Uganda Travel Guide
Visa summary
247 passport nationalities researched for entry into Uganda.
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Guide
Uganda wants an e-Visa before you land, applied for online at visas.immigration.go.ug two to three weeks before travel, with processing of three to five business days. Guides quote 50 US dollars plus a 1.50 dollar admin fee for a single entry tourist visa valid up to 90 days from approval, and 100 dollars for the East African Tourist Visa, a 90 day multiple entry visa covering Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda that is valid only when first used in the country that issued it. About 40 countries, including most East African Community members, are visa exempt for up to three months. You will also need a passport valid for six months, proof of onward travel, and a yellow fever vaccination certificate.
Health screening has been part of the 2026 story. Uganda began screening at points of entry on 16 May 2026, a day after an Ebola outbreak was declared, and every traveler has been screened for Ebola on entry and exit. On 27 May, Uganda closed its borders with the Democratic Republic of the Congo for at least four weeks and required anyone arriving from there to be isolated for 21 days. WHO declared the end of the outbreak in Uganda on 25 August after 42 days without a new case, but the outbreak in the DRC was reported as still active, so check current border status.
Border crossings
- Busia and Malaba, the Kenya crossings
Both are busy 24 hour crossings and see regular tourist traffic from travelers combining Kenyan safaris with gorilla trekking, according to guides. Electronic systems speed the process, but crowds can cause delays. This site's Kenya guide covers the other side.
- Katuna and Gatuna, the Rwanda crossing
The most popular tourist crossing, used to link Bwindi with Volcanoes National Park. The border reopened on 31 January 2022 after a three year closure, and guides describe it as open around the clock.
- Mutukula, the Tanzania one stop border post
The crossing between Mutukula in Uganda and Mutukula in Tanzania was converted into a one stop border post in 2017, open 24 hours a day.
- Bunagana, Mpondwe, and Busego, into the DRC
These are the border points with the Democratic Republic of the Congo. With the Ebola outbreak and the conflict in the east, do not assume any of them is open to travelers.
Transit routes
- Print the e-Visa
It is emailed as a PDF that you must print and present with your passport at any Ugandan entry point, including Entebbe International Airport, land crossings, and lake ferry ports.
- Keep the yellow fever certificate with your passport
Guides advise having your passport, visa documents, and vaccination certificate ready at every border.
Entry point notes
- The East African Tourist Visa has a first use rule
It only works if you first use it in the country that issued it, so apply through the country where your trip starts.
- Expect health screening
Screening was applied to travelers at entry and exit during the 2026 outbreak, so allow extra time at airports and border posts.