The Uganda Permit Application System is an online platform where travelers can apply for various permits required for entry into Uganda. The system allows travelers to submit and track their permit applications online, making the process more convenient and efficient.

The types of permits that can be applied for through the Uganda Permit Application System include the Uganda East African Tourist Visa, the Single Entry Visa, the Multiple Entry Visa, and various other permits for work, study, and other purposes.

To use the Uganda Permit Application System, travelers must first create an account and provide their personal and travel information. They can then select the type of permit they wish to apply for and complete the required application forms, including uploading any necessary documents.

After submitting the application, travelers can track its progress through the system and receive updates on its status. Once the permit is approved, it will be issued electronically and can be printed and presented at the port of entry into Uganda.

Overall, the Uganda Permit Application System streamlines the process of applying for permits, making it easier for travelers to plan their trips to Uganda and ensuring that they have the necessary documentation to enter the country.

What is Uganda Permit Application System?

The Uganda Permit Application System is an online platform designed to facilitate the application and issuance of permits for travelers visiting Uganda. The system allows travelers to apply for permits from anywhere in the world using an internet-enabled device, making the process more efficient and convenient.

The Uganda Permit Application System is an online platform developed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) that allows individuals and organizations to apply for various permits related to wildlife and nature conservation activities in Uganda. The system provides a streamlined and efficient way to obtain permits for activities such as gorilla tracking, game drives, bird watching, sport fishing, and more.

Through the Uganda Permit Application System, applicants can submit their permit applications, pay the required fees, and receive their permits electronically. The system is designed to be user-friendly and accessible to applicants from all over the world.

Applicants are required to provide accurate and complete information when submitting their applications, and must comply with all the relevant laws and regulations governing wildlife conservation activities in Uganda. The Uganda Wildlife Authority reserves the right to deny permit applications that do not meet the required criteria, or that are deemed to pose a risk to the conservation of Uganda's wildlife and natural resources.

Overall, the Uganda Permit Application System is a convenient and reliable way for individuals and organizations to obtain the necessary permits for their wildlife and nature conservation activities in Uganda.

Types of Uganda Permit

There are several types of permits that can be obtained through the Uganda Permit Application System, which are related to wildlife and nature conservation activities in Uganda. Some of the most common types of permits are:-

• Entry Permit
  • Class A (Diplomatic; granted to holders of diplomatic passports.)
  • Class A (Official)
  • Class A2 (employed in a government institution)
  • Class B1(Agriculture)
  • Class B2 (Agro-processing)
  • Class C1(mining )
  • Class C2 (gold, copper, iron ore, silca, phosphate, limestone & Marble)
  • Class D (General trade)
  • Class E (Manufacturing)
  • Class F (medical profession etc)
  • Class G1 (volunteers working in NGOs)
  • Class G2 (employees working in NGOs)
  • Class G3 (employed in Agro processing, manufacturing and mining of selected minerals)
  • Class H
• Student Pass
• Dependant Pass
  • Spouse
  • Child
  • Other Relatives/Members Of The Household
• Special Pass
  • Sponsored
  • Individual
  • Diplomat
  • Official
• Certificate Of Residence
  • Due To Marriage
  • Due To Long Stay
  • Former Ugandan

Entry Permit

An Entry Permit is a legal document issued by the immigration authorities of a country that permits foreign nationals to enter the country. In Uganda, an Entry Permit is issued to foreign nationals who wish to stay in the country for a short period, such as tourists, business visitors, or those attending conferences or workshops.

Student Pass

A Student Pass is a legal document issued to foreign students who wish to study in Uganda. This pass is issued by the immigration authorities in Uganda and allows foreign students to study in the country for a specific period. To obtain a Student Pass, the student must provide proof of admission to a recognized educational institution in Uganda.

Dependant Pass

A Dependant Pass is a legal document issued to the dependants of foreign nationals who hold valid immigration status in Uganda. The Dependant Pass allows the dependants, such as spouses or children, to stay in Uganda for the same period as the principal holder of the immigration status.

Special Pass

A Special Pass is a legal document issued to foreign nationals who wish to stay in Uganda for a short period but do not hold a valid immigration status. This pass is issued for a maximum period of three months and can be extended for an additional three months in exceptional cases.

Certificate Of Residence

A Certificate of Residence is a legal document issued to foreign nationals who have been living in Uganda for an extended period. This certificate serves as proof of residence and can be used to apply for a work permit, renew a visa, or obtain other legal documents in Uganda. To obtain a Certificate of Residence, the foreign national must provide proof of their extended stay in Uganda, such as a lease agreement or utility bills.

Document requirement of Uganda Permit

The list provided contains different requirements for various types of permit applications in Uganda. Here is a brief description of each requirement:

• Valid Student ID Card: This is a card issued by the educational institution attended by the student and serves as a form of identification.
• Passport Copy (Bio Data Page) with at least 6 months’ validity: This is a copy of the personal details page of the applicant's passport, which should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of intended entry into Uganda.
• Recent Passport-size Photograph: This is a recent colored passport-sized photograph of the applicant.
• Support Letter from School: This is a letter from the educational institution attended by the student, confirming the applicant's enrollment and the purpose of their visit to Uganda.
• Admission letter from school: This is a letter from the educational institution confirming the applicant's admission to the institution.
• Proof of payment of fees: This is a document that shows evidence of payment of tuition fees and other relevant fees.
• Current immigration status (visa or previous pass): This refers to the applicant's current immigration status in Uganda, which could be a valid visa or a previous entry pass.
• Where the child is below 18 years, immigration status and identification of the parent/guardian: This is required when the applicant is a child below 18 years of age, and it identifies the parent or guardian accompanying the child and their immigration status.
• Marriage certificate: This is a document that shows evidence of marriage between the applicant and their spouse.
• Copy of Principal's Passport: This is a copy of the passport of the principal applicant.
• Immigration status of Principal: This refers to the current immigration status of the principal applicant.
• Passport Copy (Bio data page of the dependant) with at least 6 months validity: The dependent must provide a copy of their passport bio data page, which must have a minimum of 6 months validity remaining. The bio data page contains personal information such as name, date of birth, place of birth, photograph, and passport number.
• Immigration status of dependant in Uganda: The dependent must provide information about their current immigration status in Uganda, such as a work permit, student visa, or dependent visa, among others.
• Copy of Contract: This is a copy of the contract or agreement between the applicant and their employer.
• Covering letter from the company explaining reason for special pass and duration of stay: This is a letter from the employer or sponsoring company explaining the reason for the special pass application and the intended duration of stay in Uganda.
• Covering letter from the Embassy (Diplomatic note): This is a letter from the embassy of the applicant's home country in Uganda, recommending the applicant for the special pass.
• Recommendation Letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Uganda): This is a letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Uganda recommending the applicant for the special pass.
• Covering letter from the Agency: This is a letter from the agency or organization recommending the applicant for the special pass.
• Documents to support official status: These are documents that show evidence of the applicant's official status, such as a work ID or a letter of appointment.
• Covering letter from the organization (Ministry, Department, or Agency): This is a letter from the organization recommending the applicant for the special pass.
• Copy of the contract with the Government institution: This is a copy of the contract or agreement between the applicant and the government institution.
• Valid Clearance letter from Interpol/ valid police clearance from the home country: This is a valid clearance letter from Interpol or a valid police clearance from the applicant's home country.
• Valid Tax Clearance Certificate: This is a valid tax clearance certificate from the applicant's home country.
• Current immigration status: The sponsor must also provide information about their current immigration status in Uganda, such as a work permit or investor visa.
• Copy of the land tittle/ Agreement: This is a copy of the land title or agreement related to the business being undertaken.
• Recommendation letter from LCs or RDC’s office from the area where the business is to be undertaken: This is a letter from the Local Council or Resident District Commissioner's office, recommending the applicant for the business permit.
• Work plan/feasibility study of the project to be undertaken: This requirement is for those who wish to obtain an investment or business permit. The work plan/feasibility study must provide detailed information about the project, its potential impact, financial projections, and other important aspects.
• Current Bank statement (last 3 months): This requirement is necessary for anyone applying for an investment or business permit. The bank statement must show that the applicant has sufficient funds to support the proposed investment or business.
• Recommendation from Ministry of Agriculture (MAAIF): This requirement is specifically for those who want to engage in agriculture-related activities in Uganda. The recommendation from the Ministry of Agriculture is necessary to ensure that the proposed activity is viable and in line with the government's policies.
• Recommendation letter from LCs or RDC’s office from the area where the business is to be undertaken: This requirement is for those who want to invest or start a business in a particular district or region in Uganda. The recommendation letter from the LCs or RDC’s office is necessary to show that the proposed business or investment is in line with the local government's policies and regulations.
• Proof of purchase of agricultural raw materials from Uganda: This requirement is for those who want to engage in agricultural activities and must show that they will source their raw materials from within Uganda.
• A license from Uganda Investment Authority: This requirement is for those who want to invest in Uganda. The Uganda Investment Authority issues licenses to investors who meet their requirements.
• Copy of valid mining license issued in Uganda: This requirement is for those who wish to engage in mining activities in Uganda. The applicant must provide a copy of a valid mining license issued by the relevant government agency.
• Copy of Uganda Investment Authority (U.I.A) license: This requirement is for those who have obtained a license from the Uganda Investment Authority.
• Support letter from Ministry of Energy, Minerals & Natural Resources/any other relevant Government Agency: This requirement is necessary for those who want to engage in activities related to energy, minerals, or natural resources in Uganda. The support letter is necessary to show that the proposed activity is viable and in line with the government's policies.
• Certified proof of shareholding by the applicant: This requirement is for those who are shareholders in a company that wishes to invest in Uganda. The certified proof of shareholding is necessary to show the applicant's stake in the company.
• Copy of valid Trading license: This requirement is for those who wish to engage in trade activities in Uganda. The applicant must provide a copy of a valid trading license issued by the relevant government agency.
• Copy of Uganda Investment Authority license: If the sponsor is an investor, they must provide a copy of their Uganda Investment Authority (UIA) license. The UIA license is a legal document that permits investors to conduct business activities in Uganda.
• Proof of land ownership/ Agreement: This requirement is for those who want to invest in land or engage in activities that involve land. The proof of land ownership/agreement is necessary to show that the applicant has a legal right to the land.
• Proof of Registration certificate with relevant professional body in Uganda: This requirement is for those who are members of a professional body in Uganda. The proof of registration certificate is necessary to show that the applicant is authorized to practice in their profession.
• Appointment letter from the organization: This requirement is for those who are being appointed to work for an organization in Uganda. The appointment letter is necessary to show the applicant's job description, salary, and other relevant details.
• Covering letter from the organization: This requirement is for those who are being appointed to work for an organization in Uganda. The covering letter from the organization is necessary to show the purpose of the applicant's visit to Uganda.
• Certified copy of Qualifications: This requirement is for those who are being appointed to work for an organization in Uganda. The certified copy of qualifications
• Recommendation Letter from NGO Bureau for NGO volunteer employees
• Current immigration status- The applicant must have a valid immigration status in Uganda.
• Valid NGO permit for NGOs: The NGO employing the volunteer must have a valid permit issued by the NGO Bureau in Uganda.
• List of employees in the organization indicating nationality and position held: The NGO must provide a list of all its employees, indicating their nationality and the position they hold within the organization.
• Proof of failure to employ a qualified Ugandan: The NGO must provide proof that they have failed to find a qualified Ugandan to fill the volunteer position.
• NCHE equivalence certificate: The volunteer must have an NCHE equivalence certificate if their qualifications were obtained from outside Uganda.
• Covering/application letter from the applicant: The applicant must provide a covering/application letter stating their reasons for seeking the volunteer position.
• Documentary proof of an assured income of not less than USD 36,000 per annum: The applicant must provide documentary proof that they have an assured income of not less than USD 36,000 per annum.
• Letter of undertaking not to accept any employment or engage in any income generating activity: The applicant must provide a letter of undertaking stating that they will not accept any other employment or engage in any income generating activity while volunteering for the NGO.

How to apply for Uganda Permit

To apply for a Uganda permit online, follow these steps:

Step 1: Log into the Uganda Immigration Portal and select "start new application."

Step 2: Accept the terms and conditions displayed in the Disclaimer.

Step 3: Select the permit type, category, and subcategory that corresponds to your purpose of travel and length of stay in Uganda.

Step 4: Complete the online application form with accurate and detailed information.

Step 5: Upload the required documents such as a passport, passport photos, and any other documents required for your particular permit. A six-digit application ID will be automatically generated as a reference number for your application.

Step 6: Make payment for your application, if required, using the available payment methods provided on the portal.

Step 7: For applications that do not require a top-up payment, an approval letter will be generated and emailed to the applicant on the home page after approval.

Step 8: For applications that require a top-up payment, make the required payment after approval, and an approval letter will be generated and emailed to the applicant.

Step 9: Report to the nearest immigration office or border for biometric capture with all uploaded documents, payment receipts, approval letter, and your passport. Your permit will be issued upon successful biometric capture.

It is important to note that the Uganda Immigration Portal is regularly updated, and the application process may change from time to time.

Uganda Permit Processing Time

The processing time for a Uganda permit can vary depending on the type of permit you are applying for and the specific circumstances of your application. However, generally speaking, the processing time for a Uganda permit can range from a few days to several weeks or even months.

For example, a tourist visa application may take up to 3-5 working days to process, while a work permit application can take anywhere from 2-8 weeks depending on the category and completeness of the application. It's also important to note that delays can occur if additional documentation or information is required, or if the application is referred for further review.

It's recommended that you check with the Ugandan embassy or consulate in your country for specific information regarding the processing time for the type of permit you are applying for, and to submit your application well in advance of your intended travel date to allow sufficient processing time.

Uganda Permit Validity

The validity of a permit in Uganda depends on the type of permit and the purpose of the visit. Some permits, such as tourist visas or work permits, may have different durations depending on the specific circumstances of the applicant.

For example, a single-entry tourist visa is typically valid for up to 90 days, while a multiple-entry tourist visa can be valid for up to six months. Work permits can have different durations depending on the specific job and employment contract.

It's important to note that permit validity can change over time.

Renewal of Uganda Permit

The renewal process for a permit in Uganda can vary depending on the type of permit. In general, permits that are renewable, such as work permits or business permits, should be renewed before their expiration date to avoid any lapses in legal status.

The renewal process typically involves submitting a new application and paying the applicable fees. Depending on the type of permit, the renewal process may require additional documentation, such as updated employment contracts, financial statements, or medical certificates.

It's important to note that the renewal process can take some time, so it's recommended to apply for renewal well in advance of the expiration date of the current permit.

Frequently asked questions: