. Buy a local SIM at the airport.
No. Drink only bottled or purified water. All reputable lodges provide safe drinking water.
Type G — three square pins, same as the UK. 240V/50Hz. Bring a universal adaptor.
Budget roughly $50–100 USD/day for tips, drinks, and souvenirs. Gorilla permits ($800/person) are usually included in your Calm Africa package.
Your guide is first-aid trained and our Kampala office provides 24/7 support. Comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation is mandatory for all clients.
Ready to Plan Your Safari?
Download our complete guide and contact our team — available 7 days a week from Kampala.