Who Can Apply for a Uganda eVisa?
The Uganda eVisa system has revolutionized the way travelers obtain their travel authorization to visit this beautiful East African nation. Understanding whether your nationality is eligible for the Uganda eVisa online application is the first crucial step in planning your journey.
Since the implementation of the electronic visa system on July 1, 2016, Uganda has made it significantly easier for international visitors to apply for visas without visiting an embassy or consulate. The eVisa is available for various purposes including tourism, business, and transit.
This comprehensive guide will help you determine if your country is eligible for the Uganda eVisa, understand the different categories of visa eligibility, and learn about the application process specific to your nationality.
Understanding Uganda Visa Categories
Citizens from certain countries can enter Uganda without a visa for stays up to 3 months.
Includes: EAC member states and select Commonwealth nations
Most international travelers can apply for the Uganda eVisa online before their trip.
Processing: 2-3 business days typically
Some nationalities can obtain a visa upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport and major border crossings.
Note: Online application recommended
Countries Exempt from Uganda Visa Requirements
Citizens of the following countries can visit Uganda without obtaining a visa for stays of up to 90 days (3 months). This exemption applies to tourism, business visits, and family visits.
East African Community (EAC) Member States
As part of the East African Community integration, citizens of these countries enjoy visa-free travel to Uganda:
- Kenya - Full visa exemption for all purposes
- Tanzania - Free movement within EAC
- Rwanda - Visa-free entry for EAC nationals
- Burundi - EAC member state privileges
- South Sudan - Regional integration benefits
COMESA Member Countries
The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) agreement allows visa-free entry for citizens of:
- Angola
- Comoros
- Eritrea
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Mauritius
- Seychelles
- Eswatini (Swaziland)
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
Other Visa-Exempt Countries
Additional countries whose citizens can enter Uganda without a visa include:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- Botswana
- Cyprus
- DR Congo
- Fiji
- Gambia
- Ghana
- Grenada
- Hong Kong
- Ireland
- Jamaica
- Lesotho
- Malaysia
- Malta
- Sierra Leone
- Singapore
- Solomon Islands
- St. Vincent and the Grenadines
- Tonga
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Vanuatu
Countries Eligible for Uganda eVisa Online Application
If your country is not listed in the visa-exempt category above, you will need to apply for a Uganda eVisa before your travel. The good news is that the eVisa application process is straightforward and can be completed entirely online.
Major Countries Requiring eVisa
Citizens from the following countries and regions can apply for the Uganda eVisa online:
Americas
- United States
- Canada
- Mexico
- Brazil
- Argentina
- Chile
Europe
- United Kingdom
- Germany
- France
- Italy
- Spain
- Netherlands
- Belgium
- Denmark
- Sweden
- Norway
Asia & Pacific
- China
- Japan
- India
- South Korea
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Thailand
- Philippines
Middle East & Africa
- United Arab Emirates
- Saudi Arabia
- Israel
- South Africa
- Nigeria
- Egypt
- Morocco
Note: This is not an exhaustive list. If your country is not mentioned in either the visa-exempt or eVisa-eligible sections, please check the official Uganda immigration website or contact the nearest Ugandan embassy for specific requirements.
East Africa Tourist Visa - Multi-Country Option
For travelers planning to visit multiple East African countries, the East Africa Tourist Visa offers an excellent alternative to individual country visas.
A single visa that allows travel between Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda for tourism purposes.
- Validity: 90 days
- Entries: Multiple within the three countries
- Cost: $100 USD
- Purpose: Tourism only
The East Africa Tourist Visa is available to all foreign tourists without restrictions on country of origin.
- Apply online or at diplomatic missions
- Must enter through the issuing country first
- Valid passport required (6+ months)
- Cannot be extended beyond 90 days
General Requirements for Uganda eVisa
Regardless of your nationality, all eVisa applicants must meet these basic requirements:
Valid Passport
Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date in Uganda with at least 2 blank pages.
Passport Photo
Recent passport-sized photograph with white background meeting specific size requirements.
Yellow Fever Certificate
Mandatory vaccination certificate for all travelers over 1 year of age.
Travel Documents
Flight itinerary, hotel booking, or invitation letter as proof of accommodation.
How to Apply for Uganda eVisa
The application process is the same for all eligible nationalities. Follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Verify that your nationality requires an eVisa and that you meet all the basic requirements for application.
Step 2: Prepare Documents
Gather all required documents including passport scan, compliant photo, and yellow fever certificate.
Step 3: Complete Application
Fill out the online application form with accurate personal and travel information. Double-check all details before submission.
Step 4: Pay & Receive eVisa
Pay the visa fee securely online. Your approved eVisa will be sent via email within 2-3 business days.
Special Considerations by Nationality
Somalia Nationals
Nationals of Somalia may face entry and transit refusals if they do not hold a biometric passport, even if not leaving the aircraft and continuing on the same flight. It is essential for Somali travelers to ensure they have proper biometric documentation.
Passport Validity Requirements
All applicants must ensure their passport is valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival in Uganda. This is strictly enforced at all entry points including Entebbe International Airport and land border crossings.
Children and Minors
Children under 18 years of age must have their own visas unless they are included on a parent's or guardian's passport. Each child with their own passport requires a separate eVisa application.
Visa Fees by Nationality
While the standard tourist eVisa fee is $50 USD, some nationalities may have different fee structures. The visa fee is determined during the application process based on your nationality and visa type.
eVisa Processing Times
| Processing Type | Duration | Recommended For | Application Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Processing | 2-3 business days | Most travelers | Apply 7-10 days before travel |
| Peak Season | 5-7 business days | Holiday periods | Apply 2 weeks in advance |
| Additional Documentation | Up to 10 business days | Complex cases | Apply 3 weeks before travel |
Important: Processing times may vary based on nationality and individual circumstances. Always apply well in advance of your planned travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are from a visa-exempt country, you do not need to apply for an eVisa. You can enter Uganda with just your valid passport for stays up to 90 days. However, you must still meet other entry requirements such as having a yellow fever vaccination certificate.
If your country is not listed in the eVisa-eligible countries, you should contact the nearest Ugandan embassy or consulate to inquire about visa requirements. Some nationalities may need to apply for a visa through diplomatic channels rather than online.
While visa on arrival is available for some nationalities at Entebbe International Airport and major border crossings, it is highly recommended to apply for your eVisa online in advance. This ensures faster entry, avoids long queues, and guarantees approval before you travel. Learn more about the differences in our eVisa vs. Visa on Arrival comparison.
If you hold dual citizenship and one of your nationalities is from a visa-exempt country (such as an EAC member state), you can enter Uganda using that passport without a visa. However, you must use the same passport for entry that you used for your visa application or exemption claim.
Once your eVisa is approved, you will receive an approval letter via email. You can also check your application status online using your application reference number. Make sure to print the approval letter and present it upon arrival in Uganda.
Ready to Apply for Your Uganda eVisa?
Now that you know your country's eligibility status, start your application today and get your electronic visa in just a few days.
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