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Entebbe Airport Uganda eVisa

Complete guide to entering Uganda through Entebbe International Airport with your eVisa. Learn about the immigration process, required documents, and arrival procedures at Uganda's main international gateway.

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Entebbe International Airport immigration terminal

Entebbe International Airport Overview

Entebbe International Airport (EBB) is Uganda's primary international gateway, located 40 kilometers southwest of Kampala. As the country's busiest airport, it offers the most efficient and streamlined eVisa processing experience for international travelers entering Uganda.

Airport Advantages for eVisa Holders
  • 24/7 operations: Immigration services available around the clock
  • Dedicated eVisa counters: Specialized processing for electronic visas
  • Modern facilities: State-of-the-art immigration technology
  • English-speaking staff: Clear communication with immigration officers
  • Fast processing: Typically 5-15 minutes for eVisa holders

Airport Layout and Navigation

Terminal Structure

  • Single terminal: All international flights use one terminal
  • Arrival hall: Ground floor for immigration and baggage
  • Immigration area: Clearly marked eVisa and regular counters
  • Baggage claim: Multiple carousels for different flights
  • Customs area: Green and red channels for declarations
  • Arrival lobby: Meeting point and transport options

Key Facilities

  • Currency exchange: Multiple bureaus and ATMs
  • SIM card vendors: Local mobile network providers
  • Transport desk: Taxi and bus booking services
  • Information desk: Tourist information and assistance
  • Restaurants and shops: Dining and shopping options
  • WiFi access: Free internet throughout terminal

Step-by-Step Arrival Process

1
Aircraft Arrival and Disembarkation

After landing at Entebbe, follow signs to "Immigration" and "Arrivals." The walk from the aircraft to immigration typically takes 5-10 minutes through air-conditioned corridors.

  • Follow other passengers toward immigration
  • Have your passport and eVisa ready
  • Look for signs in English and local languages
  • Proceed directly to immigration area
2
Immigration Queue Selection

Choose the appropriate immigration queue. Entebbe has dedicated counters for eVisa holders, which typically process faster than regular visa queues.

  • Look for "eVisa" or "Electronic Visa" signs
  • Avoid "Visa on Arrival" queues if you have eVisa
  • Join the shortest eVisa queue available
  • Have documents organized and ready
3
Document Presentation

Present your documents to the immigration officer in the correct order. Have everything easily accessible to speed up the process.

  • Hand over passport (open to photo page)
  • Present printed eVisa approval letter
  • Show yellow fever vaccination certificate
  • Provide return/onward ticket if requested
4
Biometric Processing

Complete biometric requirements as directed by the immigration officer. This is a standard security procedure for all visitors.

  • Provide fingerprints when requested
  • Look at camera for photo capture
  • Answer any questions politely and clearly
  • Wait for officer to complete processing
5
Entry Stamp and Approval

Receive your entry stamp and proceed to baggage claim. The immigration officer will stamp your passport and may provide additional information.

  • Receive passport with entry stamp
  • Check stamp date and visa validity
  • Collect any additional documents
  • Proceed to baggage claim area
6
Baggage Collection and Customs

Collect your luggage and pass through customs before exiting to the arrival lobby where transport and other services are available.

  • Find your flight on baggage carousel displays
  • Collect all checked luggage
  • Choose appropriate customs channel
  • Exit to arrival lobby for onward travel

Required Documents at Entebbe Airport

Uganda passport control and document checking

Essential Documents

Valid Passport

Must have at least 6 months validity from entry date and at least one blank page for entry stamp.

Printed eVisa

Physical copy of eVisa approval letter. Digital copies on phones are not accepted.

Yellow Fever Certificate

Valid WHO yellow fever vaccination certificate. Required for all travelers regardless of origin.

Return/Onward Ticket

Proof of departure from Uganda. Can be physical or electronic ticket confirmation.

Immigration Counter Types

eVisa Counters

  • Dedicated processing: Specialized for electronic visas
  • Faster service: Typically 5-15 minutes processing
  • Modern equipment: Digital verification systems
  • Trained staff: Officers familiar with eVisa procedures
  • Clear signage: Easy to identify and locate
  • Multiple counters: Usually 4-6 counters available

Regular Immigration Counters

  • General processing: All visa types accepted
  • Longer wait times: May take 15-30 minutes
  • Manual verification: More detailed document checks
  • Backup option: Use if eVisa counters busy
  • Standard procedures: Traditional immigration process
  • More counters: Usually 8-12 counters available

Processing Times and Peak Hours

Time Period Flight Volume eVisa Processing Regular Processing Recommendations
Early Morning (5-8 AM) Low 5-10 minutes 10-15 minutes Fastest processing times
Morning (8-11 AM) Medium 10-15 minutes 15-25 minutes Good processing times
Midday (11 AM-2 PM) Low 5-10 minutes 10-20 minutes Excellent for quick processing
Afternoon (2-6 PM) Medium 10-15 minutes 15-25 minutes Moderate wait times
Evening (6-10 PM) High 15-25 minutes 25-45 minutes Peak hours, expect delays
Late Night (10 PM-5 AM) Low-Medium 10-15 minutes 15-30 minutes Reduced staff, moderate times

Common Questions and Answers

If immigration officers cannot find your eVisa in the system:

  • Show your printed eVisa approval letter
  • Provide your eVisa reference number
  • Remain calm and polite while they verify
  • Ask to speak with a supervisor if needed
  • Have backup documents ready (application confirmation)

The system occasionally has delays, but your printed approval is valid proof of authorization.

Yes, you have several options if eVisa counters are busy:

  • Wait in the eVisa queue for faster specialized service
  • Use regular immigration counters (they accept eVisa)
  • Ask airport staff about shortest queue
  • Consider timing if you have flexibility

All immigration counters at Entebbe can process eVisa, though dedicated counters are typically faster.

Immigration officers may request additional documents:

  • Accommodation proof: Hotel bookings or invitation letters
  • Travel itinerary: Planned activities and destinations
  • Financial proof: Bank statements or sufficient cash
  • Business documents: Invitation letters for business travel
  • Health insurance: Travel insurance documentation

These are typically requested for first-time visitors or during random checks.

After Immigration: Next Steps

Entebbe Airport baggage claim and customs area

Baggage and Customs

  • Baggage claim: Check monitors for your flight carousel
  • Customs declaration: Choose green (nothing to declare) or red channel
  • Duty-free limits: Standard allowances for alcohol, tobacco, gifts
  • Prohibited items: No drugs, weapons, or restricted materials
  • Currency declaration: Declare amounts over $10,000 USD

Airport Services

  • Currency exchange: Multiple bureaus with competitive rates
  • ATMs: Local and international bank machines
  • SIM cards: MTN, Airtel, and Africell vendors
  • Transport booking: Official taxi and bus services
  • Tourist information: Maps, guides, and assistance

Transport Options from Entebbe Airport

Airport Taxis
  • Cost: $25-40 USD to Kampala
  • Duration: 45-90 minutes (traffic dependent)
  • Booking: Official desk in arrival hall
  • Payment: USD, UGX, or card accepted
  • Advantages: Direct, comfortable, air-conditioned
Airport Bus
  • Cost: $3-5 USD to Kampala
  • Duration: 60-120 minutes
  • Schedule: Regular departures throughout day
  • Route: Multiple stops in Kampala
  • Advantages: Economical, reliable service
Car Rental
  • Cost: $30-80 USD per day
  • Companies: Avis, Hertz, local providers
  • Requirements: International driving license
  • Insurance: Comprehensive coverage recommended
  • Advantages: Flexibility, independence
Hotel Transfers
  • Cost: $20-50 USD (varies by hotel)
  • Booking: Arrange with hotel in advance
  • Service: Direct to accommodation
  • Comfort: Often luxury vehicles
  • Advantages: Convenient, pre-arranged

Tips for Smooth Airport Experience

Pro Tips for Entebbe Airport
  • Arrive prepared: Have all documents organized and easily accessible
  • Print quality matters: Ensure eVisa is clearly printed on good paper
  • Stay hydrated: Airport can be warm, especially during peak hours
  • Exchange money: Get local currency for immediate expenses
  • Get SIM card: Local mobile service helpful for navigation and communication
  • Plan transport: Book airport transfer in advance for convenience
  • Keep receipts: Save all airport service receipts for records
  • Be patient: Allow extra time during peak travel periods
Important Reminders
  • Document quality: Poor print quality can cause processing delays
  • Vaccination requirement: Yellow fever certificate is mandatory for all travelers
  • Passport validity: Must have 6+ months validity remaining
  • Backup documents: Keep copies of important documents separate
  • Contact information: Have accommodation and emergency contacts ready

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Airport Quick Facts

Operating Hours

24/7 immigration services

Location

40km from Kampala city center

eVisa Counters

4-6 dedicated processing counters

Processing Time

5-15 minutes for eVisa holders

Required Documents

Airport Services

  • Currency Exchange
  • ATM Machines
  • SIM Card Vendors
  • Official Taxi Service
  • Airport Bus
  • Car Rental
  • Free WiFi
  • Tourist Information

Related Information

Frequently Asked Questions

Immigration processing at Entebbe Airport typically takes 5-15 minutes for eVisa holders using dedicated counters. During peak hours (6-10 PM), processing may take 15-25 minutes. The fastest times are during early morning (5-8 AM) and midday (11 AM-2 PM) when flight volumes are lower.

No, you must present a printed copy of your eVisa approval letter at Entebbe Airport. Digital copies on phones, tablets, or other electronic devices are not accepted by Uganda immigration authorities. Print your eVisa on quality paper and keep it in good condition.

Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for entry into Uganda. Without a valid WHO yellow fever certificate, you may be denied entry or required to get vaccinated at the airport (if vaccination services are available). It's essential to get vaccinated and obtain the certificate before traveling to Uganda.

Yes, Entebbe Airport has 4-6 dedicated eVisa processing counters clearly marked with "eVisa" or "Electronic Visa" signs. These counters are staffed with officers trained in eVisa procedures and typically process faster than regular immigration counters. However, all counters can process eVisa if needed.

Transport options include: official airport taxis ($25-40 to Kampala), airport buses ($3-5), car rentals ($30-80/day), and hotel transfers ($20-50). Taxis are fastest but most expensive, while buses are economical but take longer. All options are available 24/7 with booking desks in the arrival hall.

Yes, Entebbe Airport has multiple currency exchange bureaus and ATM machines available 24/7. Exchange rates are competitive, and you can exchange major currencies like USD, EUR, and GBP for Ugandan Shillings (UGX). ATMs accept international cards and dispense local currency.

If your eVisa is not found in the system, remain calm and present your printed approval letter with the reference number. Ask the officer to check again or speak with a supervisor. The system occasionally has delays, but your printed approval is valid proof. Have backup documents like application confirmation ready if needed.

Yes, Entebbe Airport provides free WiFi throughout the terminal. The network is reliable and suitable for checking emails, messaging, or accessing travel information. You can also purchase local SIM cards from vendors in the arrival hall for mobile data during your stay in Uganda.

Immigration officers may request accommodation proof (hotel bookings), travel itinerary, financial proof (bank statements or cash), business invitation letters, or travel insurance documentation. These are typically requested for first-time visitors, business travelers, or during random security checks.

Entebbe Airport is located 40 kilometers (25 miles) southwest of Kampala city center. Travel time varies from 45-90 minutes depending on traffic conditions, time of day, and chosen transport method. Early morning and late evening typically have less traffic and faster travel times.