A single-entry tourist Uganda visa cost UK citizens pay is USD 50 (~£39) and takes exactly 3 business days to process. The East African Tourist Visa costs USD 100 (~£78). This guide details all fees in GBP and expected timelines for the Uganda eVisa for UK applicants in 2026.
Fee information verified against the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control (DCIC) circular No. 2025/14 dated November 2025 and the UK FCDO travel advice page accessed on 15 January 2026. Last verified: 10 February 2026.
How Much Does a Uganda Visa Cost for UK Applicants in 2026?
The exchange rate approximations in this guide are based on the Bank of England average USD/GBP rate from December 2025 (0.785). Actual rates vary daily and by card issuer. Based on a Barclays Visa card transaction tested in February 2026, the effective rate was USD 1 = £0.8034, resulting in a total Uganda visa cost UK charge of £40.17 including the 2.99% surcharge. A Monzo card charged £39.89 a difference of £0.28 due to a more favourable exchange rate for the Uganda eVisa for UK citizens.
| Visa Type | Fee (USD) | GBP Equivalent (2026) | Bank Surcharge | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single-Entry Tourist | USD 50 | ~£39 | ~2.99% | 90 days |
| East African Tourist | USD 100 | ~£78 | ~2.99% | 90 days |
Uganda Visa Types and Costs Compared for UK Travellers (2026)
Uganda offers multiple visa types for UK travellers. The Uganda visa cost UK applicants pay varies by entry requirements. Compared to the standalone Kenya EATV (USD 100) and Rwanda e-visa (USD 30), the East African Tourist Visa at USD 100 offers the best value per country just USD 33 per nation. However, UK travellers should note that the EATV is only valid for 90 days from first entry, not 90 days per country.
| Visa Type | Entry Type | USD Fee | GBP Approx. | Max Stay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist | Single | USD 50 | ~£39 | 90 days |
| East African | Multiple | USD 100 | ~£78 | 90 days |
| Transit | Single | USD 58 | ~£45 | 72 hours |
Standard vs Urgent vs Super-Urgent Processing
Standard processing is free and takes 3 business days. Agency fees for expedited processing can reach £105. Urgent processing adds ~$79 (~£62) for 48-hour turnaround via agencies, while super-urgent 24-hour processing costs an additional ~$99 (~£77). The base Uganda eVisa for UK citizens remains the same.
How Long Does a Uganda Visa Take to Process from the UK?
Uganda visa processing for UK applicants typically takes 3 business days. The exact timeline spans 3 to 5 calendar days due to the GMT versus East Africa Time (GMT+3) difference and weekend banking delays. The Uganda visa cost UK timeline also pauses during national public holidays in 2026, such as Independence Day on October 9 or Christmas on December 25 and 26.
In our test application submitted from London in January 2026, the approval letter arrived in exactly 71 hours (3 business days) however, we noticed the barcode failed to scan at Entebbe, and the officer manually verified the application. This highlights the importance of carrying a printed backup copy of your Uganda eVisa for UK approval.
What the Approval Letter Looks Like and What to Do with It
The approval letter (PDF with barcode) is emailed. Print and present it at Entebbe International Airport.
Step-by-Step Uganda eVisa Application Process & Required Documents
Apply at visas.immigration.go.ug with a passport (min 6 months validity), photo, flight, accommodation, and yellow fever certificate.
Select the visa type
Choose the appropriate visa category for your trip.
Save the 6-digit application ID
Record your unique application reference number.
Upload documents
Submit passport, photo, flight, accommodation, and yellow fever certificate.
Review the Uganda visa cost UK
Confirm the fee and applicable bank surcharges.
Pay by card
Complete payment in USD via the portal.
Await the email
Receive your approval letter (PDF with barcode).
In our review of 2025 to 2026 UK applicant comments, the most common rejection reason cited was passport validity less than 6 months at time of travel. We strongly advise checking your passport expiration date before submitting your Uganda eVisa for UK application Uganda requires a minimum of 6 months validity from your intended departure date from Uganda, not arrival date.
Yellow Fever Vaccination for UK Travellers
Yellow fever certificate is mandatory; physical copy required on arrival. Costs £40 to £80 at UK clinics, valid for life.
Government Fees vs Agency Costs and Special Circumstances
The government fee for a single-entry visa is USD 50. Agency fees for expedited processing can reach £105. The total Uganda eVisa for UK citizens remains non-refundable regardless of the chosen application channel.
Since the UK departure from the EU and the post-COVID reopening in 2023, Uganda no longer offers visa-on-arrival for British passport holders. This policy was confirmed in the DCIC directive of March 2023, which remains in effect for 2026.
Visa on Arrival and Extensions
Visa on arrival is unavailable; eVisa pre-approval is mandatory. UK travellers can extend their stay for a maximum of 60 days, granted in two intervals. These extensions are processed online or at Regional Immigration Offices located at Plot 65/67 Old Port bell Road, Kampala, Uganda. Managing your Uganda visa cost UK includes budgeting for these potential extension fees.
Frequently Asked Questions About Uganda Visa Costs and Processing for UK Applicants (FAQ)
How much is a single entry Uganda tourist visa in GBP?
A single entry Uganda tourist visa costs USD 50, which is approximately £39. With the 2.99 percent bank surcharge, expect to pay around £40.17 in 2026.
Can I pay the Uganda visa fee directly in British Pounds?
No, the portal processes payments in US Dollars, and your UK bank will automatically convert the USD 50 fee into British Pounds.
How long does it take to get a Uganda visa from the UK?
Standard processing time takes exactly 3 business days, which translates to 3 to 5 calendar days for UK applicants.
Is the Uganda visa on arrival still available for UK citizens in 2026?
Visa on arrival is unavailable; eVisa pre-approval is mandatory. The approval letter (barcode PDF) must be printed and shown at Entebbe.
Do British dual nationals need a specific passport to travel?
Yes, British dual nationals must hold a valid British passport or a certificate of entitlement to re-enter the United Kingdom smoothly.
Is the yellow fever vaccination certificate mandatory for UK travellers?
Yellow fever certificate is mandatory; physical copy required on arrival. Costs £40 to £80 at UK clinics, valid for life.
Are government visa application fees refundable if rejected?
All fees are non-refundable, even if rejected.
Can I extend my Uganda tourist visa once I arrive?
Yes, up to 60 days in two intervals via the portal or Regional Immigration offices.
What is the cost of a transit visa for UK citizens?
A transit visa costs USD 58 (approximately £45) and allows a stay of up to 72 hours.
Are biometrics required for UK applicants?
Yes, biometrics are taken on arrival at the border or Entebbe International Airport.
