Uganda entry requirements for Ireland passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 18, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Irish passport holders can visit Uganda without a visa for up to 90 days. This applies for tourism, business, or short stays. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your date of entry.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in Uganda. Airlines check this before boarding, and immigration officers at Entebbe will deny entry if your passport expires before you leave. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Uganda | Immigration at Entebbe International Airport routinely asks for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Officers may ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. A hotel confirmation or a letter from your host covers this. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Immigration can request evidence you have enough money for your stay. A recent bank statement or credit card showing available funds works. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory
Uganda requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers over 1 year old. Carry your yellow card with your passport — you may be asked to show it at immigration.
Travel insurance is strongly recommended
While not required for entry, medical costs in Uganda can be very high. A basic travel insurance policy covering medical evacuation is cheap insurance against a very expensive problem.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport
Most flights from Ireland land at Entebbe (EBB). Follow signs to 'Arrivals' and join the queue for 'Foreign Passports'.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport, completed arrival card (usually given on the plane), and return ticket if asked. The officer will check your passport validity and stamp you in.
3
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your bags from the carousel, then proceed through customs. Green channel if you have nothing to declare, red if you do.
Download Uganda Entry Checklist
PDF · Ireland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
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
CostUSD 50 (approx. EUR 46)
For those who need a visa or want to extend stay beyond visa-free period.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
CostUSD 100 (approx. EUR 92)
Allows multiple entries within validity; good for frequent travellers.
East Africa Tourist Visa
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostUSD 100 (approx. EUR 92)
Single entry for Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda; cost-effective for regional travel.
work visa
Work Permit
1 year, renewable annually
USD 200–500 (approx. EUR 184–460) depending on category
For those with a job offer in Uganda. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications. Allows long-term stay and work.
student visa
Student Pass
Duration of course (typically 1–4 years)
USD 50–100 (approx. EUR 46–92) per year
For enrolled students at accredited Ugandan institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Permit
2 years, renewable
USD 500–1,000 (approx. EUR 460–920)
For those investing a minimum of USD 100,000 in Uganda. Requires business plan and proof of investment. Allows long-term residence.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayOverstaying beyond 90 days incurs a daily fine; maximum cap may apply. | USD 50 per day (approx. EUR 46) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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
Irish passport holders transiting through Uganda do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For land transit or leaving the airport, a visa may be required.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsEntebbe International Airport (EBB)
Health & vaccines for Uganda
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever; proof of vaccination (yellow card) may be requested at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Uganda, especially in lowland areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas.
SchistosomiasisModerate risk
Risk from swimming in freshwater lakes and rivers; avoid contact with untreated water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high risk throughout Uganda, including urban areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended. Use insect repellent and mosquito 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
Uganda Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control (DCIC)
Plot 75 Jinja Road, Kampala
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and immigration matters; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Entebbe
Entebbe International Airport Immigration Office
Entebbe International Airport
24/7
For entry/exit issues and emergency permits; located at the airport.
Practical information for IE 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
No, the visa-free entry is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave Uganda and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before your 90 days are up.
Yes, Uganda requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers over 1 year old. You must carry your International Certificate of Vaccination (the yellow card) — immigration may ask to see it on arrival.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before travelling. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced at Entebbe Airport.
No, there is no online arrival declaration for Irish passport holders. You simply fill out the paper arrival card given on the plane and present it at immigration.
Yes, the visa-free entry applies at all official border crossings, not just Entebbe Airport. The same 90-day limit and passport validity rules apply.
The local currency is the Ugandan shilling (UGX). US dollars are widely accepted at hotels and safari lodges, but you'll get better rates using local currency. ATMs are available in Kampala and Entebbe.
If you stay airside and don't pass through immigration, you don't need a visa. But if you plan to leave the airport, you'll need to use the visa-free entry (up to 90 days).
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 18, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.