Entry Visas
What you'll need to cross the border into Uganda
Non-negotiable — Yellow Fever certificate
Immigration will not let you in without proof of Yellow Fever vaccination. Bring the original certificate — copies won't be accepted. Get the jab at least 10 days before you fly.
Standard Uganda Visa (Single Entry)
$50
Cost per traveller (USD)
90 Days
Longest you can stay
1 Country
Covers Uganda only
- Apply ahead of time at visas.immigration.go.ug, or pick one up on landing at Entebbe
- If applying online, submit your request roughly two weeks before departure
- Online applications are paid by credit or debit card
- Bring a printed copy of your e-visa approval alongside your passport
What to Have Ready at the Border
The Regional Option (EATV)
One visa opens Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda
$100
Cost of the visa
90 Days
Time you are granted
3 Countries
Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda
So What Exactly Is the EATV?
The East Africa Tourist Visa lets you move between Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda on a single $100 permit instead of buying three separate ones. It's built for travellers stitching together a multi-country trip — think gorillas in Uganda, the Mara in Kenya, or an afternoon in Kigali. You can cross back and forth between the three partner countries as often as you like during its 90 days.
Why Travellers Like It
- One application instead of three separate visa processes
- Come and go between Uganda, Kenya & Rwanda for 90 days
- Built specifically for multi-country safari routes
- Costs about the same as, or less than, buying each visa individually
- You can start the application from any of the three national portals
Where It Falls Short
- Will not get you into Tanzania — that is a separate $50 visa
- Does not cover Burundi, South Sudan, or the rest of the EAC bloc
- You have to enter through Uganda, Kenya or Rwanda first
- No extensions once the 90 days are up
EATV at a Glance
Cost
USD $100, non-refundable, paid online by card.
Where You Can Enter
Uganda, Kenya, or Rwanda only — not valid as an entry point for Tanzania or other EAC states.
Length of Stay
Up to 90 days combined across all three countries. No extending it.
Clock Starts
From the day the visa is issued, not the day you actually arrive.
Passport Rules
Needs 6 months of validity left and at least 2 blank pages.
Yellow Fever
Required to enter Uganda and Kenya — original certificate only.
Onward Travel
Have proof you are eventually leaving the East Africa region.
Where You Are Staying
Hotel confirmations, a safari itinerary letter, or an invitation from a host.
Show You Can Cover It
A bank statement demonstrating roughly $50/day in available funds.
Photos
2 recent passport photos, plain white background.
Where to Apply
visas.immigration.go.ug (Uganda) | evisa.go.ke (Kenya) | irembo.gov.rw (Rwanda)
How Long It Takes
Usually 3–10 working days online; also issuable on arrival at Entebbe, Nairobi JKIA, or Kigali.
Applying, Step by Step
1
Pick a portal
Go to visas.immigration.go.ug, evisa.go.ke, or irembo.gov.rw — whichever country you will land in first.
2
Set up an account
Register with an email address you actually check, since you will use it to track your application.
3
Pick "East Africa Tourist Visa"
Make sure you select the EATV option, not single-entry. If Uganda is your only stop, single-entry ($50) works out cheaper.
4
Fill in the form
Personal details, passport info, travel dates. Upload your passport photo page, a photo, your Yellow Fever certificate, and proof of accommodation.
5
Pay the $100 fee
Visa or Mastercard both work. Hang onto your receipt and reference number.
6
Wait it out (3–10 days)
An approval email lands in your inbox once it is processed.
7
Print it
Print the approval letter and keep it with your passport for immigration.
Health & Wellness Prep
Feeling good matters as much as seeing wildlife
Non-negotiable: You need a Yellow Fever certificate to enter Uganda. Get vaccinated 10+ days before you travel and bring the original.
Vaccination Checklist
| Vaccine | Priority | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow Fever | Required | Legally required at the border. Bring the original certificate. |
| Malaria prevention | Essential | Ask your doctor about Malarone, Doxycycline, or Lariam — start ahead of your trip. |
| Hepatitis A & B | Highly advised | Protects against food and water exposure. |
| Typhoid | Advised | Another food/water-related risk. |
| Rabies | Advised | Worth it if you will be trekking or handling close wildlife encounters. |
| Meningitis | Advised | Particularly relevant October through April. |
| Tetanus & Diphtheria | Check you are current | Top up your standard booster if it has lapsed. |
| COVID-19 | Check current rules | Requirements shift — confirm before you fly. |
Keeping Malaria Away
- Finish your full course of anti-malarials, including the days after you get home
- Use 50%+ DEET repellent on exposed skin, especially around dawn and dusk
- Cover up with long sleeves and trousers during peak mosquito hours
- Sleep under a net — most reputable lodges already provide one
- Pack a rapid malaria test kit if you are heading somewhere remote
- See a doctor promptly if fever hits within 3 months of returning home
Everyday Health Habits
- Stick to bottled or purified water — skip the tap and the ice
- Slather on SPF 50+ daily; the equator sun is no joke
- Keep prescription meds in your carry-on, with a doctor's note
- Have a cold or flu? Gorilla permits will not let you trek that day — it protects the gorillas
- Rwenzori or Elgon trekkers: give your body time to adjust to the altitude
Choosing Your Dates
Timing shapes the whole trip
Dry Months (Busiest)
June – September
The longer dry spell. Trails are firmer, wildlife easier to spot, gorilla trekking at its best. Book well ahead.
December – February
A shorter dry window. Great for birding and general wildlife, with a bit more breathing room and slightly softer prices.
Rainy Months (Best Value)
March – May
The heavier rains. Everything turns lush and green, birdlife is spectacular, and both crowds and prices drop.
October – November
Shorter, lighter showers, usually in the afternoon. Wildlife sightings hold up well and it is a solid shoulder-season pick.
Month-by-Month Snapshot
| Month | Conditions | Sightings | Visitor Numbers | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | Dry | Excellent | Low | ★★★★★ |
| Feb | Dry | Excellent | Low | ★★★★★ |
| Mar | Rains begin | Good | Very Low | ★★★ |
| Apr | Wet | Good | Very Low | ★★★ |
| May | Wet | Good | Very Low | ★★★ |
| Jun | Dry | Excellent | High | ★★★★★ |
| Jul | Dry | Excellent | Peak | ★★★★★ |
| Aug | Dry | Excellent | Peak | ★★★★★ |
| Sep | Dry | Excellent | High | ★★★★★ |
| Oct | Light rains | Very Good | Moderate | ★★★★ |
| Nov | Light rains | Very Good | Low | ★★★★ |
| Dec | Dry | Excellent | Moderate | ★★★★★ |
Budgeting for Uganda
Cash, cards, and knowing what to tip
Money Know-How
- Carry USD in smaller bills — $1, $5, $10, $20 denominations work best
- Notes must be dated 2006 or later — older bills get turned away
- ATMs are reliable in Kampala and bigger towns (Stanbic, Centenary, Dfcu)
- Do not count on finding an ATM once you are deep in the parks — withdraw beforehand
- Most upscale lodges take Visa and Mastercard
- Give your bank a heads-up before you travel so your card does not get frozen
- Forex bureaus with a license usually beat hotel exchange rates
Tipping, in USD
Safari Guide
$10–20 / day
Safari Driver
$5–10 / day
Gorilla Guide/Tracker
$10–20 / trek
Porter (trekking)
$5–10 / trek
Lodge/Hotel Staff
$1–5 / day
Restaurant
10% of bill
Airport Transfer
$3–5
Packing for the Bush
A full checklist so nothing gets left behind
On colour: stick to neutrals — khaki, beige, olive, brown, grey. Bright shades draw tsetse flies, and white shows every speck of dust. Camouflage clothing is against the law in Uganda.
Clothing
- 3–4 lightweight, long-sleeved shirts in neutral tones
- 2–3 pairs of neutral long trousers
- 2 pairs of comfortable shorts
- A fleece or light jacket
- A rain jacket or poncho
- A wide-brimmed sun hat
- A warm layer for cool mornings while gorilla trekking
- Sturdy, already broken-in waterproof hiking boots
- Sandals for relaxing at the lodge
- Swimwear
Health & Hygiene
- Original Yellow Fever certificate — do not forget this
- A full course of anti-malarial tablets
- 50%+ DEET insect repellent
- SPF 50+ sunscreen and a lip balm with SPF
- A basic first aid kit
- Oral rehydration sachets plus Imodium
- Extra prescription medication and a doctor's note
- Hand sanitiser and wet wipes
Photography & Tech
- A camera with a decent zoom (200mm or more)
- Spare memory cards and batteries
- A portable power bank
- A universal adaptor (Uganda uses UK-style Type G plugs)
- Binoculars — 8×42 or 10×42 work well
- A waterproof pouch for electronics
- A headlamp with spare batteries
- A phone loaded with offline maps
Documents & Money
- Your passport (6+ months of validity)
- A printed visa / EATV approval letter
- Travel insurance paperwork and an emergency contact number
- Flight tickets, printed and saved digitally
- Confirmations for hotels and tours
- USD cash in smaller bills (2006 or newer notes)
- Credit and debit cards (with your bank notified)
- Backup copies of every document, kept separately
Safari Essentials
- A dust-resistant daypack for game drives
- A reusable water bottle, 2 litres or more
- Snacks for the longer drives
- A field guide for birds and mammals
- A notebook and pen
- A bandana or buff for dust
For the Gorilla Trek
- Sturdy waterproof boots with good ankle support
- Long trousers and long sleeves (nettles are no fun)
- A waterproof jacket
- Thick gardening-style gloves for gripping vegetation
- A small daypack only — big bags are not allowed
- A walking stick (rentable at the gate)
- You must be 15 or older — a firm UWA rule
- No trekking if you have a cold or flu — it is checked at the briefing
Staying Safe
Sensible precautions for a worry-free trip
Uganda is, on the whole, a safe place to travel. Violent crime targeting visitors is uncommon, and most trips here go off without a hitch.
Around Kampala & Other Towns
- Skip walking alone after dark — take a taxi or ride app (Bolt, SafeBoda)
- Keep valuables tucked away, not on display
- Withdraw cash from ATMs inside banks or malls, not standalone units
- Keep a copy of your passport with you; leave the original in the hotel safe
- Stay alert to pickpockets in busy markets
- Stick to registered taxis or app-based rides
Out in the Parks
- Do exactly what your ranger guide tells you, every time
- Keep the required distance from all wildlife
- Never feed or walk up to animals
- Stay inside the vehicle unless your guide says it is fine to step out
- Keep your phone charged with emergency numbers saved
- If a gorilla charges, stay low, stay calm, and avoid eye contact
Arriving & Getting Around
Flights in, and how you'll move around once you land
Flying In
Most visitors land at Entebbe International Airport (EBB), about 37km outside Kampala.
Kenya Airways
Ethiopian Airlines
Emirates
Qatar Airways
KLM
British Airways
RwandAir
Turkish Airlines
Fly Dubai
- From Nairobi: about 1h 15min
- From Addis Ababa: about 2h 30min
- From Dubai: about 5h 30min
- From Amsterdam or London: 8–9 hours
Moving Around Once You're Here
4WD Safari Vehicle
Your guide handles the driving — included with every Calm Africa tour
Domestic Flights
Charter options serve Kihihi (for Bwindi), Kasese, and Murchison
Airport Pickup & Drop-off
We arrange every transfer for you
Boat Crossings
Used for reaching certain lodges and crossing lakes
Culture & Local Etiquette
A little courtesy goes a long way
Worth Doing
- Greetings matter here — take the time to greet people properly
- Give and receive with your right hand, or both hands
- Dress modestly outside cities, especially at religious sites
- Ask before you photograph someone
- Take your shoes off before entering a mosque or a traditional home
- Haggling at markets is normal and expected
- A few words of Luganda will earn you a smile
Worth Avoiding
- Photographing military sites, government buildings, or airports is illegal
- Camouflage clothing is off-limits for civilians
- Keep affection low-key beyond holding hands
- Left-handed handovers are considered impolite
- Raised voices or visible impatience do not go over well
- Littering carries real penalties here
- Plastic bags are banned nationwide — leave them at home
A Few Luganda Words
Hello
Oli otya
Good morning
Wasuze otya
Thank you
Webale nyo
You're welcome
Kale
Yes
Yee
No
Nedda
Please
Mwattu
How much?
Semanga?
Welcome
Tukusanyukidde
Good
Bulungi
What the Weather's Like
Conditions vary a lot depending on where you are
Region by Region
Kampala & Central Uganda
24–29°C
Warm, humid, pleasant most of the year. Rain falls mainly March–May and October–November.
Murchison Falls (North)
25–35°C
Hotter and drier overall. Dry season (June–Sept) is prime time for wildlife viewing.
Queen Elizabeth NP
20–27°C
Fairly steady temperatures with rain spread across the year.
Bwindi Forest (Gorillas)
7–20°C
Chilly at this altitude (1,190–2,607m). Pack a warm layer — rain can fall any time of year.
Rwenzori Mountains
0–25°C
Big swings in temperature, with snow above 4,000m. Come prepared for anything.
Lake Victoria Region
20–27°C
Humid, with regular afternoon storms in April and May.
Common Questions
Quick answers before you book
Generally, yes — Uganda ranks among the safer East African destinations, and solo travellers are common. Stick to reputable lodges and guided activities; heading into the parks unaccompanied is not allowed.
Not really. English is the official language and is spoken widely across hotels, lodges, parks, and cities.
No — it only covers Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda. Tanzania needs its own visa ($50, available on arrival or via immigration.go.tz).
Permits are tightly capped at 8 people per gorilla family per day, so book 3–6 months out for peak months (June–Sept), or 1–3 months for quieter seasons.
Yes — the Uganda Wildlife Authority requires trekkers to be at least 15. No exceptions are made.
Yes, MTN and Airtel cover cities and main roads reasonably well, though signal thins out in remote parks. A local SIM at the airport is an easy fix.
No — stick to bottled or purified water. Any reputable lodge will have safe drinking water on hand.
Type G, the same three-square-pin plug used in the UK, running 240V/50Hz. A universal adaptor covers it.
Plan on roughly $50–100 a day for tips, drinks, and souvenirs. Gorilla permits (around $800 per person) are typically already built into your Calm Africa package.
Your guide has first-aid training, and our Kampala team is reachable around the clock. Comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation is a requirement for all our clients.
Ready to Start Planning?
Grab our full guide and get in touch — our Kampala-based team is on hand seven days a week.