Ugandan visa resources
Who Needs a Uganda Visa: Eligibility & Visa Exemptions
Whether you need a visa depends on your nationality and purpose — some nationals are visa-exempt, while most travellers must obtain an e-visa in advance.
Important
Uganda's entry rules turn on two things: your nationality and the purpose of your visit. Nationals of East African Community partner states and a list of designated COMESA and other countries may enter without a visa for short visits, while most other travellers are treated as 'visa-prone' and must obtain a visa online before travelling.
For longer stays or specific activities — employment, study, joining family or investing — a visa alone is not enough; you must apply for the appropriate entry permit or pass. The right category depends on what you will do in Uganda, so it is important to match your purpose to the correct route before applying.
Because the visa-exempt list is periodically updated, always confirm your current status against the official DCIC list rather than relying on older guidance.
Match your purpose to a route
- Short visit / tourism — Tourist Visa, EATV, or visa-exempt entry
- Passing through — Transit Visa
- Employment — Work/Entry Permit (e.g. Class G2) or Special Pass
- Study — Student Pass
- Joining family — Dependant Pass
- Investment / business — Entry Permit Classes B, C, D, E, F
- Settling permanently — Certificate of Permanent Residence, then Naturalisation
Next steps
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.