Uganda Entry Requirements due to COVID-19

Please note that: Travelers entering Uganda no longer need to present a Covid-19 Vaccine certificate or a PCR test.

Planning to transit through Entebbe International Airport? Are you going to explore the beautiful nature of Uganda during your vacations? You must know that learning what the COVID-19 protocols and entry and exit requirements are is essential to travel nowadays, both for transit and destination countries.

Uganda still has COVID-19 restrictions that you must follow when visiting the country. However, local authorities no longer request the Uganda International Arrivals COVID-19 pre-registration. So, to be up to date with the COVID-19 test requirements, vaccination, and quarantine rules for foreign nationals, pay careful attention to the FAQ below.

Frequently Asked Questions

ARE THERE ANY UGANDA COVID ENTRY REQUIREMENTS I SHOULD LEARN ABOUT BEFORE TRAVELING TO UGANDA?

Yes, there are. Currently, an up-to-date COVID-19 vaccine status is not mandatory to enter the country, but unvaccinated travelers need to present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before their trip. This is applied to all travelers, including foreign residents and nationals.

The country doesn’t have quarantine protocols on arrival. But if you have flu-like symptoms, it is better to exercise caution and take a COVID-19 test before travel since an infected person should be isolated.

A medical insurance is not mandatory either. Still, the travel advice is to purchase one with overseas medical costs to be prepared if you need emergency assistance/emergency services or access to medical facilities.

Since the requirements may change quickly, you should check the local media news and contact the embassy for the latest information.

WHAT IS THE UGANDA INTERNATIONAL ARRIVALS COVID-19 PRE-REGISTRATION, AND HOW CAN I OBTAIN IT?

The Uganda International Arrivals COVID-19 Pre-Registration was a health questionnaire implemented to help local authorities track and assess the risks of COVID-19 infection.

But since August 2, 2022, this document is no longer required to enter the country. Immigration officers or local police won’t ask for the COVID-19 Pre-Registration, so all you have to worry about before packing your personal belongings for this trip is getting a visa.

DO I NEED A COVID-19 VACCINE TO TRAVEL TO UGANDA?

There's no mandatory proof of vaccination. You can enter the country no matter your COVID-19 vaccination status. Regardless, there are different protocols for vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers.

If you are vaccinated, you have access to the country without a COVID-19 test. Be aware that boosters are not considered a requirement in Uganda.  Travelers aged five years and below are also exempt from testing requirements.   

Having said that, unvaccinated travelers without a negative COVID-19 test will be refused entry.

Please note that: Travelers entering Uganda no longer need to present a Covid-19 Vaccine certificate or a PCR test.

DO I NEED A NEGATIVE PCR TEST RESULT TO ENTER UGANDA?

The local laws regarding the pandemic require that unvaccinated passengers present a negative COVID-19 test to enter the country. It must be a PCR test taken 72 hours before travel. Only children under five years old and fully vaccinated travelers are exempt from this protocol.

Be aware that the Ugandan Ministry of Health may conduct random COVID testing for inbound travelers. It’s recommended to consult official Ugandan government sources for the most up-to-date information about COVID-19 movement restrictions and requirements. 

• Travelers entering Uganda no longer need to present a Covid-19 Vaccine certificate or a PCR test.

WILL I HAVE TO QUARANTINE UPON ARRIVAL IN UGANDA?

There are no quarantine requirements on arrival in Uganda. However, if you test positive for COVID-19, you should quarantine.

ARE THERE OTHER UGANDA VACCINE REQUIREMENTS?

Uganda faces some health crises. There isn’t a mandatory vaccine, but you should follow some vaccine recommendations.

All travelers must have the following vaccines:

• Routine Vaccines:

• Chickenpox (Varicella)

• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis

• Flu (influenza)

• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

• Polio

• Shingles

• Also recommended:

• Yellow Fever

• Cholera

• Hepatitis A

• Hepatitis B

• Malaria

• Typhoid

• Rabies

• Meningitis: One of the most significant health issues is the ebola virus disease, with recent lockdowns in high-risk districts. Unfortunately, there is no vaccination for ebola.

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: DO I NEED TO APPLY FOR A VISA TO VISIT UGANDA?

To enter Uganda, you might need a visa (it might be an electronic or traditional one). We advise you to use the [iVisa visa checker tool]](/) to verify what documents will be necessary for your trip.

WHAT IS THE EAST AFRICA VISA?

The East Africa Visa is the e-Visa program to travel to the Republic of Kenya, the Republic of Rwanda, and the Republic of Uganda for tourism. A single travel document to visit the three African countries, with the entire application process online.

An East Africa Tourist Visa allows Multiple Entry in the three territories, and it is valid for 90 days after arrival. The maximum length of stay is 90 days in Total.

There is one detail to get this visa online: applicants must not have another current Uganda, Rwanda, or Kenya visa. Once you successfully apply, you will receive the document via email. Then you can print it and carry this travel authorization with you.

WHAT ARE THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS TO APPLY FOR THE EAST AFRICA VISA?

The traveler needs the following documents to apply for the East Africa Visa:

• Applicant photo. If you don’t have one, you can count on iVisa Photo Service

• Passport personal details scan (the passport validity must be at least six months after the arrival date)

• Last page of passport (if applicable)

• Yellow fever vaccine

• Travel itinerary

• Return ticket

• Invitation letter (if applicable)

WHAT ARE THE PRICES AND PROCESSING TIMES OF THE EAST AFRICA VISA?

If you apply through iVisa, the processing time and visa fees for the East Africa Visa will depend upon how fast you need your document:

• Standard processing time: In 9 days you will receive the visa for a fee of USD $153.99.

• Rush processing time: iVisa can process your visa a little faster, in 7 days, for a fee of USD $187.99.

• Super Rush processing time: If you need the visa asap, the best option is to get the document in only 5 days for a fee of USD $234.99.

WHAT IS THE UGANDA TRANSIT E-VISA?

You have to apply for the Uganda Transit Visa if you have a stopover at the Entebbe International Airport and you intend to leave the transit area. When applying for this e-Visa, passengers must have a confirmed onward booking from Uganda to a third country or other acceptable plans to depart Uganda within two days after arrival.

Keep in mind that the Transit e-Visa is an official document that allows the holder to transit through Uganda provided they will enter and exit the country within two days. Applicants will receive their visas via email after filling out the form on the iVisa application page.

WHAT ARE THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS TO APPLY FOR THE UGANDA TRANSIT E-VISA?

You must provide the following documents to apply for the Uganda Transit Visa:

• Applicant photo. If you don’t have one, you can count on [iVisa Photo Service] (/photos/order)

• Passport personal details scan

• Last page of passport (if applicable)

• Yellow fever vaccination

• A letter stating the reason for transit and country of destination

WHAT ARE THE PRICES AND PROCESSING TIMES OF THE UGANDA TRANSIT E-VISA?

iVisa offers three different processing times and fees for travelers applying for the Uganda Transit e-Visa:

• Standard processing time: You can get the Transit e-Visa in just 7 days for a fee of USD $163.49.

• Rush processing service: If you are in a rush, you can receive the e-Visa in 5 days for a fee of USD $237.49.

• Super Rush processing time: For those urgently needing a Transit e-Visa, we offer this option, which takes just 3 days for a fee of USD $340.49.

WHAT IS THE UGANDA TOURIST EVISA?

The Uganda e-Visa is the electronic version of the Uganda Visa and serves as the official document permitting entry into Uganda. Most international travelers are eligible to apply for this tourist visa online. The process is simple: filling out the form on the iVisa application page and receiving a single-entry electronic visa via email.

Be aware that the Uganda Tourist e-Visa allows travel for tourism purposes only. You must consult the embassy or consulate if you need a work, study, or resident visa.

The Uganda Tourist e-Visa is valid for 90 days after issued. The document allows a maximum stay of 45 days in Totall, and it is valid for one Single Entry. It’s important to know that applicants can’t have any other current Uganda Visa to apply for the Tourist e-Visa.

WHAT ARE THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS TO APPLY FOR THE UGANDA TOURIST VISA?

You must have the following documents on hand to fill out the Uganda Tourist e-Visa application:

• Applicant photo. If you don’t have one, you can count on iVisa Photo Service

• Passport personal details scan (clear passport number)

• Last page of passport (if applicable)

• Yellow fever vaccination certificate

• Invitation letter (if applicable)

• The immigration status of the host (Purpose of travel: Family Visit) (if applicable)

• Return flight ticket (if applicable)

• Supporting document for the visit (Medical) (if applicable)

• Cover letter detailing the purpose of the visit (if applicable)

WHAT ARE THE PRICES AND PROCESSING TIMES OF THE UGANDA TOURIST EVISA?

You can choose one of the processing times and fees below to get your Uganda Tourist e-Visa:

• Standard processing time: Get your Tourist e-Visa in just 7 days for a fee of USD $113.49.

• Rush processing service: This option is slightly faster and takes just 5 days for a fee of USD $153.49.

• Super Rush processing time: For those urgently needing an Uganda Tourist e-Visa, we offer this option, which takes just 3 days for a fee of USD $210.49.

CAN I TRUST IVISA?

Absolutely! We know how important it is to keep data protected nowadays. Our security guidelines are strictly enforced to maintain all your information safe. We’ve been in this business for a long time, but if you don’t believe us, read what our previous customers have said about our services in the user reviews section.

I STILL HAVE DOUBTS. HOW CAN I CONTACT IVISA?

If you still have any concerns about the COVID-19 requirements or questions about the types of visas to travel to Uganda, you can chat with our experts from customer service, or you can send an email to [email protected]. They will be happy to assist you with anything you need 24/7.

iVisa Recommends

Uganda is worldwide famous for its safaris, fantastic national parks, and for being a great place to explore wildlife. Unfortunately, in some areas, you may find a security situation and security forces in activity since the country suffered terrorist attacks from armed groups in the recent past. Just take precautions for your personal security and be ready to explore this beautiful country.

The Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of Uganda’s most famous national parks and the home to around 340 gorillas. Visitors come here to spot these massive primates in their natural habitats. But the gorillas are not everything the park has to offer. The natural rainforest is also home to 120 other species of mammals, like elephants, chimpanzees, L’Hoest’s monkeys, bushbucks, African golden cats, and the rare giant forest hog.

Another excellent spot for safaris is the Queen Elizabeth National Park, in Western Uganda. Visitors are guaranteed to spot various animals like giraffes, lions, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, buffaloes, and elephants. The park is also a paradise for birdwatchers, with around 611 bird species to observe.

In North Eastern Uganda, you must visit the Kidepo Valley National Park. It is the third biggest national park covering an area of 1,442 square kilometers. You can see elephants, lions, leopards, hyenas, giraffes, and many other species in their natural habitat.

If you like to visit major cities, you must include Kampala in your itinerary. This is the central business district and one of the major towns in Uganda. You can visit shopping centres and museums. Just be aware that public transportation is usually informal and not the safest option.