Uganda Ordinary/Uganda Tourist Visa(Single Entry)

Welcome to our comprehensive Uganda Tourist Visa Information Page, designed to guide you through applying for, obtaining, and extending your Uganda Tourist Visa. Whether you're planning to explore the breathtaking landscapes and rich wildlife or immerse yourself in the vibrant cultures of Uganda, our page provides all the essential information you need.

From detailed visa application procedures and validity periods to step-by-step instructions on extending your stay, we've covered everything to ensure your visit to the Pearl of Africa is as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Here, we share details about the Uganda Tourist visa.

Understanding the Uganda Tourist Visa

The Uganda Tourist Visa is a single-entry permit explicitly designed for individuals visiting Uganda for tourism, medical treatment, or family visits. This visa facilitates entry into Uganda, allowing you to experience the country's natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural attractions.

Key Features of Uganda Tourist Visa

  • Single Entry: This visa allows for a one-time entry into Uganda. If you exit, you'll need a new visa to re-enter.
  • Duration: Valid for up to 3 months, perfect for short visits and extended tours.

Which documents are needed to obtain a tourist visa to Uganda?

Here's a checklist of the required documents for your Uganda Tourist Visa application you'll need to prepare:

  • Passport-Sized Photograph (Current)
  • Passport Biodata Page (Minimum 6 Months Validity)
  • Transit Reason and Destination Letter
  • Return Flight Ticket
  • Visit Objectives Cover Letter
  • Medical Visit Supporting Documentation
  • Host's Immigration Status Documentation (Family Visit)
  • Family Visit Return Flight Ticket
  • Family Visit Invitation Letter
  • Conference Invitation Letter
  • Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate

Purpose of Obtaining a Uganda Tourist Visa

During your travels, the Uganda Tourist visa can be used in multiple ways based on your purpose of visit, whether it's for business-related visits, family reunions, educational purposes, etc.

  • Tourism: Ideal for explorers looking to immerse themselves in Uganda's rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and diverse wildlife.
  • Business: For attending meetings, conferences, or business-related activities.
  • Study: For enrolling in educational courses or conducting research.
  • Family visit (Former Ugandan/Relative of a Ugandan): For visiting family or friends residing in Uganda.
  • Family Visit (Visiting a Foreign National): This category facilitates visits to foreign nationals living in Uganda, allowing families and friends to maintain close ties.
  • Transit: For travellers passing through Uganda en route to another destination, ensuring a smooth and brief stay.
  • Medical: For those seeking medical treatment or consultations within Uganda's healthcare facilities.
  • Conference: For attendees of conferences, symposiums, or similar gatherings focusing on academic, professional, or cultural exchanges.
  • Returning Citizen: Specifically for Ugandan nationals returning to their homeland after a period abroad.
  • Returning Resident: This is for non-Ugandan residents returning to continue their stay or commitments in Uganda.

How to Apply?

Applying for a Uganda Tourist visa through an online application form is an easy procedure that can be completed within minutes. But first, let's dive into the step-by-step process for a Uganda Tourist visa

Step By Step Application Process for Uganda Tourist Visa:

Step 1: Begin Online

Access the Uganda Tourist Visa website to start your application.

Step 2: Click "Apply Now"

Locate and select the "Apply Now" option to open the online application form. Fill it in with your personal details.

Step 3: Prepare and Upload Documents

Ensure you have a digital version of your passport, a recent photo of yourself, and your travel plan. Upload these documents to the form.

Step 4: Select Processing Time

Choose your preferred visa processing time. Remember that the processing speed affects both the fee and the time it takes to get approval.

Step 5: Payment

Through a secure transaction process, use a debit or credit card to make the visa fee payment.

Step 6: Submit Application

After completing the form and payment, click submit to finalise your application.

Step 7: Await Approval

Wait for the visa approval within the timeframe of the processing option you selected.

Step 8: Check Status

Use the reference number you were given during the application process to check your visa status on the E-Visa portal.

Step 9: Print Visa

Upon receiving email confirmation of your visa approval, print the visa. Present this printed document upon arrival in Uganda.

Uganda Tourist Visa Processing Time and Fees

Fees Overview:

  • Variable Costs: A Uganda tourist visa's cost depends on a number of variables, such as the kind of visa, the nationality of the applicant, and how quickly the application must be processed.For precise fees, refer to the Uganda visa fee page.
  • Fee Verification: Utilize the Fee Checking Tool on the website to calculate your visa costs accurately based on specific needs.

Processing Times:

  • Standard Processing: This option takes between 4 to 7 working days and incurs no additional fee, making it ideal for those with flexible travel plans.
  • Urgent Processing: For those needing their visa more quickly, urgent processing is available and takes 3 to 5 working days. This service requires an extra fee.
  • Super Urgent Processing: In cases of emergency, a super urgent processing option can have your visa ready in 2 to 4 working days. This expedited service comes with higher additional charges.

Select the processing period that is most appropriate for your travel schedule and budget. Remember, the quicker you need your visa, the higher the cost.

Can I get an Urgent Uganda Tourist Visa?

The country offers an expedited processing option for travellers needing an urgent visa to Uganda at an additional cost. This service is designed for those who require a visa on short notice.

Urgent Processing Service:

For travellers who need to secure a Uganda visa swiftly, the country offers an expedited urgent processing option. This service caters to those with immediate travel plans or specific reasons for a quicker visa approval outside the regular processing timeline. It's important to note that this accelerated service incurs an additional fee, reducing the wait time to 3 to 5 working days. Since availability and cost may fluctuate, verifying the most up-to-date information is crucial.

Super Urgent Processing Option:

The super urgent processing choice is available for situations demanding the utmost urgency, such as emergencies or last-minute decisions. This premium service ensures you receive your visa within 2-4 working days, accommodating the most pressing travel needs. As expected, this convenience comes with higher additional charges, reflecting the expedited nature of the service.

Validity for Uganda Tourist Visa:

Visitors staying in Uganda are permitted for a maximum of 90 days (3 months) following the entry date, with a single entry valid for visas. This duration suits most tourists planning short visits, extended tours, or specific activities like wildlife safaris, cultural tours, and adventure sports.

How can one Extend their Uganda Tourist Visa?

Unfortunately, extending a Uganda Tourist Visa online is not currently possible. While the Ugandan government offers an online visa application system, it only allows applying for new visas, not extensions of existing ones.

However, you can extend your Uganda Tourist Visa in person at the Headquarters or Regional Immigration offices in Uganda. The extension can be granted for another 60 days in two intervals.

Key Tips:

  • Apply early to avoid complications.
  • Check the latest requirements and fees on the official immigration website or by contacting the immigration office directly.
  • Comply with all Ugandan laws and regulations to ensure a smooth extension process.

Frequently asked questions:

A Uganda Tourist Visa is an official document granting permission to enter and stay in Uganda for tourism purposes. It is mandatory for most nationalities except citizens of certain African countries and specific Commonwealth nations who can enter visa-free for short stays.

There are two primary types of Uganda Tourist Visas:

  • Single Entry Visa: This visa allows a single entry into Uganda and is valid for 3 months from the date of issuance.
  • Multiple Entry Visa: This visa allows multiple entries into Uganda during its validity period, which can be 6 or 12 months from the date of issuance.

The documents needed for a Uganda Tourist Visa application include:

  • A filled-out online application
  • A passport that is currently valid for at least six months after the planned stay
  • Two passport-sized cloured photos
  • Evidence of having enough money for your stay, like statements from the bank or credit or debit card information
  • Yellow fever vaccination certificate
  • Flight booking confirmation or itinerary
  • Hotel booking confirmation (if applicable)