Is an eVisa as valid as a sticker visa in my passport?
Yes, an eVisa for Uganda holds the same weight as a regular sticker visa in your passport. You can enter the country legally with either type of visa, if all the rules for entering are met. It’s not about whether the visa is real, but about how and what documents are needed to obtain it.
How is it different from a sticker visa?
A sticker visa is a sticker placed on your passport by an embassy or consulate. Usually such a visa needs you to appear in person and for your application to be handled manually. While the format is different, both types are recognized by Ugandan immigration authorities.
Feature | eVisa | Sticker Visa |
Application method | Online | Embassy/Consulate |
Format | PDF printout | Sticker in passport |
Validity | Same (based on visa type) | Same |
Recognition at entry | Fully recognized | Fully recognized |
Will immigration accept my e-Visa at the airport?
Yes, all official ports of entry in Uganda such as Entebbe Airport, land borders and designated checkpoints, accept the Uganda eVisa. When you arrive, officials at immigration will look at your paper eVisa approval letter and:
- Your valid passport
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate
- Return/onward travel documents
- Proof of accommodation (if requested)
Once your eVisa approval is verified at the border, you will receive an entry stamp or endorsement in your passport, just like a traveler with a pre-issued sticker visa.
Note: Ensure that you print out the eVisa approval letter and carry it with you. Digital copies on phones may not be accepted at entry points.
Conclusion: Uganda’s eVisa
In essence, the legal status of an eVisa is the same as that of a sticker visa issued by an embassy. It makes things simpler and faster compared to the traditional method. As soon as your eVisa is approved and you meet all the entry conditions, you will be allowed into Uganda like you would with a regular visa.
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