Getting the Uganda visa for tourists is a simple and straight forward process that allows visitors to do wherever they are. We have helped our guests understand the process and easily do it themselves, here is a comprehensive guide to help you get a tourist visa for Uganda
Uganda, known as the Pearl of Africa, is a destination that promises an unforgettable adventure.
With its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage, it’s no wonder that travelers from around the globe are drawn to this East African gem. Whether you’re planning to trek through the lush rain forests to see mountain gorillas, explore the vast savannas teeming with wildlife, or immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture, Uganda has something for everyone.
However, before you can embark on your Ugandan adventure, you’ll need to secure a tourist visa. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, ensuring that your planned journey to visit Uganda is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
Uganda Visa For Tourists
Visa Types
1. Ugandan Tourist Visa
If you’re planning a trip to Uganda, you’ll most likely need a single-entry tourist visa. Here’s what you need to know:
- Validity and Duration: The tourist visa is valid for one (1) entry and allows you to stay in Uganda for up to 90 days.
- Cost: The Uganda tourist visa (single entry) cost 50 USD.
- Passport Requirement: Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your date of entry into Uganda.
- Visa Restrictions: You cannot hold another Ugandan visa while on a tourist visa, and you can’t convert this visa to a work or student visa once inside the country.
- Important Reminder: Make sure to bring the same passport you used to apply for the e-visa. The visa is valid for 90 days from the date of issue, so plan your trip accordingly.
2. East African Community (EAC) Visa
For those planning to explore more of East Africa, the EAC visa is a great option. You can get it from the visa portal of either Rwanda, Uganda or Kenya and use it across the borders for multiple entries.
You should get the visa from the country you are visiting first.
- Benefits: This visa allows travel to Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda with a single visa.
- Validity: The EAC visa is valid for 90 days.
- Cost: The fee for the EAC visa is 100 USD.
- Requirements: You will need to provide your travel itinerary and a return ticket.
Application Process for Ugandan e-Visa
Applying for a Ugandan e-visa is straightforward and can be done online. All you have to do is visit the Visa portal on Uganda Immigration website at https://visas.immigration.go.ug/
Here is the simple 4 step process you will encounter.
Choosing the Visa Type
You need to decide about which visa suits your travel plans. Most tourists opt for the single-entry visa, but you can also choose from multiple-entry visas or the EAC visa. Each visa type has specific requirements and costs, so ensure you have all the necessary documents before proceeding.
Unless you have multiple planned visits, the single entry ordinary visa is sufficient for most guests. If you are visiting 2 or 3 of the countries covered by the EAC visa, that will be the appropriate choice for you.
Providing Personal Information
You will need to provide detailed personal information, including your name, address, contact details, how long you plan to stay, and your passport information. This ensures you are legally allowed to enter Uganda.
Providing unclear information often leads to visa denials, meaning you have to redo the whole process once again.
Attaching Relevant Documents
You will need to upload the following documents:
- Passport-size photograph
- Scanned personal details and the last page of your passport
- Invitation letter (if applicable)
- Proof of immigration status
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate
- Return tickets
Special Requirements for Minors: If you are under 18, you need a written letter from your parents or legal guardians giving you permission to travel.
Submitting the Application
Once you’ve completed the form and uploaded your documents, submit your application. You should receive a response within 72 hours.
You can check the status of your application on the website.
Required Documents for e-Visa Application
Here is a quick checklist of the documents you need:
- Passport-size Photograph: Make sure it’s recent and clearly shows your face.
- Scanned Documents: These include your personal details and the last page of your passport.
- Invitation Letter: If you’re visiting friends or family, you might need this.
- Immigration Status: Proof of your current immigration status.
- Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate: You need this to enter Uganda.
- Return Tickets: Proof of your travel plans and return flights.
Visa on Arrival
If you can’t get your e-visa before you travel, don’t worry. You can still get a visa on arrival at Entebbe International Airport or other entry points in Uganda. Just bring the required documents and visa fee, and your visa will be processed on the spot.
Visa Extension
If you want to extend your stay in Uganda, it’s easy to get a Uganda visa extension. Visit the nearest immigration office with the following items:
- A copy of your passport and current visa
- A copy of your departure flight
- A cover letter explaining why you need an extension
- A visa extension application form
- A letter from your host
- A copy of your host’s ID
Visa extensions are free of charge, so you don’t need to worry about extra costs.
Visa Exempt Countries
Some nationalities do not need a Uganda visa to enter Uganda for tourism and leisure purposes. Citizens of the following countries can stay for up to 90 days without a visa:
Angola, Antigua & Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Burundi, Comoros, Cyprus, Eritrea, Eswatini, Fiji, The Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Hong Kong, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Lesotho, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Rwanda, Saint Vincent & the Grenadines, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, The Solomon Islands, Tanzania, Tonga, Trinidad & Tobago, Vanuatu, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Conclusion
We hope this guide helps you understand the process of getting a Uganda visa for tourists. If you have any more questions, feel free to reach out to us.
Our guests are always provided with all the necessary assistance to make this process easy, and when they reach Uganda, our happy guides are waiting to welcome them to the Pearl of Africa.
Take a look at our safari packages and see which trip would best work for you – and we’ll organize that for you. Alternatively, we can work from a blank page and create for you a custom safari that is based around your interests, style and budget.
