Why do you need to sort out your visa before departure?
Uganda has abolished traditional visa stickers in passports – all visas are now issued as PDF files. This means that without an electronic permit the airline will not let you board and border control will refuse you entry. The only exception are travellers entering overland from Kenya or Rwanda who already hold a valid East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV) covering all three countries.
Available visa types
Tourist e‑visa
intended for standard holidays, visiting family or short business meetings,
single entry for the stay indicated in the application (most often 15 or 30 days),
consular fee USD 51.50.
East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV)
one document valid in Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda,
multiple entries, total validity of 90 days from the date of issue,
consular fee USD 103,
you apply for the visa in the country of first entry; if you start in Uganda, you submit your application online just as for a standard e‑visa.
Required documents – prepare digital files
Passport scan – colour copy of the biodata page; the document must be valid for at least six months beyond the planned date of departure.
Biometric photograph – light background, face facing forward, JPG or PNG file.
Electronic visa form – completed on the immigration portal or submitted via an intermediary.
Copy of the yellow vaccination card: from 2 October 2026 it is no longer mandatory for entry to Uganda, but it may be required by the transit country or your next destination.
Flight booking – a booking confirmation is sufficient; if you do not have one, an agency can generate a “dummy ticket” for visa purposes only.
Step by step – how the procedure works
Online submission – you send a passport scan, photo and completed application.
Verification and pre‑payment – the authority (or intermediary) checks the files and issues a pro forma invoice.
Formal application – the application is entered into Uganda’s migration system.
Decision – after about 5–10 days you receive the visa PDF by e‑mail; processing may take longer if the officer asks for additional documents.
Departure and checks – print your visa and keep it with your passport; at Kampala–Entebbe they scan the QR code and stamp your passport with the date of arrival.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can I apply for a visa without a ticket?
Yes. A booking is not required, but at airline check‑in you must show proof that you will leave the region.
How long does it take to get an e‑visa?
Normally 5–10 days; in peak season officials may need a couple of weeks. Plan to apply at least two weeks in advance.
Is a photo taken on a phone accepted?
Yes, provided it is sharp, well lit and meets biometric criteria.
What about the validity of the yellow fever vaccine?
From 2 October 2026 Uganda no longer requires proof of vaccination on entry. If you take your card for onward travel, remember that according to WHO one vaccination provides lifetime protection.
Is an e‑visa a final entry permit?
Yes, the PDF is equivalent to a visa. You do not need to collect anything at the airport apart from the standard entry stamp.
How much does it cost – full visa budget
tourist e‑visa: USD 51.50,
EATV: USD 103,
agency service fee (if you use one) – depends on the package and is charged separately.
Uganda visa via Notberg
Our catalogue includes both options described above:
Uganda: e‑Visa: single entry, stay up to 30 days, processing from 6 days.
Uganda: EATV: one visa for Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda, stay up to 90 days, processing from 6 days.
The Standard package gives us 4 days to check your files and submit the application. With the Premium package we submit within 1 day. You upload to the form your passport scan, photo, return flight booking and hotel booking for the entire stay. The photo may be taken on a smartphone: we will adjust it to the requirements if the background is light, the lighting even, both ears visible and your clothing is dark.
EATV: rules that are easy to miss
You cannot extend the visa in‑country. Leaving Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda cancels its validity, so a trip to Tanzania in the middle of your journey means you will need a new visa to return.
The EATV is issued for tourism purposes.
Application documents must be in English.
Visa fees are non‑refundable and your bank will add a charge to each payment.
Typical application mistakes
One‑way flight booking only.
Hotel booking shorter than the stay indicated in the application.
Passport scan with glare or a finger on the edge of the page.
Passport valid for less than 6 months beyond the visa validity.
Additional questions about the Uganda visa
Do I still need the yellow vaccination card?
On 2 October 2026 the Ugandan immigration authority (Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control) announced that proof of yellow fever vaccination is no longer mandatory for entry to Uganda. However, vaccination may be required by the country where you transit or which you travel on to, so check its rules before departure.
What do I receive once my application is approved?
The authority sends an approval letter with a barcode by e‑mail. At the airport or border crossing your biometric data will be captured, so have your passport, proof of payment and this letter with you.
Can my family accompany me to the terminal in Entebbe?
No. Only ticketed passengers are allowed into the terminal building.
Summary – what to pack in your travel document wallet
printout of the e‑visa or EATV PDF,
passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your trip,
yellow vaccination card, if required by your transit or onward‑travel country,
return or onward ticket,
copy of hotel booking or invitation letter (just in case).
By following the above guidelines, you should pass Ugandan border control without stress and be free to focus on the Murchison Falls hot springs, gorilla trekking or a safari on Lake Victoria.