Uganda draws US travelers chasing gorilla trekking in Bwindi and a run along the source of the Nile in Jinja. Before booking those legs, sort entry: a US passport needs an eVisa applied for and paid online in advance, not on arrival.
The standard tourist eVisa costs $50 and covers a single entry with a stay of up to 90 days, depending on what is approved. There is no cash-at-the-border option: the fee is paid through the official portal as part of the application.
What to sort before you fly to Uganda
- Apply for the eVisa online before departure; it is not available on arrival.
- The standard tourist eVisa costs $50 and is paid through the official portal, not in cash at the border.
- Approval allows a stay of up to 90 days, depending on what is granted.
- A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required and checked at entry.
- Use only the official Uganda eVisa portal to apply.
Apply for the eVisa before you travel
US passport holders must secure the eVisa online before arriving in Uganda. Apply through the official Uganda eVisa portal, since there is no visa-on-arrival option for US citizens.
Apply on the official eVisa portal
Submit the tourist eVisa application through the official Uganda eVisa portal before you travel.
Pay the $50 fee online
Pay the standard single-entry tourist visa fee of $50 through the portal itself, not at the border.
Upload your yellow fever certificate
Attach your yellow fever vaccination certificate as part of the application; it is required for entry.
Documents the application needs
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate – Mandatory for entry and checked on arrival.
- eVisa approval – Obtained through the official portal before departure; there is no visa on arrival.
- Proof of payment – The $50 fee is paid online through the portal, not in cash at the border.
Uganda visa logistics
Yellow fever certificate
Uganda checks yellow-fever vaccination certificates at entry; travel without one can hold up your admission at the border.
More for your Uganda trip: Best time to visit · Packing list · Vaccinations · Travel insurance · Money and currency
Check your visa before you book
Confirm the current rules for your passport, then sort the rest of the trip.
Uganda visa questions
1Can I get a Uganda visa on arrival as a US citizen?
No. US passport holders must apply for the eVisa online before travel and pay the fee through the official portal. There is no visa-on-arrival option for US citizens.
2How much does the Uganda tourist eVisa cost?
The standard single-entry tourist eVisa costs $50, paid online during the application.
3How long can I stay in Uganda on the tourist eVisa?
Approval allows a stay of up to 90 days, though the exact length granted depends on the approval you receive.
4Do I need a yellow fever certificate to enter Uganda?
Yes. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required and is checked at entry.
5Where do I apply for the Uganda eVisa?
Apply through the official Uganda eVisa portal.