Uganda entry requirements for New Zealand 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
New Zealand passport holders need an eVisa to enter Uganda. The application is done entirely online before you travel, and the process is straightforward if you have your documents ready. As of 2026, the eVisa is the standard entry method for tourism and short visits.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before you fly | You need an eVisa to enter Uganda. Apply at the official Uganda eVisa portal — visas.immigration.go.ug — at least 2 weeks before travel. The single-entry visa costs $50 USD and is usually processed within 3–5 business days.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your New Zealand passport needs at least 6 months of remaining validity from your date of entry into Uganda. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration at Entebbe Airport will ask for proof of a return or onward ticket before they stamp you in. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight itinerary ready — a bus ticket to Kenya also works if you are leaving overland. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to have ready | Uganda immigration sometimes asks for a hotel booking or a letter of invitation from your host. Have a printed confirmation or a digital copy on your phone — it speeds things up if they ask. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to have ready | You may be asked to show you have enough money for your stay — roughly $100 USD per day is a safe benchmark. A recent bank statement or a credit card with a decent limit works fine. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory
Uganda requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers over 1 year old. You'll be turned away at immigration without the yellow card. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before your flight.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save your eVisa approval, passport bio page, return ticket, and accommodation booking as PDFs on your phone and in cloud storage. If you lose your printed documents, you can still access them.
What happens at the border
1
Complete the online eVisa application
Go to https://visas.immigration.go.ug/ and fill in the application form. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, and accommodation info. Upload a recent passport-style photo and a scan of your passport bio page.
2
Pay the eVisa fee and wait for approval
Pay the visa fee online (typically around USD 50 for a single-entry tourist visa). Processing usually takes 2-5 business days, but can be longer during peak periods. Check your email and the portal for the approval letter.
3
Print your eVisa approval and pack supporting documents
Print a copy of the eVisa approval letter. Also have your passport (with 6+ months validity), return ticket confirmation, and first night accommodation booking ready. Save digital copies on your phone as backup.
4
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport (or land border)
At immigration, present your passport, eVisa approval, and supporting documents. The officer may ask about your travel plans and accommodation. The process is usually quick — expect 10-20 minutes at the counter.
5
Collect your passport with entry stamp
Once approved, the officer will stamp your passport with your entry date and permitted stay. Check the stamp before leaving the counter to ensure the dates are correct.
Download Uganda Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand 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
Standard eVisa for tourism.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$100 USD
For frequent travellers.
East Africa Tourist Visa
Max stay90 days total
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$100 USD
Covers Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda.
Work Permit
Max stayUp to 2 years
ValidityVaries
CostVaries (approx. $200–$500 USD)
Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control.
work visa
Work Permit
Up to 2 years, renewable
Varies (approx. $200–$500 USD)
For those with a job offer in Uganda. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the DCIC. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Pass
Duration of course, renewable annually
Varies (approx. $100–$300 USD)
For enrolled students at recognized Ugandan institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Permit
Up to 3 years, renewable
Varies (approx. $500–$1,000 USD)
For individuals investing a minimum of $100,000 USD in Uganda. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Uganda eVisa (Single Entry)Standard tourist visa for New Zealand passport holders. | $50 USD |
| Uganda eVisa (Multiple Entry)Allows multiple entries within the visa validity. | $100 USD |
| East Africa Tourist VisaAllows multiple entries to Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda for 90 days. | $100 USD |
| Overstay FineCharged for each day overstayed beyond the visa validity. | $50 USD per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
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
New Zealand passport holders transiting through Uganda do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa is required.
Airside transitAllowed
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, or if you have transited through such a country.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in lowland areas. Prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne, risk in urban and rural areas. Use insect repellent.
SchistosomiasisModerate risk
Risk from swimming in fresh water lakes and rivers. Avoid contact with untreated water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions, including urban areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended.
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 (DCIC)
Plot 75 Jinja Road, Kampala
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Arrive early to avoid long queues.
Entebbe
Entebbe International Airport Immigration Office
Entebbe International Airport
24/7
For visa-on-arrival and entry issues. Limited extension services.
Practical information for NZ 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
Processing usually takes 2-5 business days. Apply at least a week before your travel date to be safe. During peak holiday periods, it can take longer.
The standard single-entry tourist eVisa costs around USD 50. Fees are paid online during the application process. There may be additional processing fees.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a new visa or a different visa type before your current one expires. Overstaying can result in fines.
Yes, Uganda requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers over 1 year old. You'll need to show your yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination) at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
Yes, the eVisa is valid for entry at Entebbe International Airport and all major land border crossings, including Busia and Malaba from Kenya, and Gatuna from Rwanda. Just present your eVisa approval at the border post.
Rejections are rare but can happen if documents are incomplete or incorrect. You can reapply with corrected information. Contact the Uganda Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control for guidance on the specific reason.
It's not a standard requirement for New Zealand passport holders, but immigration officers may ask. Having a credit card or a few hundred dollars in cash (USD is widely accepted) is a good idea.
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.