Entry Requirements & Visas
New for 2026: Streamlined eVisa System
Uganda's eVisa process has been enhanced for faster approvals, costing $50 for single-entry visas valid for 90 days. Applications are fully online via the official portal, typically processed within 3-5 business days, making it easier for tourists to plan gorilla treks and safaris without embassy visits.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Uganda, with at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. This ensures smooth processing at Entebbe International Airport or land borders.
Always renew early if needed, as some airlines may deny boarding without sufficient validity, and keep digital copies for emergencies.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens of East African Community nations like Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda can enter visa-free for up to six months, fostering regional tourism. Other nationalities generally require a visa, but check for exemptions based on bilateral agreements.
Visa-on-arrival is available at Entebbe for select countries, though pre-applying online is recommended to avoid queues.
Visa Applications
Apply for the eVisa online through the Uganda Immigration portal ($50 fee), providing a passport scan, photo, itinerary, proof of accommodation, and yellow fever certificate. Processing usually takes 3-5 days, but apply at least two weeks in advance for peace of mind.
Include evidence of sufficient funds (around $50/day) and return tickets to strengthen your application and avoid rejections.
Border Crossings
Entebbe International Airport handles most arrivals with efficient eVisa checks, while land borders like Busia with Kenya or Katuna with Rwanda require printed visa approvals. Expect health screenings for yellow fever upon entry.
Overland travelers should confirm border hours (typically 6 AM-8 PM) and carry cash for any small fees, as digital payments may not always be available.
Travel Insurance
Mandatory comprehensive insurance is required, covering medical evacuation (essential for remote safaris), trip delays, and adventure activities like white-water rafting on the Nile. Policies should include coverage for malaria treatment and start from $2-5/day.
Choose providers familiar with East Africa, and carry policy details digitally and in print for border officials and tour operators.
Extensions Possible
Visa extensions for up to 90 additional days can be applied for at the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration in Kampala, costing around $50 with proof of funds and reasons like extended safaris. Submit at least one week before expiry to avoid overstay fines of $20/day.
Extensions are discretionary, so provide strong supporting documents like hotel bookings or tour confirmations to improve approval chances.
Money, Budget & Costs
Smart Money Management
Uganda uses the Ugandan Shilling (UGX). For the best exchange rates and lowest fees, use Wise to send money or convert currency - they offer real exchange rates with transparent fees, saving you money compared to traditional banks.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Money-Saving Pro Tips
Book Flights Early
Find the best deals to Entebbe by comparing prices on Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets.
Booking 2-3 months in advance can save you 30-50% on airfare, especially for regional flights to Kidepo Valley.
Eat Like a Local
Dine at roadside kiosks for affordable staples like matoke or posho under $5, skipping hotel buffets to save up to 60% on food costs.
Visit bustling markets in Kampala for fresh fruits and street food, where bargaining can further reduce expenses on daily meals.
Public Transport Passes
Use matatus (minibuses) for intercity travel at $10-20 per leg, or opt for shared taxis to cut costs on routes like Kampala to Jinja.
Consider multi-day boda-boda (motorcycle taxi) packages for rural areas, often including fuel and saving on individual rides.
Free Attractions
Explore public markets in Kampala, hike trails in Mabira Forest, or visit Lake Bunyonyi beaches, all cost-free and offering authentic cultural immersion.
Many community-led tours and birdwatching spots in national parks have no entry fees, allowing budget travelers to experience Uganda's biodiversity without breaking the bank.
Card vs Cash
Cards are accepted in Kampala hotels and malls, but carry USD or UGX cash for rural areas and markets where ATMs are scarce.
Withdraw from bank ATMs for better rates, and exchange USD notes (clean and recent) at forex bureaus for immediate access to local currency.
Park Passes
Purchase a Uganda Wildlife Authority multi-park pass for $100-150 covering several reserves, ideal for multi-destination safaris and paying off after two visits.
Combine with off-peak bookings for gorilla trekking permits (normally $700, but discounts available in low season) to maximize value on wildlife experiences.
Smart Packing for Uganda
Essential Items for Any Season
Clothing Essentials
Pack lightweight, quick-dry clothes for the tropical climate, including long sleeves and pants for mosquito protection during evening safaris. Neutral colors like khaki or green are ideal for wildlife viewing to blend in.
Include modest attire for cultural sites like Kasubi Tombs and a rain poncho, as sudden showers are common even in dry seasons.
Electronics
Bring a Type G adapter for 240V outlets, solar charger for remote areas, waterproof phone case, and binoculars for birdwatching in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Download offline maps via apps like Maps.me and eSIM for data, as Wi-Fi is unreliable outside Kampala; a good camera is essential for capturing gorillas.
Health & Safety
Carry your yellow fever vaccination certificate (mandatory), malaria prophylaxis, comprehensive first-aid kit with anti-diarrheal meds, and DEET insect repellent (50%+ strength).
Include water purification tablets or a LifeStraw for remote treks, and travel insurance docs covering evacuations from areas like Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Travel Gear
Pack a durable daypack for hikes, reusable water bottle, headlamp for power outages, and a money belt for securing valuables in crowded markets.
Bring zip-lock bags for wet clothes post-rainforest treks and multiple passport copies, plus a lightweight sleeping bag liner for budget guesthouses.
Footwear Strategy
Choose sturdy hiking boots with good grip for muddy trails in Bwindi or Rwenzori Mountains, and lightweight sandals for hot, dusty savanna drives in Murchison Falls.
Waterproof options are crucial for crossing streams during chimp tracking, and pack extra socks to handle the humidity and potential blisters from long walks.
Personal Care
Include high-SPF sunscreen (50+), biodegradable soap for eco-sensitive areas, moisturizer for dry highlands, and wet wipes for off-grid sanitation.
Travel-sized toiletries reduce weight, and add lip balm with SPF plus a compact umbrella or hat for intense equatorial sun exposure during game drives.
When to Visit Uganda
Dry Season High (June-September)
Prime time for wildlife safaris in savannas like Kidepo with temperatures 20-28°C and minimal rain, making game viewing easier as animals congregate at waterholes.
Ideal for gorilla and chimp trekking in Bwindi and Kibale, though book permits months ahead due to peak demand and clearer forest paths.
Dry Season Low (December-February)
Shoulder season with warm weather 22-30°C, fewer crowds, and lower prices for lodges; perfect for birdwatching over 1,000 species in wetlands like Mabamba.
Great for Nile rafting in Jinja and cultural festivals, with dry conditions enhancing hikes in the Rwenzori Mountains without slippery trails.
Wet Season Short (March-May)
Lush landscapes and blooming flora with 25-30°C temps and afternoon showers; budget-friendly for off-peak gorilla permits and fewer tourists in Queen Elizabeth Park.
Excellent for photography of misty mountains and waterfalls, though some roads may be muddy—opt for 4x4 transfers for remote access.
Wet Season Shoulder (October-November)
Transitional period with moderate rain 20-28°C, vibrant green scenery ideal for tea plantation tours in Fort Portal and migratory bird arrivals.
Lower costs for accommodations and activities like canoeing on Lake Bunyonyi, with shorter rains allowing for flexible outdoor adventures.
Important Travel Information
- Currency: Ugandan Shilling (UGX). ATMs are common in cities; exchange USD for best rates. Cards accepted in urban areas but cash preferred elsewhere.
- Language: English (official) and Luganda widely spoken. Swahili and local dialects in rural areas; basic English suffices for tourists.
- Time Zone: East Africa Time (EAT), UTC+3
- Electricity: 240V, 50Hz. Type G plugs (British three-pin rectangular)
- Emergency Number: 999 for police, ambulance, or fire; 112 also works in some areas
- Tipping: Not mandatory but appreciated; 10% in restaurants, $1-2 for guides and porters on safaris
- Water: Tap water unsafe; drink bottled or purified. Avoid ice in rural spots
- Pharmacies: Available in Kampala and major towns; stock up on basics like antimalarials before remote travel