Uganda Visa Online: Step-by-Step Application Guide for 2025

Welcome to Hassle-Free Visa Processing

Congratulations! You've decided to visit Uganda, the Pearl of Africa. Now comes the practical part: getting your visa. We can tell you that Uganda's online visa system is straightforward if you know what to expect. The key is attention to detail.

Every week, we see travelers make the same avoidable mistakes that delay their applications. This guide will walk you through the exact process for your visa application.

Understanding Uganda Visa Options

1. Single Entry Tourist Visa (Most Common)

• Validity: Up to 90 days from entry

• Cost: $50 USD

• Best for: Travelers visiting only Uganda

• Can be extended: Yes, at immigration offices in Uganda

2. Multiple Entry Tourist Visa

• Validity: 6-12 months

• Cost: $100 USD

• Best for: Frequent visitors, business travelers

• Requirements: Proof of need for multiple entries

3. East African Tourist Visa

• Validity: 90 days across three countries

• Cost: $100 USD

• Covers: Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya

• Must enter through: First country of application

• Cannot re-enter: Once you leave the region, visa ends

4. Transit Visa

• Validity: 7 days

• Cost: $40 USD

• Requirements: Onward ticket proof

Which Visa Should You Choose?

Enjobe Safaris Expert Tip: "90% of our clients choose the East African Tourist Visa. Even if you're only visiting Uganda now, it gives you flexibility for last-minute side trips and costs just $50 more than single entry."

Pre-Application Checklist

Before you start your visa application, please ensure you check all these boxes.

Essential Documents to Prepare

Prepare these documents

Digital Copies Required (PDF or JPEG):

1. Passport Bio Page

   • Must have 6+ months validity

   • At least 2 blank pages

   • Clear, color scan (300 DPI)

2. Passport-Style Photo

   • Recent (within 6 months)

   • White background

   • 2x2 inches (51x51mm)

   • Neutral expression, no glasses

   • Professional quality (no selfies)

3. Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate

   • Must be valid

   • Clear scan of entire document

   • Name must match passport exactly

4. Itinerary/Invitation Letter

   • Hotel reservations

   • Flight details (return/onward)

   • Tour confirmation (we provide for Enjobe clients)

Payment Method:

• Credit/debit card (Visa, MasterCard)

• Ensure international transactions enabled

• Have $50-$100 available plus $1.50 processing fee

Time Requirements:

• Apply: 2-4 weeks before travel

• Processing: 3-5 business days standard

• Express: 1-2 business days (additional fee)

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Step 1: Access the Official Portal

Only Use This Official Website: https://visas.immigration.go.ug/

(Beware of third-party sites charging extra fees)

Create Your Account:

• Click "Create an Account"

• Use personal email (not work, in case of IT restrictions)

• Strong password (save it!)

• Verify email immediately

Step 2: Start New Application

1. Click "New Application"

2. Select visa type

3. Choose "Tourist Visa" unless you need specific category

Step 3: Fill Application Form

Personal Details:

• Enter exactly as shown in passport

• Nationality = country of passport

• Place of birth = city/country from passport

Passport Information:

• Passport number (double-check!)

• Issue/expiry dates (day/month/year format)

• Issuing authority

Travel Information:

• Arrival date (can be approximate)

• Port of entry (Entebbe Airport is EBB)

• Address in Uganda (use first hotel address)

• Purpose: Tourism

Contact Information:

• Phone with country code

• Emergency contact (family member)

Step 4: Upload Documents

Our Proven Upload Strategy:

Passport Scan:

• File name: "LastName_Passport.jpg"

• File size: <500KB

• Format: JPEG or PDF

• Check: All corners visible, no glare

Photo Requirements:

• Common Rejection Reasons:

  • Shadow on face or background

  • Wrong size (use photo tool on website)

  • Wearing glasses or hat

  • Smiling too much (neutral expression required)

Yellow Fever Certificate:

• Scan entire document

• Ensure date is valid

• Name matches passport exactly

Supporting Documents:

• Flight itinerary (PDF)

• Hotel booking confirmation

• For Enjobe Clients: We provide customized invitation letter

Step 5: Review and Submit

Please review these before submitting your application

Critical Checkpoints:

1. All names match passport exactly

2. Dates in correct format (DD/MM/YYYY)

3. Email address correct

4. Port of entry matches flight plans

5. No spelling errors

Payment:

• $50 for single entry + $1.50 processing

• Secure payment gateway

• Save payment confirmation

• Receipt sent to email

Step 6: Track Application

Status Meanings:

• Pending: Just submitted

• Under Review: Being processed

• Approved: Visa granted (download immediately)

• Additional Documents Required: Check email

• Rejected: Contact support

Processing Timeline:

• Standard: 3-5 business days

• Express: 1-2 business days (+$50)

• Peak Seasons: Add 2-3 days (Dec-Jan, Jun-Aug)

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Top 10 Application Errors

1. Passport Validity

   • ? Less than 6 months remaining

   • ? Check expiry date before applying

2. Photo Issues

   • ? Selfie, wrong background, shadows

   • ? Use professional service or online tool

3. Name Discrepancies

   • ? Shortened names (Mike vs Michael)

   • ? Exact match to passport

4. Payment Problems

   • ? Card declines international transaction

   • ? Notify bank before applying

5. Incomplete Documents

   • ? Missing yellow fever certificate

   • ? Prepare all documents before starting

6. Wrong Visa Type

   • ? Applying for single when needing East African

   • ? Review travel plans first

7. Date Errors

   • ? MM/DD/YYYY instead of DD/MM/YYYY

   • ? Double-check format

8. Email Issues

   • ? Using work email with restrictions

   • ? Use personal Gmail/Outlook

9. Last-Minute Application

   • ? Applying 3 days before travel

   • ? Apply 2-4 weeks in advance

10. Third-Party Sites

    • ? Using visa service charging $100+

    • ? Only use official government site

What to Do If Your Application is Delayed

After 5 Business Days:

1. Check spam folder for emails

2. Log into portal for status

3. Email: mail@immigration.go.ug

4. Include: Full name, application ID, passport number

Emergency Processing:

• Available at Entebbe Airport (not recommended)

• Cost: $100 on arrival

• Risk: Long queues, possible denial

• Our Advice: Always apply online first

East African Tourist Visa Special Section

Application Differences

1. First Point of Entry: Must be country where you applied

2. Multiple Exits/Entries: Between Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya only

3. Cannot Visit: Tanzania or other neighbors

4. 90 Days Total: Across all three countries

Our Recommended Strategy: Apply through Uganda if starting there. The process is identical to single entry visa, just select 'East African Tourist Visa' and pay $100.

Border Crossings with EAV:

Uganda - Rwanda (Gatuna/Katuna):

• Show printed visa

• Get exit stamp from Uganda

• Entry stamp from Rwanda

• Keep visa document safe

Uganda - Kenya (Malaba/Busia):

• Similar process

• Keep with passport at all times

Important: Once you leave the three-country region (fly to Tanzania, etc.), the visa expires.

After Approval - What Next?

Congratulations! your visa application has been approved but what next though?

Download and Print

1. Download immediately upon approval email

2. Print 2 copies:

   • Color copy for immigration

   • Backup in separate bag

3. Save digital copy on phone/cloud

Visa Approval Letter Contains:

• Your photo

• Passport details

• Visa validity dates

• QR code for verification

At Entry Point (Entebbe Airport)

This is what you need to know before reaching Entebbe International Airport

Documents to Present:

1. Passport (original)

2. Printed visa approval

3. Yellow fever certificate (depending on country of origin)

4. Return/onward ticket

5. Proof of accommodation

Immigration Process:

1. Join "Visa on Arrival" line (shorter)

2. Present documents

3. Fingerprints and photo taken

4. Visa sticker placed in passport

5. Proceed to baggage claim

Enjobe Safaris Meet & Greet Service:

Our representative meets you with sign, helps through immigration, and transfers you to your hotel.

Visa Extension Process

If You Need More Time;

• Where: Immigration headquarters in Kampala

• When: Before visa expires

• Cost: $50 per month

• Requirements: Valid reason, financial means

Better Option: Apply for longer visa initially if unsure of dates.

Special Cases and Exemptions

Just like any other countries, Uganda also has some Visa policies that apply to certain groups of people

Countries That Don't Need Visas

Check Current List Here -> https://www.immigration.go.ug/services/visa-exempt-countries

Children Under 16:

• Apply separately

• Require birth certificate

• Parental consent letter if traveling with one parent

Family Applications:

• Each person needs separate application

• Use same email for tracking

• Pay separately

Dual Citizens

Important: Use the passport you will travel with

• If you have Ugandan passport, use that

• If entering on foreign passport, need visa

• Don't mix passports

COVID-19 and Health Requirements

Check before travel, requirements change frequently

Typically Required:

1. Yellow fever certificate (depending on country of origin)

2. COVID-19 vaccination proof (currently not required but check)

3. Negative COVID test (currently not required)

Health Declaration Form:

• May be required at airport

• Available on arrival

• Or online pre-arrival

Our Service: We monitor requirements and update clients 2 weeks before travel.

Apply for a Ugandan Visa Now

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