Application for a visa
VISA APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS - https://visas.immigration.go.ug/ (THE ONLY OFFICIAL WEBSITE - PLEASE BEWARE OF FRAUDULENT WEBSITES.)
All visa applications must be submitted online in advance of travel through the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Uganda E-Visa website: https://visas.immigration.go.ug/ .
Applications can be tracked online: https://visas.immigration.go.ug/#/check
There is no visa available on arrival at Entebbe Airport or at the High Commission
Visa applications are subject to approval; any person intending to travel to Uganda must apply online and have a Travel Authorisation/Visa Approval Letter before embarking on their travel to Uganda as there are no visas on arrival.
The Visa Section at the Uganda High Commission is open to the public for enquiries and personalisation, Monday to Friday from 10:00a.m. to 1:00pm only (except on Public Holidays in Uganda and the United Kingdom).
Please note there is currently no personalisation of the East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV) at our office, applicants will need to proceed to Entebbe with their approval document.
Visa applications cannot be expedited, thus, the onus is on the applicant to apply in good time in advance of travel.
Applicants are advised to only submit their application in a period that falls within 3 months of their departure from Uganda. The validity of an approved E-Visa is three months starting from the issue date - visas expire 90 days from issue.
Applicants must apply for a visa using the E-Visa portal.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ's)
Can I apply for a visa in person at your office?
No.
What is the only official e-visa website for visiting Uganda?
https://visas.immigration.go.ug/
The visa website was down recently, can I get a visa on arrival?
Can I use my phone to apply/modify my visa application?
All applicants are advised to use a computer or laptop with Google Chrome as the browser.
I'm unable to make payment, can you help?
With your Application ID visit https://www.visas.immigration.go.ug/#/check, select 'Applications', 'Manage Application' then login to your application with your Application ID, Passport Number and Date of Birth, making payment with making payment online using your UK Debit/Credit Card.
Use the Google Chrome browser and ensure pop ups are enabled in your browser settings.
How do I get my travel authorisation/visa approval letter?
Visit https://www.visas.immigration.go.ug/#/check, enter your Passport No, Date of Birth and Application ID. If your visa has been approved it will state 'approved' and you can download your visa authorisation letter.
I have previously visited Uganda and have been able to get a visa on arrival, is this still the case?
All applicants must apply for a visa using the above mentioned website in advance of travel. Applicants will not be allowed to board the flight to Entebbe without a Travel Authorization letter.
I have previously visited your High Commission alone/as a group when submitting visa applications for you to manually process, do you still offer this service?
No. Whether you are travelling alone or as a group, each applicant must apply online through the above mentioned website in advance of travel.
Why does it say contact in Uganda is an 'invalid field'?
If applicants are completing this field and using a '+' sign when entering data such as a telephone number, they are advised to omit the '+' sign and write the full number, including relevant prefix, out.
On Step 3 when adding documents such as a copy of my passport, passport size photograph and vaccination certificate, I'm getting the error, 'file size is too big'?
Maximum file size is 250KB. There are many different websites and computer software, such as 'Microsoft Paint' and 'snipping tool', which can allow you to adjust the size of your files accordingly.
How long does it take to find out the outcome of my application?
The turnaround for a visa application can vary and is a case by case basis. You may have your visa approved within three working days or you may be required to submit further documentation which can then mean this takes longer e.t.c There is no one answer!
How can I check the status of my application?
https://visas.immigration.go.ug/#/check
When wanting to check the status of my application, it does not allow me to select my year of birth which is prior to 1959?
Press the arrow allowing you to change your year of birth, select '1959', which should then close the scroll. Click the arrow again to change the year of birth and you should be able to correctly select the relevant date.
What happens if I am requested to add my documents?
Click 'Applications', 'manage my applications', fill in your information and select 'modify', adding the relevant document.
What does 'point of entry or where you want to have your visa personalised' mean?
This is where your fingerprints are taken and your visa sticker is put in your passport.
What happens once my visa is approved?
Download your approval letter and you can proceed to Entebbe to personalise your visa at the border.
What are the current COVID-19 entry requirements?
None.
I am exempt from the yellow fever vaccine, what should I upload?
An exemption letter/certificate.
If I have a Home Office Travel Document do I need a visa?
This depends on your nationality. See here.
If I hold a Ugandan Passport do I need a visa to travel to Uganda?
No.
I wasn't aware I could no longer get a visa on arrival; are you able to expedite my visa application?
Unfortunately not; applicants should endeavour to apply for a visa in good time, prior to travel.
Is there an express service for visa applications?
No.
Do babies and children need to apply for a visa?
Yes; all visa-prone persons regardless of age must apply for a visa online in advance of travel.
What are the visa application requirements?
Passport bio data page with 6 month validity (All)
Passport photo (All)
Yellow fever certificate (All)
Invitation letter (family visit)
National ID/Passport of host (family visit)
Accommodation/tour guide booking (tourism)
A letter stating reason for transit and country of destination (transit)
Invitation letter for conference (Conference)
Invitation letter for business (Business)
Return ticket (Additional information)
Answers to more FAQ's can be found here.
REQUIREMENT FOR YELLOW FEVER VACCINATION CERTIFICATE
The Government of Uganda through the Ministry of Health is committed to protect the population from the risk of importing or further spreading Yellow Fever virus by establishing entry and exit requirement on Yellow Fever Vaccination for travellers.
Proof of vaccination is often required for travellers arriving from countries with risk of Yellow Fever transmission and sometimes for travellers in transit through such countries.
Accordingly, in line with International Health Regulations, Uganda abides by World Health Assembly resolutions on the requirement for Yellow Fever vaccination for travellers, thus;
1. Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is a requirement for persons travelling from endemic countries to Yellow Fever free countries.
2. It is not a requirement for travellers to receive booster does after the one-time vaccination which gives lifelong protection.
LIST OF COUNTRIES WHOSE NATIONALS DO NOT REQUIRE TO PAY FORA VISA TO ENTER UGANDA:
Nationals of these countries are issued gratis (free of charge) visas upon their arrival. You do not need to apply for a visa for entering in Uganda.
