Most gorilla trips touch two countries, because the fastest route to Uganda's southern sectors runs through Rwanda. That makes the visa question slightly more interesting than usual.
- Uganda
- US$50 single-entry e-visa, applied for online in advance
- Rwanda
- US$50, available on arrival for most nationalities
- East Africa Tourist Visa
- US$100, multiple entry, covers Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya
- Yellow fever
- Certificate required — checked on arrival
- Passport
- Six months' validity and two blank pages
- Note
- Rules change; verify before you travel
The East Africa Tourist Visa
If your trip crosses between Uganda and Rwanda — including simply flying into Kigali and driving to Bwindi — the East Africa Tourist Visa at US$100 is almost always the right choice. It is multiple entry, valid 90 days, and covers Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya.
The catch worth knowing: you must apply through the country you will enter first, and you must enter through that country. Fly into Kigali and you apply to Rwanda; fly into Entebbe and you apply to Uganda.
Single-country visas
Uganda issues e-visas through the official immigration portal. Apply at least two weeks ahead, upload a passport photo, your yellow fever certificate and a copy of your passport, and travel with the printed approval letter — the visa itself is issued on arrival against it.
Rwanda grants visas on arrival to most nationalities at US$50, and visa-free entry to citizens of a growing list of countries. Check the official Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration site for your passport.
Yellow fever
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry to Uganda, and for Rwanda depending on where you have travelled from. It is genuinely checked at both airports. The vaccine must be given at least ten days before arrival and the certificate is valid for life. More on our health page.
Border crossings
The Cyanika border (Kisoro–Musanze) and Katuna (Kabale–Gatuna) are the two crossings used on gorilla itineraries. Both are straightforward with the right paperwork, and our drivers handle the formalities. Allow 30–60 minutes. Carry your passport, visa documentation and yellow fever certificate in hand luggage, not in the vehicle's boot.
A note on accuracy
Visa rules in the region change with reasonable frequency. Everything here reflects the position in 2026 and is a starting point, not authority. Always verify with the official immigration site for each country before you book flights, and we will confirm requirements for your nationality when you book.
Questions
Frequently asked
Do I need two visas to trek gorillas in Uganda via Kigali?
You need entry to both countries. The East Africa Tourist Visa at US$100 covers both with multiple entries and is simpler and usually cheaper than two single-entry visas.
Can I get a Uganda visa on arrival?
Uganda operates an e-visa system and expects an approval letter on arrival. Do not plan on turning up without one.
Is a yellow fever certificate really required?
Yes, and it is checked. Without one you may be vaccinated at the airport at your own cost, or refused entry.
Next
Keep planning
- Health and vaccinations — yellow fever and malaria
- Getting there — which airport to fly into
- Travel advice — everything practical
- 3-day Bwindi safari from Kigali — the two-country routing