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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 238,000 Total (~$62)

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 238,000 (~$62)
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 USD 62 for 30 days or USD 152 for 90, takes about 3 working days, and Ethiopian Airlines flies direct from Entebbe (EBB) to Addis Ababa (ADD) in under 2 hours. The requirement Ugandan travellers most often overlook is the yellow fever card — Ethiopia enforces it strictly at Addis Ababa.

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.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

  • Apply only at evisa.gov.et. Ethiopia's own portal names several lookalike domains it has no agreement with, and payments made through them are not accepted or refunded.
  • 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.gov.et (strongly recommended)

    Go to evisa.gov.et — the government's only portal; Ethiopia publishes a list of lookalike sites — at least 5 days before your flight. Complete the form, upload your passport scan and photo, and pay USD 62 for 30 days or USD 152 for 90 by card. Receive the approval by email and carry it.

  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.

Latest Updates

2026-09

Correction: Ethiopia's tourist visa is USD 62 for 30 days, USD 152 for 90

Ethiopia's official e-visa portal lists the tourist visa at USD 62 for a single-entry 30-day stay and USD 152 for a single-entry 90-day stay. The 30-day fee has been USD 62 since August 2024, when it was cut from USD 82. This page previously quoted USD 52, which was out of date. Extensions are charged separately — USD 102 and USD 302 respectively.

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 are open to Ugandan passports at the same tariff. The e-visa (apply at evisa.gov.et at least 5 days before travel) is recommended because it gives you a confirmed entry document before you board and a faster lane at Bole. 30 days costs USD 62 (about UGX 238,000); 90 days costs USD 152 (about UGX 583,000).
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 90-day Ethiopia e-visa worth it for Ugandans?
Only if you will genuinely stay beyond 30 days. The 90-day visa is single entry and costs USD 152 (about UGX 583,000), against USD 62 for 30 days — Ethiopia's portal lists no multiple-entry tourist visa, so it does not work as a base for trips in and out.

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