A guide to tourist visa application and processing in Uganda

The Uganda Tourist Visa is one that is issued to foreigners who are planning to visit Uganda for tourism purposes, family visits or medical treatment among others. It usually involves a single-entry visa that is valid for up to three months and can only be applied for online using the Uganda e-visa immigration portal. The visa is $50 per person and the validity is for three months or 90 days and it is automatically canceled or invalidated if it is not used within the stated period of time. When the visa becomes invalid, you need to make a new application for a new one and start the entire process afresh. To avoid inconveniences, all applicants are advised to travel within the 90 days of receiving the visa approval.

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A breakdown of the Tourist Visa application process includes application online, uploading the required documents, yellow fever vaccination, payment of the visa fees, and then visa issuance is made.

How to apply for the Uganda Visa

The Uganda visa can be applied for visa using the official e-immigration service portal to apply online for the Uganda visa, you have to follow the following steps.

• First step is to start new application after logging into the Immigration Portal.
• Agree to the terms and conditions in the Disclaimer.
• Choose the right/appropriate visa type, category and sub-category.
• Fully fill out the application form
• Upload all the necessary documents and a digital application ID (6 figure digit) will be generated for reference.
• You have to also make the necessary payments for all the applications that require prepayment.
• In case there are no top up payments needed, an approval letter will be sent to you via email after approval.
• For all applications that need top up payments, the approval letter will be emailed after post payment.
• Lastly, bring all the uploaded documents, receipts, approval letter and valid passport  when you get to the immigration office or the border of entry for biometric capture.

NB: The application portal only accepts Visa Credit and MasterCard that are authorized for international transactions.

To be able to complete the online visa application process, you need the following documents.

• A passport especially the bio data page with 6 months validity
• Travel itinerary
• Travel/tour plan
• A return ticket
• Yellow fever vaccination card
• Recent coloured passport sized photo
• Accommodation.

The East African Tourist Visa

The East African Tourist Visa allows tourists to travel to countries Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda and it is a multi entry visa that is designated for only tourism purposed and tourists using this visa is exempted from any form of employment. The visa is valid for only 90 days and it is not renewable when it expires. And it also does not work when you are outside the three stated countries.

The cost of the East African Tourist Visa is $100 and it is non-refundable subject to the bank charge.

The documents that all applicants need to acquire the East African Tourist Visa include the following:

• A copy of the biodata page of your passport. The biodata page has all the main information that identifies you and the document number. The passport used should be valid for at least six months from the date of applying for the visa.
• Recent passport sized photo. The passport photo submitted should have a white background.
• Yellow fever vaccination card
• A return ticket
• Travel itienerary. This should include flight tickets and other bookings.
• A travel plan which shows where the applicant plans to travel and the activities they plan on participating in.
• A complete and fully accurately filled application form.

Make sure that all documents that are attached during the processing period are in English.

How much does a Tourist Visa in Uganda Cost?

The cost of the tourist visa in Uganda is affected by a mumber of factors the main one being the type of visa and the duration of your stay in the country. The single entry visa  in Uganda costs $50 and for tourists who plan to explore multiple countries, the East African Visa which gives you access to Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya is $100. The East Africa Tourist visa allows you to visit the three countries using the same visa.

For tourists who wish to make multiple visa entries into Uganda, the cost of the visa is between $100 to $200 per person. The cost of the multiple entry visa to Uganda depends on the visa requirements and the length of your safari. It is very ideal for tourists who plan on returning to Uganda during their safari/trip.

It is however important to check on the latest visa fees via the Uganda Electronic Visa Application System EVISA because the fees keep on changing. For accurate budgeting, contact Encounter Africa Safaris to provide the latest visa fees.

How long does it take to get a Tourist Visa in Uganda?

The process of getting the Tourist Visa in Uganda varies depending on the country of origin/nationality and other specific details of the application. It however normally takes 3 working days as long as all the provided documents are complete and correct. As long as your application is straightforward with all the necessary documentation, you should expect a quick response.

Check on the status of your visa regularly  for updates.

The requirements for entry in Uganda

Besides obtaining a visa, there are additional requirements that have been set aside by the  Government of Uganda and these must be met by everyone who wishes to gain entry into Uganda.

Valid Passport: Travelers coming to Uganda should have a passport that is valid for  6 months and beyond the travel dates. The passports must have at least one blank page that is available for an entry stamp.

The Visa: All travelers have to acquire visas before their journey and the type of visa purchased depends on the purpose of your visit. Citizens from other countries that are constrained by the visa requirements, the visa applications must be completed via the Uganda e-Visa portal exclusively.

The citizens/nationals that are free/spared from all the policies of the Uganda visa are allowed to stay in the country up to 30 days a year and there is a possibility of extending this period for another 60 days in separate intervals. The visa extensions can be processed directly at the Uganda Immigration Headquarters/Regional Immigration Office or online.

Health: Tourists travelling to Uganda need to have specific vaccinations before coming to Uganda especially the Yellow Fever Vaccination that is mandatory. Tourists travelling with prescription drugs should first confirm with the Uganda Embassy to find out if it is allowed and ensure that all the medicines that you plan on bringing are still packed in their original packaging and do not forget the doctor’s prescription.

Some of the common diseases in Uganda include Hepatitis B, HIV, Meningitis, Yellow Fever, Pneumonia, Typhoid, Polio, Schistosomiasis, Tuberculosis, Malaria and Marburg Hemorrhagic Fever among others.

All the vaccines needed must be fully up to date  and note that the US Department of State has not indicated any restrictions into Uganda that are related to HIV/AIDS for foreign residents and foreign non-residents.

Return/Onward ticket: Tourists are asked to provide evidence of a return ticket at the point of entry into the country or show evidence of any arrangements of an onward journey.

Accommodation: Tourists have to show proof of accommodation (lodges, hotels etc) for all the days they plan on spending in the country in the safari destination.

How to avoid scams when purchasing Visas in Uganda

There are so many scammers in Uganda and you might fall victim if you are not careful. All visa applications in Uganda is exclusively done and submitted through the Uganda E-visa website. No paper application forms are allowed and they will not be accepted. Unless it is a trusted tour operator, or you are doing it by yourself, make sure that you are cautious of the different websites claiming to offer online visa processing services as many of these may be fraudulent.

In cases where you are scammed, the Government of Uganda will not be able to compensate for any financial losses you might make.

If you require any assistance with the tourist visa application, our team at Encounter Africa Safaris is here ti help. We have extensive experience in handling the visa application process in Uganda and are committed ti ensuring that you have a smooth process for all our clients.

Are there visas on arrival in Uganda?

No, Uganda does not offer visa on arrival services to tourists and all should process their relevant visas before traveling to Uganda. Tourists  who have diplomatic and service passports from Italy, India, South Africa and Namibia must complete the visa application process online before arriving at any of the entry points in Uganda.

Frequently asked questions about the Uganda Tourist Visa

What is a Tourist Visa in Uganda?

This refers to a single-entry  travel permit which is valid for 3 months and is used for short term purposed including tourism, family visits, studies and medical treatment.

How can I apply for the Tourist visa in Uganda?

The Tourist Visa can easily be applied for and obtained through the immigration portal or a trusted tour operator can help you get one. All the applicants have to complete the visa application while following the guidelines and upload all the necessary documents. All this has to be done before you get to the country.

How much is the Tourist Visa in Uganda?

The cost of the ordinary Tourist Visa I Uganda is $50 per person for a single entry per person and the East African Tourist Visa costs $100 per person.

Will I need any vaccines when travelling to Uganda as a tourist?

Yes, you will need vaccines when travelling to Uganda especially the yellow fever vaccines. All the vaccine certificates should be uploaded along with other documents on the application portal.

How can I apply for the Uganda Tourist Visa?

All tourist visas in Uganda are applied for and obtained online through the Immigration portal.

What countries are required to obtain a Tourist Visa to enter Uganda?

The different countries that need a Uganda Tourist Visa include Afghanistan, Algeria, Albania, Argentina, Andora, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Australia, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bahrain, Benin, Bangladesh, Brazil, Bhuta, Brunei, Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Cuba, Cambodia, Canada, Congo (DRC), Cameroon, Colombia, Congo, Costa Rica, Cape Verde, Czech Republic, China, Central African republic, Chile, China, Cuba, Croatia, Dominican Republic, Ivory Coast, Croatia, Denmark, Dominica, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Ecuador, Equatorial Guinea, Egypt,El Salvador, Estonia, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Gabon, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kiribati, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macao, Maldives, Mali, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, North Korea, North Macedonia, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Palestinian Territories, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russian Federation, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Somalia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vatican City, Venezuela, Vietnam, and Yemen. Contact us for more information.

Are there any airport restrictions?

Yes, there are many restrictions at the airport but if you have someone to meet you at the airport, this can only be done outside the terminal building because only passengers with tickets are allowed to have access to the terminal building.

Safari destinations in Uganda

Uganda is commonly referred to as the Pearl of Africa and some of the destinations you can visit while in the country include Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Mgahinga National Park, Lake Victoria, Lake Bunyonyi, Kampala, Mount Rwenzori, Mount Elgon, River Nile and many more other safari destinations.

Contact us at Encounter Africa Safaris and we will guide you through the tourist visa application and process seamlessly, worry free while ensuring that you have the best experience planning a safari to Uganda.