Understanding the Uganda eVisa
The Uganda eVisa is an electronic visa that revolutionizes the way travelers obtain authorization to enter Uganda. Introduced on July 1, 2016, this digital system allows foreign visitors to apply for their visa entirely online, eliminating the need to visit an embassy or consulate in person.
This innovative electronic visa system is designed to simplify and streamline the visa application process for travelers visiting Uganda for tourism, business, medical purposes, or transit. The eVisa is delivered directly to your email upon approval, making it one of the most convenient ways to secure your travel authorization.
Whether you're planning to explore Uganda's stunning national parks, attend business meetings in Kampala, or simply transit through the country, the eVisa system provides a fast, efficient, and secure method to obtain your visa before departure.
How Does the Uganda eVisa Work?
Complete the online application form with your personal details, passport information, and travel plans. The process takes approximately 10 minutes to complete.
Upload required documents including a passport bio-data page, passport-sized photograph, and yellow fever vaccination certificate. All files must be under 250KB.
Pay the visa fee securely online using a credit or debit card. The standard processing time is 2-3 business days, though it can take up to 5 working days during peak periods.
Once approved, you'll receive an approval letter via email. Print this document and present it at the port of entry, where immigration officers will stamp the visa in your passport.
Key Features of the Uganda eVisa
- Fully Digital Process: Apply from anywhere in the world without visiting an embassy or consulate
- Fast Processing: Typical approval within 2-3 business days, with some applications processed even faster
- Email Delivery: Receive your visa approval letter directly to your email inbox
- Multiple Visa Types: Available for tourism, business, transit, and the East Africa Tourist Visa
- Secure Payment: Pay visa fees safely online using major credit and debit cards
- Application Tracking: Monitor your application status online using your unique application ID
- Valid for 90 Days: The eVisa is typically valid for 90 days from the date of entry
- Database Integration: Performs automatic checks against law enforcement databases for enhanced security
Types of Uganda eVisas Available
Designed for travelers visiting Uganda for leisure, sightseeing, or visiting friends and family.
Validity: 90 days
Stay Duration: Up to 30 days
Fee: $50 USD
Learn MoreFor individuals traveling to Uganda for business meetings, conferences, or work-related activities.
Validity: 90 days
Stay Duration: Up to 30 days
Fee: $50 USD
Learn MoreFor travelers passing through Uganda to reach another destination.
Validity: 7 days
Stay Duration: Up to 72 hours
Fee: $50 USD
Learn MoreA special visa allowing travelers to visit Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda with a single visa. This multi-country visa is valid for 90 days and permits multiple entries within the three countries. Uganda must be your first point of entry when applying through the Ugandan eVisa system.
Fee: $100 USD | Countries: Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda
Learn MoreWho Needs a Uganda eVisa?
Most international visitors to Uganda require a visa to enter the country. The eVisa is the recommended method for obtaining this authorization. However, there are some important exceptions:
Visa-Exempt Countries
Citizens of East African Community (EAC) countries can enter Uganda without a visa. EAC member states include:
- Kenya
- Tanzania
- Rwanda
- Burundi
- South Sudan
Additionally, citizens from several other countries including Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Comoros, Cyprus, Eritrea, Fiji, Gambia, Grenada, Jamaica, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Malta, Mauritius, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Zambia, and Zimbabwe can visit Uganda without a visa for up to 3 months.
Who Should Apply for an eVisa?
Travelers from countries including the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, South Africa, Russia, Japan, India, China, Germany, France, Italy, Belgium, Denmark, and most other nations must obtain an eVisa before traveling to Uganda.
Uganda eVisa Requirements
To successfully apply for a Uganda eVisa, you must prepare the following documents and meet these requirements:
Valid Passport
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date in Uganda and have at least 2 blank pages for visa stamps.
Passport Photo
A recent passport-sized photograph with a white background. The file must be under 250KB in size.
Yellow Fever Certificate
Mandatory for all travelers over 1 year of age. Must be obtained at least 10 days before travel.
Travel Documents
Flight itinerary or booking confirmation, and proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter).
Processing Time & Fees
| Visa Type | Processing Time | Validity Period | Maximum Stay | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist eVisa (Single Entry) | 2-3 business days | 90 days from entry | 30 days | $50 |
| Tourist eVisa (Multiple Entry) | 2-3 business days | 1 year | 90 days per visit | $100 |
| Business eVisa | 2-3 business days | 90 days from entry | 30 days | $50 |
| Transit eVisa | 2-3 business days | 7 days | 72 hours | $50 |
| East Africa Tourist Visa | 3-7 business days | 90 days | 90 days | $100 |
Note: A processing fee of $1.50 may apply. It's recommended to apply at least 2 weeks before your travel date.
Why Choose the Uganda eVisa?
Convenience
Apply from the comfort of your home or office. No need to visit an embassy, mail your passport, or wait in long queues. The entire process is completed online in just a few minutes.
Speed
Receive your visa approval within 2-3 business days in most cases. This is significantly faster than traditional visa processing methods, which can take weeks.
Security
The eVisa system performs automatic checks against law enforcement databases, ensuring enhanced security for both travelers and the country. Your personal information is protected with secure encryption.
Transparency
Track your application status online at any time using your unique application ID. You'll receive email notifications at each stage of the process, keeping you informed throughout.
Important Information About Your Uganda eVisa
Passport Validity
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date in Uganda. All information on your eVisa application must match your passport exactly, including spelling of names and passport number.
Entry Date
Do not arrive in Uganda before the entry date mentioned in your approved eVisa. The visa becomes valid from the specified date, and early arrival may result in entry denial.
Printing Your eVisa
While the eVisa is electronic, you must print the approval letter and present it to immigration authorities upon arrival. Immigration officers will use the barcode on the letter to access your application and stamp the visa in your passport.
Children and Minors
Children under 18 years must have their own eVisa unless they are included on a parent's or guardian's passport. Each child with their own passport requires a separate visa application.
Extension Possibilities
Yes, you can extend your Uganda eVisa while in the country. Extensions must be applied for at the Uganda Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control in Kampala before your current visa expires. The extension can be for up to an additional 90 days, with a fee of $50 USD for tourist visa extensions.
Overstaying Penalties
Overstaying your visa in Uganda results in a fine of $30 per day beyond your permitted stay. Continuous failure to pay may lead to deportation or a ban on future visits. Always ensure you leave before your visa expires or apply for an extension in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
An eVisa is obtained online before you travel, while a visa on arrival is obtained at the airport or border when you enter Uganda. The eVisa is recommended because it guarantees approval before travel, allows faster entry without long queues, and ensures you have all required documents prepared in advance.
The standard Uganda eVisa is valid only for entry into Uganda. However, the East Africa Tourist Visa allows you to visit Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda with a single visa. If you plan to visit multiple East African countries, consider applying for the East Africa Tourist Visa instead.
If your eVisa application is denied, you will receive a notification explaining the reasons. You can address the issues raised and reapply, or consider applying for a visa through the nearest Ugandan embassy or consulate. Common reasons for denial include incomplete documentation, passport validity issues, or incorrect information.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for all travelers to Uganda over 1 year of age. This requirement is strictly enforced at all entry points. The vaccination must be administered at least 10 days before travel and has lifetime validity according to WHO guidelines. You will not be allowed entry without the certificate.
You can check your application status on the official eVisa portal by entering your application ID and email address. The status will show whether your application is pending, approved, or if additional documentation is required. You'll also receive email notifications at each stage of processing.
How to Apply for Your Uganda eVisa
Ready to start your application? Follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Prepare Documents
Gather your valid passport, passport photo, yellow fever certificate, and travel documents. Ensure all files are under 250KB.
Step 2: Complete Application
Fill out the online application form with accurate personal and travel information. Double-check all details match your passport.
Step 3: Pay & Submit
Pay the visa fee securely online and submit your application. You'll receive a confirmation email with your application ID.
Step 4: Receive & Print
Once approved, download your eVisa approval letter from the email and print it for your trip to Uganda.
Ready to Get Your Uganda eVisa?
Start your online application now and receive your electronic visa within 2-3 business days.
Apply for Your eVisa Now