Uganda visa options for United Kingdom passport holders
Tourist / short stay
e-Visa
Apply for a visa online before travelling.
Visa types & longer-stay routes for Uganda
Rules are written for foreign nationals who are not visa-exempt (around 40 nationalities can enter Uganda visa-free); most others use Uganda's online e-visa or apply for permits via the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control (DCIC).
- Most nomadsTourist
Tourist e-Visa (Ordinary)
Up to 90 days; single-entry visa is extendable in-country (reportedly up to a 6-month total stay) at DCIC offices.
- Insurance
- Required. Travel/medical insurance is not a stated legal entry requirement, but is strongly advised; note yellow fever vaccination is compulsory and checked on arrival.
- Good for
- Visitors coming for tourism, safari, family visits or medical treatment; does not permit any employment, including remote work.
- Requirement
- Online e-visa application with passport valid 6+ months, return/onward ticket and accommodation details; a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory at entry. Single-entry fee approx USD 50 plus a small admin fee (verify).
- Tourist
East Africa Tourist Visa
Multiple entries within the three countries, valid 90 days from issue (must first enter the country that issued it).
- Insurance
- Recommended. Not a stated entry requirement; advised for the multi-country itinerary.
- Good for
- Tourists wanting multi-country travel across Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda on a single visa.
- Requirement
- Online application designating Uganda, Kenya or Rwanda as the country of first entry; passport valid 6+ months and yellow fever certificate. Fee approx USD 100 (verify).
- Business
Business e-Visa
Typically 30 to 90 days (single-entry); verify against current DCIC terms.
- Insurance
- Required. No insurance mandate stated for entry; yellow fever vaccination certificate is compulsory.
- Good for
- Foreign nationals attending meetings, conferences, seminars, training or exploring investment; does not authorise paid employment.
- Requirement
- Online e-visa with passport valid 6+ months, invitation/supporting business documents and yellow fever certificate. A separate work permit is mandatory for any paid employment.
- Most nomadsWork
Work Permit / Entry Permit (Class G employment)
Issued for roughly 6 months up to 3 years, renewable; tied to the sponsoring employer.
- Insurance
- Required. No explicit health-insurance mandate cited; a medical examination is required and yellow fever vaccination applies. Long-stay residents should arrange comprehensive cover.
- Good for
- Foreign nationals taking up paid employment with a registered Ugandan employer; Class G2 is the main employee category (other classes cover government, missionaries, investors and professionals).
- Requirement
- Employer-sponsored application proving the role needs skills not readily available locally; passport, qualifications, police clearance, medical examination and employment contract. Annual fees reported around USD 1,500-3,000 (varies by class; verify).
- Study
Student Pass
Issued for the academic programme, typically 3, 6 or 12 months and renewable; does not permit employment.
- Insurance
- Recommended. Not a stated legal requirement, but health cover is advisable; yellow fever vaccination applies on entry.
- Good for
- Foreign nationals (generally over age 4) enrolled in a recognised Ugandan learning institution (primary, secondary or tertiary).
- Requirement
- Admission/enrolment letter from the recognised institution, passport and supporting documents. Fees reported roughly USD 100-350 (varies; verify).
- Residence
Investor Work Permit (Classes B/C/D/E etc.)
Issued for roughly 6 months to 3 years, renewable; aligned to the entry-permit framework.
- Insurance
- Required. No stated insurance mandate; medical exam required and private cover advisable for long-term stay.
- Good for
- Foreign investors in agriculture (Class B), mining (Class C), general business/trade (Class D), manufacturing (Class E) and related sectors.
- Requirement
- Proof of qualifying investment/business registration in the relevant sector plus standard documents (passport, police clearance, medical exam). Investment thresholds vary by class and are not uniformly published; verify with DCIC / Uganda Investment Authority.
- Residence
Certificate of Permanent Residence
Granted for 5 years, 10 years or life.
- Insurance
- Recommended. No insurance requirement stated for the certificate; long-term residents should hold private health cover.
- Good for
- Long-term foreign residents seeking permanent residence, e.g. those married to a Ugandan citizen, former Ugandan nationals, or persons with 10 years' continuous lawful residence.
- Requirement
- Proof of 10 years' continuous legal residence (or qualifying family/former-national status), demonstrated socio-economic/intellectual contribution, good character and tax compliance. Fees reported roughly USD 2,200-4,200 (verify).
- Transit
Transit Visa
Maximum 7 days; not extendable.
- Insurance
- Recommended. Not a stated requirement; advisable for the journey.
- Good for
- Travellers passing through Uganda en route to a third country.
- Requirement
- Online e-transit visa with onward ticket and passport valid 6+ months (2 blank pages); yellow fever certificate required. Fee approx USD 50 (verify).
Fees, durations and entry rules change frequently and individual eligibility varies; verify against the official DCIC e-visa portal (visas.immigration.go.ug) before travelling. Last checked: 2026-06.
Last verified June 2026
Visa-free isn’t insurance-free
Whatever route you take into Uganda, your entry stamp never includes health cover. Many longer-stay visas also require proof of insurance before they’re granted. That part is on you — and it’s what we actually do.
United Kingdom → Uganda: frequently asked
- Do United Kingdom passport holders need a visa to visit Uganda?
- e-Visa. Apply for a visa online before travelling. Always confirm with the official source before booking.
- Can a United Kingdom passport holder live or work long-term in Uganda?
- Yes, via a long-stay visa. Uganda has 8 documented visa types covering work, study, residence and — where it exists — digital-nomad routes.
- Do I need travel insurance for Uganda?
- Entry to Uganda never includes health cover, so travel medical insurance is strongly recommended. Several Uganda visas also require proof of insurance before they're granted.
Last updated
Visa rules can change at short notice and depend on your purpose of travel, length of stay and onward tickets. Always confirm with the destination’s embassy or the IATA Travel Centre before you book. Visa-free entry never includes travel health insurance. That’s still on you.