Uganda entry requirements for United Kingdom passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
British passport holders need an eVisa to enter Uganda. The application is entirely online, and you should have your approval before you travel. As of 2026, the process is straightforward if you have your documents ready.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a Uganda eVisa at visas.immigration.go.ug at least 2 weeks before departure. The single-entry tourist eVisa costs $50 USD and is usually processed within 3-5 business days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport — immigration at Entebbe will stamp the visa on arrival.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must have 6+ months validity | Your UK passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Uganda. Airlines at Heathrow and Entebbe enforce this strictly — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Entebbe International Airport always ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. Without it, you may be refused entry and placed on the next flight out. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Uganda. Immigration occasionally asks for this at the counter, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support your stay | Have a bank statement or cash equivalent to at least $200 USD per day of your stay. Immigration rarely checks this for UK passport holders, but it can be requested if you look underprepared. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory
You must have a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (yellow card) to enter Uganda. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport (and pay a fee). Get the shot at least 10 days before you travel.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save your eVisa approval, passport scan, and flight booking as PDFs on your phone and in cloud storage. If you lose the printed copy, you can still show the digital version at immigration.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Uganda eVisa portal (visas.immigration.go.ug). Fill in the application form, upload a passport-style photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (around $50 for a single-entry tourist visa) by credit card. Processing usually takes 2–5 working days, but apply at least a week before you travel.
2
Receive and print your eVisa approval
You'll get an approval letter by email. Print it out and keep a digital copy on your phone. You'll need to show this at check-in and on arrival in Uganda.
3
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport (or land border)
Most UK travellers fly into Entebbe. At immigration, join the 'Visitors' queue. Hand over your passport, printed eVisa approval, and return ticket. The officer will check your details, take a fingerprint scan, and stamp you in. The whole process usually takes 10–20 minutes if you have everything ready.
4
Collect your bags and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. You're free to go once you've cleared customs — no further checks unless you're carrying restricted items.
Download Uganda Entry Checklist
PDF · United Kingdom Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$50 USD (approx. £40)
Standard eVisa for tourism.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. £80)
For frequent travellers.
East Africa Tourist Visa
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. £80)
Allows travel to Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda.
work visa
Work Permit
1 year, renewable
$200 USD (approx. £160) + processing
For those with a job offer in Uganda. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications.
student visa
Student Pass
Duration of course, up to 2 years
$100 USD (approx. £80) + processing
For enrolled students at recognized Ugandan institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Permit
2 years, renewable
$500 USD (approx. £400) + processing
For those investing at least $100,000 USD in Uganda. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (Single Entry)Standard tourist eVisa for up to 90 days. | $50 USD (approx. £40) |
| eVisa (Multiple Entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | $100 USD (approx. £80) |
| Overstay FineCharged for each day overstayed beyond visa validity. | $50 USD per day (max $500 USD) |
| Stay ExtensionPossible for up to 90 days, applied at immigration office. | $50 USD (approx. £40) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa application20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Uganda
No transit visa needed
UK passport holders transiting through Uganda do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsEntebbe International Airport (EBB)
Health & vaccines for Uganda
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for entry if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine Vaccines (MMR, DTP, Polio)EssentialRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in rural areas.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and semi-urban areas.
SchistosomiasisModerate risk
Risk from swimming in fresh water lakes and rivers.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers, especially in rural areas. Use mosquito repellent and nets.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Kampala
Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control
Plot 75 Jinja Road, Kampala
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits.
Entebbe
Entebbe International Airport Immigration Office
Entebbe International Airport
24/7
For visa on arrival and entry issues.
Practical information for GB travellers
Country basics
CapitalKampala
LanguageEnglish, Swahili
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 3 months; an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyUgandan shilling (UGX)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 3,729.72 UGX
Time zone
Local timeUTC+3
vs New York+8h
vs Los Angeles+11h
Electricity
Voltage240V / 50Hz
Plug types
GType G (three rectangular prongs)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
A single-entry tourist eVisa costs around $50 (USD). You pay online by credit card during the application. There's also a multiple-entry option for about $100 if you plan to leave and re-enter Uganda.
Processing usually takes 2–5 working days. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. In busy periods it can take longer, so don't leave it to the last minute.
Technically yes, but it's not recommended. The eVisa is cheaper, faster, and avoids the risk of being turned away at check-in. If you do go for a visa on arrival, expect longer queues and higher fees (around $100).
Yes, you need proof of yellow fever vaccination (the yellow card) to enter Uganda. You'll be asked for it at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before you travel.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Immigration Office in Kampala. It costs around $50–100 and can give you up to 90 extra days. Start the process before your current visa expires.
Rejections are rare for UK passport holders, but if it happens, you'll get a reason. Common issues: passport validity too short, missing documents, or incorrect information. You can reapply with corrected details. If you're stuck, contact the Uganda High Commission in London.
Officially, you should be able to support yourself during your stay, but UK passport holders are rarely asked to show bank statements or cash. Still, having a credit card or some cash (USD is widely accepted) is sensible.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.