Uganda Visa, Do I Need A Visa To Visit Uganda

You need a Uganda visa to visit Uganda unless you are a national of a visa-exempt country. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, one could obtain a Uganda visa on arrival. Now you are required to have a visa before your safari to Uganda or various Uganda safaris.

You can only apply for a Uganda visa online via https://visas.immigration.go.ug/. The passport must be valid for 6 months. Here’s a guide on Uganda visa-free countries, different types of visas, Uganda visa requirements, and visa costs:-

Which Country Is Uganda Visa-Free?

Citizens from 31 countries with valid passports are exempt from needing a visa for Uganda. That makes it easy to visit and explore the wonderful Uganda tourist attractions or Uganda safari attractions such as mountain gorillas, Chimpanzees, the Big Five, birds of Uganda, Monkeys, Antelopes, and the stunning landscapes, vibrant culture of Uganda, friendly people, and more.

Below Are The Uganda Visa Free Countries

Angola
Eritrea
Malawi
Madagascar
Seychelles
Swaziland
Zambia
Comoros
Kenya
Mauritius
Zimbabwe
Tanzania
Rwanda
Burundi
Antigua
Barbados
Fiji
Grenada
Lesotho
Sierra Leone
Solomon Islands
Vanuatu
Ghana
Cyprus
Bahamas
Belize
The Gambia
Jamaica
Malta
Singapore
Vincent-Tonga.

Types Of Visas For Uganda & Visa Costs

Uganda has several types of visas where you can choose the one that works for you depending on the reason for your visit. Below are the different types of Uganda visas;

Uganda Tourist Visa/Uganda Ordinary Visa

Visitors coming to Uganda for tourism on Uganda tours can apply for what is known as an Ordinary Visa or Uganda tourist visa. The visa grants a single entry to Uganda for a stay lasting up to 6 months.

This is also the kind of visa to apply for if you are attending a conference, participating in humanitarian and charity events, visiting a family in Uganda, etc.

The Uganda ordinary visa costs US$50 and fees are non-refundable. All payments are subject to a bank charge.

Here are the requirements for the Uganda tourist visa/Uganda ordinary visa for different visitor categories:-

i) Tourism

If you wish to go on a Uganda gorilla safari (Uganda gorilla tours), Uganda wildlife safari, Uganda birding tours, Uganda adventure safari, chimpanzee trekking in Uganda safaris, Uganda hiking safaris, sport fishing tours, or any other Uganda safari tour, here are your visa requirements:-

Passport copy (bio-data page) with at least 6-month validity
Uganda tour plan
Travel itinerary/booking
Recent Passport-size Photograph
Vaccination Certificate (Yellow Fever)
Hotel booking or reservation (if any other accommodation, provide an address)
Language; all documents attached should be in English.
Other documents may be required during the process

ii) Business – Meetings, Conferences

If you wish to visit Uganda for business, here are the Uganda visa requirements:-

Passport copy (bio-data page) with at least 6-month validity
Letter of invitation with clear address and clearly stating business in Uganda
Recent Passport-size Photograph taken in the last 6-month
Vaccination Certificate (Yellow Fever)
The immigration status of the host is individual

iii) Family Visits

If you wish to travel to Uganda for a family visit, here are the Uganda visa requirements:-

Passport copy (bio-data page) with at least 6-month validity
Letter of invitation
The immigration status of the host
Recent Passport-size Photograph
Vaccination Certificate (Yellow Fever)
Hotel booking or reservation (if any other accommodation, provide an address)
Status of the host in Uganda

East African Tourist Visa

If you’re going for an African safari to Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya on the same trip, then you can apply for the East African Tourist Visa.

This is Joint Tourist Visa allows travel to Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda ONLY. It can be used multiple times for tourism purposes. It is valid for 90 days and is not renewable upon expiry. The issuing country should be your first entry point

Requirements

Copy of the passport (Bio-data page) with at least 6-month validity
Copy of recent Passport size Photograph
Vaccination Certificate (Yellow fever)
Return Ticket
Travel Itinerary
The Fee payable is USD 100.
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

Uganda Multiple-Entry Visa

If you are planning to enter Uganda more than once on an East Africa safari, you should obtain a multiple entry visa. This class of visa can be granted for 6 months, 12 months, or 24 months. It allows you multiple entries for the duration and prohibits employment.

Requirements

Passport (Bio-data page) with at least 6-month validity
Recent Passport size Photograph
Valid Police clearance from Interpol or home country
Vaccination Certificate (Yellow Fever)
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
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

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.

Requirements

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

Uganda Transit Visa

If you are only entering Uganda for a few days before heading on to a neighboring country, such as Kenya, Tanzania, or Rwanda, a transit visa may be all that you need. This special class of visa costs only US$50, but you cannot be in the republic for more than 7 days.

Requirements

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
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.

Conclusion

Don’t forget that regardless of whether you hold a valid Uganda visa or are exempt from needing one, it is the decision of the immigration officer at your port of entry whether you’re allowed to enter Uganda, how long you’re eligible to stay, and what conditions you must follow.

Please note that you are responsible for organizing your own Uganda visa. If – for any reason – you are not allowed into Uganda, we do not take any responsibility for this. Please contact us in case you need assistance with how to do the online visa application for your Uganda safari holiday.