Uganda eVisa FAQ

The eVisa for Uganda is an electronic visa that allows travelers to apply for their visa to enter Uganda online. It is designed to simplify the visa application process for foreign visitors and can be obtained without needing to visit an embassy or consulate. The eVisa is available for various purposes including tourism, business, and medical visits.

This electronic system was implemented to perform checks against law enforcement databases and requires all individuals intending to travel to Uganda to obtain a visa online before boarding. Learn more about different types of Uganda eVisas available.

All visitors to Uganda are required to obtain an eVisa unless they come from one of the visa-exempt countries. Citizens of East African Community (EAC) countries including Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, and South Sudan can enter without a visa.

Additionally, citizens from COMESA countries such as Angola, Eritrea, Malawi, Madagascar, Seychelles, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, as well as other countries like Antigua, Barbados, Fiji, Grenada, Jamaica, Malta, Singapore, and Cyprus are also exempt. Check the complete list of eligible countries for Uganda eVisa.

Uganda offers several types of eVisas depending on your purpose of visit:

• Tourist eVisa: For leisure travelers visiting Uganda's attractions, valid for 90 days with a stay of up to 30 days
• Business eVisa: For meetings and conferences, valid for 90 days allowing a 30-day stay
• Transit eVisa: For travelers passing through Uganda to another destination, valid for 7 days
• East Africa Tourist eVisa: For visiting Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda, valid for 90 days with multiple entries
• Student eVisa: For educational purposes
• Work Permit: For employment in Uganda

For detailed information about each visa type, visit our Uganda eVisa types page.

The validity of a Uganda eVisa depends on the type you obtain:

• Single Entry Tourist eVisa: Valid for 90 days from the date of issue, allowing a 30-day stay
• Multiple Entry Tourist eVisa: Valid for 1 year with 90 days per visit
• Business eVisa: Valid for 90 days allowing a 30-day stay
• East Africa Tourist eVisa: Valid for 90 days for travel between Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda
• Transit eVisa: Valid for 7 days

The approved eVisa is typically valid for three months from the issue date, and you should not arrive in Uganda before the entry date mentioned in your approved visa.

Yes, yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for all travelers to Uganda. Here are the key requirements:

• Required for all travelers over 1 year of age
• The certificate must be obtained at least 10 days before travel
• The vaccination has lifetime validity according to WHO updated guidelines
• Travelers will not be allowed entry without the certificate
• Can be obtained at authorized vaccination centers or travel clinics
• This requirement is strictly enforced at all entry points

The yellow fever certificate is one of the most important documents for your Uganda eVisa application and entry into the country. For more details, visit our Yellow Fever vaccination requirements page.

To ensure your passport is suitable for applying for an eVisa to Uganda, it must meet the following requirements:

• Validity: Must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date in Uganda
• Blank pages: At least 2 blank pages for visa stamps
• Condition: Must be in good condition without damage
• Information accuracy: All information in your visa application must match exactly with the details in your passport
• Bio-data page: Clear, readable scan or photo required for upload

For detailed guidance on passport requirements and how to properly scan your passport, visit our Uganda eVisa passport requirements page.

The Uganda eVisa application requires a recent passport-sized photograph that meets specific requirements:

• Background: White or light-colored background
• Size: Standard passport photo size (typically 2x2 inches or 51x51mm)
• Quality: Clear, high-resolution image
• Recency: Taken within the last 6 months
• Expression: Neutral facial expression with both eyes open
• File format: JPEG or PNG format
• File size: Under 250KB

For complete photo specifications and examples, check our Uganda eVisa photo requirements guide.

Yes, travelers are strongly advised to print a copy of their eVisa for Uganda to present to immigration authorities upon arrival. Here's what you need to know:

• Print the approval letter received via email after your application is approved
• The immigration officer at the entry point will use the barcode in this letter to access your application
• Although the eVisa can be viewed on a mobile device, having a printed copy helps expedite the entry process
• The actual visa will be printed and pasted in your passport at the port of entry
• Keep both digital and printed copies for backup

Learn more about what to do after approval on our download and print Uganda eVisa page.

Yes, it is possible to extend your eVisa for Uganda while in the country. Here's what you need to know:

• Where to apply: Uganda Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control in Kampala or regional immigration offices
• Extension duration: Up to an additional 90 days
• Processing time: 3-5 working days
• Fee: $50 USD for tourist eVisa extension
• Required documents: Passport, current eVisa, application form, photos, and justification for extension
• Important: Apply before your current eVisa expires

It's recommended to apply for an extension at least a few days before your visa expiration date. Overstaying without an extension may result in fines or deportation. For detailed information, visit our Uganda visa extension guide.

To check the status of your Uganda eVisa application, follow these steps:

1. Visit the official Uganda eVisa portal
2. Click on "Check Status" or navigate to "Applications" then "Manage Application"
3. Enter your reference number (application ID) and email address
4. View your application status

The status will indicate whether your application is:

• Pending: Under review by immigration officers
• Approved: Visa has been granted - check your email for the approval letter
• Deferred: Additional documentation required (such as travel itinerary)
• Rejected: Application has been denied - review reasons and consider reapplying

You will receive an email notification with an application number for tracking. For detailed guidance, visit our check Uganda eVisa status page.

Overstaying your visa in Uganda can lead to serious penalties:

• Daily fines: $30 USD for each day beyond your permitted stay
• Deportation: Continuous failure to pay fines could lead to deportation
• Future bans: You may be banned from future visits to the country
• Legal issues: Potential legal complications and immigration record

It is advisable to extend your visa duration in advance if you anticipate overstaying. Even with an extension, the maximum stay is limited to six months. Always ensure you leave Uganda before your visa expires or apply for an extension in a timely manner.

Yes, children under 18 years who have their own passports are required to obtain their own visas when traveling to Uganda. However, minors who are included on their parent's or guardian's passport can be included on the parent's or guardian's visa.

Important points for families traveling with children:

• Each child with a separate passport needs their own eVisa
• Carry a copy of the child's birth certificate
• If only one parent is traveling, a notarized letter of consent from the other parent may be required
• Ensure all traveling minors are compliant with visa requirements

No, the Uganda tourist eVisa explicitly prohibits any form of paid or unpaid work, including volunteering. If you plan to work or volunteer in Uganda, you must apply for the appropriate visa type:

• Work Permit: For employment in Uganda
• Special Pass: For volunteer work
• Volunteer Visa: Specific visa for volunteering activities

Violating visa conditions can result in deportation, fines, and future entry bans. Always apply for the correct visa type based on your intended activities in Uganda.

As of current regulations, there are no requirements for proof of COVID vaccination or a negative PCR test to enter Uganda. However, travelers should be aware that:

• Regulations can change based on global health situations
• Yellow fever vaccination remains mandatory regardless of COVID status
• It's advisable to check the latest requirements before travel
• Consider travel insurance for health and medical emergencies
• Stay updated on any health advisories from the CDC or WHO

Always verify current health requirements with official sources before your departure.

Travelers to Uganda should be aware of the following regarding money and payments:

• Limited card acceptance: Traveler's cheques, credit cards, and debit cards are not widely accepted
• Cash is king: Carry sufficient cash in Ugandan shillings or US dollars
• Currency exchange: Exchange money at authorized bureaus or banks
• ATM availability: Limited in rural areas, more common in cities
• Plan ahead: Ensure you have enough cash for your entire trip

It may be difficult to access money in Uganda, so proper financial planning is essential before your trip.