How to Get a Visa to Uganda

A visa is a necessary travel document that all visitors to Uganda must have. It is an official authorization allowing a traveler legal entry into a foreign country. Visas are issued for various purposes, including tourism, business, working holidays, study, medical care, pilgrimage, sports, family visits, and seeking refuge. Most visitors to Uganda are granted visas for tourism or business.

Uganda is one of Africa’s top tourist destinations, and it’s easy to see why. Despite being landlocked, the country is richly blessed with natural beauty, including lush forests, large lakes and rivers, majestic mountains, abundant wildlife, and national parks. Many tourists visit Uganda to explore these parks and experience unique attractions such as the endangered mountain gorillas.

Since July 2016, obtaining a Ugandan visa has become much easier with the introduction of an online visa application system. This allows travelers to apply for a visa online, saving time and reducing stress.

Visas come in different forms depending on the country. Some are issued as stamps or stickers in the traveler’s passport, while others are separate travel documents. Single and multiple-entry visas allow visitors to stay in Uganda for up to 90 days (three months). Travelers seeking an East African visa may also enjoy multiple entries into neighboring countries such as Rwanda and Kenya for the same maximum period.

Visitors may also obtain a Ugandan visa on arrival at Entebbe International Airport or at border points. It is advisable to secure a visa at least six months in advance to avoid inconvenience.

Types of Visas and Fees

Uganda issues various types of visas depending on the traveler’s purpose:

• Transit Visa: For travelers passing through Uganda to another destination (e.g., Rwanda or Kenya). Valid for 24 hours and costs USD 50.
• Single Entry Tourist Visa: Grants single entry into Uganda for a short period. Cost: USD 50.
• East African Tourist Visa: Allows multiple entries into Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya. Cost: USD 100, with some processing fees charged by e-Visa platforms or travel agencies (approximately USD 48).
• Multiple Entry Visa: Available to travelers who have visited Uganda at least five times within a year. Valid for 6–12 months (USD 100), 24 months (USD 150), or 24–36 months (USD 200).

Other visa types include diplomatic, business, pilgrimage, student, private, athlete/artisan, refugee, asylum, and journalist visas.

Requirements for a Ugandan Visa

To obtain a visa, travelers must meet several requirements:

1. Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least six months from the date of arrival.
2. Passport Copy: A copy of the passport information page for backup.
3. Passport Photos: Two recent passport-sized photos.
4. Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate: Proof of vaccination is required. Visitors without it may be vaccinated upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport.
5. Polio Vaccination for Children Under 5: A certificate is mandatory.
6. Pet Vaccination (if applicable): Travelers with pets must provide proof of vaccination against rabies and other diseases from a certified veterinarian.

How to Obtain a Ugandan Visa

Visitors can acquire a visa through:

• The nearest Ugandan embassy or high commission.
• Visa on arrival at border points or Entebbe International Airport.
• Online via the Ugandan E-Visa system.

Applying for a Visa Online

To apply online, ensure all requirements are ready: a valid passport, passport-sized photos, and a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate. Then:

1. Visit the E-Visa portal (www.visas.immigration.go.ug).
2. Fill out the application form with accurate information.
3. Upload the required documents.
4. Submit your application.
5. Pay the processing fee (USD 25–100, depending on the visa type) via Credit/Debit Card or PayPal.

Upon approval, you will receive an email with a letter of approval. Print this letter and your payment receipt to present to customs officials upon arrival.

Visa Processing Times

• Standard Processing: 6 days; USD 86.50 (East African Visa: USD 148)
• Rush Processing: 4 days; USD 116.50 (East African Visa: USD 178)
• Super Rush Processing: 48 hours; USD 151.50 (East African Visa: USD 213)

Visa Validity

• Single Entry Visa: Valid for 3 months from arrival or issue date.
• Multiple Entry Visa: Valid for 6–12 months from issue or arrival; longer durations available.

Visitors wishing to extend their stay must visit the immigration office in Kampala before their visa expires. East African citizens cannot extend an East African Visa.

Visa Exemption Countries

Uganda follows reciprocity when granting visa exemptions. Citizens of countries that allow Ugandans visa-free entry may also enter Uganda without a visa. Some exemption countries include Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Burundi, Seychelles, Swaziland, Zambia, Madagascar, Comoros, Eritrea, Zimbabwe, Angola, Malawi, Mauritius, Fiji, Gambia, Ghana, Singapore, Sierra Leone, Lesotho, Barbados, Bahamas, Cyprus, and Togo.