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Ethiopia E-Visa for Ugandan Passport Holders

🖥 E-Visa Available — Apply online before travel
2/5 Difficulty
3–5d Processing
UGX 192,400 Total (~$52)

Entry rules for travellers from Uganda are changing — verify before you fly

Uganda declared an Ebola outbreak on 15 May 2026 after cases were imported from the DR Congo, and several countries introduced precautionary entry restrictions on arrivals from Uganda — the UAE suspended visas for arrivals from Uganda, the DR Congo and South Sudan from 6 June 2026. Uganda declared the outbreak contained on 5 July 2026 and asked for the restrictions to be lifted. Requirements on this route may have changed since we last checked, and some states are reviewing their rules week by week.

Last checked July 2026 — rules on this route can change at short notice, so confirm with your airline and the destination's immigration authority before you book or fly.

Quick Facts

Requirement E-Visa
Visa Fee UGX 192,400 (~$52)
VOA Fee
Processing Time 3–5 working days
Appointment Wait ~0 weeks
Stay Duration Up to 30 days
E-Visa Available online

Ethiopia is one of the easiest and most rewarding destinations for Ugandans. The e-visa costs $52 (30 days) or $72 (90 days), takes 3 working days to process, and Ethiopian Airlines flies direct from Entebbe (EBB) to Addis Ababa (ADD) in under 2 hours. The key requirement that Ugandan travelers often overlook is the mandatory yellow fever vaccination card — Ethiopia enforces this strictly at Addis Ababa airport.

Key Warnings

  • Yellow fever card is MANDATORY for Ugandans entering Ethiopia. Uganda is a yellow fever endemic country and Ethiopia's immigration officers at ADD check certificates strictly. Do not fly without your original physical yellow card — arriving without it risks refusal of entry.
  • Apply for the e-visa before travel at evisa.ethiopia.gov.et — it is the same cost as VOA but gives you a confirmed entry document before you board. VOA is a backup if you could not apply in advance, but it means queuing at the ADD counter.
  • Addis Ababa is at 2,355 metres altitude. If you come from Kampala (altitude ~1,190m), you may feel mild breathlessness or fatigue on arrival. Rest, stay hydrated, and avoid strenuous activity on your first day.

Insider Tips

  • The 90-day multiple-entry e-visa at $72 is excellent value for East African travelers who want to explore Ethiopia fully — or who are using Addis Ababa as a base for onward travel. $20 more than the 30-day option for three times the flexibility.
  • Ethiopian Airlines' hub at ADD is Africa's most connected — direct flights from Addis Ababa to dozens of African, Asian, and European cities. Use a direct Entebbe–Addis flight and book onward connections from ADD for excellent fares.
  • Lalibela's rock-hewn churches (UNESCO World Heritage), the Simien Mountains, and Addis Ababa's Merkato market are world-class highlights reachable in a 30-day visa. For a full Ethiopia tour including the Danakil Depression and Omo Valley, the 90-day visa is worth it.

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Apply for e-visa at evisa.ethiopia.gov.et (strongly recommended)

    Visit evisa.ethiopia.gov.et at least 5 days before your flight. Complete the online form, upload your Ugandan passport scan and photo, and pay the fee ($52 for 30-day single, $72 for 90-day multiple) by card. Receive your e-visa approval letter by email — download and print it or save it to your phone.

  2. Ensure your yellow fever card is ready

    Before travel, confirm you have a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (yellow card). Uganda is classified as a yellow fever endemic country and Ethiopia will require it on arrival. If you have not vaccinated, go to Mulago National Referral Hospital or Entebbe Airport Port Health Office.

  3. Board your flight from Entebbe (EBB) to Addis Ababa (ADD)

    Ethiopian Airlines operates direct flights between Entebbe International Airport (EBB) and Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD). Flight time is approximately 1.5–2 hours. Have your e-visa approval letter ready at check-in.

  4. Arrive at ADD — e-visa or VOA lane

    On arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, follow Immigration signs. E-visa holders proceed to the e-visa lane (faster). VOA applicants go to the Visa on Arrival counter in the arrivals hall and pay before immigration.

  5. Present yellow fever card and entry documents

    Immigration officers will verify your visa, passport, and yellow fever card. Have your return ticket and accommodation address ready if asked. Processing is typically 3–5 minutes per traveller.

  6. Collect baggage and explore Ethiopia

    Collect your luggage and proceed to the exit. Addis Ababa city centre is a 20–30 minute drive from ADD. Taxis, Ride apps, and the Addis Ababa Light Rail serve the city. Your visa validity begins from the entry date.

Required Documents

  • Valid Ugandan passport At least six months beyond arrival, with a blank page.
  • Recent digital passport photograph
  • Yellow fever vaccination certificate — MANDATORY Uganda is endemic and Ethiopian port health checks the card before immigration.
  • Confirmed onward or return ticket
  • Hotel booking or host address in Ethiopia

Health Requirements

⚠️ Yellow Fever Certificate required. MANDATORY. Ethiopia requires a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate for travelers arriving from Uganda, which is a yellow fever endemic country. You must carry the original physical International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card). This is checked on arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. Vaccinate at Mulago National Referral Hospital, Entebbe Airport Port Health Office, or any Ministry of Health-approved centre in Uganda.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Ugandans need a yellow fever card to enter Ethiopia?
Yes, absolutely. Ethiopia requires a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate for all travelers arriving from Uganda, because Uganda is classified as a yellow fever endemic country. You must carry the original physical yellow card — digital copies are not accepted at ADD airport. If you do not have one, get vaccinated at Mulago National Referral Hospital or Entebbe Airport Port Health Office before your trip.
Should Ugandans use the e-visa or visa on arrival for Ethiopia?
Both options work and cost the same price. The e-visa (apply at evisa.ethiopia.gov.et at least 5 days before travel) is strongly recommended because it gives you a confirmed entry document before you board. E-visa holders also use a faster dedicated lane at ADD airport. The 30-day e-visa costs $52 (~192,400 UGX) and the 90-day multiple entry costs $72 (~266,400 UGX). Visa on arrival is a backup option at ADD airport for applicants who couldn't apply online.
Are there direct flights from Uganda to Ethiopia?
Yes. Ethiopian Airlines operates direct flights from Entebbe International Airport (EBB) to Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD). The flight takes approximately 1.5–2 hours — making it one of the shortest international trips from Uganda. Addis Ababa is also a major transit hub, connecting to dozens of African, Asian, and European destinations.
Is the Ethiopia 90-day multiple-entry e-visa worth it for Ugandans?
If you plan to stay more than a few weeks, or want flexibility to travel in and out of Ethiopia, the 90-day multiple-entry e-visa at $72 (~266,400 UGX) is excellent value — only $20 more than the 30-day option. It is particularly useful for travelers exploring East Africa who want to use Addis Ababa as a base, or who are on extended travel combining Ethiopia with Kenya, Rwanda, or other countries.

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