How to get a Visa for Uganda and other requirements

Requirements for obtaining a Tourist Visa in Uganda -How to obtain a Uganda visa . 

If you’re planning to visit Uganda, you may need to obtain a visitor’s visa. This is a necessary document that allows you to enter the country legally and stay for a designated period of time. Whether you’re visiting for tourism, business, or any other purpose, it’s important to understand the process of obtaining a visitor’s visa. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to Requirements for obtaining a Tourist Visa in Uganda: 

1. Determine the type of visa you need:

Uganda offers different types of visitor’s visas based on the purpose of your visit. The most common types are tourist visas, business visas, and transit visas. Determine which visa category you fall under and proceed accordingly.

2. Gather the required documents:

To apply for a visitor’s visa, you will need certain documents such as a valid passport with at least six months validity, a completed visa application form, a recent passport-sized photograph, proof of travel itinerary, proof of accommodation in Uganda, and proof of sufficient funds to support your stay.

3. Apply online or at the embassy/consulate:

You can either apply for a visitor’s visa online or visit the nearest Ugandan embassy or consulate in your country. If applying online, visit the official website of Uganda’s Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control and follow the instructions for online visa application.

4. Pay the visa fee:

There is a non-refundable visa fee that you need to pay during the application process. The fee varies depending on the type of visa and duration of stay. Ensure that you have the necessary funds to cover the visa fee.

5. Submit your application:

Once you have gathered all the required documents and paid the visa fee, submit your application along with all the supporting documents. If applying online, upload the documents as per the instructions. If applying at the embassy/consulate, visit during the designated hours and submit your application in person.

6. Wait for processing:

The processing time for a visitor’s visa can vary, but it typically takes a few business days. During this time, the immigration authorities will review your application, conduct necessary checks, and make a decision. It is important to apply well in advance to allow for processing time.

7. Collect your visa:

If your visa application is approved, you will be notified accordingly. You can then collect your visa either from the embassy/consulate or receive an electronic visa via email, depending on the application method you chose.

Remember, obtaining a visitor’s visa for Uganda is a formal process, so it’s essential to follow all the instructions and provide accurate information. It’s always advisable to check the latest visa requirements and regulations before applying to ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey. Enjoy your visit to Uganda and make unforgettable memories in the beautiful Pearl of Africa!””

When to apply for a Visa:

Before travelling to Uganda, all visitors must apply on the Government of Uganda’s Electronic Visa/Permit Application System website for all immigration services such as visas, permits, and passes.

Application timeline

All visas, permits and passes are approved within two (2) to three (3) working days, except in special circumstances where more documents and/or verification may be required. However, applicants are advised to apply at least five (5) working days before their intended date of travel.

Applicants are advised to only submit their application in a period that falls within 3 months of their departure from Uganda. The validity of an approved E-Visa is three months starting from the issue date

Travel insurance is a wise choice for people traveling abroad. It not only covers Covid-related incidents but also:

• Medical emergencies
• Personal injury & accidents
• Missed or delayed flights
• Damage to belongings
• Lost luggage

To ensure you have the best cover possible while visiting Uganda and to avoid potential exclusions or conditions, choose Travel Insurance that is designed for Uganda.

Checklist for Tourists Visiting Uganda-Uganda immigration and visa regulations

After receiving your Uganda tourist visa from the  Uganda Embassy or consulate, a traveller should prepare the following documents before traveling to Thailand:

• Valid visa in your passport
• Vaccination Certificate or  RT-PCR / Pro-ATK test result.
• Printed Travel Insurance certificate
• Copy of confirmed hotel booking/ host
• Copy of confirmed flight reservation

Validity of the Tourist Visa and Permit to Stay

The validity of a Uganda tourist visa ranges from 3 months to 6 months, depending on the number of entries you make across a land border or airport. If you arrive in Uganda through Entebbe international airport, you will be stamped with 60-day permission to stay for a normal Tourist Visa, or 90 days if arriving with the Special Tourist Visa.

Don’t have a valid date for the visa and the permit to stay. The validity of the visa as stated on your visa sticker is the time you have to use the visa or enter Uganda. The permit to stay is the number of days you may legally stay in Uganda. The permit to stay is the stamp you receive when you arrive at the airport or border.

Tourist Visa Extension in Uganda:

If you enter Uganda via Entebbe airport or land border, you will be stamped with a 60-day permission to stay at the immigration post. You must exit the country before the stamp expiry date.

However, the permit to stay can be extended if you want to spend more time in Uganda. You can apply for an extension to stay at a local Immigration Office. A 60-day Tourist visa can be extended for another 30 days, and the STV will be extended for 90 days. The cost for both extensions will be communicated by the local office.

Remember, an extension of stay approval is at the discretion of the Uganda immigration officer processing your application.

There are four steps on the official application website which are;

• Selecting the application type
• Fill the form
• Add documents
• Submit
• Make online payments (only visas)

The correct fee is $50 US Dollars.

How to spot a fraudulent E-visa website:

1. The web site only has the following visa options:

• Tourist Visas
• Transit Visas
• Multiple Entry Visas

Unlike the official website, https://www.visas.immigration.go.ug, which  provides for the following options:

• Visa For Diplomatic and Official Passport Holders
• Uganda Ordinary/Tourist Visa
• East Africa Tourist Visa
• Transit Visa
• Multiple-Entry Visas
• Entry (Work Permits)
• Dependant Passes
• Student Passes
• Special Passes and Certificates of Residence
• Dual Citizenship

Books

Reading a book, be it novel or non-fiction, can be a great way to immerse yourself in Uganda as a destination prior to your visit. It can build your excitement for an upcoming Uganda trip – if you have one booked – or inspire you to start planning your next adventure. Here’s our reading recommendations for Uganda: 

• Abyssinian Cornicles, by Moses Isegawa (author from Uganda)
• Where there is No Doctor: A Village Healthcare Handbook, by David Werner, Carol Thurman, Jane Maxwell
• Aboke Girls. Children Abducted in Northern Uganda, by Els de Temmerman
• The Last King of Scotland, by Giles Foden
• The Impenetrable Forest, by Thor Hanson
• Alice Lakwena and the Spirits : War in Northern Uganda 1985-96 (Eastern African Studies), by Heike Behrend
• Snakepit: A Novel by Moses Isegawa
• Uganda -The Pearl of Africa, by Paul Joynson-Hicks
• First Kill Your Family: Child Soldiers of Uganda and the Lord’s Resistance Army, by Peter Eichstaedt
• Uganda’s Poorly Kept Secrets- Charles Onyango Obbo

Yellow fever vaccinations:

Please take note that the Ugandan authorities at Entebbe airport or other points of entry, require overseas visitors coming from countries to have a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. It is not possible to obtain a yellow fever vaccination on arrival in Uganda. The certificate should be dated at least 10 days prior to arrival here & is valid for 10 years. This is a serious warning & travellers will be refused entry to Uganda if they do not comply.

Can I still get a Uganda Visa On Arrival at Entebbe airport?

Did you know that entering Uganda has become much easier in recent years? While visas on arrival used to be the norm, the government has now implemented an electronic visa system that many people prefer. No more waiting in long lines at the airport or border! Instead, you can simply fill out an online application through our online Visa Services in just 10 minutes. Why waste precious hours when you can get your visa quickly and conveniently?

DISCLAIMER: The information contained on this website  about How to apply for a Uganda visa is intended solely to provide general information for the personal use of the reader, who accepts full  responsibility for its use