Vietnam is one of the most accessible long-haul destinations for Ugandan travellers — apply online at evisa.gov.vn, pay USD 25, get the e-visa in 3 days, stay for 90 days. Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Ha Long Bay, and Hoi An are all on one simple online application. Key distinction from other African passports: Ugandans need to carry their yellow fever certificate when entering Vietnam.
Key Warnings
Uganda is a yellow fever endemic country. Vietnam requires a yellow fever certificate from Ugandan travellers. Carry the original ICVP/yellow card (not a digital copy) — you may be asked to show it at Vietnamese immigration.
Use only the official portal evisa.gov.vn — third-party agents charge USD 53–185+ for exactly the same visa. There is no processing advantage to using an agent.
Your photo must have a completely plain white background. Wrong backgrounds are the most common rejection reason.
Insider Tips
The multiple-entry e-visa (USD 50) is excellent value for a Southeast Asia circuit — Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, then back to Vietnam on the same visa.
No Vietnamese Embassy in Uganda — the e-visa is the only route. Apply at least 7–10 working days before travel.
Phu Quoc island offers 30 days visa-free for all nationalities including Ugandans — fly directly to Phu Quoc (PQC) for a short beach break without the e-visa.
Common routing from Kampala (EBB) to Vietnam: via Addis Ababa (Ethiopian Airlines), Dubai (Emirates), or Doha (Qatar Airways). Ethiopian Airlines often has competitive fares.
Step-by-Step Guide
Ensure you have a valid yellow fever certificate
Uganda is endemic for yellow fever. Vietnam requires a yellow fever certificate from Ugandan travellers. If you don't have one, visit UVRI Entebbe or Mulago Hospital. The certificate activates 10 days after vaccination.
Go to the official portal — evisa.gov.vn
Visit evisa.gov.vn (also accessible at thithucdientu.gov.vn — both are official). Avoid third-party sites. Click 'Grant E-Visa' and select Uganda as your nationality.
Fill in your travel details
Enter your passport details, planned entry and exit dates, and intended port of entry. Double-check your entry date — you cannot arrive before the e-visa start date.
Upload passport scan and photo
Upload a colour JPEG scan of your passport bio-data page. Upload your digital passport photo (plain white background, JPEG, max 1024 KB). Photo format is the most common rejection reason.
Pay USD 25 (single) or USD 50 (multiple)
Pay by Visa or Mastercard. Save your payment receipt.
Wait 3–5 working days and check email
Check email (including spam) for the e-visa approval. Log into the portal to check status if needed.
Complete digital arrival card (for SGN arrivals)
Since April 2026, a digital arrival card is mandatory before landing at Tan Son Nhat Airport (Ho Chi Minh City). Complete online before your flight.
Print your e-visa and carry yellow fever card
Print a hard copy of your e-visa. Carry your original yellow card. Both will be checked at Vietnamese immigration.
Required Documents
Valid Ugandan passport scan (bio-data page)Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date in Vietnam. Minimum 2 blank pages. Upload a clear colour JPEG scan of the bio-data page only.
Digital passport photo — white background (JPEG, 4×6 cm)Plain white background (no patterns, shadows), face filling 70–80% of frame, no glasses, neutral expression, max 1024 KB JPEG. The most common rejection reason — use a professional photo service.
Visa or Mastercard for online paymentEnsure the card is enabled for international online transactions before starting the application.
Active email addressYour e-visa approval is sent here. Check spam/junk folders if not received within 5 working days.
Health Requirements
⚠️ Yellow Fever Certificate required. Uganda is a yellow fever endemic country. Vietnam requires yellow fever vaccination certificates from travellers arriving from countries in the endemic zone, which includes Uganda. Carry your original International Certificate of Vaccination (ICVP/yellow card) when travelling to Vietnam. Get vaccinated at Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) in Entebbe or Mulago Hospital in Kampala if not already vaccinated.
Latest Updates
2026-04-15
Vietnam introduced a mandatory digital arrival card for all international passengers arriving at Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN). Must be completed before landing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Ugandans get a Vietnam e-visa online?
Yes — Ugandan passport holders can apply for a Vietnam e-visa entirely online at evisa.gov.vn. No embassy visit required (there is no Vietnamese Embassy in Uganda). The fee is USD 25 for single entry (~UGX 92,500) or USD 50 for multiple entry (~UGX 185,000). Processing takes 3–5 working days.
Do Ugandans need a yellow fever certificate for Vietnam?
Yes — Uganda is a yellow fever endemic country, and Vietnam requires a yellow fever certificate from travellers arriving from endemic zones. Carry the original ICVP/yellow card when travelling to Vietnam. If you're not yet vaccinated, visit Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) in Entebbe or Mulago Hospital in Kampala.
Why was my Vietnam e-visa application photo rejected?
Vietnam has strict photo requirements: plain white background only, face filling 70–80% of the frame, no glasses, neutral expression, JPEG format, max 1024 KB. Any colour or shadow in the background causes rejection. Use a professional passport photo service.
Can Ugandans visit Phu Quoc without a visa?
Yes — Phu Quoc island offers 30 days visa-free entry for all nationalities including Ugandans, for direct arrivals at Phu Quoc Airport (PQC). If your trip is only Phu Quoc, you don't need the e-visa. For any other part of Vietnam, the e-visa is required. Note: carry your yellow fever certificate regardless.