Uganda Visa Application – How Do I Get A Visa For Uganda?

Uganda Visa Application - How Do I Get A Visa For Uganda?Uganda visa applications are mainly done online. For those wondering how to get a visa for Uganda, you will therefore get it by applying online prior to your business visit to Uganda or Uganda safari travels.

To apply for the Uganda visa online, go to https://visas.immigration.go.ug/. Travelers used to be able to get a Uganda visa on arrival, but as of April 2022 this is no longer the case. Here is a guide on different Uganda visa types, Uganda visa requirements, and how to apply for the Uganda visa:-

Types Of Uganda Visas For Application

There are different types of Uganda visas. You are advised to choose the one that works for you depending on the reason for your visit. These include:-

  1. Uganda Tourist Visa/Uganda Ordinary Visa

If you are visiting Uganda for a family visit, medical treatment, business, Uganda gorilla safaris(Uganda gorilla tours), Uganda wildlife safaris, birding tours in Uganda, chimpanzee trekking tours in Uganda, Uganda hiking safaris, etc, you need to apply for the Uganda tourist visa/Uganda ordinary visa.

This visa permits you a single entry to Uganda for a stay lasting up to 6 months. The Uganda tourist visa costs US$50 and lasts for 6 months. Here are the requirements for the Uganda tourist visa/Uganda ordinary visa:-

  • Passport copy (bio-data page) with at least 6-month validity
  • Travel itinerary
  • Recent Passport-size Photograph
  • Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate
  • Language; all documents attached should be in English.
  • Other documents may be required during the process
  • Letter of invitation (family visits)
  • Status of the host in Uganda (family visits)

  1. East African Tourist Visa

If you’re planning an African safari to Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya, you may apply for an East African Tourist Visa. This visa lasts for 90 days and costs US$100. It is issued only for tourism purposes and is not renewable upon expiry. The East African Visa has the following requirements:-

  • Copy of the passport (Bio-data page) with at least 6-month validity
  • Copy of recent Passport size Photograph
  • Yellow fever Vaccination Certificate
  • Return Ticket
  • Travel Itinerary
  • East African Tourist Visa Fee – USD 100

  1. Uganda Multiple-Entry Visa

The Uganda multiple-entry visa is granted to travelers who travel to Uganda frequently. Its validity ranges from 6 months to 12 months and 24 months. This visa allows you multiple entries for the duration and prohibits employment. The Uganda multiple-entry visa requirements include:-

  • Passport (Bio-data page) with at least 6-month validity
  • Recent Passport size Photograph
  • Valid Police clearance from Interpol or home country
  • Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate
  • Recommendation letter from one (2) referees in Uganda
  • Cover Letter stating reasons for Multiple Entry
  • Fees – 6 months to 12 months: USD 100
  • Fees – 24 months: USD 200

  1. Uganda Diplomatic/Official Visa

The Uganda Diplomatic and Official Visa is issued to Diplomatic, Official, and Service passport holders coming into Uganda on official business or duties and to Ordinary passport holders who are exempted from immigration fees. The Uganda diplomatic/official visa requirements include:-

  • Copy of the diplomatic/official passport (Bio-data page & Cover Page) with at least 6-month validity
  • Copy of recent Passport size Photograph
  • Vaccination Certificate (Yellow Fever)
  • Copy of Diplomatic Note (Note Verbale)/ support document for an official visit
  • The visa is gratis and is granted Fee Nil
  • Visa Fees are non-refundable and all payments are subject to a bank charge.
  • Language; all documents attached should be in English.
  • Any other documents may be required during the processing

  1. Uganda Transit Visa

The Uganda transit visa is granted to travelers transiting through Uganda to a third country and it is granted for a maximum of 7 days and is not extendable. The Uganda transit visa requirements include:-

  • Copy of the passport (Bio-data page) with at least 6-month validity
  • Copy of recent Passport size Photograph
  • Vaccination Certificate (Yellow Fever)
  • A letter stating the reason for transit and country of destination
  • Proof of permission to enter the country of destination
  • Uganda Transit Visa Fees – USD 50.
  • Visa Fees are non-refundable and all payments are subject to a bank charge.
  • Language; all documents attached should be in English.
  • Any other documents may be required during processing.

Note: Visa Fees are non-refundable and all payments are subject to a bank charge. Language; all documents attached should be in English. Any other documents may be required during the processing.

How Do I Apply For A Visa To Uganda?

The process of applying for a Uganda visa is quite simple. When you have all the requirements needed, go on the Ugandan E-visa system (https://visas.immigration.go.ug/). Select start new application. Accept the terms and conditions displayed in the disclaimer. Then fill in the Uganda visa application in the following steps:-

Step-1: Choose the Application Type (Visa or Permit)

  • Category (Ordinary, Multiple-Entry, Diplomatic and Official, Transit, East Africa Tourist Visa),
  • Subcategory for Ordinary/Diplomatic and Official/ Transit (Single entry)
  • Subcategory for Multiple Entry (6 months, 12 months, or 24 months)
  • The subcategory for East Africa Tourist Visa is the same

Step-2: Fill Out the Electronic Form

Step-3: Add documents

The documents include a copy of a recent passport size photograph, a copy of the passport bio-data page, a Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate, etc. You’ll need to upload only PDF, JPEG, PNG, and BMP files. The files you upload should not be bigger than 250 KB.

Step-4: Submit

Once the application is submitted it will be studied by an Immigration Officer. Please note that during the approval process additional information may be required. The new required information can be submitted electronically through https://www.visas.immigration.go.ug/#/check.

Upon submission, you’ll receive a notification with an application number which you can use to track the application. The decision taken on the application will be sent electronically through the email provided by the applicant. If approved, an approval letter will be sent as an attachment to the email provided.

This letter serves as a travel authorization. Print it out and present it together with a valid passport /travel document of not less than 6 months validity at the port of entry.

Note: It’s recommended that you apply for the visa well in advance of your intended visit. All the online payments must be made by credit card/debit card at this time. The eVisa system currently accepts only the following credit card/debit cards: MasterCard and Visa.

Uganda Visa Application On Arrival

Uganda visas on arrival are no longer available, with all visitors to the country including those on Uganda safaris instead required to apply for an electronic visa ahead of their Uganda trip. You are strongly encouraged to submit your visa applications online at https://visas.immigration.go.ug/.

Disclaimer From Uganda Immigration

The Uganda Electronic Visa/Permit Application System performs checks against law enforcement databases.

All travelers seeking admission to Uganda are required to obtain a Visa using this system before being granted boarding. If your visa or permit application is approved, you are eligible for the approved visa or permit, but it does not establish that your application is approved.

Upon arrival to Uganda (at the selected point of entry) or at the Immigration Office Headquarters, you will be inspected by an Immigration Officer who may determine if your application is finally approved.

All information provided by you, or on your behalf by a designated third party, must be true and correct. A visa or permit application approval may be revoked at any time and for any reason, such as new information influencing eligibility.

You may be subject to administrative or criminal penalties if you knowingly and willfully make a materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or representation in an electronic visa or permit application submitted by you or on your behalf.

Extending Your Uganda Visa

If you run short on time during your stay, tourist visas can be extended for an additional 30 days. Your current valid visa can be extended through https://visas.immigration.go.ug/#/extension under “Applications” from the global navigation menu. For extending a visa applied using the Uganda electronic Visa website you should provide the application Id of the visa to extend, the passport number used for the visa to extend, and the date of birth.

If you overstay your Uganda visa, the usual penalty is a fine of USD 100 per day.

Use Of Third-Party Uganda Visa Application Service

Visitors are not always advised to obtain the Uganda Visa through a third party. Always such services cause challenges to the visitors where you may lose your money when there is no Ugandan Visa for you.

Several websites may attempt to corn you off your money to purchase the Ugandan Visa for you. Ignore them and only used the right and recommended website (https://visas.immigration.go.ug/) which is the Ugandan E-Visa Website only.

Conclusion

After booking your Uganda tours or Uganda safari holiday with us, you are then advised to apply for your visa at least one month in advance to get entry to Uganda. Now that you know the Uganda visa application requirements, you can plan your safari in Uganda very well. Please contact us if you need any information on Uganda safaris.