HOW TO GET A VISA IN UGANDA?
Planning to visit the pearl of Africa, one of the essential scopes for your travelling experience is the visa. A visa acts as an entry key material in order for you to navigate all places. Whether you are visiting because of travel, business or friendly deals, understanding essential tips for visa requirements is a step that ensures you have an ideal travel experience.
In this guide we have provided step by step information on how to apply for a Ugandan visa, types of visas and all the necessary information for a smooth travel experience.
What is a visa?
A visa refers to an official document or permit that is issued by a country’s government that allows foreign internationals to enter, stay in or leave in that country for a specific reason and a particular period of time.
Types of Visas for Uganda.
There are many visas that can be used by some one in order to enter Uganda. This is one of the necessary information one needs to know before embarking on the application process.
Tourist Visa.
This refers to a visa for individuals visiting Uganda for tourism, vacation, wildlife safaris, or visiting friends/family.
Time frame: This visa is always valid for about 3 months.
Eligibility: Available to citizens of most countries, though some may be eligible for visa exemptions or visa-on-arrival.
Business Visa.
This visa applies to individuals travelling basically for business activities such as meetings, conferences, or investment.
Time frame: About 3 months or more, depending on the specified time of the business visit.
Eligibility: Applicable to foreign nationals intending to conduct business in Uganda.
East African Tourist Visa.
This type of visa allows you to visit Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda with a single visa.
Time frame: Valid for 90 days.
Eligibility: Available to nationals of certain countries planning to visit multiple East African countries.
Transit Visa.
This type of Visa is suitable for travelers passing through Uganda to another destination.
Time frame: It is always valid for about 1 week.
Eligibility: This visa is valid only for travelers with proof of onward travel.
Student Visa.
This is a type of visa that is ideal for international students intending to study at an accredited institution in Uganda.
Time frame: Its validity usually depends on the duration of your course or study program.
Work Visa.
This type of visa is ideal for foreign nationals who have been employed or have secured a contract to work in Uganda.
Duration: Varies based on employment contracts and work agreements.
How can one apply for a Visa to Uganda?
There are 2 ways that one can use to apply for a visa in Uganda. It can either be online (eVisa) or through the Ugandan Embassy or High Commission in your country. The following below is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a visa.
Through Online Application (eVisa)
The Uganda Immigration Department makes the process of applying for a visa easier through providing an online application system called eVisa. Please follow theses steps for a smooth application process.
Visiting the Official e visa Website.
Look for the Uganda visa website: www.visas.immigration.go.ug, then select your visa type you are interested in. It can be a tourist, business and transit.
Creating an Account.
Then next step is registering by creating a personal account using your email address. Registering involves you providing basic personal details such as passport information, travel dates, and purpose of visit.
Completing the Application Form.
After creating an account, you will fill out the visa application form with your personal details, travel itinerary, and other required information. Upload required documents such as a scanned copy of your passport, passport-sized photos, and possibly a hotel reservation or invitation letter.
Paying the Visa Fee.
Once the application is finished, use one of the provided payment options such as credit cards, bank transfers, or mobile payments to pay the visa fee.
Submitting the Application form.
Make sure you pass through the information you are about to provide, it should be free from errors then you are free to submit your application.
Wait for Processing.
The average processing period for a visa is about 2 to 7 working days. Notifications are always done via emails once the visa has been approved.
Receiving Your eVisa.
Once approved, you will receive an eVisa in PDF format, which you can print out and present upon arrival in Uganda.
Embark on you travel to Uganda.
Upon arrival at Entebbe international airport , you will arrive at the Ugandan immigration customs where you will provide your eVisa printout, your passport, and any other relevant paperwork.
Application at the Ugandan Embassy or High Commission.
This is another form one can use in order to obtain a Ugandan Visa. Applying in person at the closest Ugandan embassy or high commission is an option especially to those who are not qualified for the eVisa. The following are the steps one can follow to be eligible for this visa.
Visit the Ugandan Embassy or High Commission.
Find the Ugandan embassy or consulate that is closest to you. The Uganda Ministry of Foreign Affairs website has a list of diplomatic missions.
Complete the Visa Application Form.
Complete the visa application form by filling it well, which is often available in person or as a download from the embassy’s website.
Submitting the required Documents.
Make sure you submit the completed form along with the necessary required documents. These documents generally include:
A passport that is currently valid (with at least 6 months left on it)
Sized passport photos (2–3)
Travel documentation, such as airline tickets, hotel reservations, or invitation letters
Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements)
Any extra paperwork required by your particular visa type, such as a business letter or a student registration letter.
Paying the Visa Fees.
Visa fees can vary depending on the type of visa and your nationality. Confirm the exact amount at the embassy.
Wait for Processing.
Depending on the embassy, the usual processing time for a visa is 5 to 10 working days.
Collect Your Visa.
This is the last step for one to get a visa. Upon processing your visa, you will receive a notification to pick it up.
Prices of the Visa fees
Depending on the applicant’s nationality and the type of visa, Ugandan visa costs can tend to differ. The following are some broad rules:
| Type of Visa | Approximate cost of the visa |
| East African Tourist Visa | $100 |
| Tourist Visa | $ 50 |
| Business Visa | $ 100- 150 |
| Transit Visa | $ 30- & day for a transit stay |
| Work visa | Varies based on employment contracts |
| Student Visa | $ 100 |
Due to the fact that costs are subject to change, be sure to verify the most recent rates on the Uganda Immigration website or by contacting the embassy or consulate directly.
Visa Requirements for Citizens of Different Countries.
Are you aware that there are some countries that don not need visas to come to Uganda. Some of these countries include Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, and Tanzania are among the nations that do not require a visa for stays lasting up to 90 days. Additionally, at some international airports, citizens of other nations can be able to obtain a visa upon arrival.
Make careful reviews about particular requirements according to your country of citizenship. A complete list of nations free from visa requirements can be found on the Uganda Immigration website.
Important Tips for Travelers visiting Uganda.
Come with a valid pass port: Travelers should have passports that are valid for at least 6 months from their intended arrival dates with in Uganda.
Always have your visa on arrival: Some nationals can obtain a visa on arrival at Uganda’s international airports (Entebbe Airport), but this is only for certain countries, so obtaining an e visa in advance is very advisable.
Health and Safety measures: Make sure you are vaccinated against the necessary vaccines such as yellow fever Always have a travel insurance before visiting Uganda.
Customs Regulations: Before packing, carefully examine the necessary requirements what is banned or prohibited due to Uganda’s stringent customs laws.