Can Cruise Guests Enter Uganda?
Yes—cruise passengers frequently pair Great Lakes voyages or Indian Ocean cruises with overland or flight segments into Entebbe, Kampala, or other Ugandan destinations. Regardless of how you arrive, you must hold a valid visa or be visa-exempt when stepping onto Ugandan soil.
How Cruise Itineraries Connect to Uganda
- Lake Victoria Cruises: Boutique vessels sail on Lake Victoria. Guests often board after flying into Entebbe International Airport.
- Indian Ocean Cruises (Mombasa, Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar): Travelers disembark in a coastal port, then take a regional flight or overland transfer to Uganda as part of a pre/post-cruise extension.
- Nile River Expeditions: Some luxury cruises include Uganda as part of a Nile River journey, with passengers entering via Entebbe or land borders.
Whichever route you choose, immigration officers will process you at Entebbe International Airport or a land border—not at sea.
Visa Requirements for Cruise Travelers
| Scenario | Visa Needed |
|---|---|
| Shore excursion under 7 days | Transit eVisa (Single entry for 7 days) |
| Pre/post-cruise safari, conference, or gorilla trek | Tourist eVisa (Single entry for 90 days) |
| Multi-country East Africa trip (Kenya/Uganda/Rwanda) | East Africa Tourist Visa ($150, 90 days) |
Important: All travelers—children included—must carry their own approval letters. Every person needs their own application—no exceptions.
Recognized Entry Points
Cruise programs typically route guests through the following checkpoints:
Airports
- Entebbe International Airport (EBB) - Main international gateway
Land Borders
- Kenya ↔ Uganda: Malaba, Busia
- Tanzania ↔ Uganda: Mutukula
- Rwanda ↔ Uganda: Gatuna/Katuna, Kagitumba/Mirama Hills
- DR Congo ↔ Uganda: Bunagana, Mpondwe
- South Sudan ↔ Uganda: Elegu, Nimule
Select the correct entry point when submitting your eVisa so immigration can forward your authorization there.
Applying for a Uganda eVisa as a Cruiser
- Gather documents: Passport, digital photo, cruise or tour itinerary, hotel details.
- Visit uganda-immigration.com: Choose Tourist eVisa, Transit eVisa, or East Africa Tourist Visa.
- Specify arrival point: Entebbe Airport or the appropriate land border.
- Upload supporting letters: Cruise booking confirmation, tour operator letter, or flight ticket.
- Pay the fee: $90 (Tourist eVisa), $90 (Transit eVisa), or $150 (East Africa Tourist Visa) plus service fee.
- Print the approval letter: Bring hard and digital copies—airlines and border officers may collect them.
Remember: You can apply in group for convenience, up to 15 passengers per application.
Key Tips Before You Disembark
- Coordinate with your cruise line or tour operator. Provide your visa reference number so guides can pre-clear manifests.
- Carry Yellow Fever proof if you sailed through or transited a risk country.
- Plan for luggage checks when crossing borders—customs can be strict about drones, cash, and professional filming gear.
- Allow buffer time. Overland transfers from ports can take longer due to road or border traffic.
- Respect visa conditions. Overstays incur fines and can jeopardize future East Africa travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa if I never leave the ship?
No. Visas are only required once you step onto Ugandan territory.
Can the cruise line arrange my eVisa?
Some luxury operators do, but you remain legally responsible. Confirm that they use the official system. We recommend applying directly through uganda-immigration.com.
Is the East Africa Tourist Visa worth it?
Yes if your cruise includes Kenya or Rwanda excursions. One visa covers all three countries for 90 days.
What if I fly into Entebbe before boarding the cruise?
Apply for the visa with Entebbe International Airport as your entry point. You can still join your vessel later.
Can I switch entry points after approval?
Minor changes may be possible by contacting us through uganda-immigration.com before you travel, but reapplying is faster if your plans changed drastically.
Do I need multiple visas if I exit and re-enter Uganda during the cruise?
Yes, unless you hold the East Africa Tourist Visa (which allows multiple entries) or a multiple-entry visa.
Do children need separate visas?
Yes. Every traveler, regardless of age, needs their own eVisa application—no exceptions. This includes infants and children.
Planning a Ugandan extension to your cruise is simple when your visa paperwork, transfers, and entry points are confirmed beforehand. Apply early, keep copies handy, and enjoy your Ugandan adventure.
