The Government of Uganda introduced an online visa/permit application system with effect from 1st July 2016. The Uganda Electronic Visa/Permit Application System checks against law enforcement databases. All travelers seeking admission to Uganda must obtain a visa using this system before being granted boarding. All persons intending to travel to Uganda for holiday, tourism, business, study, visit, and medical services must apply and obtain a visa online. Applications should be filled in at the following link: https://visas.immigration.go.ug/.

Any person intending to enter Uganda should do so only for lawful purposes and following national immigration laws, guidelines, and formalities.

Foreign nationals intending to enter Uganda for employment purposes should comply with requirements for expatriate employment in Uganda.

Countries that are Visa-exempt

Nationalities that do not require a Visa to enter Uganda:

*    COMESA: Angola, Eritrea, Malawi, Madagascar, Seychelles, Swaziland, Zambia, Comoros, Kenya, Mauritius, Zimbabwe

*   EAC: Tanzania, Rwanda, Kenya, Burundi, South Sudan

*  OTHERS: Antigua, Barbados, Fiji, Grenada, Lesotho, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Cyprus, Bahamas, Belize, Gambia, Jamaica, Malta, Singapore, St. Vincent, and the Grenadines.

Any other exemption as may be specified on arrival.

How to Apply for your Tourist Visa-Cost $50

Step-1: Choose the application type(Visa or Permit), category (Ordinary, Multiple-Entry, Diplomatic and Official, Transit, East Africa Tourist Visa), subcategory (single-entry, multiple-entry for 6-12 months, 12-24 months, or 24-36 months)

Step-2: Fill out the electronic form

Step-3: Add documents (Copy of recent passport size photograph, Copy of passport bio-data page, Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate, Safari Itinerary.

 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://visas.immigration.go.ug/#/check.

TRAVEL AUTHORIZATION

Upon submission, the applicant will receive a notification with an application number which they 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. Please print it out and present it together with a valid passport /travel document of not less than six months validity at the port of entry.

This travel authorization does not guarantee entry into Uganda. Travelers will be subjected to secondary verification where necessary before a visa can be placed in the passport.

Information about documents required in the online visa application can be found here: https://visas.immigration.go.ug/#/help/visa.

APPLICATION TIMELINE

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

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

The East African Visa Option:

The East African Visa is suitable for those who want to visit Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda. It is obtained from the country that you visit first in East Africa. (Tanzania is not a participant in the East African Visa)

The East African Visa allows you to enter and reenter the participating countries for a period of up to 90-Days. The cost was 100 USD. It is practical for those that want to begin their Safari in Entebbe, Uganda, and end it in Kigali, Randa.

It is also great for those that want to Trek Gorillas in Uganda and then continue to the Masai Mara from Entebbe. One Visa allows you to access three Countries, Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda.

It allows you to hassle-free travel between three East African Countries.

The East African Visa