Visa Requirements in Uganda and Rwanda

What are the visa requirements in Uganda and Rwanda? Visas are essential travel documents you should consider obtaining, whether you plan to visit Uganda and Rwanda for gorilla trekking, wildlife tours, business trips, or cultural safaris. Knowing the visa requirements is crucial for your smooth entry into Uganda/Rwanda. In this article, you will learn the type of visa you need to have access to Uganda and Rwanda, the cost, and how to obtain it.

Visa Options in Uganda and Rwanda

The visas to be secured for Uganda and Rwanda include the East African Tourist Visa. This particular visa type allows you to access Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. The single East African tourist visas is designed in a way that it you can visit at least 2 member states without applying for an individual visa. It offers multiple entries to the 3 member states only and can be applied at USD 100. The East African tourist visa is specifically designed for tourism purposes. Once you have secured this type of visa, you do not need to apply for a new visa in Rwanda or Uganda. You can cross from Uganda to Rwanda or vice versa using the same visa type.

The essential requirements to book the East African tourist visa include a passport with a validity extension of about 6 months, a current passport-size photo, a yellow fever certificate, a travel itinerary/return ticket, and proof of hotel booking/invitation letter. When you obtain the East African tourist visa, ensure that you have access to your destination through the right entry borders, including the Entebbe International Airport (EBB), Busia/Malaba.

You can also apply for a Rwanda visa on arrival. The visa validity extends 30-90 days, but this may be determined by visitors’ travel plans. The Rwanda visa fee is USD 50 and is essential for a single entry. Guests can apply for this type of visa online before they make it to Rwanda for an actual holiday. You can obtain your visa at Kigali Airport (KGL)/land borders.

The essential documents required for a Rwanda visa include a passport with a minimum validity of 6 months, a yellow fever vaccination certificate, accommodation details, and a tour itinerary. Note, visitors with plans to begin their vacation from Rwanda and also want to combine Uganda, the East Africa tourist visa is the best option.

Who should obtain a Uganda/Rwanda visa?

The majority of the visitors require a valid visa to access Rwanda/Uganda, excluding the East African Community members and any state with bilateral agreements. The countries that should have a visa for Uganda/Rwanda include the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, India, South Africa, Australia, and European Union states. The East African community member states –South Sudan, Burundi, Tanzania, and Kenya can have access to Uganda and Rwanda without visas, but can use valid National IDs/Passports.

Can the tourist visa in Rwanda/Uganda be extended?

There is room to extend your visa at the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control in Kampala. But take note that approval isn’t guaranteed. The Rwanda visa extension can be applied for and should be before the visa expires. Reach out to the Rwanda Directorate General of Immigration & Emigration.

As you plan to secure a visa for yourself, first, you should ensure that the visa you intend to obtain does match your tour itinerary. Different people visit Uganda and Rwanda for various reasons. If your plan is to track gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda, then you may opt for the East African tourist visa. This is the best option because it saves time and money as it makes border crossing easier.

If your plan is to visit one nation (say Uganda/Rwanda), then you can secure a single entry visa. Also, ensure that your passport is valid and you have yellow-fever certificate plus other essential documents.

Visiting Uganda and Rwanda for a holiday –what to expect

Uganda and Rwanda both have amazing attractions and unique experiences to share with the world. Both destinations are found in East Africa and offer unmatched gorilla trekking experiences. Visiting Rwanda and Uganda offers visitors a chance to witness mountain gorillas in the wild. A huge profusion of mountain gorillas resides in Rwanda and Uganda. In particular, gorilla trekking is enjoyed in Uganda’s Mgahinga and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. While in Rwanda, expect to find a group of mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.

Besides obtaining visas, gorilla permits are also needed for you to track mountain gorillas in Rwanda/Uganda. A valid Rwanda gorilla permit is sold at USD 1500 per visitor, and Ugandan permits cost USD 800 per person. Book your gorilla permit in Rwanda/Uganda through silverback gorilla tour, and this should be done in advance, preferably 2-4 months. Note, a valid Rwanda/Uganda gorilla permit is only issued to visitors above 15 years.

What else to expect on the Rwanda-Uganda tour?

Uganda-Rwanda safaris offer more than gorilla trekking. Expect to immerse yourself in the jungle to search for more of Uganda or Rwanda primates including golden monkeys, chimpanzees, l’hoest monkeys, colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and olive baboons. The additional primate trekking experiences to enjoy include chimpanzee tracking, golden monkey tracking, and colobus monkey tracking.

Chimpanzee tracking is offered both in Uganda and Rwanda. In Uganda, you have many destinations to choose from to begin your trek to see chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Top places to visit to explore the common or eastern chimpanzees in Uganda include Kibale National Park, Kyambura Gorge, Kalinzu, and Budongo Forest Reserves.

Rwanda chimpanzee tracking tours are best done in the lush Nyungwe Forest National Park and Gishwati-Mukura National Park. The popular destination for Rwanda chimp treks is Nyungwe, home to about 500 chimpanzees and diverse sectors for visitors to begin their search for habituated chimp communities.

Game viewing tours –whereby you embark on a journey to explore Uganda and Rwanda’s Big 5 game. The best game viewing safari destinations to visit in Uganda include Kidepo Valley National Park, Lake Mburo, Murchison Falls National Park, and Queen Elizabeth National Park. The only place to explore all the Big 5 game in Rwanda game viewing is Akagera National Park.

How to book a Uganda-Rwanda safari after obtaining your visa?

With a valid visa booked, the other essential step is to ensure that you secure a Rwanda or Uganda tour slot. Book your Rwanda or Uganda safari through a trusted tour company on the ground, and in this case, you shouldn’t look any further than Maranatha Tours and Travel.