Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about e-Visa in Uganda

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.

Uganda grants visa-free entry to nationals of selected countries, including members of the East African Community and a limited number of countries in Asia, Europe, and the Caribbean. This assists in improving tourism and establishing healthy international relations. How long can you stay in Uganda without a visa? Visa-exempt travelers can stay in Uganda typically for 30 or 90 days, depending on bilateral agreements. The specific period will be dependent on the agreement of Uganda with any given country. Always re-check the requirements with the Ugandan Embassy or Immigration Office. What should you bring if you don’t need a visa? You do not need a visa, you have to prepare the following documents: A passport valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry. A return or onward ticket or evidence that you will be able to support yourself. Visa-exempt travelers may be asked to show proof of sufficient funds for their stay. A Yellow Fever vaccination card, depending on your route of travel and health regulations. What if you are not from a visa-free country? Unless your country appears in the visa-exempt list, you will need to obtain a visa. It is possible to apply online for an eVisa. Alternatively you can visit the closest Ugandan Embassy. The web based application is quick and easy. Utilize the official site of the immigration services in Uganda. Note: Travelers can apply for the East African Tourist Visa, which allows entry into Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda with a single visa. Countries that don’t need a visa for Uganda Uganda grants visa-free entry mainly to East African Community partner states, and a few other selected countries. Always confirm the current list with Uganda Immigration before travel. Antigua and Barbuda Grenada Seychelles Bahamas Hong Kong Sierra Leone Barbados Ireland Singapore Belize Jamaica Solomon Island Botswana Kenya South Sudan Burundi Lesotho St. Vincent & The Grenadines Comoros Madagascar Eswatini Cyprus Malawi Tonga Democratic Republic of Congo Malaysia Trinidad & Tobago Eritrea Malta United Republic of Tanzania Fiji Mauritius Vanuatu Gambia Mozambique Zambia Ghana Rwanda Zimbabwe *Source:  Official website of the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control of Uganda

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.

Yes, you may reapply for a Uganda visa if your first application was unsuccessful. Getting your visa rejected does not mean you will always be banned. But if you want to be approved the second time, you should figure out the reason for the denial and resolve it before making a new application.

You may have your visa application for Uganda turned down if you are missing required papers, have incorrect information or raise doubts about your reasons for visiting. If you understand what caused your previous rejection, you can make your application better if you decide to try again.

Yes, you are advised to process your visa for Uganda before your planned trip. If you apply for a visa early, you won’t face any stress and can respond to any additional requirements from the officials in time.

No, you are not required to purchase or pay for flights or hotels upfront, but you must provide proof of travel plans, such as flight reservations or accommodation bookings. Normally, you will have to show proof of where you are traveling such as a flight reservation or confirmation of your hotel booking. They give proof of your intentions and explain the organization of your trip.

Get informed on the entry and visa regulations before you go to Uganda. Your visa requirement for Uganda is based on your country’s passport, your plans for your stay and how long you plan to visit. In the section that follows, you’ll get all the details you need to arrange your journey.

Most tourists who consider using the East Africa Tourist Visa want to know whether they need to begin their journey in a particular nation. Your travel itinerary may face changes because the issuing country determines where you need to enter first when applying for the East Africa Tourist Visa.

When traveling for an extended period between Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda you need to know about the validity period of the East Africa Tourist Visa and if you can extend it while you are visiting.