Uganda and Rwanda Entry Requirements for 2025: Top Guide

Learn the 2025 Uganda and Rwanda Entry Requirements, including visa options, vaccinations, passport validity, and essential documents—everything you need for a smooth arrival!

Traveling to Uganda and Rwanda in 2025 offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore East Africa’s stunning landscapes, from Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, both renowned for gorilla trekking. However, entry requirements for these countries are stringent, involving visa applications, health certifications, and compliance with immigration laws.

Overview of Entry Requirements

Both Uganda and Rwanda require travelers to meet specific criteria to ensure legal entry, safety, and compliance with national regulations. These include valid passports, visas (or visa exemptions), health certifications (notably for yellow fever), and adherence to customs rules.

The East African Tourist Visa (EATV) is a key option for those visiting both countries, allowing multiple entries across Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya. Requirements vary by nationality, purpose of travel (e.g., tourism, business), and duration of stay, with additional considerations for gorilla trekking permits.

2. Passport Requirements

A valid passport is mandatory for entry into both Uganda and Rwanda. Here are the specifics:

Country	Passport Validity	Blank Pages	Notes
Uganda	Valid for at least 6 months beyond arrival date	At least 1 blank page for entry stamp	Passports reported lost or stolen will result in denied entry
Rwanda	Valid for at least 6 months beyond departure date	At least 1 blank page for entry stamp	Same rules apply for transit through Rwanda

• Verification: Check with your travel provider to ensure compliance, as airlines may impose stricter rules.
• Dual Nationality: Rwanda recognizes dual nationality, but Uganda may limit consular assistance for dual citizens. Confirm specific rules with embassies.

3. Visa Requirements

3.1 Uganda Visa

Most foreign nationals require a visa to enter Uganda, applied online via the Uganda E-Immigration System since 2016, as visa-on-arrival options have been discontinued.

Visa Types and Costs

Visa Type	Cost (USD)	Validity	Purpose	Notes
Single-Entry Tourist Visa	$50	Up to 90 days	Tourism, family visits, medical treatment	Extendable for 60 days (two 30-day extensions) at immigration offices or online
Multiple-Entry Visa	$100 (6–12 months), $200 (24 months)	6, 12, or 24 months	Business, frequent travel	Requires additional documents (e.g., business invitation)
East African Tourist Visa	$100	90 days, multiple entries	Tourism in Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya	Must enter through issuing country; non-extendable
Transit Visa	$50	7 days	Passing through Uganda	Requires onward travel proof

Application Process

• Access Portal: Apply via Uganda E-Immigration System.
• Select Visa Type: Choose “Ordinary” (single-entry), Multiple-Entry, or East African Tourist Visa.
• Submit Documents:

• Passport bio-data page (valid 6+ months).
• Recent passport-size photo.
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate (mandatory for all travelers over 1 year).
• Travel itinerary or safari booking (recommended).
• Proof of return/onward ticket.

• Pay Fee: Online via credit card, bank transfer, or at entry for EATV ($100 cash, USD bills 2006 or newer).
• Receive Approval: Get an emailed approval letter with a barcode within 7 days. Print and present at entry, where the visa sticker is issued after biometric capture (fingerprints, photo).
• Processing Time: 5–10 days; apply at least 1–2 weeks before travel.

Exemptions

Nationals of the following countries are visa-exempt for up to 90 days: Angola, Antigua, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Burundi, Comoros, Cyprus, Eritrea, Fiji, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Malta, Mauritius, Madagascar, Rwanda, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Swaziland, Tanzania, Tonga, Vanuatu, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Notes

• Overstaying incurs a $30/day fine and possible detention.
• Extensions require visiting immigration offices in Kampala, Jinja, or Mbarara or applying online.
• Minors need their own visa, with additional documents: birth certificate, parental consent letter, and parents’ IDs.

3.2 Rwanda Visa

Rwanda’s visa policy is more lenient for Commonwealth citizens, with free visas on arrival for many, but others require pre-applied visas.

Visa Types and Costs

Visa Type	Cost (USD)	Validity	Purpose	Notes
Tourist Visa (V1)	$50 (single), $70 (multiple)	30 days	Tourism	Free for Commonwealth citizens; obtainable on arrival at Kigali International Airport
East African Tourist Visa	$100	90 days, multiple entries	Tourism in Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya	Must enter through issuing country; non-extendable
Multiple-Entry (Business, Missionary)	Varies	Up to 10 years	Business, missionary work	Requires UK Police Certificate; takes 10+ days to process
Transit Visa	$30	72 hours	Transit	Requires onward ticket

Application Process

• Access Portal: Apply via Irembo or Rwandan embassies.
• Submit Documents:

• Passport bio-data page (valid 6+ months).
• Passport-size photo.
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate (if arriving from endemic countries).
• Travel itinerary or safari booking (for EATV).

• Pay Fee: Online via card or cash at Kigali International Airport (credit cards not always accepted at land borders).
• Receive Visa: On-arrival visas issued at entry; pre-applied visas emailed as e-Visas.
• Processing Time: 3–5 days for e-Visas; immediate for on-arrival visas.

Exemptions

• Commonwealth citizens (e.g., UK, Australia, Canada) receive free 30-day tourist visas on arrival.
• Ugandan citizens can stay visa-free for 180 days with a valid passport or national ID.
• East African Community (EAC) nationals (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania) move freely with IDs.

Notes

• Overstaying incurs fines or entry bans; extensions require RDB approval.
• Rwanda enforces health screenings for arrivals from Ebola-affected areas, with possible 21-day quarantine.

3.3 East African Tourist Visa (EATV)

The EATV allows multiple entries to Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya for tourism within 90 days, ideal for gorilla trekking across both countries.

• Cost: $100 (non-refundable, plus bank charges).
• Application: Online via the issuing country’s portal (Uganda, Rwanda).
• Requirements: Passport bio-data page, photo, itinerary, yellow fever certificate, return ticket.
• Rules:
• Must enter through the issuing country.
• Non-extendable; expires if travel includes non-EATV countries (e.g., Tanzania, DRC).
• Advantages: Simplifies multi-country travel, cost-effective for regional safaris.

4. Health Requirements

4.1 Yellow Fever Vaccination

• Uganda: Mandatory for all travelers over 1 year, regardless of origin. Present a yellow fever vaccination certificate at entry, or face mandatory vaccination (costly) or denial of entry.
• Rwanda: Required for travelers from countries with yellow fever risk (e.g., parts of Africa, South America). Check WHO’s disease distribution map.
• Proof: Carry the original certificate; digital copies may not suffice.

4.2 COVID-19 Requirements

As of 2025, most COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted, but travelers should verify updates:

• Uganda: No pre-travel PCR tests required for fully vaccinated travelers. Unvaccinated travelers need a negative PCR test within 72 hours of arrival. Children under 6 are exempt.
• Rwanda: No COVID-19 restrictions for vaccinated or unvaccinated travelers, but health declarations may be required at Kigali International Airport.
• Tip: Carry vaccination records and check airline requirements, as some may enforce stricter rules.

4.3 Other Health Considerations

• Ebola Screening: Uganda may screen at Entebbe International Airport or land borders due to regional outbreaks. Rwanda imposes screenings for arrivals from Ebola-affected areas.
• Recommended Vaccinations: Hepatitis A, typhoid, malaria prophylaxis (consult TravelHealthPro’s Uganda or Rwanda guides).
• Travel Insurance: Mandatory for gorilla trekking; recommended for medical evacuation and trip cancellations.

5. Customs and Prohibited Items

Uganda:

• Declare goods subject to tax/duty (e.g., electronics, alcohol over 1 liter).
• Prohibited: Firearms, narcotics, pornographic materials.
• Drones require declaration; may be confiscated if undeclared.
• Rwanda:
• Declare drones (may be held until departure).
• Prohibited: Single-use plastics, illegal drugs, weapons without permits.
• Declare cash over $10,000 or equivalent.

6. Border Crossings and Regional Travel

6.1 Rwanda-Uganda Border

• Status: Fully open in 2025 at key posts (Cyanika, Katuna) after diplomatic improvements since 2022.
• Requirements: Valid passport, EATV or individual visas, yellow fever certificate. National IDs suffice for EAC nationals (Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya).
• Travel: Road travel between Kigali and Uganda’s gorilla trekking hubs (Bwindi, Mgahinga) is safe, taking 3–5 hours via Cyanika or Katuna. Confirm border status with tour operators like Trek Africa Expeditions.

6.2 Other Borders

• Rwanda-DRC: High-risk due to armed conflict near Volcanoes National Park. FCDO advises against travel within 10 km of DRC borders.
• Rwanda-Burundi: Closed since January 2024; check updates before planning.

7. Specific Considerations for Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla trekking in Uganda (Bwindi, Mgahinga) or Rwanda (Volcanoes) requires additional permits, not covered by visas:

Uganda:

• Permit Cost: $800 (standard), $1,500 (habituation) for foreign non-residents.
• Booking: Through UWA (reservations@ugandawildlife.org (mailto:reservations@ugandawildlife.org)) or tour operators like Realm Africa Safaris. Book 6–12 months in advance for peak seasons.
• Health: No trekking if sick (flu risks to gorillas); health screenings enforced.

Rwanda:

• Permit Cost: $1,500; 30% discount in low season (November–May) with additional park visits.
• Booking: Via RDB (reservations@rdb.rw (mailto:reservations@rdb.rw)) or operators like Laba Africa.
• Health: Similar restrictions; carry medical insurance for emergencies.

8. Safety and Security

Uganda:

• Terrorism: Increased risks in Kampala and border areas (e.g., Queen Elizabeth National Park) due to recent attacks. Exercise caution.
• LGBTQ+ Laws: The 2023 Anti-Homosexuality Act poses risks of prosecution or harassment for LGBTQI+ travelers.

Rwanda:

• Border Risks: Avoid Rubavu and Rusizi districts near DRC due to conflict spillover.
• Crime: Petty theft in Kigali; avoid displaying valuables.
• Tip: Enroll in the U.S. Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) or equivalent for embassy alerts.

9. Tips for a Smooth Entry

• Apply Early: Submit visa applications 1–2 weeks before travel; book gorilla permits 6–12 months ahead.
• Verify Documents: Ensure passport validity, yellow fever certificate, and itinerary are ready.
• Use EATV for Multi-Country Travel: Simplifies regional safaris across Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya.
• Engage Tour Operators: Firms like AfricanMecca Safaris or Trek Africa Expeditions handle visas and permits, ensuring compliance.
• Check Border Status: Confirm Rwanda-Uganda border openness before road travel.
• Carry Cash: USD (2006 or newer) for visa fees at borders; credit cards may not be accepted.
• Health Precautions: Carry vaccination records and travel insurance; consult health clinics 6 weeks prior.

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