Recently, the Uganda government launched the e-visa system. According to this program, all foreign nationals are required to complete an online application prior to visiting the country. Through this program, foreigners are no longer required to apply for a traditional visa.
Alternatively, all foreign nationals (except for those who enjoy visa exemption) must have travel authorization to enter Uganda. If you don’t want to get a traditional visa, you can apply for an e-visa. It is created to make the visa application process fast and convenient!
Uganda e-Visa Types
Uganda offers different types of e-visas for different purposes. Here are some of the most popular Uganda visa options for foreign citizens:
Tourist e-Visa
If you want to visit Uganda for tourism purposes, you can apply for an online tourist visa. This visa allows you to visit family members or friends located in Uganda.
Uganda offers different types of tourist e-visas, including:
90-day Tourist Visa - This one is a single-entry visa that stays valid for 90 days. It allows a holder to stay in the country for 45 days.
180-Day Tourist Visa - This visa comes with a validity period of 180 days and allows a holder to stay in Uganda for 90 days. It is a multiple-entry visa!
12-Month Tourist Visa - You can also apply for a 12-month tourist visa. These are alos multiple entry visas!
24-Month Tourist Visa - Lastly, Uganda also offers a 2-year tourist e-visa valid for multiple entries.
Business e-Visa
If you want to enter Uganda for professional and commercial activities, you must apply for a business e-visa. This one is also available in different types, depending on the validity period. You can visit VisaHQ to decide which business visa option is best for you!
East Africa e-Visa
Foreign nationals can also apply for an East Africa Online visa to enter Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda, using the same travel documents. This one is also a multiple-entry visa with a validity period of 90 days.
Transit e-Visa
If you are transiting through the country, you'll need to apply for a transit visa. This travel document is not extendable and provides a maximum stay of 7 days. It is a multiple-entry visa that has a validity period of 180 days.
Required Documents for an Uganda e-Visa
As Uganda offers different types of e-visas for different purposes, the visa requirements are different as well. Basically, you need the following 3 documents to apply for an Uganda e-visa:
Valid Passport - You need a passport that stays valid for at least 6 months. Also, make sure your passport has at least 2 blank pages.
E-mail Address - Your email address will be electronically linked to your passport. Upon approval, you'll receive your electronic visa via email. So, make sure you are providing a valid and active email address.
Means of Payment - Applicants are required to pay the embassy fee and visa service fee. To do so, you can use a debit or credit card!
Besides these, you'll need some additional documents depending on your purpose of visit, such as:
Tourist e-Visa:
Passport
Itinerary
Yellow fever vaccination certificate
Copies of previous Uganda visas
A cover letter
Recommendation letters
Business e-Visa:
Passport
Photograph
Itinerary
Yellow fever certificate
Letter from the host
Business card
Invitation letter
East Africa e-Visa:
Passport
Photograph
Itinerary
Daily travel plan
Yellow fever certificate
Transit e-Visa:
Passport
Photograph
Entries and exits
Personal letter
How to Apply for an Uganda e-Visa
Uganda e-visas are becoming more and more popular because applying for them is a piece of cake. You don’t need to visit the Uganda embassy or consulate. You don’t have to follow complicated steps. In addition, you don’t even have to schedule an appointment for a visa interview.
International travelers can apply online for an e-visa by following three simple steps:
Fill out the online visa application form
Pay the visa processing fee
Submit your application
That's it! Afterward, you'll get your approved e-visa via email within 3-5 business days.
Visa Application Form
While applying for an e-visa, make sure to fill out the application form using the correct data. If there are some errors in your application form, your e-visa will be delayed or denied.
To fill out the application form, you need to provide personal, contact, travel, and passport details. This information includes:
Full name
Place of birth
Date of birth
Passport bio data
Phone number
Home address
Passport issue and expiry dates
Email address
Travel dates
"Keep in mind that an e-visa does not guarantee your entry in a foreign country; the immigration officers have the final say!"