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Uganda Visa for British Citizens 2026

British citizens must obtain an online e-visa before travelling to Uganda; a single-entry tourist visa costs US$50 and takes 6–9 working days to process. Yellow fever vaccination proof is mandatory.

Jul 19, 2026 13 min read

Do British Citizens Need a Visa for Uganda?

Yes. British citizens travelling on a full British passport must obtain a visa before entering Uganda. The UK Foreign Office confirms that you must apply for a Uganda visa online, and the old visa-on-arrival system is no longer the standard option. All visa applications must be submitted through the official Uganda Electronic Visa and Permit Application System at visas.immigration.go.ug.

The immigration authorities will email you a letter of authorisation including a barcode once your application is approved. You print this letter and present it at the airport; border officials will then issue your visa. Alternatively, you can take the approval letter to a Ugandan embassy to receive the visa before travel.

Visa Types for British Citizens

Uganda offers several visa categories. For most British tourists, the Single-Entry Tourist Visa is the standard choice, valid for up to 90 days and costing US$50. If you plan to leave and re-enter Uganda during your trip, or make frequent visits, you may need a Multiple-Entry Visa instead.

Tourist Visa (Single Entry)

Granted for tourism, medical treatment, family visits, or leisure. Valid for up to 90 days from the date of approval, this is the most common visa for British visitors. Important: Your visa approval authorisation is valid for 90 days from the day of approval. If you do not travel within that window, your approval is automatically cancelled and you must reapply.

East Africa Tourist Visa

If you're visiting multiple countries in the region, the East Africa Tourist Visa (US$100) covers Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda with a single permit. This is ideal if you're combining an Uganda gorilla trek with wildlife viewing in neighbouring countries.

Multiple-Entry Visa

For frequent business travellers or those planning multiple exits and re-entries, multiple-entry visas are available for 6–12 months (US$100), 12–24 months (US$150), or 24–36 months (US$200).

Transit Visa

If you're passing through Uganda for fewer than 48 hours to reach another destination, a Transit Visa (US$50) may apply.

Passport Validity & Requirements

Your British passport must meet these conditions:

Expiry date: At least 6 months after your arrival in Uganda
Blank pages: At least 1 blank page for the entry stamp
Condition: Not reported as lost or stolen

Check your passport validity now; if it expires within 6 months of your planned travel, renew it before applying for your visa.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Visit the Official Portal

Go to visas.immigration.go.ug and create an account. ⚠️ Warning: Fake visa websites (e.g. www.traveltouganda.org, www.evisaforuganda.com) fraudulently charge US$110–US$200 in extra "processing fees". The official website displays the Ugandan Coat of Arms and DCIC logo. Only use the government portal.

Step 2: Select Your Visa Type

Choose the application type (Visa), category (Ordinary, Multiple-Entry, Transit, East Africa Tourist), and subcategory (single-entry or multi-entry duration).

Step 3: Fill the Application Form

Enter your personal details accurately: full name, date of birth, passport number, email, and phone number. Any mismatch between your form and uploaded documents will delay processing.

Step 4: Upload Required Documents

For a tourist visa, you must upload the following:

Passport copy: Clear scan of the bio-data page (photo and personal details), valid for at least 6 months
Passport photograph: Recent (taken within 6 months), colour, face-on, white or light background, passport-size (35×45 mm), clear and in focus
Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate: Digital copy showing your vaccination date and validity (see health requirements for Uganda travel)
Tour plan or travel itinerary: Booking confirmation or detailed itinerary showing dates, destinations, and activities
Hotel booking or accommodation address: Reservation letter or confirmed address of where you'll stay

Ensure all scans are clear, high-resolution (minimum 300 dpi), and in PDF or JPEG format. Blurry or incomplete documents will be rejected.

Step 5: Review & Submit

Review all details carefully before submission. Once submitted, you cannot edit the application; any errors require reapplication and repayment.

Step 6: Pay the Visa Fee

Payment is made online using MasterCard or Visa Card only. After payment, you receive a confirmation email with a reference number.

Visa Fees & Payment

Visa Type	Duration	Fee (USD)
Single-Entry Tourist Visa	Up to 90 days	$50
East Africa Tourist Visa	Up to 90 days	$100
Multiple-Entry Visa	6–12 months	$100
Multiple-Entry Visa	12–24 months	$150
Multiple-Entry Visa	24–36 months	$200
Transit Visa	Up to 2 days	$50

Payment method: MasterCard or Visa Card only. No PayPal or bank transfers accepted on the official portal. Confirm the current fee on the official portal before applying, as fees may change.

Non-refundable: The government fee is non-refundable regardless of approval or denial.

Processing Times & Validity

Standard Processing

Most applications are processed within 6–9 working days from submission. This is the most economical option and recommended for those planning travel 2–3 weeks ahead.

Visa Approval Validity

Critical deadline: Your visa approval authorisation is valid for 90 days (three months) from the day of approval. You must enter Uganda within this window, or your approval is automatically cancelled and you must reapply. For example, if approved on 1 July 2026, you must enter Uganda by 30 September 2026.

When to Apply

Apply at least 2–3 weeks before your planned departure to allow for processing and to ensure you travel within the 90-day approval window. Last-minute applications risk delays or expiry before you depart.

On Arrival: Immigration Checks

When you arrive at Kampala's Entebbe International Airport or a land border:

Present your approval letter: Show the printed letter of authorisation (with barcode) that was emailed to you after approval
Bring your Yellow Fever Certificate: Immigration may request the physical vaccination certificate; have it ready in your passport or carry it separately
Show your passport: Border officers will stamp your visa into your passport
Declare currency: There are no currency restrictions for entry or exit, but declare any amounts over US$10,000 if required

The process typically takes 10–15 minutes. Keep your approval letter and vaccination certificate accessible throughout your trip in case of checks.

Yellow Fever Vaccination (Mandatory)

Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for all travellers entering Uganda, regardless of nationality. You must upload proof of vaccination when applying and present the physical certificate at immigration if requested.

Timing: The vaccine becomes effective 10 days after administration. If your vaccination date is fewer than 10 days before arrival, you may be refused entry.
Certificate validity: The certificate is valid for life from the date of vaccination (under current WHO rules)
Book early: Schedule your vaccination at least 2–3 weeks before travel to ensure effectiveness and allow time for any side effects

Get vaccinated at your GP surgery or a travel clinic in the UK.

Visa Extensions & Overstays

Extending Your Stay

If you need to stay longer than your visa permits, you may apply for an extension through the Uganda Immigration office in Kampala. Extensions are not guaranteed and must be requested before your current visa expires. Contact the Ugandan High Commission in London for guidance before travelling.

Overstaying

Overstaying your visa is a serious offence in Uganda and may result in:

Fines (typically paid at immigration on departure)
Detention or questioning at the border
Future visa denials
A ban on re-entry

Always depart before your visa expires.

Common Application Mistakes & Rejections

Document Errors

Blurry or incomplete passport scans: The bio-data page must be fully visible and clear. If the edges are cut off, resubmit.
Passport photograph issues: Photo must be recent (within 6 months), colour, face-on, and passport-size. Selfies, cropped photos, or black-and-white images are rejected.
Missing Yellow Fever Certificate: This is non-negotiable. Applications without it are automatically rejected.

Information Mismatches

Name spelling differences: If your form shows "John Smith" but your passport shows "Jon Smith", your application will be delayed or rejected. Match every detail exactly.
Date of birth errors: A one-digit error in your DOB can cause rejection. Double-check before submitting.
Passport number typos: Verify your passport number character by character.

Insufficient Supporting Documents

No hotel booking: A confirmed booking (screenshot or email) is required. A vague "will book on arrival" is not acceptable.
Weak itinerary: A simple list of dates is not enough. Include specific activities, lodge names, and tour operator details.
Missing cover letter (for some cases): A brief letter explaining your purpose of visit strengthens your application.

Payment Failures

Card declined: Ensure your card is enabled for international online payments. Contact your bank before applying.
Wrong amount entered: Confirm the correct fee for your visa type before payment. Overpayment is not refunded.

Processing Delays

Applications may be delayed if immigration requires additional information. They will email you; respond promptly. Delays can extend processing from 6–9 days to 2–3 weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do British citizens need a visa to visit Uganda?

Yes, British passport holders must obtain a visa before travelling to Uganda. Visa-free entry is not available to UK nationals. Apply online at visas.immigration.go.ug at least 2–3 weeks before departure.

How much does a Uganda tourist visa cost for British citizens?

A single-entry tourist visa costs US$50 for British citizens. Payment is made online by MasterCard or Visa Card during application. This fee is non-refundable.

How long does it take to get a Uganda visa?

Standard processing takes 6–9 working days from submission. Apply at least 2–3 weeks before travel to account for processing time and ensure your approval falls within the 90-day validity window.

What documents do I need to apply for a Uganda tourist visa?

You need: a clear scan of your passport bio-data page (valid for 6+ months), a recent colour passport photograph, proof of Yellow Fever vaccination, a confirmed hotel booking or accommodation address, and a tour plan or travel itinerary.

Is Yellow Fever vaccination required for British citizens visiting Uganda?

Yes, Yellow Fever vaccination is mandatory for all travellers entering Uganda, including British citizens. You must upload proof of vaccination with your application and may be asked to present the physical certificate at immigration.

How long is a Uganda tourist visa valid for?

A single-entry tourist visa allows a stay of up to 90 days. However, your approval authorisation is valid for only 90 days from the date of approval; you must enter Uganda within that window or reapply.

Can I extend my Uganda visa if I want to stay longer?

Yes, you may request an extension through the Uganda Immigration office in Kampala before your current visa expires. Extensions are not guaranteed. Contact the Ugandan High Commission in London for guidance before travelling.

What happens if I overstay my Uganda visa?

Overstaying is a serious offence and may result in fines, detention, future visa denials, or a ban on re-entry. Always depart before your visa expires.

Can I apply for a Uganda visa on arrival at the airport?

No, visa-on-arrival is no longer available. All British citizens must apply online before travelling and receive approval before arrival at the airport.

What is the difference between a single-entry and multiple-entry visa?

A single-entry visa (US$50) allows one entry into Uganda for up to 90 days. A multiple-entry visa (US$100–US$200 depending on duration) allows you to exit and re-enter Uganda multiple times during the validity period (6–36 months).

What should I do if my visa application is rejected?

If rejected, immigration will email you the reason (usually missing documents or information errors). Correct the issue and reapply; you will need to pay the fee again. For serious concerns, contact the Ugandan High Commission in London before reapplying.

Do children need their own visa?

Yes, all travellers, including children and infants, need their own e-visa. Each application must be submitted separately with the required documents and fees.

Visa Information for Dual British-Ugandan Nationals

When returning to the UK, dual British-Ugandan nationals must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. When entering Uganda, you may be able to use your Ugandan passport (visa-free), but confirm this with the Ugandan High Commission in London before travel.

Useful Contacts

Official Uganda E-Visa Portal: visas.immigration.go.ug
Uganda Immigration (DCIC) Public Relations: +256 800 199 004 or email through the official website
Ugandan High Commission in the UK: Contact for visa guidance or clarification on entry rules
UK Foreign Office Uganda Travel Advice: gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/uganda

Before booking your Uganda safari, ensure your visa is approved and your vaccination is current. SafariFind can help you compare verified safari operators and lodge options once your visa is secured.

Last checked July 2026 — always confirm with official sources before travelling.