US citizens visiting Uganda

Uganda Entry Requirements for US Citizens

US passport holders must obtain an eVisa before travelling to Uganda — and yellow fever vaccination is mandatory, gorilla trekking permits must be purchased officially, and specific safety precautions apply.

Uganda is one of Africa's most rewarding adventure destinations — gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, chimpanzee tracking in Kibale, and safaris in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Unlike most destinations in this guide, Uganda requires an eVisa in advance and mandatory yellow fever vaccination. This guide covers entry requirements, the gorilla permit system, safety context and common tourist scams based on official guidance.

Visa requirement

eVisa required — apply before travel. 30 days (single entry) or 90 days (multiple entry).

Official government guidance

Passport validity

Valid for at least 6 months beyond intended departure from Uganda

Official government guidance

Maximum stay

30 days (single entry) or 90 days (multiple entry)

Official government guidance

Safety score

62/100 — exercise significant caution

Government advisory data

Safest areas

Kampala Kololo district, Entebbe town centre, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest park areas, Queen Elizabeth National Park lodges, Jinja town centre

Official travel guidance

Tourist scams to watch for

Unofficial gorilla trekking permit sellers — permits must be purchased only through Uganda Wildlife Authority · Boda-boda motorbike taxi drivers quoting high tourist prices — agree fare before boarding · Fake safari operators online — verify operator with Uganda Tourism Board

Official travel guidance

Best months to visit

June, July, August, December, January, February

Climate and tourism data

Who this guide is for

This guide is for US passport holders planning a tourist trip to Uganda. It covers the practical entry requirements, safety context and common tourist scams based on official government guidance.


Visa requirement

eVisa required — apply before travel for US citizens visiting Uganda.

Maximum stay: 30 days (single entry) or 90 days (multiple entry)


Passport validity

Valid for at least 6 months beyond intended departure from Uganda.


Safety overview

Uganda has a safety score of 62/100 based on official government advisory data and crime statistics. This makes it a destination requiring significant safety awareness.

Safest areas for tourists

  • Kampala Kololo district
  • Entebbe town centre
  • Bwindi Impenetrable Forest park areas
  • Queen Elizabeth National Park lodges
  • Jinja town centre

Common tourist scams to watch for

  1. Unofficial gorilla trekking permit sellers — permits must be purchased only through Uganda Wildlife Authority
  2. Boda-boda motorbike taxi drivers quoting high tourist prices — agree fare before boarding
  3. Fake safari operators online — verify operator with Uganda Tourism Board
  4. Currency exchange at Entebbe airport at poor rates — use licensed forex bureaux in Kampala

Best months to visit

June, July, August, December, January, February.


Planning your trip

Always check the current official government advisory for Uganda before booking and again before departure. Carry comprehensive travel insurance and keep copies of your passport and travel documents.


Sources

Checked on 27 July 2026.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. US passport holders must obtain a Uganda eVisa before travel at visas.immigration.go.ug. A single entry tourist visa costs USD 50 and a multiple entry visa costs USD 100. Processing typically takes 3 to 5 working days. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date from Uganda. Yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for entry — you must carry the original certificate.

Methodology

Entry requirements sourced from official government travel advisories. Safety scores derived from government advisory levels and crime data.

Disclaimer

This guide summarises official government travel guidance. Entry decisions are made by the destination country's immigration authority. Always verify the current advisory before travel.

Verified: 2026-07-27Review before every trip

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