What’s the difference between an approval letter and a visa?

In the case of online application of Ugandan visa or permit, approval letter is usually given to the applicant. This is a document that is emailed or available on the Uganda electronic Visa/Permit webpage. It is however important to note that the approval letter is not the visa or permit itself.

The approval letter is merely an acknowledgement that your application has been initially screened and that you seem to qualify on the basis of the information provided.

Final approval process

The next step depends on the type of entry document you’ve applied for:

Visa:

The final approval is done at the place of entry, either Entebbe International Airport or a land border. The immigration officers will examine your documents and provide all is okay, they will affix a visa sticker in your passport.

Permit (e.g., work or residence):

You must report to the Immigration Office Headquarters in Kampala. After a final review, your permit will be printed and affixed to your passport.

Why this step matters

Final approval allows Ugandan authorities to:

Confirm your identity in person
Review original documents
Ensure that no security or legal concerns are present at the time of entry

In summary, while the approval letter is a key step, it does not replace the visa or permit. Be sure to carry all required documents and understand that your application is only finalized after in-person verification and issuance of the visa or permit sticker.