Uganda Online E-Visa: How to Apply, Eligibility, Fees, and Key Details

Key Takeaways

Uganda e-visa application must be done online via official website; no visa-on-arrival allowed.
Required documents include a passport bio-data page, Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate, photo, itinerary, and hotel reservations.
E-visas cost $50–$200, process in 2–3 days, and tourists can stay for up to 45 days per 90-day validity.

The Uganda Online E-Visa system, rolled out by the Government of Uganda on July 1, 2016, has made it easier for people to apply for visas online, replacing in-person visits and minimizing paperwork. This article provides everything you need to know to apply for a Uganda visa, including who is eligible, costs, required documents, and what to expect during the process.

Uganda Online E-Visa: How to Apply, Eligibility, Fees, and Key Details

Getting Started with the Uganda Online E-Visa

If you’re planning to visit Uganda 🇺🇬 for tourism, business, studies, or medical reasons, applying for a visa using the Uganda Electronic Visa/Permit Application System is required. This system allows you to submit your application and pay online, eliminating the need to travel to an embassy or wait in long queues upon arrival.

Follow these 10 steps to complete your application:

Access the Official Website
Go to https://visas.immigration.go.ug and locate the visa application section.
Start Your Application
Click “Start a new application,” accept the disclaimers, and choose “Visa” as your application type.
Select Visa Type
Choose the relevant visa category based on the purpose of your visit. For example, select “Uganda Ordinary/Tourist Visa” if you’re visiting for leisure.
Pick a Subcategory
Specify whether you need a single-entry visa, multiple-entry visa, or another subcategory.
Provide Personal Details
Enter your personal information carefully, including your name, passport details, and travel plans.
Upload Required Documents
Attach digital copies of the listed documents (see the “Required Documents” section below).
Double-check Information
Review all the entered details to ensure accuracy.
Submit Your Application
Once completed, submit your form and obtain the application ID. Write this down for tracking.
Pay the Visa Fee
After submitting, you’ll be prompted to pay. Payments are made online, and a 3% surcharge applies.
Check for Confirmation Emails
You’ll receive two emails shortly after submission: one acknowledging payment and another confirming your application was received.

Keep your application ID and emails handy, as they include a link to check the status of your application. Processing typically takes 2–3 business days, though applying at least 10 days before travel is strongly recommended.

Documents You’ll Need to Upload

Having all the needed documents prepared will save you significant time during the application. Standard requirements include:

A scanned copy of the passport bio-data page, with at least six months of validity remaining.
A passport-size photograph (recent, taken against a white background).
A Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate, a must for travelers over one year old.
Your travel itinerary or confirmation of travel bookings, if available.
Hotel reservations or an accommodation address in Uganda 🇺🇬.

For specific purposes, additional documents might be required:
– Business travelers: A letter of invitation detailing the purpose of your trip and the inviter’s address.
– Students: An admission letter or invitation from a Ugandan school.
– Visitors to family: A letter of invitation and details of your host’s immigration status.

Ensure the document files are between 5 KB and 250 KB in size before uploading.

Visa Types and Associated Fees

The Uganda Online E-Visa service allows for several types of visas depending on your needs:

Single-Entry Tourist Visa – $50 USD
Best for those visiting Uganda 🇺🇬 for tourism on a one-off basis. Valid for up to 90 days.
East Africa Tourist Visa – $100 USD
This convenient visa permits travel between Uganda 🇺🇬, Rwanda 🇷🇼, and Kenya 🇰🇪 without needing individual visas for each.
Transit Visa – $50 USD
Offers access for those passing through Uganda as part of a longer journey.
Multiple-Entry Visa
- 6 Months: $100 USD
- 12 Months: $100 USD
- 24 Months: $200 USD

Note: Visa fees are non-refundable, even if your application is rejected. Be sure to submit a complete and accurate application.

Who Is Eligible for the Uganda E-Visa?

Citizens of most countries must obtain a visa to enter Uganda 🇺🇬. However, some nationals are exempt under special agreements.

Visa-exempt countries include:
– COMESA members: Angola 🇦🇴, Kenya 🇰🇪, Zambia 🇿🇲, and more.
– EAC members: Rwanda 🇷🇼, Burundi 🇧🇮, and others.
– Several individual countries: Antigua 🇦🇬, Fiji 🇫🇯, Singapore 🇸🇬, and more.

If you’re eligible for exemption, you can enter Uganda without needing a visa. Otherwise, an e-visa will be required.

Key Details to Keep in Mind

Validity
E-visas are valid for 90 days after issuance. However, tourists may only stay in Uganda for a maximum of 45 days during this period.
No Visa on Arrival
The option to receive a visa upon arrival has been discontinued, so completing the online application process is essential.
Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate
All travelers aged 12 months and older must have proof of yellow fever vaccination.
Risk of Fraud
Always use the official Uganda Immigration website. Fraudulent third-party websites may charge unnecessary fees or misuse your information.

What If My Application Faces Delays?

While the average processing time is 2–3 days, applying early (at least 10 days prior to travel) mitigates risks of delays. Keep in mind that receiving an approval letter via email does not guarantee entry into Uganda 🇺🇬. Ultimately, immigration officials have the authority to allow or deny entry at border points.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the type of visa I applied for?
No, you’d need to restart the application process.
Is it possible to apply through an embassy instead?
Yes, though online applications are faster and more efficient.
How do I correct an error on my application?
Unfortunately, errors can only be amended before submission. Once submitted, the details cannot be edited.
Can I extend my e-visa once in Uganda 🇺🇬?
Extensions are possible in certain cases. Visit your nearest Immigration Office or inquire locally.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, Uganda’s online system continues to improve, with its latest upgrade aimed at ensuring faster, more secure processing. For travelers complying with requirements like obtaining a Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate and submitting proper applications, this system reduces stress and allows entry into the “Pearl of Africa” with confidence.

Be proactive by checking the full requirements on the official Uganda Immigration website and enjoy your travel experience!

Learn Today

E-Visa → An electronic visa applied for and issued online, eliminating the need for in-person embassy visits.
Single-Entry Visa → A visa type allowing only one entry into a country during its valid period.
Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate → An official document proving vaccination against yellow fever, required for travelers entering certain countries, including Uganda.
Multiple-Entry Visa → A visa permitting multiple entries into a country within its validity, often for extended travel or business needs.
COMESA → Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa, a regional organization promoting economic cooperation, including visa exemptions among member nations.

This Article in a Nutshell

Simplify Travel with Uganda’s E-Visa System

Uganda’s online E-Visa, launched in 2016, revolutionizes travel by eliminating embassy visits. Apply online for tourist, transit, or East Africa visas, paying between $50-$100 USD. Key tips: ensure document accuracy, have a Yellow Fever certificate, and apply early. Visit visas.immigration.go.ug for smooth, hassle-free access to Uganda.