Frequently asked questions when applying for the Ugandan travel visa
What is the difference between an approval letter and a visa or permit?
An approval letter specifies that you are eligible for a visa though it’s NOT a guarantee. Prior to entering Uganda at the airport, you may be subjected to a second screening session as deemed fit by the airport immigration officers before reaching a final conclusion about whether or not you should be allowed into the country.
A visa/permit is the only final signifier that you are allowed to enter into Uganda and perform whatever activity allowed by the law as per your specific visa or permit type. A visa is issued at the point of entry of your choice. In this case, the airport.
Note: The approval letter is sent as an attachment along with the email informing you the decision that was taken on your visa application. At the airport, print this out and present it to the immigration officers along with your passport for biometric capture and visa issuance.
Can I modify my application?
Once you’ve submitted and decisions are yet to be taken on your application, you can not modify your application. In some cases though, the immigration officials might require additional information from you before reaching a unanimous decision and in this case, you’ll have to provide this information / documents at the page below: Submit additional information by visiting this page
My application was rejected. Can I know the reasons for this?
As part of the email message sent to you informing you of the decision that was taken on your application, when an application is rejected, the reasons will be included in this email. Kindly go through it and rectify these if you wish to apply again otherwise you risk having your next application rejected as well. Reapplication requires another 50$ visa payment for Uganda Tourist Visa and if you’ve corrected the reasons that caused the initial rejection of your application, then you have a better chance of your application being approved this time around.
Is the visa payment refundable if I cancel my application?
All visa payments are non refundable. You are always free to cancel your application though.
How do I pay for my Visa?
All payments are handled online on the official Uganda Immigration website
The website accepts both credit and debit cards of the Visa or mastercard type and doesn’t retain your credit card/ debit card information.
Payments should not be made on any other website and consider similar pages on other websites as attempts to defraud you.
What documents should I present to the immigration officers at the point of entry?
Print your visa approval letter and present it to the immigration officials at the airport. To determine the validity and authenticity of the letter, its barcode will be scanned. This will give the officials access to your immigration application letter. In addition to the visa approval letter, provide your passport as well as any other documents such as proof of return(return ticket), yellow fever vaccination card. If needed, these will be requested from you by the airport immigration officers.
How to retrieve your application ID in case you forgot it?
Incase you forgot your application id, you can request it by navigating to this page: Retrieve your application Id and providing the email address you used when applying.
How to extend/renew my permit?
Visit the Official Ugandan immigration website extension page and fill in the application ID of the permit to be extended, the previous passport that was used for the permit to be extended and the date of birth of the permit holder
How to replace your visa/permit?
Visit the Official Ugandan immigration website replacement page linked below and fill in the previous application ID, the previous passport number that was used for the permit to be replaced and the date of birth of permit holder
What nationalities are visa exempt?
If your nationality is included on the list of visa exempt nationalities, you are eligible to enter Uganda without a visa otherwise, you’ll have to apply for a visa before entering Uganda.
How to make payments for the Ugandan eVisa and what payment methods are accepted?
At the time of this writing, you can pay for a Ugandan eVisa through the official uganda immigration website
Available payment options include the credit or debit cards of both Visa and MasterCard. Payment is mandatory before your application is reviewed. Applications without an attached payment are automatically rejected.
All payments are subjected to a 3% surcharge fee.
I Applied For My Uganda Visa. Will I be Accepted?
The final decision regarding whether or not you’ll be granted a visa is left to the immigration officers. However, if you’ve provided all the necessary documents to back up your visa application and have tangible proof that you’ll be returning to your country, there is no reason for you to be denied a visa really.
How long will it take before my Ugandan visa is approved?
Every visa application is unique and processing time varies based on each case. Usually visa applications are approved within a couple days, 3 to 14 business days for most applicants. However, given that individual circumstances differ depending on the applicant, this could take longer. Though not longer than a month
Can I apply for a visa on arrival?
No you can’t. Your airline might even stop you from boarding without a Ugandan visa. You’ll have to apply for your visa prior to visiting Uganda. To apply, you can do this online at the official Uganda Immigration website
What is the best time to apply for a Uganda Tourist Visa?
It is best to apply at least a week or two before you travel. Once it’s approved the approval is valid for 90 days. If you don’t enter Uganda before the 90 days it will be cancelled in the system automatically. Then you have to apply for a new one. Unfortunately just like any other country that issues visas, the visa fee is non-refundable
I haven’t received an email stating whether my application has been approved or not
Go back to the visa website and check the status of your visa.