Obtaining a Uganda Tourist Visa is an important step for entering the country legally. All nationalities that require a visa must get one before they are allowed to enter Uganda.
A visa can be obtained either on arrival at Entebbe International Airport or in advance from Uganda Missions abroad. Most Uganda tourist visas are given on arrival, but there is an option to apply for it in advance from home.
A valid Uganda visa is rubber-stamped on one of your passport pages and signed by an immigration officer to show that it is approved. This visa also shows how many days you are allowed to stay in Uganda.
If you are booking a Uganda gorilla trekking tour from Kigali, you need to apply for an East African tourist visa. It is a single visa that allows multiple entries into Uganda and Rwanda. Only apply for a Uganda tourist visa if you are starting your tour from Entebbe and you don’t plan to visit other East African countries.
How to Get a Visa to Uganda
The easiest way to get a Uganda tourist visa is when you arrive in the country. The only problem with this option is that sometimes you may have to wait for a few hours before your visa is issued. This can delay your trip, especially if your safari starts on the same day you arrive.
The second option is using the Uganda visa online application system. This system was introduced to make the visa application process easier and allow travelers to apply several months in advance.
The online system collects all the needed information and documents. If successful, a bar code will be emailed to you within 72 hours. This bar code will be scanned by the immigration officer and inserted into your passport.
The third way is applying through Uganda Missions abroad, but the online system is usually recommended.
Uganda Visa Requirements
As mentioned earlier, you must meet certain requirements to get a Uganda entry visa. These include:
- A filled visitor pass
- A cover letter from the applicant
- A copy of a confirmed return air ticket
- Immigration status and a copy of your passport (with at least 6 months validity)
- The original passport for verification
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate
Some of these requirements may not apply in all cases, but it is safer to have all the above items ready.
Cost/Price
How much does a Uganda visa cost? Since July 2015, the costs are as follows:
- $50 for a single entry visa
- $100 for a multiple entry visa
- $100 for an East Africa tourist visa
No charge for government or diplomatic visas
Note that the single entry visa fee was reduced from $100 to $50. This means the cost is the same for Indians, Americans, or any other nationality.
If you apply online in a hurry, you may pay an extra fee of $30 to speed up the process. This allows you to get your visa in less than 48 hours. In many cases, you may get it within 24 hours. Payments can be made at Entebbe International Airport or by credit card or bank transfer.
Uganda Visa Exemptions
Some citizens do not need to pay for Uganda travel visas. These include:
Nationals of COMESA member countries: Eritrea, Malawi, Angola, Seychelles, Madagascar, Swaziland, Zambia, Kenya, Mauritius, Comoros, Zimbabwe
East African citizens: Burundi, Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda
Citizens of countries such as Barbados, Fiji, Grenada, Lesotho, Sierra Leone, Cyprus, Bahamas, Belize, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Tonga, Gambia, Jamaica, Malta, Antigua, Singapore, and others
Other exemptions may exist and are usually confirmed on arrival. It is good to check with Uganda Immigration about visa fees for your country before booking your flight.
Tips for Getting a Visa on Arrival
It can be disappointing to reach the airport and be denied a visa. Below are tips to follow during the interview process:
- Carry all necessary documents: Always carry the required documents, especially your original passport. Missing documents may cause delays or denial of your visa.
- Read your interview letter carefully: You may be asked questions from your appointment letter. Review it well so that your answers are clear and correct.
- Be honest, polite, and confident: Answer questions honestly and politely. Immigration officers may test your confidence and will check if your answers are consistent.
- Dress well: Your dressing creates a first impression. Dress decently. Poor dressing may raise questions. Formal wear is recommended.
- Be clear and direct: Immigration officers have many people to attend to. Keep your answers short and clear to save time.
Finally, many people think getting visa approval means they are guaranteed entry, but that is not always true. Your visa can be canceled at any time if false information is found. Always give correct and honest information.
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