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US Citizens Uganda eVisa Guide

Complete application guide for American citizens traveling to Uganda. Get your eVisa approved quickly with our step-by-step instructions and requirements checklist.

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US citizens Uganda eVisa application guide

Uganda eVisa Requirements for US Citizens

All US citizens must obtain a visa before traveling to Uganda. The electronic visa (eVisa) is the most convenient option, allowing you to apply online and receive approval before departure. There is no visa-on-arrival option for American passport holders.

Important for US Citizens
  • eVisa mandatory - No visa-on-arrival for Americans
  • Apply in advance - Processing takes 2-3 business days
  • Valid for 90 days - Single or multiple entry options
  • $50 USD fee - Tourist and business visas
  • Yellow fever required - Vaccination certificate needed

Required Documents for US Citizens

American passport and travel documents

Essential Documents

US Passport

Valid for at least 6 months from entry date

Passport Photo

Recent color photo, white background, 2x2 inches

Yellow Fever Certificate

WHO-approved vaccination certificate

Travel Itinerary

Flight bookings and accommodation details

Visa Types Available for US Citizens

Tourist eVisa

  • Purpose: Tourism, safari, sightseeing
  • Duration: 90 days maximum stay
  • Entries: Single entry
  • Fee: $50 USD
  • Processing: 2-3 business days

Business eVisa

  • Purpose: Business meetings, conferences
  • Duration: 90 days maximum stay
  • Entries: Single entry
  • Fee: $50 USD
  • Additional: Invitation letter required

East African Tourist Visa

  • Purpose: Tourism in Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda
  • Duration: 90 days across all countries
  • Entries: Multiple entry
  • Fee: $100 USD
  • Benefit: Visit 3 countries with one visa

Transit eVisa

  • Purpose: Airport transit, connecting flights
  • Duration: 7 days maximum stay
  • Entries: Single entry
  • Fee: $50 USD
  • Requirement: Onward ticket proof

Step-by-Step Application Process

1

Prepare Documents

Gather your US passport, recent photo, yellow fever certificate, and travel itinerary. Ensure passport is valid for at least 6 months.

2

Complete Online Application

Fill out the eVisa application form with personal details, travel information, and purpose of visit. Double-check all information for accuracy.

3

Upload Documents

Upload scanned copies of your passport bio page, passport photo, and yellow fever certificate. Ensure files meet size and format requirements.

4

Pay Visa Fee

Pay the $50 USD visa fee using a credit or debit card. Payment is processed securely through encrypted channels.

5

Receive Approval

Wait 2-3 business days for processing. You'll receive the approved eVisa via email. Print a copy to present at immigration.

Processing Time and Fees

Visa Type Processing Time Government Fee Service Fee Total Cost
Tourist eVisa 2-3 business days $50 USD Varies by platform $50+ USD
Business eVisa 2-3 business days $50 USD Varies by platform $50+ USD
East African Tourist 2-3 business days $100 USD Varies by platform $100+ USD
Transit eVisa 2-3 business days $50 USD Varies by platform $50+ USD

Yellow Fever Vaccination for US Citizens

Vaccination Requirement

All US citizens must present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate when entering Uganda. This is mandatory regardless of your travel history.

  • Get vaccinated at least 10 days before travel
  • Certificate valid for life (WHO 2016 update)
  • Available at travel clinics and health departments
  • Cost typically $150-300 in the US
  • Bring original certificate when traveling

Popular Destinations for US Travelers

US travelers in Uganda

Top Attractions

  • Bwindi Impenetrable Forest: Mountain gorilla trekking
  • Queen Elizabeth National Park: Wildlife safari
  • Murchison Falls: Spectacular waterfalls
  • Lake Victoria: Africa's largest lake
  • Kampala: Capital city and cultural hub
  • Jinja: Source of the Nile River

Travel Tips for Americans

  • Best time to visit: December-February, June-August
  • Currency: Ugandan Shilling (UGX), USD widely accepted
  • Language: English is official language
  • Time zone: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of EST)

Entry Requirements at Uganda Immigration

  1. Health Screening: Temperature check and health questionnaire
  2. Immigration Counter: Present passport and printed eVisa approval
  3. Document Verification: Officer checks visa validity and purpose
  4. Yellow Fever Check: Present vaccination certificate
  5. Entry Stamp: Passport stamped with entry date and duration
  6. Baggage Collection: Collect luggage and proceed to customs

Duty-Free Allowances:
  • 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco
  • 1 liter of alcoholic beverages
  • Personal effects and gifts up to $500 value
  • Reasonable amount of perfume for personal use
Prohibited Items:
  • Firearms and ammunition (without permits)
  • Illegal drugs and narcotics
  • Counterfeit goods
  • Endangered species products

Common Issues and Solutions

Application Problems

  • Photo Rejection: Ensure white background, proper size
  • Passport Issues: Check 6-month validity requirement
  • Payment Failures: Use international-enabled cards
  • Processing Delays: Apply at least 2 weeks before travel

Travel Considerations

  • Health Insurance: Recommended for medical coverage
  • Embassy Registration: Register with US Embassy in Kampala
  • Currency Exchange: Use official exchange bureaus
  • Safety Precautions: Follow State Department advisories
Pro Tips for US Citizens
  • Apply for eVisa 2-3 weeks before departure
  • Make copies of all important documents
  • Check State Department travel advisories
  • Consider travel insurance with medical coverage
  • Notify your bank of international travel
  • Download offline maps and translation apps

Quick Application

Ready to apply for your Uganda eVisa? Start your application now and get approved in 2-3 business days.

Apply Now
Secure SSL encryption
2-7 day processing
$50 USD government fee

Document Checklist

Related Guides

US Embassy Contact

US Embassy Kampala

1577 Ggaba Road, Kampala

+256 (0) 312-306-001

KampalaConsular@state.gov

ug.usembassy.gov

Processing Status

Normal processing: 2-7 days
Peak season: Up to 10 days
Rush processing: Available

Frequently Asked Questions for US Citizens

Yes, all US citizens must obtain a visa before traveling to Uganda. The eVisa is mandatory and must be applied for online in advance. There is no visa-on-arrival option for American passport holders. Processing takes 2-3 business days, so apply well before your departure date.

The Uganda eVisa costs $50 USD for US citizens for tourist, business, and transit visas. The East African Tourist Visa costs $100 USD and allows travel to Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda. Additional service fees may apply depending on the application platform used.

Yes, yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for all US citizens entering Uganda, regardless of travel history. You must present a valid WHO-approved yellow fever certificate at immigration. Get vaccinated at least 10 days before travel at a travel clinic or health department.

US citizens can stay in Uganda for up to 90 days with a tourist or business eVisa. The East African Tourist Visa also allows 90 days but can be used across Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda. Extensions may be possible through the Uganda immigration office before your visa expires.

No, US citizens cannot get a visa on arrival in Uganda. The eVisa must be obtained online before travel. Airlines may refuse boarding if you don't have a valid eVisa approval letter. Always apply for your eVisa at least 2 weeks before your departure date.

If your eVisa is denied, review the rejection reason and correct any issues before reapplying. Common reasons include incomplete documents, poor photo quality, or insufficient passport validity. You can also apply for a traditional visa through the Ugandan Embassy in Washington, DC.