Everything You Need To Know About Uganda E-visa

It was in 2016 that authorities in Uganda launched the e-visa application privilege for foreign nationals. Until then, most of the foreign nationals except those who live in visa exempt countries were asked to visit the Ugandan embassies in their countries to obtain the travel authorization.

In order to visit Uganda, a foreign national can either opt for an e-visa or can obtain a visa on arrival from a Ugandan entry port. However, experts believe that it is always recommended to take an e-visa before traveling to Uganda. Even though visa on arrival is the easiest way to enter Uganda, this system cannot be relied, as authorities may phase out this facility at any time without prior notice.

As of now, people who are visiting Uganda for tourism and business-related activities can apply for an Uganda e-visa. Please scroll down to know more about different types of e-visas issued by authorities in Uganda.

Uganda tourist e-visa

If you are a foreign national who is planning to visit Uganda for tourism related activities, you can apply for tourist e-visa. The steps to obtain this e-visa is very simple. You should initially fill your personal details that includes, name, date of birth, passport number etc. Later, you will be asked to upload necessary documents to prove your nationality. As the final step of your visa application process, you should pay the visa processing fee. The payment can be made either through debit card, credit card or Paypal.

If you find any issues while applying for a Uganda tourist e-visa, you can seek the help of entrusted agencies like Visa Genie. Visa experts in Visa Genie will assist you in all the steps of the application process, and all you need to do is sending the below-mentioned documents to us via email.

• A clear copy of the passport’s information page should be submitted.
• The photograph of the applicant should be provided. While taking the photograph, the applicant should make sure that it is taken in white background. In the photograph, the foreign national should not have anything obstructing the hairline including a fringe, turban, or veil. It is also necessary to maintain a neutral facial expression in the photograph.
• One color copy of the yellow fever certificate should be submitted.
• It is also necessary to provide details of a point of contact in Uganda. The contact in Uganda could be either a hotel, person, organization or travel agency.
• The e-visa application should be filled without any errors. There are many previous instances where visa applications of foreign nationals were denied due to errors in the e-visa application. If you find any difficulties while completing this application form, do not hesitate to contact Visa Genie, and we will be glad to assist you.

Uganda business e-visa

Foreign nationals who plans to visit Uganda for business operations and commercial trading activities can apply for a business e-visa. Please find below the documents that should be produced to get a Uganda business e-visa.

• Foreign nationals should submit the copy of passport
• A letter of invitation should be produced, and it should be issued by the entity in Uganda. This proof of invitation should be written on the company’s letterhead, and it should be addressed to the directory of Embassies & Consulates. The letter should also carry complete details of the trip that includes dates of the trip, and purpose of the journey. The invitation letter should also carry the stamp of the inviting party.
• It is necessary to submit the proof of travel arrangements.
• The photograph of the applicant should be provided.
• A copy of the yellow fever certificate.
• The e-visa application form should be filled properly without any errors.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

What is a Uganda e-visa?

Uganda e-visas are electronic travel authorization issued to foreign nationals to visit the country legally. After getting this e-visa, foreign nationals should take a print out, and should carry it with him or her during the trip. Upon landing in Uganda, the traveler should show the print out of e-visa to the immigration authorities, and they will grand you the entry into the country after the visa stamping procedure.

What are the criteria that my passport should meet to obtain a Uganda e-visa?

The passport of the foreign national should have at least six months validity. The passport used by the foreign national should also have two blank pages for visa stamping. The foreign national should submit the passport along with the e-visa printout after reaching Uganda.

What should I do if I have two passports?

There are certain countries including the United Kingdom that offers dual passports to foreign nationals. If you have dual passports, please make sure that you are arriving with the same passport with which you have applied for the e-visa.

Can I change this e-visa to a work visa after entering Uganda?

Uganda e-visas are issued to foreign nationals who intend to visit the country for tourism and business-related activities. A foreign national is not allowed to change the e-visa to a work visa after entering Uganda. If you want to work in Uganda, you should initially return to your homeland, and should apply for a Uganda work visa. Work visas cannot be applied online, and it should be obtained via the embassy of Uganda.

What is the validity of a Uganda e-visa?

The validity of a Uganda e-visa is 90 days. Using these e-visas, foreign nationals can stay in the country for maximum 45 days.

Can I enter Uganda multiple times using a Uganda e-visa?

Uganda e-visas offer only single-entry privilege to foreign nationals. If you want to enter Uganda multiple times, you should apply for a regular visa.

Can I enter Kenya and Rwanda using a Uganda e-visa?

If you want to visit Kenya and Rwanda, along with Uganda, you should apply for an East Africa visas. These travel documents are actually multiple entry visas with 90 days validity.

Can I guarantee my entry into Uganda if I get an e-visa?

The final approval of your entry into Uganda will be made by immigration authorities at the country’s entry port. If they find your e-visa and other details satisfactory, they will grand you the entry into the country. However, if they find your entry against the country’s interest, they have the right to deny your entry.

How many days it will take to get my Uganda e-visa?

In normal cases, the Uganda e-visa will be sent to your email within six days of the application. If you are a traveler who wish to visit Uganda on an urgent basis, you can apply for super quick processing, and it allows you to obtain an e-visa within 48 hours. In order to get these quick visas, the foreign national should pay an additional visa processing fee.

When should I apply for a Uganda e-visa?

As mentioned earlier, it will take six days to get a Uganda e-visa if you are opting for standard visa processing. So, it is highly recommended to apply for a Uganda e-visa before seven business days of your scheduled departure date from your homeland.

What should I do if my e-visa application gets rejected by Uganda authorities?

Sometimes, due to various reasons, e-visa applications of foreign nationals may get rejected. In these cases, the foreign national can apply for a regular visa via the Uganda embassy.

Foreign nationals should understand that their e-visa processing fee will not be refunded irrespective of the outcome of the visa application.

Is it compulsory to produce my e-visa upon my arrival in Uganda?

It should be noted that a Uganda e-visa will be electronically connected to your passport. As these electronic travel authorizations is electronically connected with the passport, it is not mandatory to carry it while traveling to Uganda. However, experts recommend you to take the print out of the e-visa as it will help you to enter the country in a hassle-free manner.

Is it mandatory to submit a yellow fever certificate to get a Uganda e-visa?

Submitting a yellow fever certificate is a must to obtain a Uganda e-visa.

I am a citizen of Somalia, Am I allowed to get a Uganda e-visa?

Somalian nationals are not allowed to apply for a Uganda e-visa. If Somalian citizens have not completed the biometric process, they will be denied entry and transit.

Can I extend the validity of my Uganda visa while I am inside the country using a tourist e-visa?

Foreign nationals are not supposed to extend the validity of their tourist e-visa if they are inside Uganda. If you want to stay in Uganda for more days that exceed the visa validity period, you should go back to your homeland, and should apply for a fresh e-visa.

Can I enter Uganda multiple times using a tourist e-visa?

Uganda tourist e-visa offer single entry privilege to foreign nationals. If you want to enter Uganda multiple times, you should apply for a regular visa.