Quick Facts
Requirement
Visa on Arrival
Visa Fee
UGX 92,500
(~$25)
VOA Fee
UGX 92,500
(~$25)
Processing Time
0–0 working days
Appointment Wait
~ weeks
Stay Duration
Up to 30 days
E-Visa
Available online
Egypt is one of the most accessible and popular long-haul destinations for Ugandan travelers. EgyptAir operates direct flights from Entebbe to Cairo, making Egypt uniquely convenient among non-African destinations. The visa on arrival is straightforward at $25. The key requirement is the yellow fever certificate — strictly enforced at Cairo airport for travelers from Uganda. Apply for the e-visa before travel to skip any VOA queue.
Key Warnings
- Yellow fever certificate is STRICTLY ENFORCED at Cairo airport for Ugandan travelers. Do not travel to Egypt without your original International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card). Travelers without it face quarantine or refusal of entry.
- Bring $25 in USD cash for the VOA. Credit cards are accepted at most Cairo airport counters but card machines occasionally go offline — having cash avoids any delay.
- The e-visa at visa2egypt.gov.eg costs the same $25 as the VOA but gives you confirmed approval before you travel. Apply 3–7 days before your flight.
Insider Tips
- EgyptAir flies direct Entebbe (EBB)–Cairo (CAI) — this is one of the most convenient long-haul routes for Ugandan travelers and Cairo is an excellent hub for onward connections to Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
- Sharm el-Sheikh (SSH) and Hurghada (HRG) airports are significantly less congested than Cairo International. If you're heading to the Red Sea coast or Sinai, flying direct to SSH or HRG saves considerable time at immigration.
- Cairo has an e-visa dedicated lane which is typically faster than the VOA queue at peak times (December–January, July–August). Another strong reason to apply at visa2egypt.gov.eg before travel.
- Egypt is extremely affordable compared to European destinations. Accommodation, food, and attractions in Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan are very good value for Ugandan travelers.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Confirm your yellow fever certificate
Before anything else: confirm you have your original International Certificate of Vaccination against yellow fever. Egypt strictly enforces this for Ugandan travelers at Cairo airport. If not vaccinated, get your jab at UVRI Entebbe or Mulago Hospital. Allow 10 days for the certificate to become valid after vaccination.
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Choose e-visa or visa on arrival
Both options cost $25. The e-visa (visa2egypt.gov.eg) is strongly recommended: apply 3–7 days before travel, pay online, and receive your approval by email. You arrive with a confirmed visa and can use the faster e-visa lane at Cairo airport. The VOA option is also available if you need it last-minute.
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Book your EgyptAir flight from Entebbe
EgyptAir operates direct flights from Entebbe International Airport (EBB) to Cairo International Airport (CAI). This is the most convenient and often affordable route. Other options include connecting via Nairobi or Addis Ababa. EBB–CAI fares typically range from UGX 500,000 to 900,000 return.
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At Cairo airport — VOA process
If obtaining VOA: after landing at Cairo International, follow arrivals signs toward immigration. BEFORE the passport control booths, look for the Banque Misr or Bank of Egypt counters on both sides of the corridor. Pay $25 at the bank counter and receive a visa sticker. Paste the sticker in your passport (the teller may do this for you).
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Present yellow fever certificate at immigration
At the passport control booth, the immigration officer will check your passport and may request your yellow fever certificate. Present your original physical yellow card. This step is particularly important for travelers arriving from Uganda — have it ready to hand over.
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Collect luggage and enjoy Egypt
After immigration, collect your luggage. Your 30-day visa begins from the date of entry. Cairo is a major hub with excellent connections to Luxor, Aswan, Sharm el-Sheikh, and Hurghada.
Health Requirements
⚠️ Yellow Fever Certificate required. CRITICAL: Egypt requires proof of yellow fever vaccination from all travelers arriving from or transiting through Uganda. This is strictly enforced at Cairo International Airport (CAI). Travelers presenting without a valid original yellow fever certificate may be refused entry or placed in quarantine. Carry your physical International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card) at all times during travel. The yellow fever vaccine certificate is valid for life under current WHO policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the yellow fever certificate mandatory for Ugandans going to Egypt?
Yes — absolutely mandatory and strictly enforced at Cairo airport. Egypt requires all travelers from yellow fever endemic countries, including Uganda, to present a valid original International Certificate of Vaccination (the physical yellow card). Travelers without it risk quarantine or refusal of entry. Get vaccinated at UVRI in Entebbe or Mulago Hospital in Kampala. The certificate is valid for life.
Should Ugandans use visa on arrival or e-visa for Egypt?
Both cost $25 (92,500 UGX) and both work. The e-visa at visa2egypt.gov.eg is strongly recommended: apply 3–7 days before travel, pay online, receive confirmation by email, and use the faster e-visa lane at Cairo airport. The VOA is fine for last-minute travel — pay $25 USD cash at the bank counters in the Cairo arrivals hall before passport control.
How do Ugandans get to Egypt?
EgyptAir operates direct flights between Entebbe International Airport (EBB) and Cairo International Airport (CAI). This is the most convenient route. Flight time is approximately 3.5–4 hours direct. Return fares typically range from UGX 500,000 to 900,000. Other airlines connect via Nairobi or Addis Ababa if you want more flight options or lower fares.
How long can Ugandans stay in Egypt on a tourist visa?
The standard tourist visa on arrival or e-visa grants 30 days from the date of entry. For a longer stay, the e-visa multiple-entry option ($60 / 222,000 UGX) grants multiple 30-day stays. You can also extend your visa inside Egypt at a Passport and Immigration office. Egypt is a large country — 30 days is sufficient for a good visit to Cairo, Luxor, and the Red Sea.