Quick answer: Most foreign nationals need a Uganda eVisa, applied for online before departure — there are no visas on arrival. You're eligible to apply for any non-work purpose: tourism, family visit, medical treatment, conference/meetings, transit, or the East Africa Visa for a Uganda–Kenya–Rwanda trip. Paid work needs a work permit, not a visa.
Eligibility has two layers: the passport layer (validity of 6+ months from arrival, a clear biopage with machine-readable zone) and the purpose layer (the reason for travel matching a category with documentable support). Both sit inside the same online application — nationality mostly decides whether you're visa-exempt (rare for Uganda) or eVisa-required.
Eligibility by Travel Purpose
Tourism & leisure
Any foreign national with a flight ticket, tour plan and accommodation booked. Single-entry 90-day validity.Single-entry: US$117 checked →
Family visit
Relatives of Ugandan nationals, or visitors to foreign nationals legally residing in Uganda (host status + invitation + return ticket).
Medical treatment
Patients travelling for treatment — needs a medical support document from the treating Ugandan facility.
Conference / meetings
Event attendees and business-meeting visitors with an invitation letter. Unpaid activities only.
Transit
Travellers passing through Uganda with a final destination elsewhere — up to 7 days, transit letter required.
East Africa Visa
Tourists covering Uganda + Kenya and/or Rwanda on one continuous trip. Issued by the first country entered.
When a Visitor Visa Is Not Enough
Uganda eVisa Eligibility FAQs
Who needs a visa to enter Uganda?
Most foreign nationals need a visa to enter Uganda, obtained online before departure — Uganda does not issue visas on arrival. Every applicant must hold a passport valid for at least 6 months from arrival and select a travel purpose during the application.
Who can apply for a Uganda eVisa?
Any foreign national travelling for tourism or leisure, a family visit, medical treatment, a conference or business meetings, transit through Uganda, or a regional trip covered by the East Africa Visa. Frequent travellers with documented previous visits within the last year can pursue a multiple-entry visa.
Who is not eligible for a visitor visa and needs a permit instead?
Anyone travelling to work in Uganda. Visitor eVisas never authorize employment — paid work requires a work permit (entry permit), and short-term assignments use a special pass. Immigration also prefers a work permit for people travelling in and out of Uganda regularly for work.
What are the passport requirements to be eligible for a Uganda eVisa?
A passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival in Uganda, with a clear biopage scan showing all text and the machine-readable zone. The travel passport must be the same one you present at immigration.
Who qualifies for the East Africa Visa from Uganda?
Travellers visiting Uganda together with Kenya and/or Rwanda on one continuous trip. The visa is issued by the country of first entry — arriving in Uganda means the file is submitted online before departure, and it does not cover Tanzania, Burundi or the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Content Disclaimer: This information was last updated in October 2026. Verify the up to date information with the appropriate agencies, embassies, and airlines before travelling.