Uganda Electronic Visa/Permit Application System
Since July 1, 2016, the Government of Uganda has implemented an online visa/permit application system. This system conducts checks against law enforcement databases and requires all travelers seeking admission to Uganda to obtain a visa online before boarding. This applies to travelers for holiday, tourism, business, study, visit, and medical purposes. Applications can be completed at Uganda eVisa Portal.
Visa Exemptions
Nationals from the following countries do not need 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
Application Process
- Choose Application Type: Select visa or permit, category (e.g., Ordinary, Multiple-Entry, Diplomatic, Transit, East Africa Tourist Visa), and subcategory (e.g., single-entry, multiple-entry for 6-36 months).
- Fill the Form: Complete the electronic form.
- Add Documents: Upload necessary documents (passport photo, passport bio-data page, Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate, recommendation letter, police clearance, etc.).
- Submit Application: Submit the application. An Immigration Officer will review it, and additional information may be requested through the portal.
Travel Authorization
After submission, you will receive a notification with an application number to track your application. If approved, an approval letter will be emailed, serving as a travel authorization. Print this letter and present it with a valid passport (valid for at least 6 months) at the port of entry. This travel authorization does not guarantee entry; travelers may undergo secondary verification.
Application Timeline
Visas, permits, and passes are generally approved within 2-3 working days, except when additional documents or verification are required. Applicants should apply at least 5 working days before travel and within 3 months of departure. The validity of an approved eVisa is three months from the issue date.
Services Available on the eVisa Portal
- All types of visas
- Entry permits/work permits
- Student passes
- Special passes
- Dependent passes (if the principal’s work permit was obtained electronically)
- Certificate of residence
- Dual citizenship certificate
Types of Visas
- Visas to Uganda: Single-entry visas (maximum 3 months) and multiple-entry visas (maximum 6 months). Extensions can be applied for at the Immigration Office in Kampala.
- EAC Visas: The East Africa Tourist Visa allows travel between Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda with a multiple-entry visa valid for 90 days. The visa costs $100 and does not permit work.
Payment and Issuance
All applications and payments must be made online through the Uganda eVisa Portal. There are no refunds for payments made to the embassy bank account. E-visas and e-permits are approved centrally and can be personalized at the point of entry or at equipped missions abroad.
Government Business Visas
The Uganda Embassy processes all diplomatic and official visa applications. Required documents include a Note Verbale from the relevant government body. There is no processing fee for this category.
Contact Information
For inquiries and visa collection, the Consular Section at the Uganda Embassy is open Monday to Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (excluding public holidays). Issues regarding visas can be emailed to Kkasibayo@ugandaembassyus.org.
Warning About Fake Websites
Only use the official Uganda eVisa website: Uganda eVisa Portal. Beware of fraudulent websites that overcharge and provide incorrect services. The correct visa fee is $50. The official site has four steps: selecting application type, filling the form, adding documents, and submitting the application. Ensure you use the portal that bears the Ugandan Coat of Arms and DCIC Logo.
