As a rule, all Ugandan tourist visas and work permits must be applied for online BEFORE you travel. However: October 2024 the official Uganda visa application portal has been temporarily out of service. It is now back online (October 14).
“Due to ongoing e-immigration system upgrade travellers are unable to access online visa services. As a temporary measure to minimise travel disruptions, airlines should allow travellers destined for Uganda to board without prior e-visa approval. Please note that this exemption is temporary until our e-visa system is restored.”
Which nationals need to pay for a visa to enter Uganda?
Click here to see the “List of visa exempt nationalities. If your nationality is on the list, you don’t need to apply for a visa to enter Uganda.
How to apply for Ugandan tourist visa?
The Ugandan government’s online electronic visa application system is mandatory for applying for all Ugandan visas, including: entry permit (work permit), Uganda tourist visa, multiple entry visa, transit visa, East Africa tourist visa, student pass, diplomatic visa, official visa, special pass, Certificate of Residence and dependent’s pass.
Requests for tourist visas, passes and work permits (E-Visa and E-permits) should be completed via this link on the official Uganda immigration website.
Applicants for all immigration services such as visas, work permits and passes will be required to apply and pay online, and an electronic notification / authorisation will be sent to the applicant before proceeding to the preferred Entry Point e.g. Entebbe International Airport or the nearest Uganda Mission abroad for the visa to be issued. Uganda has 22 official ‘points of entry’ border posts. Entebbe International Airport has the majority of tourist arrivals, followed by Katuna / Gatuna (Rwanda) and Busia and Malaba (Kenya border).
Are you travelling to Uganda? Apply for a Ugandan visa online
Apply at least ONE MONTH prior to travel. (However, some applications are approved in hours, others days, some not at all… if you apply too early, your visa approval may even get cancelled and you’re unlikely to get your money back).
Be prepared. You need to complete the online application in one sitting. The online application does not allow you to save your information and return to the screen later.
NOTE: COVID-19 vaccination certificates and negative PCR test results are no longer required. HOORAY. For more info on the exact documents needed, according to the type of visa you are applying for, go to the Uganda immigration web site general information page.
If you’re applying for a single entry Uganda tourist visa, you’ll need to upload:
- Passport bio-data page (with validity of at least 6 months)
- Recent passport-size photo (for example US or UK passport photo size (not Canadian size, which is larger, apparently).
- Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate
- Return ticket. Return ticket / tour itinerary. In reality, not all travellers have these so an alternative is to write and upload a letter detailing your onward travel plans.
The files you upload can’t be bigger than 250kb (that’s pretty small!) so resize all your docs before you start the application process. Only PDF, JPEG, PNG and BMP files are accepted.
The Uganda immigration web site details the fees for applying for Ugandan visas online.
Pay online for your Uganda tourist visa. Only Mastercard and Visa are accepted online and there is a 3% surcharge for online payment. In 2024, the single entry Uganda tourist visa fee is $50: $51.50 for the visa and $1.50 admin fee. For more info about the tourist visa, work permit and pass fees, the website of Africa Immigration Advisory Services, Kampala is very helpful.
When you complete the visa application process, make a note of your application number! You may need this in case you have to follow up. Otherwise, click here to retrieve your Uganda visa application ID but some people say this hasn’t always worked.
The decision taken on the online application (“yes” or “no” on whether you’re coming to Uganda) will be sent via email. Assuming you get the go-ahead, your visa approval letter will be sent as an email attachment. You’re advised to print this travel authorisation (showing a barcode) and keep this with your travel documents (although it is not mandatory apparently). However, Ugandans do love printed papers so print everything you can, just to avoid unforeseen delays.
Present the barcode at point of entry [that will be “Entebbe Airport” if you’re entering Uganda by air] together with a valid passport / travel document of “not less than 6 months validity” and you should get your tourist visa. You can get a maximum of 90 days in one go; if you want that, say so, otherwise you may just be given two weeks for example. Present the barcode at point of entry [that will be “Entebbe Airport” if you’re entering Uganda by air] with your valid passport of “not less than 6 months validity” and you should get your tourist visa. You can get a maximum of 90 days in one go; if you want that, say so, otherwise you may just be given two weeks for example. Visitors to Uganda can stay for up to 6 months on a single entry tourist visa, without being charged anything extra. To get an extension on the days written in your passport at Entebbe, go to one of the immigration offices, for example Jinja Road in Kampala.
NOTE: “the travel authorization [approval] letter does not guarantee entry into Uganda. Travelers will be subjected to secondary verification where necessary before personalization,” meaning it is not 100% guarantee you will be issued a visa at the airport / border / Uganda mission (but you probably will, unless you’ve been very naughty indeed).
For answers to Frequently Asked Questions, go to the Uganda immigration Help page.
As you’ll see from many comments below, lots of visa applications get stuck at the “pending” stage. This is normally because the applicant has forgotten to send in one of the documents, or immigration are requesting more information (but frequently aren’t clear what that is!) There have been lots of complaints about emails not being answered but Uganda immigration do reply fairly quickly via their Facebook page. If you’re telephoning Uganda Immigration, the country code for Uganda is +256.
The Directorate for Citizenship and Immigration’s call centre is open from 7am to 7pm Uganda time (with plans for it to be operated 24 hours at some stage). Call +256 417 102600 or toll-free 0800 199004 / 0800 199003 in Uganda.
In addition to visa requirements, every traveller has to consider health-related protocols. These are subject to change. For what to expect when passing through Uganda’s international airport, read Flying into Uganda? Latest health rules at Entebbe International Airport (updated regularly). I also have a post about the East Africa Tourist Visa and a post on Rwanda’s visa on arrival.
Any feedback or questions about Ugandan tourist visas? Feel free to contact the muzungu or share in the comments below. Thanks to everyone who has shared their visa application experiences!
DISCLAIMER: My name is Charlotte Beauvoisin. I am a Uganda resident. I update this page regularly based on my personal travel experiences, feedback from expats, tourism industry colleagues, visitors to Uganda and advice from an immigration expert. I can’t promise this info is always accurate – but I try my best! Things can change quickly and without notice. I take no responsibility for content on external websites. I work closely with the tourism industry so if you need any information on travel to Uganda, or moving to Uganda, I’m your woman! I’ve been advising travellers and expats on everything Uganda-related for many years. What is Diary of a Muzungu all about?
Thanks for the information. I’m due to travel there in September and the boyfriend (Ugandan) didn’t mention this…..words with him later!
Hi Alison, glad to help! In your boyfriend’s defence (!) this info has only just been made available… the system is brand new of course, so there will inevitably be a few teething problems. Have a great time in UG 🙂
Hi Alison … newsflash: Uganda tourist visa reduced to $50 only from Friday 22.07.16 🙂
Hello. We have had an email to say that 2 visas have been cancelled because they have ‘expired’ but having checked the date they do not expire for a long time. We have paid and been approved but now all they are saying is that they have been cancelled.
Hi Paul. Not heard of this issue before but sent a message to my immigration adviser to see what he says…
Hello,
Did you get a response on this. I have exactly the same issue. They say it’s because they expire from date of issue rather than date of entry. They ask you to call a phone number (that doesn’t go through) to ‘recall’ the visas. I think I will just have to pay for them again – can you still get the visa on arrival and pay at the airport?
Thanks for feedback. I’m told you can get a quick reply to questions via the Uganda immigration Facebook page.
Yes you can still get visa on arrival at Entebbe.
Hi my friend’s visa is going to expire and she is not able to live the country because now because the last government decisions. What she can do?
Hello
I have a question
we have applied for the visa on 20.12.2018, on 24.12.2018 we have received the email from the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control, with the approval for 13 days.The date, Date of arrival 09.02.2019 was stated on the visa. Unfortunately, my husband broke his leg and we had to move the entire trip (4 people) our new date is 10.03.2019 Date of arrival also 13 days, our departure to Germany is on 22.03.2019. We are afraid that we may not enter Uganda because the old entry date 09.02.2019 is in it and was approved but we enter now on 10.03.2019 also we have read that the date 20.12.2018 in the system and that is over 90 days ,
What are we going to do? Should we cancel our visa and apply for a new visa? Would it be possible?
Or does the old visa still apply even though on 20.12.2018 with the date of entry 09.02.2019 although postponed to 10.03.2019?
or does this mean that a visa is valid for 90 days to enter and on arrival we get the right visa with a stay of 30 days? Because we are flying back to germany on the 22.03.2019 and i am afraid that meant the 90 days with stay and we have problems at the airport. Because I believe the visa (application 20.12.2018) is valid until 20.03.2019 entry?
We hope you can help us i try to contact the Uganda Immigration in facebook
We look forward to your answer.
Yours sincerely
Hi Seinab
Very sorry about the broken leg!
You are totally ok to enter on the visa that you have. You may be able to extend it at the airport (I’m not sure) or you can go to Immigration in Jinja Road in Kampala and extend it there. You should not be charged to extend your visa. People extend their stays all the time so I wouldn’t worry about it 🙂
Also, people can get 100% get a tourist visa on arrival at Entebbe. I was with my friend at the airport two days ago and he got one easily, no questions asked.
Can you please help me. I am visiting a friend in Uganda and my flight believes in couple of days I applied for the visa online but It shows deferred and they you’re asking for immigrant status of the person I am visiting? I am originally from Somalia but I am a US citizen and from what I am seeing I cannot Enter Uganda without a visa. How true is this?
Hi Ali, if you read recent comments you’ll see that you can get visa on arrival, no problem 🙂
The question you have means: is you host Ugandan? A resident (expat)? etc. Best to submit their ID if possible- or just get visa at Entebbe.
Hi! My flight is on 22 October. Can I apply for visa today? Thank you!
Hi Jane. I spoke to my immigration advisor today. He said one can apply now.
🙂
Hi! I’m already in Uganda under an East Africa visa I will be traveling to Kenya and Tanzania and need to come back to Entebbe for my flight to the UK. Do you think I will have to apply for another visa even if I’m staying at the airport for 6 hours? Do you know who I can contact in the Uganda immigration office?
Thank you very much for the info!
Hello Maricarmen
I have checked with an immigration advisor today. He tells me:
The person does not need to pay for another especially where she already has the East African Visa.
Safari njema! Safe travels!
Hey,
I’m traveling back to Uganda for the third time on August and without you I would probably not know anything about this new interesting visa applying system. I can imagine our faces on Entebbe airport when the officers would tell us that we forgot something.. 😀
Webale kuyamba nnyabo!
Very happy to help 🙂
Safe travels and do please share any feedback you have on the new system. Inevitably, there will be teething problems, as with any new system
Please Help, I have a flight booked to land this Friday and I did not know this. I was told I could get a Visa at the airport. What should I do?
Hi Elizabeth, don’t worry – you will still be able to get a visa at Entebbe International Airport during July while they are implementing the new system. Immigration have confirmed this, as have people I know who arrived last week. Safe travels!
This is really helpful info. Hi I’m arriving in Uganda on Tuesday night and have not yet applied online. Do you recommend that I go ahead and submit the application and hope it’s processed by Tuesday? And if I go with this option, should I wait to pay until I’m at the airport? Or just use the online system when I get to the airport? Thanks!
Hi Seth, some people have their visa approved within hours, so you may be lucky. Note if you apply online you now have to pay online. Visa on arrival still available at the airport – but it will take you longer.
Moving on November 14th from Korea to Uganda with my Ugandan husband. I’m from USA. He told me I could get visa at airport, now I’m reading I can’t?! My Korean visa is expired and have to leave, so I can’t wait for online visa. Are we 100% sure I can receive visa at the Entebbe Airport? I was about to buy our plane tickets online, should I not??? Desperate!
If you read thru all the comments, you’ll see you CAN get visa on arrival. However, we normally advise people to get in advance if they can because Uganda government sometimes makes overnight announcements and we wouldn’t want you to get caught out. However, people report getting visas on arrival last week, so you’ll probably be fine. One person reported that last week they got their visa approval letter online confirmed within three hours, so in theory you may get yours in time anyway. Your choice…safe journey.
Thanks for the reply. I’m reading and being told that before getting on a plane to another country I have to show a visa for the arrival country. Now I’m thinking I won’t even be allowed to get on my plane from Korea to Uganda without even showing a Uganda visa. I don’t remember doing this for other countries. Is this new? Am I wrong? If I apply online for visa, but don’t get confirmation, if I show that I applied, is that enough proof at the airport? Does it help that my husband is from Uganda??
This request to show proof of visa before you board a plane is not standard. It’s not a requirement of Uganda immigration. I’ve heard that one or two airlines were asking for this (when online system was first launched) but it’s not common. In fact I haven’t heard anyone mention it for months. The fact that you can still get visas on arrival in Uganda (two visa systems operating side by side) means an airline should let you board without anything more than your ticket and passport. However I can’t 100% guarantee this.
You may be on the plane already but … Uganda tourist visa reduced to $50 only from Friday 22.07.16 🙂
Hello, I have a question about my journey to Uganda for the wedding of my brother, we’re 7 people, my 2 sons and their family members and also traveling with KLM, will we get visas at EBB Airport? Or do we have to apply e visa for every one? Please let me know how go about it. Thanks, Margaret
Hi Margaret
You need to do separate online visa applications for each person. All visa applications are online.
Visa on arrival is no longer possible.
Uganda is getting stricter with checking Yellow Fever certificates, as demonstrated by the fact that if you do the now compulsory online E visa application in advance, you will need to upload a copy of your Yellow Fever certificate.
Vaccination costs 100k UGX at Entebbe airport, which is approximately 40 USD. As my immigration contact says, you don’t really want to have the vaccination done at the airport! There is no quarantine.
When I flew back in the country two months ago, I just flashed a photo of my Yellow Fever certificate on my phone and they didn’t check it. They are being stricter now.
I was checking for information on the need for a Yellow Fever certificate when I came across your very useful advice. I do have a certificate dating back to the late nineties – do you know if the Uganda authorities accept these as WHO now regard them as ‘for life’? { http://www.who.int/ith/updates/20160727/en/ }
Hi RCC
Thanks for positive feedback 🙂
I’m not 100% sure, and need to ask. I do know that 1) certificates are hardly checked 2) Ministry of Health have confirmed we do not have Yellow Fever in country and 3) if you have proof of vaccination, that should be good enough.
Lastly, they can give Yellow Fever jabs at Entebbe Airport, tho medical advice is not to have more than one in a lifetime.
Thank you for all your help, just submitted our applications (and had to downsize all the documents as you quite rightly pointed out!) It’s gone through quite smoothly, now wait to hear if we’ve been successful……will let you know and see you soon X
Hi Jennie, glad it all worked out 🙂
Always happy to advise on my favourite subject: UGANDA!
Just back from Entebbe Airport. [No dramas on this occasion! lol]. They’ve started construction work at the airport by the way (part of an expansion programme).
Let me put together an itinerary for a short Safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park for your mum. I’ll check availability and prices for Kyambura Gorge Lodge too. She will LOVE it there!
Here’s a link to my review of Kyambura Gorge Lodge “Wake up and smell the coffee, Rift Valley style”.
Baker’s Lodge, overlooking the River Nile below Murchison Falls is highly recommended and won’t disappoint. Both lodges average 4.5 out of 5 stars on TripAdvisor.
Hi,
Quick question? Can we still get the east african visa at the airport on arrival? If not, what kind of documents are they expecting when asking for the travel itinerary?
I am going there next week end.
Thanks.
Billy
Use the online system and get your visa approval letter ASAP. It generally takes 2 to 4 days. If not, you have to use the online system. . . . at Entebbe Airport! [There may be lines / queues].
Re the travel itinerary, that is what a tour company gives you. But if traveling independently, show hotel bookings if poss for the EATV countries you plan to visit.
We are bringing a group of USA citizens to do volunteer medical service and then participate in a short safari. Some members of the group have not had their visa applications approved or they are needing additional documentation when the application is processed. If they don’t have a final approval email from the online visa registration system can they still fill out a paper application when they get there? Will they be able to board the outbound flight from USA and from Europe to go to Uganda without this emailed approval form with the barcode? Lots of time and money has gone into planning this service trip and we don’t want to have issues with getting on our flights or getting through Uganda immigration.
Hello Pete, apologies for slow reply. I have been travelling up country. I’ve been in contact with my immigration advisor and we shall get back to you with a reply today.
I have just sent you an email. My immigration advisor has asked that you send him a copy of the rejected / deferred visa applications so he can advise on the way forward. By the way, the whole system is online now. For anyone who does not have the visa approval letter when coming to Entebbe, they have to apply online at the airport.
A friend of mine from Norway has tried to apply for the visa to Uganda online but the system has failed, what should he do ?
Hi Brenda, interesting to hear that the system has failed. What happened exactly?
If you’re travelling to Uganda in the near future, you can still get your visa in person at the airport. Immigration is currently allowing people to apply for their visa at Entebbe International airport, although this will be phased out eventually. When is your friend travelling?
UPDATE December 2016:
Although the visa system went online a few months ago, immigration are allowing people to apply online at the airport for a little longer. Christmas and New Year are busy times of the year so they are not going to refuse tourists entry to the country. However, there may be a queue of people in front of you, so be prepared for that.
Regarding the Yellow Fever certificate, you need to have the vaccination at least 10 days before you travel for the certificate to be valid – BUT you can still have the vaccination at Entebbe airport, if you don’t have a valid Yellow Fever Certificate.
Feedback from travellers is that both visas AND Yellow Fever jabs are easily got at Entebbe… until further notice.
Hi Mazungu! I love your blog. Thank you! My husband is travelling in a few days to Uganda.
He wants to get his yellow fever vaccine at Entebbe Airport. It costs an arm and a leg here in Canada. Can he really get it at the airport? It’s just been soooooooooooo hard to find credible info until now. He is Canadian, but also Jamaican. I heard that Jamaicans do not need a visa. Ugandans don’t need visas to visit Jamaica. Does he need an invitation letter to go to Uganda for safari? If a Ugandan is leaving to visit Jamaica do they need a yellow fever vaccine? They do not know where their card is. They got vaccinated as a child. I know I am asking the same question you answered in December, but I want to be sure. Thanks in advance! 🙂
By the way, what does Mazungu mean?
Hi Sherill, nice to read from you 🙂
1. It is still possible to get your yellow fever vaccination and certificate at Entebbe International Airport, although I should add that you really only need this vaccination once in a lifetime so if there’s any way of retrieving proof of your original vaccination, I would try to get that. Cost at airport is 100k UGX approx $40 USD.
2. Jamaicans do not need a visa according to Uganda immigration’s “list of visa exempt nationalities i.e. nationals of countries that do not pay for Uganda visas.”
3. Ugandans do need to show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate at Entebbe since some destinaton countries may require proof of it.
4. People who apply for a tourist visa need a tour itinerary, proof of return tickets, accommodation bookings et cetera. The letter of introduction would apply to people who were visiting friends or an organisation, for example.
5. What is a muzungu? Some people define it as a white person or a foreigner but it is far broader than that. Your husband is a muzungu! Even if he is black… In fact I have a Ugandan friend from Los Angeles who is called a muzungu because he dresses and talks differently to local people. Click here to read a definition of the word muzungu and the word’s origin.
6. Wishing your husband safe travels and welcome to the Pearl of Africa!
Witaj muzungu wybieram się do Ugandy zlozylem wniosek o vize elektryczna przez internet kliknąłem wydrukuj ale nie zapłaciłem ponieważ wygasła mi strona dostałem numer aplikacji czy będę mógł zapłacić za vize na lotnisku w entabble proszę o kontakt i dziękuje bardzo pozdrawiam Lukasz
Tak. Możesz kupić wizę po przybyciu na lotnisko w Entebbe.
SO glad I found your blog, have been enjoying reading it so much! 🙂 I’m in the US and coming to Uganda for 2 1/2 weeks in Feb, glad I now have this info about the visa!
Hello Angela, I’m delighted you’ve enjoyed reading my blog. You will love Uganda!
For daily updates and random photos, you might like my Diary of a Muzungu Facebook page. Have a fantastic trip!
Great blog and I am really looking forward coming to Uganda. However, I applied yesterday for a tourist visa for three months on the Uganda E-immigration system. I joined all the required documents, valid pasport (Belgium), Yellow fever certificate, ID photo’s and filled in all the questions correctly and honestly.
Now I checked the status of my application today and apparently my application has been deferred. I need to add an Invitation Letter and a ‘Host Immigration Status’.
I am wondering why I have to add those documents for a tourist visa? Also I have no idea what they mean with a Host Immigration Status?
Good morning Mael. Thanks for the positive feedback. Sorry for slow reply, I had to check something for you.
My immigration advisor says. Uganda immigration want to know that the person you are visiting is legally staying in Uganda. If you are visiting a Ugandan, send the copy of their ID. If an expat, send a copy of their work permit. If visiting an institution, then just write the letter invitation letter.
The invitation letter can be from an individual or an institution. If you’re staying at a hotel, then send a copy of your booking. If a safari, send copy of your itinerary.
Hope this helps. Enjoy UGANDA!
Charlotte
Thanks for your full information.
Let me ask you, i have applied Ugandan E-visa before one week and still my status says its in progress so, till when should i wait ?
I suggest you contact them and ask for info. Have you sent in copy of your travel itinerary, flight tickets and letter of introduction? Proof of where you are staying e g hotel reservations will work.
Immigration need this info but it is not made explicit. This is the feedback I have been getting.
Congratulations for East Africa Tourist Visa,
for me it is a great deal for many million people in Africa.
May The Lord bless East Africa
I agree and one day hopefully Africans can travel the whole continent more easily and more cheaply too!
Help! I applied online weeks ago, but never received an email from them. Since I did this once before with no problem, I didn’t write down my application number. Now I can’t access the letter with the barcode. Nothing happens when I try to have them email it to me. I tried contacting them about it and no one got back to me. Will they be able to help me at the airport?
Hi there. It’s a bit confusing but despite the online system, you can still get your visa on arrival at Entebbe Airport. You may be asked to use the online application system there or you may just use the old paper-based system.
Thank you. And that’s true even though I already applied online (and now the online system won’t let me re-apply because it recognizes my passport number)?
They’ll be able to sort it out at the airport. I’ve talked to other people in the same boat and they got visas at the airport ok.
Thank you. That makes me feel much better! I visited in 2016 as well and the e-visa process was so smooth then that I didn’t expect any technical glitches this time.
Glad to be of help!
I think you’re right. System seemed to run better last year.
Mpola, mpola…
Safe journey
I am in this exact same boat, but it is one year later. I have tried to contact them several times and have tried to obtain my verification number, with no response. Since is it March 2018, can we still get a visa on arrival at the airport? I can’t seem to find the answer online and don’t know who to contact. Thank you!
Hi Sarah, firstly yes you can still get visa on arrival at the airport. In fact, people are telling me that the queue from visa on arrival is shorter and quicker than the one for people holding the visa approval letters! People tell me Uganda Immigration Facebook page do answer queries.
Hello, do you know if it is still possible to get a visa on arrival at a land border, I will be coming from Kenya at Busia by bus.
Waiting for visa approval online and traveling on Friday. Can one get a visa on arrival at the land border of Busia coming from Kenya to Uganda by bus.
Hi Aimee. Yes you can get a tourist visa at any of Uganda’s land borders. Last week my friend had a choice of Uganda or East Africa Tourist Visa when entering Uganda from Rwanda, so the same should apply at Busia.
Can I get a yellow fever exemption for my daughter who is allergic to a egg protein and gelatin? Those are two of the compounds that is in the yellow fever vaccine. Me and my son have already been vaccinated for yellow fever.
Hi Sapphire
Firstly, sorry for the slow reply. (My website is supposed to notify me of all comments but for some reason am only seeing your question now).
I shared your question with Dr Prevatt, a Paediatric Consultant certified in Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Travel Medicine, and Tropical Medicine. She specialises in the needs of travelling pregnant women and children. (We got to know each other when she was working here in Uganda).
In order to get an exemption certificate, I believe you will need to contact your doctor or healthcare provider. Dr Prevatt does question whether this is the right route for your daughter however. I don’t want to misquote her advice but she does mention that there have been very few allergic reactions to the yellow fever vaccine.
If you’d like to contact her for advice, she would be happy to offer you a 15% discount on a phone consultation.
Good luck and I hope you get all the info you need.
Hello, My visa application was deferred. The reason is as follow “you have no return flight”. We plan to stay a few months in Uganda and haven’t bought our flight back. Even though my girlfriend made the exact application, my visa was deferred and not hers.
I am flying out tomorrow, super stressed.
Can we still get one at Entebbe?
Thanks!
Hi Europe Traveler
Sorry about the stress levels.
In theory, yes you can get your visa upon arrival at Entebbe but the rules are still the same. If you’re applying for a tourist Visa, then you are supposed to have return flights or proof of onward travel e.g. to Kenya or Rwanda et cetera.
I can’t guarantee it will work, but my advice would be to buy an East Africa Tourist Visa at the airport. This costs $100 and allows 90 days travel within Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda. Then make a booking / hotel reservation for travel to one of those countries, and have that proof with you when you arrive at Entebbe.
Some people enter the country on tourist visas but then work illegally and the government is trying to crack down on that, hence the stipulation that you have a return ticket.
FYI, I spoke to my immigration adviser today. When I told him about your case (your girlfriend getting approval without a return flight, and you not getting approval), he said that it could just be that different people have looked at your two applications and sometimes the immigration officers are more lenient towards women.
Hopefully you’re in Uganda right now and have your visa!
Hello do you know what they mean wit a recent passport photo, i only have the passport photo in my bio passport page, so don’t understand what they mean wit that. Will be happy if you reply // Soraya
Hi Soraya, you need to upload a digital copy of your passport photo. It could be a copy (a photo) of the photo you have in your passport or it could be another one. When they say recent, it has to be ‘recognisably you’ – showing how you look at the moment. Hope that helps 🙂
When you do your online application, make sure you keep a copy of your reference number, in case you have any queries.
Okey, thank u for a fast reply. Then ill just use the picture I have in my passport. Sorry for more question. but I was planning to travel in the end of april and I haven’t booked the flight yet, is that required that I have to book the flight before in order to apply online for a visa? and also is it to soon for me (6-7 weeks before) to apply online. Thank you again // Soraya
You are welcome.
Yes you should book your flight first. In fact, if you’re coming in on a tourist visa, you should have proof of a return flight.
It is not too soon to apply online. Remember to make a note of your application reference ID. You may need it in case you have to follow up on your application. See comments I have written elsewhere on this page. Good luck
UPDATE MARCH 2017:
If you use the online system, it is very important that you make a note of your application ID number. Without it, you will not be able to track your visa application.
In case you don’t receive an email, or approval letter, you can then go back to the website, click on ‘manage your application’ and view the progress of your application. You will need your application ID number and your passport number to be able to do this. I spoke with my immigration adviser today and he says that sometimes emails are not sent out, although approval has been given. In that case, you can download a copy of your approval letter from that screen.
Meanwhile, visas are still being granted at Entebbe International airport. Some people are being given visas the old-fashioned paper way. Others are using the online system, at the airport.
Interested to read feedback from all travellers, especially if it differs to anything else you read on this page. Thank you and safari njemi! – travel well!
Thanks for your help. I have a conference tomorrow Tuesday in uganda. I applied late in the evening on Friday. I’ve not gotten a reply yet though when i tracked it, it says my application is in progress. My flight however leaves Nigeria by 12.30pm today. Can i board the flight and get a visa on arrival,since i have a stopover in ethiopia.
Hi Felix, I would log in and check your application one last time before you fly. Even if you don’t receive an email from the system, your approval letter may be on the site so you can download and print it. Note: some airlines are insisting that people travel with their visa approval letter so I can’t tell you whether you will be able to board your flights or not, sorry. However, feedback from other people suggests you will be okay and that you can get your visa on arrival at Entebbe.
HI i apply visa me and my two sons they approve my two sons and iam still waitin i send message not recieving any can any one help me with and i am about to fly les then a week from today thanks
Log onto the visa application system using the ID reference number that they gave you. They may have approved you without sending an email. In that case, you can download and print the approval letter.
If not, you can still get the visa in person when you arrive at Entebbe airport.
Thanks for this information! We’re traveling overland (by bicycle) and Uganda will be our first country of the three (coming from southern Africa via Tanzania). A few questions:
(1) When would you recommend filling out the application (in terms of processing time)? It’s tough to know exactly when we’ll arrive, so the closer we are to the actual border, the better.
(2) Assuming our applications are accepted, will we be able to enter via any of the land crossings between Uganda and Tanzania?
(3) What is the actual validity of the visa? Does the 90 days start as soon as the visa is accepted, or once we enter Uganda? In other words, if our visa was issued for October 1 and we didn’t arrive in Uganda until October 15, would we need to leave the three countries by January 1, or January 15?
(4) Because we’re traveling overland, we don’t have any onward flights (or hotel reservations, for that matter). Would an Ethiopian visa already in our passports be enough?
Thanks so much for any help you can provide!
I have forwarded your comment to my immigration advisor as I can’t answer all your questions. However, you should try and give one month for your visa approval letter. You do not get your actual visa until you are in the country, so 90 days will start from the date of visa, not date of approval letter. Hope that clarifies that aspect.
Ugh, as for the comment I just posted: I actually meant Rwanda would be our first point of entry! If the answers differ much between the two, we’re actually looking for tips on entering Rwanda via EATV first. 🙂
Hi Jay, according to blog readers’ feedback, Rwanda seems to have the most reliable online application system, so entering the EATV zone (and therefore applying) via Rwanda is a good decision.
Hello. I am travelling to Entebbe from Tanzania at very short notice. I am not sure what is best? To try and apply for the e-visa (and risk it not being approved in time) or to travel directly to Entebbe and apply at the airport? I would only have 2.5 days for processing. Look forward to your advice.
Hello Anne. Just go to Entebbe. Many people are still getting tourist visas at the airport so, based on what I’ve heard recently, I’m sure it will be fine. The process can be quick online but many people experience delays. Ideally I’m told you should apply one month in advance.
UPDATE April 2017: To use the online visa application system, you are advised to apply one month in advance. This is the feedback I have been getting from somebody who works for immigration in Kampala. However, many people are still getting their visas on arrival in Entebbe.
Hi there,
I have attempted to use the E-Visa form, I filled it all in and uploaded all documentation as requested. When on stage 4, I submit my form. It ended up taking a very long time, with the “Wait Please” part. Eventually after 4-5 minutes, it came back with a concerning error which follows:
“Cannot apply twice with the same passport for the same visa or permit type (same passport number, same document type and same issuing country)”
This is the very first time I’ve ever filled in the form, and would be the very first time ever going to Uganda, so there would be no reason that I would have applied twice.
Another concerning thing is that it seems the website is done very poorly, Even the Contact form does not send any messages/forms and times out. 5 different computers (3 on totally different internet connections) None of which work and comes back with a Sorry message.
Have you ever come across this? Unsure if it’s a server error or not as I cannot contact them!
Hi Will, how frustrating for you. This is a relatively new system so there are still teething issues. I imagine that they are server errors, rather than anything that you have done wrong with your application. I have sent your message onto my immigration adviser to see whether he has any feedback for you but it might be simplest if you just turn up Entebbe International airport and get visa on arrival, like many are still doing.
Hi,
In the end, it seems like my application went through, though seemed to have double sent on its own accord. I had to contact Support who supplied the application number, as no email was received.
It’s now been a week and my application is still “IN PROGRESS”
APPLICATION STATUS: IN PROGRESS
Your application approval is in progress.
Any ideas how long this takes? My friend who did the EVisa a few days before got his application approved in a matter of 3 days.
Hi William, see my reply to your second comment.
Regarding how long this will take, I cannot say since you first need to check whether you have supplied all the documents they requested. Although some people are lucky and have the applications approved in a few days, others have reported delays. My immigration advisor has said people should allow one month for the process and that is the advice I give above in my blog.
Hi I’m having problems my visa was deferred for the following reasons Lc 1 recommendation and immigration status host. My understanding I sent them invitation letter and proof of verification the person I’m visiting. Isn’t the same what they asked me and what I submitted. Please explain to me what is lc 1 recommendation and immigration status the person host
Hi. It’s hard for me to comment so you could try contacting Uganda Immigration via their FB page.
LC1 letter is from a Local Councillor. For status host I would send a copy of their passport or national ID.
Best of luck (you can still get visa on arrival).
Hi,
The information’s you have provided here were very helpful. I have just submitted via online my application for tourist visa my host is my husband. His working visa will expire on July 2017. The site already replied that my application is deferred and I need to submit an invitation letter and immigration status of the host. I have not bought my 2 way ticket yet because I am set to leave on June 18. Given the information that I have provided what are my chances of getting an approval. Also may I request of a sample of a standard invitation letter that would surely help me gain an approval. Thank you so much in advance for your help.
Hello Mabuhay, thanks for the positive feedback on this article.
I have forwarded your enquiry to my immigration advisor and asked him to send you a standard invitation letter. Feel free to follow up with me via my contact page if you don’t hear back in the next few days.
If your application has been deferred, they will not do any more work on it until they have received the documents requested. It is quite common for people to have their applications deferred because they have missed out some of the documents, so there is nothing to worry about once you have sent them what they ask for 🙂
Hi, I applied for the east Africa tourist visa, but I didn’t get any email after that. I did’t notice any application ID information during the application. And when I request for ID, it shows they send a email that contain my application ID to my email address. However, I checked both inbox and spam folder and I think I didn’t receive it. So now I am unable to go to the manage your application page, and really don’t know if is been approved or denied.
Hi Chris, this is the first time I have heard that an applicant did not receive an email, so I’m not sure what to suggest. Can you try the application again? That will confirm whether the system is processing your application or not. I have forwarded your email to the East Africa Tourism Platform to see what their view is.
Thank you so much for the help. I just try to apply again. And I got this massage below:
Sorry
Error submitting the application.
Cannot apply twice with the same passport for the same visa or permit type (same passport number, same document type and same issuing country)
The email address I used for application is not 1281*****@qq.com. I am really sorry for that. The email I entered this time for the comment is what I used during application.
I have been given the following feedback: “where it says you cannot apply twice, it means the system took on the application with the errors. In such cases, I change something on the passport number like yours I then include GBR which I would not put in the first time.”
Is this means I should apply again with a wrong passport number with GBR? Or I still use my passport number and add GBR in the end?
Please try both. Am not 100% sure, am just forwarding the message 🙂
Hello Chris
On which immigration platform did you apply for your visa (Kenya, Rwanda or Uganda?)
Which country/ies are you visiting?
Which country will you visit first?
Once you provide that info, the East Africa Tourism Platform will do their best to direct you to the right institution/person.
I applied on Uganda immigration platform, and I will go to Uganda first, and then go to Rwanda.
Info received Chris and forwarded to East Africa Tourism Platform. They may email you directly.
I just applied again with GBR, and this time I received the Application Received email. Thank you so much for all the help.
WOO HOO! Party time! In Uganda 🙂
Would it be possible to be issued another tourist visa after having been in Uganda only 2 months ago? My old visa expired and I came back to Canada but want to visit again.
Yes, if you are outside UG, you can apply for a new tourist visa, no problem.
Once here, you can stay in UG for upto six months at a go on a tourist visa but you will need to go to immigration on Old Port Bell Road to get it extended first. You are given upto 90 days when you first enter the country. 90 days is not automatically given. You may need to request it. (Same cost)
Very helpful thread. We have a group traveling to Uganda in June and a few of us have already applied for our visas online and they have been approved. As in recent trips, we got our approval letter via e-mail and were not required to pay online (we payed at Entebbe airport). In the last few days, a couple of our team members applied online and they received the following message in the confirmation e-mail “Your application for Visa was successfully received in our system. This application has to be paid online. If the application is not paid online it will not be processed and will be automatically cancelled.” When checking the status of the application online, the status is shown as “In Progress” with a note saying “The payment should be done online, the application will not be processed until the payment is done. All the online payments are subjected to a 3% surcharge fee.” So, I am wondering if this has changed recently and we really have to pay online to get the approval? Thanks for any help you can provide.
Hello Mark, thanks for sharing your feedback.
It has just been announced that you can now pay online for your Uganda tourist visa during the visa application process. There is a 3% surcharge for the online payment.
If you want to avoid queues at the airport, you might want to do this. However, you can still pay at Entebbe airport if you go for ‘visa on arrival.’
Same problem. Our Visa application were approved, we received the barcode and got an email today, saying “application cancelled”. What can I do now?
Hi Kris, it sounds like you will have to start a new application 🙁 sorry. I imagine it is because they have just implemented the payment aspect of the system and they need you to pay online now. [Or just apply and pay when you get to the airport].
Thanks! If I understand correctly, ‘visa on arrival’ does not involve applying for visa online but rather just waiting until you arrive at Entebbe airport and applying for visa then. Correct? If we want to get our visa approval prior to arriving in Entebbe, it seems that we MUST now pay online. If we do not pay online, it seems that our application will remain in the “In Progress” state until we arrive. Agree? As it seems this is an early trial of online payments, I’m curious if others out there have had success getting through immigration without issues after paying online?
Hi Mark, the online payment system has literally just launched so we wait to see what the feedback is regarding your last point (i.e. whether people get through immigration without issues after they have paid online).
‘Visa on arrival’ means you apply for and purchase your visa when you get to Entebbe airport. There are two systems there currently: the original paper-based system plus the online application system.
If you don’t pay online, I’m not sure how long the system will wait until it cancels your application. I will try and find out…
Sorry to hijack the post, but my application also says “The payment should be done online, the application will not be processed until the payment is done. All the online payments are subjected to a 3% surcharge fee.” and has been stuck in “IN PROGRESS” for the last week, though I never originally received an email for my application, only when I made amends, I received the Application Received email.
I also read your URL link Muzungu, it was posted Tuesday 25th and mentions in the article that “Mr Siminyu told Daily Monitor in a Monday interview that the service will become mandatory to payments for visas online after one week.” Monday being May 1st, would this be the issue?
Hi Will, it is now mandatory to pay online if you are doing the online application process.
Regarding, the message saying that your application is ‘in progress’ I am checking to see whether this means the same as ‘pending.’ When applications have been ‘pending’ it has meant that documents were missing, so I would double check that you have sent all the documents they have requested.
I have put in a phone call to my immigration advisor and shall give you feedback as I receive it.
I had the same problem, and I sent a email to them by application website. Here is what I got:
You can login https://visas.immigration.go.ug/#/check with yo details and chose PAY. If its not available. Click cancel . Then when the cancellation process is successful, u begin a fresh application. It will
have the PAY option. Sorry for any inconveniences
So I just cancelled and applied again, and this time I paid successfully.
Thanks for your feedback Chris, very helpful!
I’m in DR Congo Goma. south Sudanese National under UN as a refugee I need Electronic visa from Uganda, I don’t know how much the price of that visa how can I get it. you can direct me on how I pay the amount.
Hi Jal Boi, you need to visit the Uganda immigration web site. That has the info on costs for the different visas and that is where you do the online application. All requests for visas and work permits (E-Visa and E-permits) should now be completed via this link on the Uganda immigration website.
Hi, thank you for the nice work. I applied for a visa to enable travel to Entebbe, Uganda for a conference in June. Although the status is still showing “Your application approval is in progress”. If I made any modification, i hope it will not affect or change any thing?
Thanks for the appreciation:) but I don’t understand your question. My understanding is that you should not edit your application unless they ask you to do so. See the Help section of the Uganda immigration websites and please read through the other comments here too.
Hi, there is option for modification when i check the status. My question is will it affect the processing of my application if i make any modification?
I really can’t say because 1) I don’t know what you are modifying and 2) I do not manage the system. See the Help section of the Uganda immigration website [link is above]. You can always cancel applic and start a new one 🙂
Hi, Thank you for the nice artical, .
I applied for a visa to Uganda for a conference in may, but still show “Your application approval is in progress”. till now I didn’t receive any thing, my travel will be after few days and don’t know what to do,
can you help me please.
MY application Number is 417054386
DATE OF BIRTH 19/06/1971
Thanks
Hi Ahmed, you will need to access the online system yourself to understand more. I’m just a travel blogger 🙂
It is possible you have not sent them one document they need, or that you still need to pay. Please read all the other comments too. That will guide you. Good luck.
Dear Muzungu
thanks for the reply,
i already payed 51.3 us dollar, they asked me tp submit the Ticket and Hotel Booking and the Travel plan!!
when i went to upload the travel documents, i find only CANCEL button i have to click, no other button for modifications or submission,
so, how can i solve this problem,
regards
Today they sent me an email to wait and it is on hold
Sorry. Check you have sent every doc requested. Otherwise get visa on arrival. See my other reply.
Hello,
I have applied for a visa on the platform and received a mail for approval one month ago. So 2 days ago i applied once again for a new trip and didnt bear taking note of the application ID. but this time no mails. tried to get my application id with the retrieval procedure but still no mail. And i have already paid.
I have tried to applied again with the “GBR” mention as recommended in an earlier post but cant work as my passport number is already maximum character authorized.
I have requested for support in the contact session but i am not expecting to get an answer.
Any idea?
Thanks.
If you look in my post above, you will see a link to frequently asked questions on the Uganda immigration website. It tells you how to input characters correctly.
Since it is now Wednesday, you may not get your approval letter in time. You can still apply and pay for your visa upon arrival in Entebbe.
Thanks for your reply. Is it sure i can pay upon arrival.
I would not like to go on an 18 hours trip just to get back the same day lol. Not to mention the cost of the flight tickets
I cannot guarantee that you can apply and pay on arrival but many people have been doing so and still are as I write to you. Ultimately, Uganda immigration make the rules and seem to change them with little notice.
Well finally i have applied again and paid again but for it to work i had to be an additionnal letter at the end of my passport number. Hope they will approve. Usually takes 24 hours. So i will be telling u tommorow
Hello,
Finally my second submission has been approved. However to apply a second time i had to put an additional letter at the end of my passport number.
Now the challenge will be to go through immigration as they will probably notice the difference. Already feeling the pressure 🙂
I’m sure it will all work out fine [interested to hear whether they notice the extra letter!]
it did work out fine. I arrived in the week end. And they let me go straight. when the lady scanned my visa, she even knew that i came to Uganda before but didnt say anything about the extra letter.
she delivered the physical visa on my passport but with the right passport number. So she maybe noticed also but did not make a case of it.
In any case Thanks for your kind help. I wish their immigration service was as diligent as you (still no response despite reminders).
Hello Peter, very happy to hear it’s all worked out fine. Thanks for the positive feedback. Have a fantastic trip!
Hi,
I have applied for a visa 2 months ago. It went well and i received approval by mail. So 2 days i applied again but this time did not take note of the application ID as i was expecting a mail. Didnt happen. Try to request the application ID with the retrieval system, still no mail. i have already paid online
I have tried to apply again using the mention “GBR” as recommended in a previous post but cant work as my passport number is already maximum character. I am due to live on friday.
Any advice?
Thanks
Hi just applied for evisa using my irish passport but to my knowledge irish passport holders are visa fee exempt but it says unless fee is paid applications will be automatically cancelled. I travel on june 5th if they do cancel can i still get visa at entebbe
Yes you can still get a visa at Entebbe 🙂
Hi,
I am traveling tomorrow to Uganda from Kigali, Rwanda. This means I will cross the border at Katuna. I applied e-visa and it was approved. Now it says in the email you get, that you need to bring an Recent Passport-size Photograph. Since I had to extend my visa for Rwanda I used all my original ones I had left. I still have a copy of it online so I printed out the copy in the mandatory size.
Is this going to be a problem at the border? Or do I need to look for a place to still make a original one?
Thank you!
Hi Inge, I don’t know the official answer to this one. I have sent a message to my immigration adviser to ask his opinion but I don’t know whether I will hear back from him before you travel. This is the first time I have heard of somebody needing a passport size photograph to enter Uganda so your enquiry is very useful information. I would have done exactly what you have done 🙂
I would be interested in reading your feedback on your experience crossing the border. I’m sure everything will be fine but this is an interesting development.
Hello, I am travelling to Uganda in August from the UK. I have just applied for a visa, and one of my selections was to say that the “Point of entry or where you want to have your visa personalised” I selected as London. Does that mean I need to go to the embassy before I travel to get the visa printed into my passport?
Thanks
Tim
Hmmm. Isn’t your point of entry refering to where you will enter Uganda? i.e. if flying, it will be Entebbe.
Hello Muzungu
We have applied and paid for Ugandan visas online And received the visa with a bar code is there anything else to pay on arrival at Entebbe airport ?
Hi Faridah, no that is it. If you applied and paid online, nothing more to pay at Entebbe. Just the taxi etc 🙂
Thank you
Hi
Am travelling Friday with husband and 3 kids.2 kids passports expire in 5 months. We are waiting for visa applications back. What are our chances of travelling, too late to update passports now. How strict are they with the 6 month rule? Anything we can do to get the visa? We are visiting Uganda family
Hi Anne, I don’t know the answer to your question re 5 months but have asked my immigration adviser for advice.
In my view, it’s possible that immigration won’t notice the passports are about to expire, particularly in the case of children, but I will get back to you if I hear anything.
If you apply for your visa in person at Entebbe, you can have a conversation with the immigration staff there. These things are normally dealt with better face-to-face aren’t they?
We are leaving for Entebbe July 3rd and I am just now beginning the process, do you think i have enough time to receive the visa? About 3 weeks
Hi Nancy, you may be ok if you submit all docs correctly, however 1) it is now peak season and 2) we generally advise allowing one month. However, people are also still getting tourist visas in person at Entebbe.
Hiya
I’m travelling to Uganda from England and when I applied for my visa they asked for an invitation letter? I’m leaving in 2 weeks and don’t know what to do if I don’t get the visa??!
Hi Louise, an invitation letter is standard e.g. from a host organisation or employer, if applicable, or show a copy of a travel itinerary, e.g. from a tour operator, and a return ticket. Entebbe is still issuing visas on arrival however, so I am sure you will be fine 🙂
If one’s application got deferred. I was told to upload certain document.
Will I pay for the visa fee again?.
Thanks.
No I don’t think so. Have not heard of this happening to anyone else.
So we are having the same problem many have already asked about…. My daughter is traveling to Uganda on Tuesday. She applied for her visa June 15 and never received an email. I did write her application ID down, but have since misplaced it. All week we have been emailing and using the link to request the application ID so that we could check the visa status online. We continue to not receive any return emails. I am up late in order to try and call, but after reading your post and all of the comments, would it be best to just reapply by adding a letter to her passport number. We did pay for the first application with a credit card and the total was posted the next day…. One other person she is traveling with is having the same problem. Thank you so much for your help! I was very excited to find your post tonight!
Hi Melissa, glad to help 🙂 It’s very helpful to read your and other travellers’ feedback.
I think yes, try adding the ‘missing letter…’ if you reapply. My immigration advisor told me this usually works. However, if you do that, you will have to pay again. won’t you?
If I were your daughter, I would just rock up at Entebbe and purchase on arrival.
Hello,
I have one question. I have applied for a visa one week ago and still waiting for approval. On “Manage your application” site there is a status “in progress” and I have an option to modify and to cancel. Does the option “modify” means that there is some more information required from me and I should click on it? Or if there was more information required I would receive and email or phonecall requesting it? Thank you for your help.
If more info required you should – in theory – have received an email to that effect. If it were me, I’d click on ‘modify’ and see if I can work out what might be missing. Look thru comments on this page for clues 🙂
NOTE: approval letter can take a month…
Thank you very much for your reply. Earlier I found on official website that it takes 2-3 working days and that’s why I did not apply earlier. I am to leave to Uganda in a week. What should I do if I don’t receive an approval letter by then? Is there any procedure?
I’d just get visa on arrival 🙂 that system still in place…
Great, thank you very much! 🙂 I was a bit concerned if the airline doesn’t require the approval, but I will check that 🙂
Hi
This is great info. I also have misplaced ID! Will I need evidence of payment of fee or will they have record of that at immigration do you think?
Thanks so much
I think you will need to show proof of some kind.
I’m wondering what the longest it could possibly take to get the visa on arrival processed at the airport? A friend is flying in an hour later, and Id like to be on hand to help him if I can linger in the immigration area for long enough. Is this possible? And would my bag be safe if I didnt claim it for an hour? Thank you!
Time depends on no. of flights arriving at airport when you arrive. Also, your plane could arrive late / his early, or vice versa… immigration may ask you to move along but I can’t really say. I’m sure your bag would be safe if left for just one hour.
I have also problems with getting approval for my visa application. It was first being studied and now the status is in progress. Are you really sure that i can get a visa at the airport of entebbe? Otherwise i try to cancel my application and get one tru a agency. I also travel to Zanzibar for one week, and need to apply for visa there also. In de east Afrika visum is Tanzania not included i understand?
Lots of people have been getting visas on arrival at Entebbe. Pls read the comments here with dates.
The East Africa Tourist Visa covers Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya only.
Hi muzungu, jukumando, how long it takes to approve e Visa when I apply? Thanks jukumando
That all depends on whether you have submitted all the docs correctly + how busy immigration is. Some people report 2-3 days turnaround, others a few weeks…. allow one month
I sent someone to have my visa extended. It was approved for only 2 months? I was told the cost for the extension was $50? Is that correct?
Immigration do not charge to extend a visa but your fixer may have charged you. Although you are allowed to stay six months in UG on one tourist visa, if you get 3 months initially, they will generally only extend one or two months. They rarely give an extension of three months.
Hello Chris
What is the best currency to exchange in Uganda……Dollars or pounds ?
Thanks
Chris, who’s Chris?
Call me Cha, Charlotte or Charlie 🙂
You can exchange both + Euros and other major currencies in forex bureaus and banks but dollars are widely accepted as payment in tourist hotels and the like. ATMs are only found in major towns – and not 100% function! Always best to sort out money in Kampala and Entebbe before you travel anywhere else.
Hi Mzungu,
me and my friend are flying to Entebbe in August. Is it possible to just apply for the visa online without paying for it right away? I would rather pay for it in person at the airport.
Thanks for your answer in advance!
No. If you apply online, you now have to pay online so just get visa on arrival at Entebbe. Many people still doing that.
Hello, Mzungu,
Great, great site. So helpful.
My problem: I have been traveling to Uganda for 10 years and so was surprised to find that I now need to apply for visa in advance. Submitted application online last week but then saw this week application has been deferred bc I need a letter of invitation. I obtained one and have been trying to upload it for the past 2 days to no avail. System doesn’t recognize my application # / passport # / date of birth combination so I can’t “manage my application.” Similarly, when I try to send an inquiry via “Contact” page, it does not go through.
I am a little nervous because I leave the US on Tuesday for Europe, will head to Uganda the following week.
Because I can’t seem to win with the website, I left 3 messages with Ugandan embassy in DC. Will be in London this Friday, can try to go to embassy there in person if necessary – but what is the word on obtaining on arrival these days? I do hope this is still possible… Any updates / reassurances, welcome.
Rest assured – you can get your visa on arrival at Entebbe!
Thanks for the positive feedback on my website 🙂
Last year, we passed through security at Entebbe airport, en route to Nairobi, and reached the check-in desks. I had my yellow fever certificate but my wife didn’t have hers (as we hadn’t been told it was required). The security guard refused to allow her to check in and told her to go to a clinic at the airport where a yellow fever inoculation could be done. However, airport security refused point blank for her to go back out of the airport departure area. So, she was stuck in limbo, unable to go forwards or backwards. At this point, a senior looking figure in a uniform and peaked cap came up to her and asked for her passport “with 100,000 UGX to be within it”. He then disappeared into the toilets and five minutes later returned with her passport and a fully completed yellow fever certificate in her name showing the dates she had been inoculated etc and the actual batch of medicine used. She then showed this to the same man who five minutes earlier knew she didn’t have such a certificate. He didn’t bat an eyelid but allowed her to pass through to the check in desk as all was now in order. Welcome to Uganda. This is how most things work here. I should know as I’ve now been 19 times in seven years.
Hmm! First time I have heard of this at Entebbe to be honest…
Hi, my name is Abdullahi. I was going to Uganda 19/07/2017 but Qatar airways told me I can not fly without visa to Uganda and I told them I will get the visa on travel but they said it’s only for citizens. But now I have made an application last Saturday and I have paid but I do not know how long it will take. I travel before august started
Hi Abdullahi, the visual approval process can take a few weeks or a few days. This is the peak period for travel. Can you contact the airline and show them proof that you have applied? There seems to be a disconnect between some airlines’ insistence on a visa approval letter and Uganda’s immigration system. (I don’t understand what they’re saying about visas only being for citizens. Citizens of a country do not need visas). Sorry I can’t be of any more help
Hi,
Below is the link of Onlinechess tournament of Ugandan Chess players.
I do want to participate as an individual Chess player from India into the Offline section ( walk-in Chess player ) in person apart from visiting beautiful places of Uganda. Should I apply for Business visa ( or) Visiting visa?
Because I am confused on this case!
Thanks
Samy
We arrive with 20 people to do Volunteer work with Watoto on September 1st. We’ve tried a couple times to pay for the visa online, but keep getting “unsuccessful payment”. We’ve contacted both the bank, credit card company and verified by visa, and all of them are allowing the payment to go through but it keeps not going through. Any thoughts? Also we have one person in out party that has a passport expiring the end of NOV 2017 (this year)… we’ll only be in country for 10 days. So you think we’ll have an issue with the date being 3 months out? Thanks for any and all help. B
Hi Brad
Last first: you need minimum 6 months passport validity.
Not sure what to advise re payment issue other than 1) reapply and pay using different card or 2) apply and pay in person at Entebbe. Still commonly done…
Hi – completed form on line and a reference number came up but I did not record it – pressed pay button and the system crashed. Tried again from stratch and it said I could not apply twice. send email asking for reminder of reference number but no response. Cannot pay or cancel and start again without reference number and cannot get the reference number. Any ideas?
Hi there, oh dear what a pain. If I were you I would just apply in person at Entebbe. Many people still doing it.
🙂
Had some problems getting my application ID – forgotten ID button does not work. You need to go on the Uganda Immigration Facebook Page where they answer queries promptly and send you your ID . Hope that saves someone some time Jacqui
Wow Jacqui, an excellent tip. Thank you very much for sharing!
First,
I want to say that this is blog is great and the owner definitely deserves more than just couple of beers!
I’ve red all the questions and answers, but my situation is a bit different.
My girlfriend (who has a yellow fever certificate) and I (who doesn’t have one) are going to cross to Uganda from Kenya, probably by bus. So no airport, just a regular border crossing. At this point in time, I can not get the vaccine in my country because they run out of the supply. Hopefully this is going to be fixed next week, but it is still not sure..
So, my questions are:
Is it possible to get the visa there on the border crossing without applying online? Just fill the papers and pay 50 dollars?
And more importantly, how strict are they when checking the yellow fever certificate? I heard from people who cross from Kenya to Uganda that they are not nearly as strict as on the Entebbe airport.
I know that these are not an easy questions to answer, but the help would be greatly appreaciated. The risk of me getting a yellow fever is literally non existant. I will be staying with my sister in Kampala. And i just don’t want to have the situation where someone can deny me the entry to Uganda. If it is possible to get the vaccine when crossing the border by land, that is fine as well.
Once more,
Thank you so much for this great blog.
Hi Nat, thanks for your great comments – I need to make sure you get to Kampala, just so you can buy me those beers! LOL.
Now let’s start with Kenya. In theory you should have Yellow Fever certificate to enter Kenya. How are you getting to Kenya? I had to show mine recently (by road). I did not have the original to hand. I just flashed a photo of it on my phone (tho immigration did not actually check it).
Secondly, Ministry of Health has declared Uganda Yellow Fever free. However, I guess risk could come from other countries – so you still need the YF certificate.
As far as I know you can’t get the jabs at road border, unlike EBB airport where you can.
Lastly, Uganda seems to have relaxed visa applic process at airport i.e. you can get visa on arrival still but I have to check re road border… I have a work permit so I use the Interstate Pass (the local version of the East Africa Tourist Visa).
Thank you so much for a great reply!
I took the vaccine today, so in the end there was no need for additional uncertanity. But if you happen to be around Kampala from 5th to 12th October, my girlfriend and I would be more than happy to congratulate you for doing the great job with some beers 🙂 (the e-mail is for real 🙂
All the best from Serbia!
Glad you managed to get your jab and avoid any potential hassle at airport.
Thanks for beer invite – but sadly I will not be in Kampala that week. You must try a Nile Special and definitely (a few) Uganda Waragi, our local gin. Triple distilled, top quality, great taste!
Have a SUPERB trip!
Hello, Muzungu!
Thank you very much for this wonderful and very useful blog. I sent a completed application with a copy of the passport, a yellow fever vaccination certificate and a passport-size photo, paid $ 50 only last night, and this morning I received an approval letter with a barcode. This approval letter is a visa and I do not need to wait for anything else? Thank you very much for the answer!
Hello again Nat. This is what I have been told “I know you can enter Uganda without a Yellow Fever Certificate (though this is not official). Am sure they will pass (across the border) only that the officers may make some noise but eventually they will allow. Also for Visa they can apply there.” If there is any way you can get your Yellow Fever Cert + visa before you get to the border, I would certainly do that, if only for peace of mind… As you see, rules are one thing, reality on the ground is a little different.
Hello, Muzungu!
Thank you very much for this wonderful and very useful blog. I sent a completed application with a copy of the passport, a yellow fever vaccination certificate and a passport-size photo, paid $ 50 only last night, and this morning I received an approving letter with a barcode. This approval letter is a visa and I do not need to wait for anything else? Thank you very much for the answer!
Happy to advise 🙂
Great to hear you received approval so quickly! But note: this is a visa approval letter only not the visa. That is issued at the airport. Immigration do this since they still reserve the right to refuse people entry (a standard immigration procedure and nothing to worry about).
Thanks for the answer, Muzungu!
But I will not have to pay $ 50 at the airport for the second time?
I do not have to wait for anything from the site anymore? It’s all?
Thank you!
Nothing more to pay. Just the one payment of $50
You have your visa approval letter – print it and present it at Entebbe Airport
Thank you, dear Muzungu!
Hi Muzungu
Just a little concerned about a previous question. Is it the case that if one is applying for a tourist visa and visiting a friend, i will need an invitation letter and/or proof of their ugandan nationality in the form of an upload of their passport? I have visited Uganda 4 times and on the last occasion in 2010 it was no problem. i have always applied at the High Commission in London by the way.
Fact is – the rules have changed. I suggest you visit the Uganda immigration website and read their advice in full. Their Facebook page is quick to respond to queries apparently.
Lastly, in my experience, embassies and commissions are not always up to speed on what is happening in their home country.
Thanks for the quick response. I noticed the post was from someone in Belgium so i thought it may be a bit different. Great site by the way.
Happy to help … 🙂
Is it in fact still possible to obtain the visa at the airport?
I have tried to pay using several credit cards and the payment just won’t go through. I think the traditional system was more convenient, especially since they can still turn passengers away even after having this “e-visa”. Further complicating matters is the fact that no one responds to the emails via their system.
Is it in fact still possible to obtain the visa at the airport? YES.
Further complicating matters is the fact that no one responds to the emails via their system. SEE THREAD ABOVE – it seems you do get quick replies via Uganda Immigration Facebook page 🙂
Hi Muzungu you are very kind helping everybody with their concerns I hope you can advise me too. Is it possible to apply for your tourist visa too early? I applied for myself and my son last week for our trip arriving Entebbe 13/02/2018. Mine was approved but my sons deferred with the reason ‘ please modify date of arrival, visa only valid for 3 months after approval’
Does that mean that my approved visa will have expired before I even arrive?
Hi Hayley, note you have a visa approval letter (not a visa, at this point). It will only last 3 months so yes, yours will already have expired 🙁 You’ll need to reapply I’m afraid and pay again. I don’t think there is a way around this… but try contacting Uganda Immigration via their Facebook page
Ok thank you Muzungu I thought that would be the case. That’ll teach me to be organized!
Just hope my sons will stay deferred until December so that I can re-apply for his without paying again! Losing £40 is better than losing £80. Thank you for replying to me.
🙂
Dear Muzungu
I am about to travel to Uganda and have an old yellow fever certificate from 2002 – do you know whether this is acceptable to the Visa office? Or will they think it is too old?
I am beginning to wonder whether it might not be better just to do at the airport as I have done once before (about seven years ago) although the line was very long and very slow — because reading your posts and excellent advice above, there does not seem to be much benefit in applying online.
Can I just add to all the previous posters that this has been enormously helpful to read. Thank you!!
Hi Christine, thanks for positive feedback 🙂
Medical advice is that you should not have more than one Yellow Fever in your lifetime so it should not matter how old your certificate is, assuming info is written on it is legible.
I think your second line refers to visa application: apply (and pay) online if you have time. Although you can still get in person at Entebbe, that will take longer. Line lengths depend on no. of planes that land at Entebbe at the same time… By the way, some airlines insist that passengers show their visa approval letter before boarding (tho I have only heard a very few instances of this; and I’m sure word has spread that Entebbe are running online / traditional systems concurrently)
Dear Charlie,
Thank you very much for your blog, it is very interesting and helpful.
I will be travelling to Entebbe in November and, following your advice, I will be applying for the visa in October. My questions are: can I provide a provisional date of arrival as I am not sure about the exact date? Will the visa letter be valid from the moment the authorities approve my application or from the date I wrote on the application?
Thank you once more.
Visa approval letter is valid from the date immigration issue it. Standard you get is 90 days – tho at airport (when you get actual visa) you will only get 90 days actual visa if you ask for it, in my experience. I don’t think it matters if actual date of arrival is different from the provisional one. Hope that helps 🙂
Dear Muzungo,
I will be traveling to Uganda next month but I do not have the exact dates yet. I was planning to request a visa for the first week of November but I might travel on the second week. Does the arrval date have to be precise or will the visa be valid If I arrive later?
Thank you very much.
Hi Sandra. The visa approval letter lasts 90 days. If I were you, I’d insert the earlier date but your exact date of entry should not matter, so if you arrive a week later, you’ll be covered. Happy Landings
Dear Muzungu,
My boyfriend and are will be traveling to Uganda this November and January. We applied early and received our visa only to receive an email today that our visas have been canceled because they expired. I put our travel dates on the application as dec 27 to Jan 9 2018 and paid $50 each. What can we do now?
Thank you
Hi Nadia, oh dear, that’s a bit annoying! I asked my immigration advisor what you should do. He says “This happens because they applied too early and there is normally set period for different applications. Pretend that they didn’t know and just come and am sure they will get help from the airport as they have paid.” Hope this helps… (you can still get visas in person at airport).
Thank you so much for your quick response Muzungu. Is there a chance we may have to pay the entry fee again at the airport?
I can’t answer that for sure sorry – but if you show proof that you have paid, then hopefully you won’t have to pay again. I’d be interested to hear how you get on 🙂
Thank you again for your help. I will let you know, hopefully it will be smooth
Flying KLM from Amsterdam. Was not allowed to check in without visa application.
Managed to get in by online application without payment at another desk.
Highly recommended to buy it beforehand for less stress.
Bedankt! Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with us. You’re 100% right – online visa application in advance is now a must.
Enjoy Uganda!
#ExporeUganda
I am surprised to read that you did “online application without payment.”
Just to be sure, are you referring to a) the tourist visa application or
b) the registration in advance of paying for PCR testing on arrival at entebbe airport? Those are separate procedures.
I’ve applied for Ugandan visa online but i did not get any confirmation to my e-mail so I’m not sure if my application is proceeding. There was a communicate : application was succesfully submitted. But I have no application ID number so it is impossible to check the status of application on the website : mail@immigration.go.ug. I tried to use their website to remind me the application ID using my passport number and date of birth and e-mail adress but in spite of fact they show communicate : the message with your ID was sent to your e-mail nothing comes to my mail box. What can I do ?
If you have checked your spam box and find nothing, then blog readers tell me they get a good response if they contact Uganda immigration Facebook page. Failing that, visas on arrival still available at Entebbe.
Hi There,
I really appreciate your time for replying and helping people out with their questions here. I checked the comments and saw few responses to the similar issue that I have. I’ve applied for a single entry tourist visa, but then my application was deferred asking for flight details, tour plan and hotel bookings which I provided my flight and hotel bookings as well as my travel itinerary, I haven’t booked the tour yet, but allowed for three days with a gorilla tour in my itinerary. Then it was deferred again asking for the invitation letter and host immigration status. I noticed that you recommended using hotel bookings or travel itinerary in response to invitation letter request, but I have already submitted them. I don’t have any specific host there, so I am not sure what else I can provide to them to be satisfying. Thanks in advance for your help
Hi Ahmad. It’s quite interesting answering people’s questions as I’m learning a lot 🙂
I contacted my immigration adviser. His advice is that you ask one of the hotels to write a letter confirming that you have booked with them and that they will be hosting you. Hope this helps!
Thanks again for your prompt reply. I am trying to contact the hotels if they can provide such a letter. No luck yet, but will keep trying. Thanks for your advice.
Hi, I only today found out that I have been accepted to attend a conference in Kampala 22-24 November. This is very unexpected, as I don’t even have a passport (South African)!
Is there any way that I can apply so long without a valid passport number?
I am very stressed!!
Hi Gabe. You can’t make an application without a valid passport. However, don’t panic, if you can get a passport in time, you can still get visa upon arrival in Kampala 🙂
Hi, I applied for an online transit VISA to Uganda (2 day stay) and my application was deferred. I was asked to apply instead for the East Africa visa, as I continue my travels to Kenya. However, I have already been granted a single-entry VISA to Kenya. I am flying tomorrow and I was hoping to just pay on arrival. But now I can see that USD50+fee was taken from my account today. However, the VISA has not been granted. What should I do? Thanks.
Hi Gideon, sorry for the complications. (Transit visas are a very rare thing by the way). My understanding is that you arrive in UG first. If you can prove onward travel to Kenya, you should be able to get your EATV for $100 at Entebbe airport. (See also my blog about the East Africa Tourist Visa). Ref Kenya, I suggest you print out all relevant paperwork, including proof money has left your account, and follow up in person at the border (and contact them again in the meantime of course). The reason I say get EATV is that you’re going to have to pay $100 at Entebbe anyway (UG visa costs same amount) and you can’t be guaranteed that Kenya visa will come through in time or that you will be refunded in case it doesn’t…
That’s what I would do anyway – but you’ll need proof of Kenya travel / accom / itinerary etc. Do let me know how you get on 🙂
Hi I would please like to know if I can still get visa on arrival at Entebbe and if so what are the visa on arrival requirements. Travelling with a one year old from South Africa
Hi Maria, not sure of any specific requirements for South Africans or children but read the main article and see previous comments: visa on arrival still available. Bring copies of Yellow Fever certs.
Good morning. I am in the process of applying for visa to Uganda but haven’t been able to pay the required 50 dollars. An error message saying an ‘unknown error caused payment to fail’ is the response and so I’m worried. Can I still make my trip if this isn’t fixed? Can I get visa and pay on arrival still? I left a message last night on the website but haven’t gotten any reply yet. Please help. Thanks
Hi Liv, don’t worry you can apply and pay on arrival in Entebbe. In case you want to contact immigration, try the Uganda Immigration Facebook page.
Hello ,
i am planning to visit Uganda with a friend at the end of January 2018 for Gorilla trekking for 6 days. we also booked all tour trips including Gorillas and paid Deposits to guarantee . We are Turkish Citizens and we also need visa. I sent e- mail to Uganda Embassy in Turkey but they didn’t reply my message, i need an information about Tourist Visa. is it possible to get it from Entebbe Airport or do we have to apply from Embassy ? p.s : Turkish citizens can’t apply for Online Visa.
Hi Ismail. I hadn’t realised that Turkish citizens could not apply for e-visa online. How did you learn this? You can get visas on arrival at Entebbe. However, if I were you I’d try and contact the Uganda Embassy again. Can you call them? Or, contact the Uganda Immigration Facebook page. I’m told they respond quickly 🙂
Hi,
My girlfriend and I’m currently in Simbabwe.
Our flight to Entebbe is on Saturday and we missed totally to apply online for a tourist visa.
Does it still make sense to try it online or directly at the Entebbe Airport?
Many thanks in advance
Chris
Don’t worry you can get your visa on arrival at Entebbe:)
Dear Muzungu,
my approved “entry letter” is cancelled as I applied too early for them. There is no response from the ugandian embassy in Berlin; the only thing I reached after felt houndreds of mails with the immigration office in Uganda is the statement to call them 24 hours before my flight to reactivate the approval letter.
My problem is that I do not trust this procedure as I tried to call them on one day and 10 calls later, no chance to catch them. I also do not know whether they can reactivate for 24 hours or longer – because the last working day this week is ca. 30 hours before my flight will go (on 23.12.) and ca. 40 hours before I’ll arrive in Entebbe.
Would you recommend me to still apply for a new approval letter still this week or would you even go with the expired approval letter to Uganda if I’d fail to really catch them via phone?
Thanks so much!
BR
Tanja
Hello Tanja, I do feel for you… but well done for your stamina!
Simply put, forget the phone calls, just get visa on arrival in Entebbe. My mum and dad did just that last Friday 🙂
Dear Charlotte,
thanks so much for your advise! After I found your blog, and also seeing nobody posting a negative response after all your recommendations, I simply feel better now! I’ll nevertheless try to call them next Friday, but in case I’ll fail, I’ll just go! After I’ll return back home in Germany in January, I’ll post a feedback again. Promised!
So far, thanks so much for your quick reply and this blog! It’s great.
BR
Tanja
P.S.: I know, it’s africa. 🙂
Happy to help 🙂
It’s a shame if your experience of Uganda has been difficult so far; that’s just government institutions for you. Uganda has many dynamic and talented people. I’m sure you’ll love your time here.
Dear Charlotte, dear Blog-Readers,
I just returned from Uganda and the status on 24th of Dec. was the following, when I arrived at Entebbe airport:
– 2 counters open for VISA on arrival; officers felt bored because all other tourists went to the other counters with their approval letters
– with our expired approval letters, we managed to discuss (after being sent to 3 different counters finally) to get the VISA for one month, and also had not to pay double
Before, still being in Germany, neither the embassy in Berlin was willing to help me nor I could reach the immigration service 24 hours before the flight as I was already afraid about.
So, finally everything went well. Other dutch tourists we met also organized their VISA on arrival.
Thanks again for your great support which let me starting my vacation much more relaxed!
Wishing a nice 2018 and BR
Tanja
Dear Tanja, thanks very much for sharing your experience with everyone. It’s great to know the system does work (despite a hiccup here and there!) ENJOY UGANDA! 🙂
Help. I’m going to travel to Uganda in less than 2 weeks and was planning to get my visa at Entebbe Airport. Now I’m concerned. Are they still issuing them?
Yes, they are. Read all the comments above 🙂
Dear Muzungu
I aply uganda visa online and defered three times then i get canceled it to try again,
Is that mean i lost the 50 dolar i paid online?
Is there still possible to get uganda visa on arrival enttebe eirport?
Dear Ajet, sorry to read of your experience. You can get visa on arrival but I think you will have to pay again. I’m interested to know if you do? Safe journey
Dear muzungu
I am also having the same problem i have applied 2 applications yesterday for my friend and here wife but today i get a mail that application is deffered i dont know what to do now kindly please help me i can send you screenshots of the mail if you will contact me personal
Hi Ammar, I suggest you try to contact Uganda Immigration directly via their Facebook page. Deferment is usually because you have omitted some documents. You can still get visa on arrival at Entebbe.
There were 3 things required to fill out the application form and i have attached all 3 of them. First was passport bio data page second was vaccination certificate yellow fever and the last was recent passport size photograph.
At some stage, they also require proof of return travel (usually air ticket) and possibly an invitation letter or tour itinerary – but pls contact Uganda Immigration directly. Not all cases are the same.
Dear Muzungu,
I am leaving for a flight to Uganda at the end of this week and am still waiting on my online visa to be approved. My application status says “in progress” and I have already paid for $50 fee online. I’m unsure of whether or not it will get approved by the time I arrive at the Entebbe airport. Will I have to reapply in person when I get to the airport and will I have to pay the $50 fee again? Thank you so much!
Hi Sabrina, sounds like your application is stuck (missing document, for example). Try contacting Uganda Immigration through their Facebook page. If no response, you’ll need to reapply in person at airport. Bring proof you have paid (although I can’t guarantee you won’t have to pay again). Am trying to get clarity on such cases. Interested to hear your feedback…
Hi I’m planning to go to Uganda for the 3th time this friday (so in a week).. However I didn’t realise now it’s obliged to get a visa prior to departure, so I only applied in the night between last thursday & friday and didn’t get a response within 24 hours as they promise on their facebookpage.
Now I read in your post it may take weeks or doesn’t come at all.. So now I’m a bit stressed if I will get my visa in time & won’t be declined boarding. Do you have any updates on the situation now or any advise?
Thank you!
Hi Ingrid, you can still get visa on arrival. Airlines do allow you to board without a visa. If you read through previous comments, you will get more info too 🙂
Thank you for your reply!
🙂
Hi Muzungu,
I’m travelling to Uganda in Feb. Will I need yellow fever vaccination?
Hi Saida, yes you will need to show your Yellow Fever Certificate – or you can get the jab at the airport at a cost of $40 – we do NOT have Yellow Fever in Uganda by the way.
Hi.
Great blog! Any news when it will no longer be possible to get a visa on arrival? We are planning on arriving February 9th so trying to judge whether it will still be available then.
Also when applying for a visa at a Ugandan embassy (in London) can I apply on behalf of my family or do they all need to go in person?
Many thanks and keep up the great work!
Hi Phil, thanks for feedback
No idea when immigration will cease visa on arrival… Should have been over a year ago… I’m confident you’ll be able to get in person in Feb. As for applying in UK, you can submit via registered post, meaning you do not have to be physically present.
Hi!
Great blog! I have a question regarding myself and my 1 year old daughter. We have tickets to travel to Uganda from the US at the beginning of February. I’m all for doing the online visa I just need assistance on how to add my daughter to my form or do I complete another form just for her? Also we both have all of the required documents such as passports, yellow fever certificates etc. please advise me with directions to obtain a visa for me and my daughter!
Thanks,
Hi LaTrice, you need to complete separate applics for each person traveling to UG – or you can get on arrival … if appying online pls check images are saved to correct (small) resolution. safe travels
Aloha… I just got off the line with my dear Ugandan brother.. VISA/VACCINE UPDATE….. He talked with immigration yesterday, (01/23/2018), and verified that if you so not come into Uganda, for what ever reason, without your visa and yellow fever card, that you will simplly be given a vaccine and go to the kiosk and have your visa processed….. (my reason for the inquiry was that there is nearly no vaccine here on the Big Island of Hawaii). But found some this morning, but wanted to share a update from the horses mouth…. Enjoy the Heart of Africa …. Robert
Hey Robert, you’re the first to comment from Hawai – ALOHA back at ya!
Thanks very much for your feedback, much appreciated.
To clarify:
1. Yes, you do need a Yellow Fever Certificate – or be prepared to have the jab at the airport. Cost $40.
2. You do not need to have a visa before you arrive. Some people have it; most others have a ‘visa approval letter’ (which you get via the online system); BUT you can also apply in person on arrival at Entebbe.
Uganda is known as the Pearl of Africa… it is Burundi that is known as the Heart of Africa, according to their tourism board, at least!
Great Blog, Thanks alot!
I’m planning to visit Uganda in April, i’m traveling from Poland, should I choose to get the visa stamp at the airport in Uganda or from the embassy in Berlin?
Is it a problem to go to Uganda with the approval letter only? without visa stamp?
Thanks alot
Hi Ahmed 🙂
Apply online to get your ‘visa approval letter’ or get visa on arrival at Entebbe. Embassies also issue visas but am less familiar with the process tho people tell me 1) it can be mmore expensive (as you have to send docs registered post) and 2) can therefore take longer.
Pls read the blog + all comments to help you decide.
Hello! I’m from Dominican Republic and I am going to participate in a conference next month! I was wondering what type of visa do I need? Is it the Uganda Ordinary/Tourist Visa? Thank you!
Hi Jahnna, yes you’ll need the regular tourist visa. Add on a few days and stay to see the gorillas, go on safari or get to know Kampala, Uganda’s capital 🙂
Thank you so much! Is there something that I can see or go right on Entebbe? Im only staying a day after the conference ( because work 🙁 ) and I would love to go to a market or any other place that could give me a glimpse of your beautiful country!
Hi Jahnna, Entebbe Botanical Gardens are beautiful with mature trees, grassy areas that slope down to Lake Victoria, excellent birdwatching and monkeys. There’s a small local bar on the water’s edge.
There’s a small craft market in Entebbe on Fridays.
Entebbe town has some good cafes, a few good restaurants and hotels with swimming pools too.
My favourite day trips from Entebbe include Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, Uganda Wildlife Education Centre, sports fishing on Lake Victoria with Wild Frontiers, Reptiles Village.
At the weekend head for Anderita Beach. Here Ugandans (but rarely tourists) swim in the lake and teenagers go roller skating. There are a number of beachside restaurants including Goretti’s, famous for pizzas and whole tilapia (expect slow service tho!)
Thank you!!
Hi,
This is Hans-Jürgen from Germany. My son is going to Kampala next week and we´re still waiting on the approval of the visa. I missed to write down the application number. I thought this might be no problem as we get a confirmation by mail anyway. Now we are waiting since almost 4 weeks but nothing happens. Even after requesting the application number a hundred tim nothing happens and even after sending 2 messages through the contact button no reply but the visa fee was charged right away.
What can I do now to make it still happen till next week or whom can I contact for help ?
Thanks in advance for our help
Hans-Jürgen
Good morning
Guten morgen
Don’t worry, a common situation…
Firstly, you can try contacting Uganda Immigration Facebook page. They do respond.
Otherwise, take print out of visa approval letter to Entebbe airport and tell them what happened.
They still issue visas on arrival.
I refer you to all the comments on my blog.
Charlotte
Sent from my dugout canoe
Hello sir, I have been in Uganda in the month of December 2017 and it was a good and smooth experience as my tourist visa approval was gotten in few hours. This time around, due to more frequent need to travel to Uganda throughout this year, I have applied for a multiple entry visa. My worry is that it is one week after my application and payment yet no approval confirmation. Is it that this visa takes longer to be approved or something wrong?
Hi Elvis, you will need to contact immigration to see what the issue is. Look for your application ID. It may be in your spam folder. People report that Uganda Immigration reply quickly using their Facebook page.
A friend of mine is coming from USA in March but she applied for a tourist visa online.but they told her that she will be interviewed first by the immigration officials at Entebbe airport and to see if her visa will be approved or not .and she has already made hotel reservations and plane ticket ,I need to know because it a one time visa and sacred that her Visa might not be approved. Thank you sir!
Hi Mercy.
This is how it works: the online application process should give you a ‘visa approval letter’. It does not give you the visa itself – not for your friend or anyone. The actual visa is given when you physically enter UG. Immigration reserves the right to do more background checks on the person or to refuse them entry when they get to Entebbe / cross into the country from a road border. This is standard in every country, so don’t be alarmed. Where they say they will ‘interview’ your friend, they just want to check she has all the documents (e.g. return flight / tour itinerary hotel bookings). They simply ask a couple of questions, hardly an interview.
The bottom line is, if your friend gets her visa approval letter, there is highly unlikely to be any reason why she will be refused entry when she actually gets to Entebbe. Hope that reassures you 🙂
Hello, my friend applied for a single entry ordinary visa from the website but there seems to be a problem with the payment procedure. We’ve tried to pay from several different cards but the payment just doesn’t go through. Received an email last night saying that the application is being processed and the pay option disappeared, but it is there again today and it’s still not working. I’m so confused, do you think my friend will be able to get visa on arrival at the airport even if she couldn’t apply online?
Hello Ahmed, I’ve not heard abot this issue before so I’m not sure how to advise you. You can still buy visa on arrival at Entebbe, even if you haven’t tried using the online system 🙂
Hello Muzungu currently we are having the same issue we couldn’t pay online tried for afull week. And the person coming in from Germany is having ahard time believing that he could get avisa at arrival in entebbe .he’s supposed to land on Friday the 6th of September 2019.any advise
Hi Doreen, please reassure him that he can get visa on arrival at Entebbe. Many people are doing it. All he has to do is show his passport and pay the $50 (or $100 if he wants East Africa Tourist Visa). tell him to make sure he gets a visa sticker plus the stamp.
Hello Muzungu,
Great blog, and thanks for all the information! I am bringing my parents to Uganda for the first time in a couple of weeks, and they tried to apply online for their visas. My dad’s didn’t go through because of an error message that people had been having as I read through your comments (same passport number, same date of issue, etc…), so we gave up on his and will just get his at the airport along with mine. Have you heard anything about not being able to get the visa on arrival in March? I know you can’t guarantee anything.
As for my mom, she applied and the payment was withdrawn from her bank account, but she didn’t receive a confirmation or approval letter. She tried to go back to the manage application page with her ID and passport number, but it says “No application found”. I told her to contact the Uganda Immigration facebook page. Anything else she can do to avoid having to pay again at the airport if she has to get one on arrival as well?
Thank you!
Hi Tessa
Your dad will still be able to get visa on arrival this month 🙂
As for your mum’s case, this seems to be happening quite a lot at the moment so don’t panic. If there is anything you can bring to the airport to prove that you have already paid, then please do so. E.g. a printout of your bank statement + her application ID.
Enjoy the Pearl of Africa!
Hello, can you confirm if you are required to pay for the visa on arrival with cash?
Yes, pay $50 in cash.
Hi there, I was going through all the comments but couldn’t find the exact issue I have at the moment…
I’ll be in Entebbe exactly a week from now… I booked my flight last minute so I couldn’t get the visa earlier…
The problem isn’t only that I applied only a week in advance but that my credit card wouldn’t work straight away (VISA needed to allow payments outside of the EU).
I tried to pay afterwards but now the system is telling me “Payment is in an invalid state, please contact DCIC”. I sent them a mail straight away but they are nor answering and I’m getting really worried since I’ll be there in a week… Any reccomendations? Should I cancel my request and apply again or just wait?
Thanks!
Hi Gesa
I would cancel your application and try and start another one. Worse case scenario, get your visa on arrival in Entebbe. People tell me that the queue for visa on arrival is actually a lot quicker than for those who have visa approval letters!
I’m told Uganda Immigration answer via their Facebook page, but not email it seems.
Hello Muzungu. I am still waiting for my visa approval letter. Now I’m getting a little bit nervous because my flight is already this Saturday. I also need to show my visa approval letter at the check in desk at the airport otherwise I will be refused to enter the plane. What are my options? I still have my older visa approval letter which I already used but the date is still not experied. Should I just go and show this previous visa approval letter and go to Entebbe? When I arrive there I can apply for visa on arrival? Kind regards, Christopher
Hi Christopher, apologies for slow reply to your question, I was on the road. At one time, airlines were asking visitors to Uganda to show their visa approval letter before boarding the plane but they have relaxed on this, knowing that Uganda is continuing to give visas on arrival. Hopefully, you did as you suggested and simply showed your previous visa approval letter? Interested to know how you got on? Welcome to the Pearl of Africa 🙂
Hi there, I am applying for a 12 month multiple entry visa for doing research for my study. On the website of the Ugandan immigration it says I need to have two reference letters. I have gotten one from the institutions with which I am affiliated. But they cannot give me two of these letters. Would a hotel booking reference, confirming my stay, be sufficient as a second reference letter? I am eager to hear what you think. 🙂
Hello Anna, I am not expert in multiple entry visas, although I do know that immigration prefer you to get a work permit or student visa and are not keen to issue multiple entry visas. I am happy to put you in contact with my immigration advisor, if that helps? If you are attached to an institution here, perhaps someone there can help you.
Hello Muzungu
I have been offered a 6 month internship in Uganda after doing some travel in East Africa earlier this year. I am not attached to an institution but will be using this internship to make the decision whether I will study for a masters degree in the same field next year.
I noticed you said immigration are not keen on issuing multiple entry visas and I also read on the website, ‘First time applicants can only be granted a 6 months Multiple-Entry Visa and must have proof of having travelled to Uganda, at least five times within a period of one year immediately preceding their application.’
I have not been into Uganda five times but was advised to apply for the multiple entry visa. I only read the five times rule after researching it myself.
Am a little worried and confused.
Many thanks
Hi Katie, sorry for delay in replying to you but my immigration advice focuses on tourist visas.
I passed your email to my immigration advisor and he commented:
“The question is: who is she coming to do the internship with? if she is not attached to any institution, she needs to be clear. Also, you are not allowed to use multiple entry visa for work.”
Hello , I am Thai citizen and now on the process to apply tourist e-visa to Uganda. I got response within 1 day asking for more documents which are travel plan and return ticket. Is it common to happen? Im little worried about rejection of my application
Hi Sun, it is common to be asked for both of those documents. You need an itinerary e.g. for a tour or safari. If you show proof of hotel bookings, that will work too. It is standard to ask for proof of return ticket OR ticket showing your next destination.
Hello 🙂
Do you know of It is still possible to get visa upon arrival at Entebbe Airport in April 2018. I am leaving next week but had issues with the e visa. Also do you know if it is required to have a return ticket when entering Uganda? Thank you in advance!
Sofie
Hi Sofie, yes you’ll still be able to get visa on arrival in April 2018. You are usually asked to show a return ticket or proof of onward travel.
Hello,
I am a stateless person (permanent resident in the US) traveling as a tourist through travel document to Uganda. Can I still apply online for the e-visa? Apart from a return ticket, what other document is necessary on arrival of the airport?
Thanks,
Dan
Hi Dan. So I understand your question properly, do you have a US passport?
You need a Yellow Fever certificate and proof of itinerary to enter Uganda as a tourist.
Thanks Muzungu,
I read from your article “if you apply too early, it may even get canceled and there’s no guarantee you will get your money back”, how early is too early. Do you think 40 days is fine? Thanks again for the info.
Ah, good question Dan. 40 days is fine 🙂
I’ve heard some people apply 3 months in advance but that is too long. These things have a shelf life.
Ref whether you get your money back if a visa is cancelled, if you produce evidence that you have paid, you do not normally have to pay again.
Hi Charlotte.
I got approval for my entry visa through e-visa. Earlier, I requested for short stay 20 days (my approval says 20 days), now I want to extend it before entering to Uganda to 30 days. How should I do that? Can I do it during my entry at the airport?
Thanks,
Hi Dan, it should not be a problem to get 30 days (up to 90 days in fact, if you ask for it) when you get your visa at Entebbe.
NOTE: you have received a ‘visa approval letter’, not the actual visa yet. You get the visa when you fly into Entebbe / enter Uganda via a road border. Welcome to the Pearl of Africa!
Good day
kindly advise if i have made a mistake on my passport number, how i amend the visa if it has already been approved.
i am travelling on saturday an i mistakenly added on extra number on the passport number
please help
Hi Cheryl, I don’t think you can amend the visa approval letter (you probably need to make a new application) but you can contact Ugandan immigration via their Facebook page. You can still get visa on arrival at Entebbe anyway 🙂
Hello,
I have applied for a Single entry tourist VISA and it got deferred because I don’t have a return ticket. I plan on staying 3 months in Uganda and then travel around the East Africa region.
1- Do you think providing to my online application a “return ticket’ to Kenya or Tz is enough to get my visa approved?
2- After getting a 3 months tourist visa in Uganda am I still allowed to apply for an East African Tourist visa right after?
Cheers for your help!
Camille
Hi Camille
1. That will work. A return ticket or proof of onward travel are required.
2. You can’t get an East Africa Tourist Visa once you’re already in the EATV zone of Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya . Please read my blog A definitive guide to the East Africa Tourist Visa https://www.muzungubloguganda.com/2016/05/east-africa-tourist-visa/
I would start with an EATV and use the three months to travel Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda. You can’t extend the EATV beyond 90 days, but if you need more time, get a single entry tourist visa for whichever country you end up in. These are max 90 days but ask for that period of time as sometimes they give less time.
3. Visit Tanzania first or last, as they are not in the EATV zone.
Hello
I am a British citizen and live in Germany , I want to visit my fiance who lives in Kampala, if I have read the previous question before , is it still available to obtain a visa at arrival at Entebbe airport , because I don’t have much time now.
Thanks for your help
Alan
Hi Alan, yes you can still get visa on arrival at Entebbe. For info, the online application approval process can be very quick – but it does depend on making sure you submit all the right docs all in one go. Safe landings!
Hello! My wife and I travel to Uganda next week, and just submitted our online applications. In case there is a processing delay, are visas still provided on arrival at Entebbe? We have our yellow fever certificates.
Hi Matt. Yes you can still get visas on arrival at Entebbe.
Hi! I applied for a visa for 67 days and have been approved, but my visa says 60 days. Should I call the embassy to see if they can change it? Or should I just apply for an extension? Also, does the visa begin on arrival or when approved? Thanks
Hi LissN
Your visa starts once you’re in Uganda. You just have the approval letter.
Don’t change what you have. Get an extension once you’re here.
Safe journey!
Thank you very much! Should I try that on arrival, before the visa is stamped? I know I will not be near Kampala 7 days before the end of my trip.
When you get your visa, be explicit and ask for 90 days (they sometimes only give 30 days). You can extend your visa at any time – you don’t have to wait until the last moment, but you can’t get it extended before it is stamped, as it is only valid after it has been stamped. Hope that makes sense?
I know that you have been asked this millions of times already, but I will be traveling to Uganda on May 28th and I have had many issues with the eVisa application system and no replies from the Immigration office. Has Uganda released anything stating that you can no longer obtain a visa at the airport?
Not millions of times, only 1000s 😉 lol
I’m sure you’ll be fine to get visa on arrival next week Emily.
Hello, I also have a big issue with the online visa. Me and my girlfriend applied online for entering Uganda on Sept 29th. We received the approval letter for our visas on April 9th. What we did not know is that the letter seems to have only “a maximum duration of 5 months” as it was stated in the confirmation mail. I wrote to the registration website several times but didn’t receive any answer.
Today I called the embassy of Uganda in my country of residence (Germany) and they told me that they cannot do anything. They even called Kampala and they seem to refuse to help.
Do you know any solution to this problem except applying again and having paid 100 USD for nothing? Thank you very much for your help!
Hello, I also have a big issue with the online visa. Me and my girlfriend applied online for entering Uganda on Sept 29th. We received the approval letter for our visas on April 9th. What we did not know is that the letter seems to have only “a maximum duration of 5 months” as it was stated in the confirmation mail. I wrote to the registration website several times but didn’t receive any answer.
Today I called the embassy of Uganda in my country of residence (Germany) and they told me that they cannot do anything. They even called Kampala and they seem to refuse to help.
Do you know any solution to this problem except applying again and having paid 100 USD for nothing? Thank you very much for your help!
Hi David. This is what I would do:
Firstly, contact Uganda Immigration via their Facebook page. They don’t appear to reply to anyone’s emails.
Secondly, come to Uganda with your approval letter and explain situation in person and you should not have to pay twice. I wouldn’t apply online again. You can still get visa on arrival.
Thirdly, please let me know how you get on so we can advise other travellers
Dear Charlotte,
thank you very much and sorry I wrote twice here but I couldn’t see my post after I have sent it.
So you don’t think that it will cause suspicion of the immigration officials if I try to immigrate with an invalid approval letter and that they will let me in (either after explaning the situation or via visa on arrival)?
The official advice is here:
How do I extend my visa or permit?
Extending your current valid visa or permit can be done through “Extend your application” under “Applications” from the global navigation menu. For extending a visa or permit applied using the Uganda electronic Visa/Permit web site you should provide the application Id of the visa or permit to extend, the passport number used for the visa or permit to extend and the date of birth.
As I said above, I’d try and contact Immigration via their FB page.
If you don’t get anywhere with this, then I would simply bring docs to Entebbe and state I’m making a fresh application in person (but have evidence of already having paid).
I think you’ll be fine as it is not clear to people that the approval has a cut-off date when you start the online application, is it?
Hello, I am Ethiopian working in Dubai, is it possible to get East Africa Visa at Entebbe Airport?
ismael
Hello Ismael, yes it’s possible. Read Uganda Immigration web site for info on requirements for specific nationalities coming to Uganda.
Hi muzungu
I am planning to visit to uganda july and i did not booked my ticket. Can i apply the e-visa before i booked my ticket . I am afraid if i book ticket and not get the visa . What should i do i need your advice
Thanks
Hi Degan, it is highly unlikely that your request for a tourist visa will be denied (assuming you are not known to Interpol!) so I would go ahead and book your ticket 🙂
You do not need to have proof of travel in order to apply for your Uganda visa online.
I’m traveling to Uganda tomorrow and I just applied for an E-visa yesterday. I have proof that I purchased the E-visa and that the application was sent. Do you think they allow me to go with just proof of the application being sent? If not, are you still able to purchase on arrival visa? At the Entebbe Airport?
You can get your visa on arrival at Entebbe Airport.
Proof of submitting application does not equate to receiving the visa approval letter but it probably won’t matter since you can get visa on arrival anyway 🙂
hello, please what does point of entry or where you want your visa personified means? this keep stopping me from completing my online visa process, because, the only option i get for my country is Abuja I am trying to get a Uganda visa from Nigeria, i live in Lagos and avoiding flying to Abuja for any reason because of my busy schedule. pls what can i do about this?
Hi Lauretta. Point of entry means where you enter Uganda (probably Entebbe Airport). I think the other phrase refers to High Commissions, Embassies etc.
Just select ENTEBBE and it should work 🙂
Hello, oh goodness, the same question. I am sooo on edge. Uganda embassy in South Africa is insisting that I can only get an online visa. Is it still possible to still get a visa on arrival on 7 June? I do not want to be paying for online and for visa on arrival. Would rather pay at Entebbe…. if still possible.
Hi Mima, you’ll be fine, just get visa on arrival at Entebbe. (In my experience, chaps at embassies outside Uganda aren’t up to speed on what’s actually happening on the ground!) Welcome to the Pearl of Africa!
Hi cha!
I applied for tourist e visa and my visa got deferred. They asked me to send invitation letter, recommendation letter , host migration status. I have an invitation letter with host migration status but i dont know any about the other letter. Do you think it would be fine if i send the invitation letter with host migration status. I tried to attach it but i couldn’t reach the page is it because the time or the page is closed.
Looking forward to hear from you. Thanks for hand.
Regards
Hi Deg, it sounds like you may have covered the points needed but try and contact Uganda Immigration via their Facebook page for the answers. Failing that, just get visa on arrival at Entebbe.
Hi,
There Seem to be several Uganda Immigration facebook pages. Could you help point out which one is legit/current/working? Thanks ahead!
Birgitte
Hi Brigitte, this is the page I would use. Check out @DCICUganda in Messenger and you’ll see the message “usually replies in one day.”
(I just sent them a test message).
Thank you!
Hey i have applied a E visa for Uganda about three weeks ago still says “your application is In Progress” The Entry Point I put London I live in The Uk Help please my flight is in july
Hi Rooble, if you haven’t got approval after three weeks then your application may be missing one or two documents. Try contacting Uganda Immigration Facebook page. (They don’t seem to reply to emails).
Or you can get visa on arrival at Entebbe.
Hi Charlotte !
Its me again , am facing confused situation because my visa got deferred for many times unless i complete the requested documents. They are asking me LC1 recommendation letter and i Dont know who to ask and where to get it from . Can you please ask your immigration advisor if he knows anything about LC1 recommendation letter and where can i get it.
Thanks for helping
Hi Deg
LC1 means Local Council and is a local government official. It sounds like immigration want the person who is hosting you in Uganda to get a recommendation from his LC1. This is a fairly common request in Uganda and can be got easily. The letter is a way of verifying that your host is who he says he is and does live in the neighbourhood stated on your application. Your host will know where to find his LC1. The LC1 letter must be addressed to immigration.
Hello,
I left ugandan evisa like a month ago and was asked for addditiinal document of which i added all, this was like 23.5.2018 and since then my application reads” appliactn approval in progress” iam abit worried and the airline wont allow me to board unless i show letter of approval. What should i do? Thanks!
Hi Moe. Contact Uganda Immigration via their Facebook page. They do reply.
However, I haven’t heard of any recent problems with airlines not letting people board. Safe journey.
Hello,
I do have basically same problem but my application has been in the queue for 3 weeks now and no reply at all since i attached all the document they asked for. I fear i might have inconvinience with the airline if iam to receive upon arrival.
I haven’t heard of people having problems with airlines recently. I think they all know you can get visa on arrival at Entebbe.
Try contacting Uganda Immigration via their Facebook page too. Good luck.
Hello , Thank you mzungu i find this helpful. I need to know afew things if possible.1. I left online visa lika amonth ago now and since then immigration officer get back to me after a week asking for some document and i attached all. Sadly the application has been since then “approval in progress” iam quite worried and its now 3 weeks. HELP!! Thank you!
I would contact Uganda Immigration via their Facebook page. They do reply. I tested the page myself last week. Look for @DCICUganda
Thanks alot my friend but do you think i made a mistake when i put “Entry Point” London instead of Entebbe. I feel less stress now you told me i can still get a visa at the airport
Yes I think that’s where you made the mistake. Don’t worry 🙂
Hello mzungu thank you and this my last hope, is it possible that if application stays long it is rejected automatically, because mine reads ”rejected” of which no further reason given as to why? Am confused! !
Hi Peter, I’m a bit confused about your question – are you saying you have a message saying ‘rejected’? Try and contact Uganda Immigration on Facebook.
Yes, message saying rejected with no further information! Thank you!
My advice is to contact Uganda Immigration on Facebook. They do reply.
Oli Otya
If visa gets rejected, how long do i have to wait to apply for a new one?
Bulungi 🙂
Hi Jane,
According to my immigration advisor, you can apply again immediately. You do not have to wait for any period of time before you reapply. However, be aware that after you have been rejected, it may take longer for your application to be assessed .
Hi Muzungu can I still get visa on arrival at Entebbe airport without prior online application. Thank you.
Hi. Yes you can. I was at Entebbe International Airport last week. There was a long line of people getting Uganda and East Africa tourist visas on arrival.
Dear Muzungu,
Do you know what documents I would need to submit with my East Africa tourist visa application at the Entebbe international Airport?
Hi Gold G. You need to send a copy of the biodata page of your passport, yellow fever vaccination certificate, return ticket and travel itinerary. The travel itinerary could be from a tour operator or travel agent, or you could show proof of hotel bookings. Your application should show that you are visiting 2 or more of the 3 countries (Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda). Maximum file size should be 250 kb.
By the way, it is now easier than ever to get the East Africa Tourist Visa in person. In the last 2 months, one friend bought at Entebbe and another at Katuna/Gatuna entering Rwanda by road.
I know it only 6 days since the last person asked this question but I am wary of the beginning of new months especially July 1st. It’s the type of date that governments set for new actions. So my question is the eternal one on this blog: Can I still get visa on arrival at Entebbe airport (in my case East African visa)? I am arriving on July 12th. I have copies of air tickets in and out, my hotel booking and I have a yellow fever certificate and two passport photos and 100 USD . Am I missing anything?
Hi Rob T, no worries, always good to double check – especially since Ugandan government loves to make overnight statements! That said, it is highly unlikely the government will hike the visa fees any time soon.
Plus, you’re right, this July 1st has been a particularly unpopular day across the country since the government introduced both the social media tax AND the mobile money tax, a real double whammy for everyone (including tourists who buy local SIM cards to access the internet!)
Anyway, visa on arrival – Uganda and East Africa versions – both still very easy to get at Entebbe and land borders. You don’t need passport photos by the way but I imagine photo is taken straight from the scan of your passport.
Mobile money tax rescinded one hours ago, phew.
Hi I will be travelling to Kampala ,,I have uploaded, to Evisa to al the requirement , I left to summit LC1 I did modify my application and summit again, I’m worried if I don’t get my arrival letter on Email. or website , do you think when I travel to Kampala on July 18th 2018 I will be getting on Arival visa . I have heard peale where not allow to get in the country without that letter. I did requested on Single Entry visa on June 25th. I’m now worried.
Hi Adan, many people are getting visa on arrival now. There was a time (one year or more ago) when people had problems boarding a plane without the visa approval letter BUT now – since we still have visa on arrival – airlines have relaxed this requirement. I would not worry 🙂
Hi there, I will be travelling to Kampala, and I`m Canadian Citizen, the same time I was born in Rwanda, will I still need to apply for e-Visa ? Please find out for me and let me know. I will be travelling with Canadian Passport.
Hi John
Please read my blog for more info: All nationalities can now get #visaonarrival in Rwanda https://www.muzungubloguganda.com/2017/11/rwanda-visas-on-arrival-2018/
Hello ,
I am medical physician in USA (Neurologist) and working here on H1b visa. Originally I am Indian citizen. I am visiting Gulu from 4th to 14th August for tourism and medical camp at Gulu hospital. I am going to visit Murchison National Park\Para Lodge and other interested places in Eastern and Northern Uganda. My visa application has been deferred twice and asking for host immigration status. I am not sure how do I provide host immigration status, since I am not visiting particular person. Please let me know as soon as possible since I have flight to catch in 4 days. Thank you.
Hope my email advice was useful 🙂
Hi, there’s been no update for a month yet, but I hope we can still get Visa on Arrival right now? I am arriving this Saturday and just realized I might need e-visa if things have changed… Cheers
Hi Walter. You’re still able to get visas on arrival at Entebbe without prior application.
In fact, the queue of people who come with their visa approval letters is often longer than the queue to apply for / buy visa on arrival.
I’m freaking out 🙁
Applied for an evisa last week and haven’t heard back. Travel date is tomorrow.
I think Kenya airways doesn’t allow boarding without visa. What do I do?
You can still get visa on arrival. Kenya Airways will know this. No need to panic 🙂
Safe journey
Hi I am going to Uganda in a couple of weeks. I will be getting the bus from Mwanza to Kampala. Do you know if it will be possible for me to get a visa at the border? Thanks
Hi Alice. No problem getting a visa at the border. You should be able to get a Uganda tourist visa or an East Africa Tourist Visa.
Interested to know how your journey goes- not a trip I have done yet – did you consider taking the ferry?
Hi, I have applied my e visa but the system shows its still in process after 4 days and my flight is this weekend, do you think if its still possible that I fly even without the approval and get the visa on arrival or even get an East Africa visa as I would go to Kenya as well. Thanks
Hi Kamran. There should be no problem to get visa on arrival at Entebbe. You can get Uganda single entry visa or East Africa Tourist Visa.
Thanks for this – I might find myself in a similar situation. But one question – if you’ve paid online, will they make you pay again for a visa on arrival, if you can provide proof that you’ve already paid? Many thanks!
Take proof you’ve paid and you won’t need to pay again 🙂
Great, thank you!!
Hallo Muzungu, I am planning to travel to Uganda in a month time. My question is with the approval letter can i get the visa in Germany since that is where am residing?
Hi Natasha. You have three options. Apply online. Go to embassy/ consulate. Get visa on arrival at Entebbe. Personally I’d go for last option. Easiest!
Hello,
I am arriving to Entebbe by plane on the 29th. I just filled my application for the e-visa, put I am having a lot of trouble with the payment. I’m paying with a mastercard, have you heard from people having trouble? Should I try and pay with visa? I am mexican, can I get the visa on arrival? or can I pay for the application I already made when I arrive in Entebbe? I’ve read in some forums that people apply online but pay in cash when they arrive. Can I do this?
Thank you so much!
Hola!
You shouldn’t have a problem applying and paying for your visa on arrival as a new application. If you do the online application process, you have to pay online. Visa usually works best.
I can’t comment on individual nationalities but there is a link in the above blog to the Uganda immigration website that does list different nationalities. Bon viaje!
We are flying up to Entebbe from South Africa on Thursday, via Kigali. We’re British passport holders, and our intention has always been to obtain our visas on arrival. However, there is a lot of contradictory information online. Are 90-day visas still available on arrival? Is there any possibility of being denied boarding on the flight to Entebbe if we don’t have a valid visa for Uganda?
Hi Ian. Visas on arrival are available although you may not get 90 days. You generally get 30 days or less unless you are explicit. Sometimes you are given 2 months but can extend your visa at Immigration on Jinja Road, Kampala.
If we opt for an East African Tourist Visa would that automatically give us 90 days?
Good question. Now that visas are computer generated I believe you automatically get 90 days with an EATV; however when you apply, I would insist on it i.e. do say that you intend to travel widely within the three countries so would appreciate the full 90 days.
Many thanks for your advice. We’re here without problems. At immigration we went to the e-Visa desk and said we understood that we could get a visa on arrival.
“How long do you want?” we were asked.
“Ninety days,” we said.
“Sure.” Stamp, stamp. 90 days written in. As easy as that. No forms to fill in, no photos to produce.
Fantastic! That’s great to hear.
Thanks for taking the time to share your experience
Have a wonderful stay in UG!
You should not have issue with airlines either as now everyone is aware that you can get both visa on arrival + apply online.
Hello,
I am an Indian and planning to visit Uganda for 4 days and then travel to Tanzania for 2 weeks after which I will return to Uganda for 2 days before I fly back to India. Does this mean I need to apply for 2 single-entry Ugandan visas? Or can I get the East Africa Tourist Visa and re-enter Uganda based on that?
Hi Brin. You will need to apply for two single entry Ugandan visas. Apply and buy online in advance or buy on arrival at Entebbe.
Hello,
I will visit Uganda and Rwanda for the first time in three weeks. I read that I may need proof for all my hotels to get my East Africa Visa. But I would like to go couchsurfing. Is it enough if I book an hotel for the first two nights or so? And in general: is couchsurfing safe/common?
Appreciate any help
Michael, Berlin
Hi Michael.
These days you are unlikely to be asked to prove where you are staying when buying an EATV. Rules are more relaxed now. (It’s hard to get that in writing officially but that is what travellers are telling me).
Couchsurfing is not something mentioned often here in Uganda but there’s no reason why it shouldn’t be safe. Ugandans are naturally very hospitable people. Have a great trip!
Many thanks for the answer. I will book a hostel for the first three nights. It sounds like proof for that should definitely be enough. Or maybe not?
Probably – but I don’t work in immigration so am not in a position to make any guarantees. I simply share my and others’ most recent experiences.
Ok. Got it. Thanks for the help. Great blog by the way. I learn a lot!
🙂
Webale kusiima
Hi Muzungu – ogambaki Sebo
Travelling to EBB around mid Jan on UK passport – am I likely to still be good for on-arrival $50 visa do you think?
Tewali sebo
I’m sure you’ll be good to get visa on arrival in January. No planned changes to the system as far as I’m aware.
Sorry nyabo – should’ve looked a bit closer at your profile ☺ but thanks very much – webale nyo
Hi Muzungu
I submitted my application for an East Africa Tourist VISA earlier today and I got confirmation right away for both my payment and application, however, when I check on the status of my application, it says No Application has been found and to check my application Id, passport number and date of birth. I’ve checked and they’re all correct. Do you have any insights? Thank you in advance
Hi Monica
I can’t offer an explanation other than ‘system glitch.’
If you have confirmation of approval and payment, e.g. emails, bring those to Entebbe. You can still get visa on arrival anyway so I’m sure you won’t have a problem… safe journey 🙂
Good Day Muzungu
Please help me understand a defreed application.
I need to upload/ attach the host and immigration status? s
What does that mean?
Please help Muzungu.
Hi Chanty
Ref deferred status.
You are being asked to confirm who your host is e.g. their nationality and their immigration status. (If they’re not a Ugandan you’ll need to show their work permit, for example).
Thanks for all the information you’ve provided. I saw you last updated in Dec 2018 – I haven’t seen recent comments so wanted to confirm that indeed people can apply for a visa in Entebbe.
My husband has not received confirmation yet and leaves Friday. Hoping he hears by then. He applied last minute of course on Tuesday am in the US. He applied earlier but there were issues with the payment so he had to cancel and re-do.
Hi Ang. Visa on arrival still available 🙂
I will be in Uganda on the 18th December….can u still get a visa at Entebbe airport…
Hi Alan. Yes you can. Safe journey!
Hello Muzungu, oli otya dear?
I really appreciate your blog because it’s more informative than the embassy over here. I have a UK passport. I really want to travel to Uganda for the new year but have been unable to apply online due to the yellow fever certificate. Problem is myself and 3 children all had our yellow fever Vaccinations 3 years ago but the certificates are no where to be found as we moved home. I understand the vaccine lasts a lifetime that’s why I am not keen on taking it again or for the children. My question is will that be a problem to obtain a Visa or will I be allowed a Visa on arrival at Entebbe. I am so worried about travelling without knowing what the outcome will be at the airport
Please let me know if it will be possible for me and my family to obtain a Visa on arrival. Thank you
Bulungi nyabo. Webale kusiima Hannah.
Two things to note:
You need proof of Yellow Fever vaccination to enter UG OR you need to get the jab at the airport. Cost 40 usd.
However like you say it’s not advised that you have the jab more than once.
My suggestions are therefore: ask your doctor for replacement certificates or tear the house apart and find those certificates (!)
Best of luck
Hi Muzunga,
I got to your page and I am glad with your information.
Till today I never have been told of the online E-vias system.
I leave tuesday (Dec 25) for 5 days in Uganda. It gives me a good feeling that last week they still could get visa at the airport, so I guess Christmas Day won’t give a problem in that.
Hi Theo, don’t worry you can get visa on arrival at Entebbe, although if you wish you may also apply for e-visa. Often approval is given quickly.
Good day,
Having traveled to Uganda many times over the last 3.5 years, I am due for my first trip this year….23 Jan 2019 to be exact. Upon reaching stage 3 of the e-visa application, when I click ‘submit’, i get the following message:
Sorry
Error submitting the application.
Cannot apply twice with the same passport for the same visa or permit type (same passport number, same document type and same issuing country)
Please help urgently…I have also sent a query on the website
Hi Villen, firstly you can get your visa on arrival at Entebbe so that may be simple solution (i.e. just ignore the online application completely). Otherwise, you can contact Immigration via their Facebook page (address above). I have used it myself and they do reply. (Emails are rarely replied to, according to feedback from most tourists).
Dear Muzungu,
Thank you so much for your diligent and helpful work on this post! I am wondering if you have advice for my situation. I am currently in Uganda on a 3-month tourist visa, but would like to stay for 6 months. I have been told it’s ok for me to leave the country and go to, say, Rwanda, right before my visa expires and apply for a new one from there online. Alternatively, from reading through this thread, it sounds like I could also simply come back into Uganda and apply for another 3-month tourist visa at the border? My question really is: can you receive two tourist visas one after the other, if you leave the country and then come back in?
I would also like to travel out of the country during this six-month period (once to go to Rwanda, and once to Southern Africa). Is it ok to leave the country on a 3-month tourist visa and then come back in and get another visa at the border? I’ve heard you can just pay for another one, even if your 3 months aren’t up yet, and can receive it at Entebbe or elsewhere. Does this sound right to you?
Thanks so much in advance for your insight!
Hi Debbie “thanks for the appreciation” as say here in UG.
Firstly, you can in theory stay upto 90 days on one tourist visa. However, Immigration rarely you give you more than 3 months + 2 months extension (a bit mean and I don’t know their rationale – probably monetary). If you’re in UG, then Rwanda, coming back to UG, consider an East Africa Tourist Visa. Click here to read my guide on the EATV.Yes you can get one Uganda tourist visa after another. Don’t worry about how many months of the visa you have used (don’t overstay of course or you’ll get fined). Although both Uganda and Rwanda encourage you to buy visas online, you can buy all types of visas for both countries (and Kenya) in person on arrival.
Regarding your last paragraph, see my replies in caps:
I would also like to travel out of the country during this six-month period (once to go to Rwanda, and once to Southern Africa). Is it ok to leave the country on a 3-month tourist visa and then come back in and get another visa at the border? YES IT IS ABSOLUTELY FINE. I’ve heard you can just pay for another one, even if your 3 months aren’t up yet, and can receive it at Entebbe or elsewhere. Does this sound right to you? YES CORRECT.
Enjoy your African adventures!
Thanks soo much! 🙂
Karibu sana.
You’re very welcome
We have been approved for 12 day tourist visa when we realized we are one hour over 12 days (arriving at 11pm which puts us at 13 days)and should have asked for 13 day visit. Do we need to worry or do we need to extend it when we arrive? Is it checked on departure?
Thanks for your advice.
Hi Karen, oh dear how annoying!
I would mention this to immigration on arrival. Chances are that they will not check your passport carefully when you exit. Worse case scenario is you are fined for the extra day ($30 I believe but you can plead innocence!) Safe travels
Important note to everyone buying VISA ON ARRIVAL at Entebbe International Airport.
*Make sure you get your visa sticker at Immigration*
If you want to purchase visa on arrival, you have to pay in cash. It’s come to my attention that certain immigration officials are only stamping passports and are not issuing visa stickers. This will not affect your movements as a traveller but it does mean you will not get a receipt for your visa payment. More importantly for Uganda, your cash will not be accounted for. Tourism is our number one foreign exchange earner and receipts from visas are critical for us to invest in our tourism infrastructure. You are therefore strongly advised to make sure that you do get a visa sticker in your passport. Thank you.
This should not affect those who have applied and paid online and have visa approval letters.
Hi. Thank you so much for you informative page.
I’ve applied online but am worried because I only have 2 weeks until I enter the country. (Hopefully enter)
So I 100% can get a visa on arrival al I need is 50 dollars and I just show up to the country? No one is going to ask questions when I leave on a flight from Frankfurt that I don’t have a visa?
Thank you so much
Hi Julie, happy to help 🙂
Yes you can get visa on arrival at Entebbe. Just come with $50 (although there is a forex / ATM at the airport too). No photo needed.
It is unlikely that you will be asked for proof of a visa when you get on your plane as it is widely known you can get visa on arrival in Entebbe.
Hey,
today is the 6th of febr and I would like to fly to Uganda on monday.
But I dont have a visa. How safe is it to fly there without a visa?
Do they let me in the plane?
Best Tobias
Hi Tobias, you shouldn’t have a problem getting visa on arrival and I haven’t heard of anyone being refused entry to a plane in a long time. Safe travels!
hi,i apply e- visa for uganda on 10 feb 2019 and at box of arrival date i fill it for 16 feb 2019 .but at your information i have to apply e-visa before 1 month.but i apply it before 6 days.i am worried what i do. is immigration reject my visa for this mistake.
Hi
It is quite common for you to get Visa approval within a few days only it can’t be guaranteed. That is why we advise leaving more time, if possible.
However you can get Visa on arrival at Entebbe, if you don’t get a reply from the online system
Safe journey
Have travelled to Uganda periodically over the last 5/6 yrs, the e-visa application process is always an issue. Just tried to make an application again for an ordinary tourist visa – well 6 attempts in the last two days, actually. Get to stage 3, but then website can’t upload (the 3 documents meet the sizing instructions). I have no problem about buying a visa on landing, but am flying Ethiopian Airlines, and on two occasions in 2017 they refused to let me board flights into Uganda until I had bought a flight out/signed a statement saying that if I was refused entry I was liable for all costs. Any idea when the e-visa website is going to be sorted? There are plenty of good models in other parts of the world ……..
Hi Eve, sorry to hear about the frustrations you’ve been experiencing.
I don’t know when the system will be performing better, I know they’ve been making some changes to it recently.
It’s very well known that Uganda is issuing visas on arrival and I have not heard of anyone having problems with airlines recently. Perhaps you should contact Ethiopian A irlines office for guidance.
Hi! I’ve unfortunately run out of pages in my passport and only have half a page left, just enough for a stamp. I plan to enter Uganda as a have a flight out a week later, is it possible to do a single entry with a stamp with an Australian passport or do they always give stickers? Is it different if I enter at Entebbe Airport vs cross at the Kenya border? Thanks!
Hi Emma. Assuming your passport is the same size as everyone else’s, a visa sticker will take up a whole page of your passport.
There have been some cases at Entebbe airport where you are given a stamp only, and not a sticker, but the authorities have been clamping down on this because without the sticker, you won’t have proof you have paid, thus it is not encouraged. I’m not sure how to advise you. The process at Entebbe should be the same as the land border. I would contact your embassy for advice.
Helle the Muzungu,
Just checking to see if Visas on Arrival are still available. We leave the States on March *8. We just need regular tourist visas. Thanks in advance!
Bob
Hi Bob. You’re good to go – visa on arrival still available
Hey, I will be going to Uganda and i will be there for about 4 months. I was wondering if anyone has experience with renewing a single entry visa.
https://www.travelsuganda.com/information/ says the following:
– Single entry e-Visa holders may remain in the Uganda for a maximum of ninety (90) consecutive days after the initial entry date.
– Once the first ninety (90) days have passed, visitors may renew their visa at the immigration headquarters at the Uganda Immigration Office and stay an extra ninety (90) days.
I was wondering if the renewing is easy or if it is better to apply for a multiple entry visa to stay the whole 4 months.
Thanks in advance!
Merel
Hi Merel
It’s very difficult to get a multiple entry visa, even for people who have been travelling in and out of Uganda for many years.
It’s not a problem for you to renew as per the advice you have shared with us. I know many people who have done it.
When you get to Uganda and get your visa sticker in your passport, make sure you tell them that you want 90 days (as sometimes they only write in 30 days or something). Then when you’re in the country, go to immigration and ask them for an extension before the 90 days expire. You should not be charged for this. They will normally give you a maximum of an extra two months, rather than three. Anyway, that will certainly cover you for four months 🙂
Enjoy the Pearl of Africa!
Hi, i applied for a multiple entry visa to uganda, i got a mail that it was differed that i need to upload proof of entry and exit in the last 1 year. so i wasnt sure what to do and i did some research and found out i am supposed to have travelled to uganda like 5 times in the last one year to qualify. the situation is that i havent been to uganda before.
though i replied to tell them i havent been to uganda before and am still awaiting their response. what do i do
Hi Michael, it’s very hard to get a multiple entry visa. You certainly won’t get one unless you can prove that you are regularly travelling to Uganda already. Immigration will argue that if you are travelling in and out of the country then you should get a work permit. They prefer that.
For now you therefore get a single entry Uganda tourist visa or East Africa Tourist Visa if you going to be travelling to Kenya and Rwanda as well. Click on the link above to read all about East Africa Tourist Visa.
Incidentally, immigration are not good at replying to emails. However, they do reply via their Facebook page.
Hello,
I’ve been offered a job in Kampala for 12 months. I’ve applied for a special pass and stated that I will apply for Class G2 work permit when I’m in the country. What are the chances of the special pass being approved?
Thanks for your help,
Hi Tbear, I specialise in answering questions related to tourism and tourist visas so I can’t answer your question I’m afraid. However I can connect you with an immigration adviser if that helps?
Thanks, but i can still get visa on arrival, just incase i dont hear from them
absolutely, yes
Hi, am due to be in uganda on sunday. i applied online and its still being delayed so i am resorting to travelling and getting visa on arrival.
1, can i use the same reference i used in applying online to process visa on arrival, if not
2, if i pay for another visa on arrival, and they respond to my online application what happens to it. can i still recieve the visa since the visa is multiple visa that i applied online.
Hi Michael. If your application is pending I doubt anything will happen between now and your arrival date. Likely to be because you applied for multiple entry, which are very hard indeed to get approved. I know, I tried!
Just come with your ref / proof you’ve paid and you shouldn’t have to pay anything more to get your single entry visa. I don’t know if you’ll get refunded any difference owed to you.
Hello! I have been approved for a 9 day tourist visa and I just realized I’m just some hour over 9 days, so should have asked for 10 days… I have tried to email the immigration, but without any reply. Should I worry? Do I need to extend it when I arrive? I tried to extend it but it has to be more than 15 days. Of course I will talk to the staff there but still was wondering if there is anything I can do before. And Im leaving in just some days.
Would be super grateful for reply. Thanks!
Hi Charlotta, no I wouldn’t worry. You have visa approval but you don’t get your actual visa until you arrive in Uganda. Just say how many days you want (they probably won’t even check against your application). I would ask for 15 or 30 in case you extend 😉
Hello, I have a friend who will be heading to Uganda in May. Is it best for him to try to apply online or is it just as good and easier to get a tourist visa upon arrival at the airport?
Thanks!
Hi Jordan, I would say it’s quicker and easier to simply get visa on arrival at Entebbe for most people 🙂
Hi,
I am travelling to Uganda tomorrow, and when double checking about visas online tonight started to panic as many websites say that visas on arrival are no longer available. Is this really the case?
Also, apart from the yellow fever certificate, what documents will they want to see for the visa?
Thanks,
Sue
Hi Sue, when Uganda first introduced the online system, they announced that you had to apply online before you travel but they have relented and both systems now run side by side. Many people opt to buy visa on arrival.
You need to bring (and sometimes show) your Yellow Fever Certificate as you enter the immigration hall at Entebbe (but that is not connected with the visa application process as such).
To get your tourist visa on arrival, you will simply need your passport and cash, USD ideally (Euros and GBP also accepted). The system is computerised so there are no forms to fill in anymore, hooray!
News today says that “the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs wants the Ministry of Internal Affairs to rethink issuance of tourist visa on arrival.” What happens next we don’t know.
This measure is not aimed at preventing tourists from entering the country but recognises that without pre-approval, the system may present security issues to the country e.g. for those who travel to work here illegally (or do other naughty things!)
I will try and keep you posted if anything changes but Uganda does have a habit of making quick announcements with little warning.
Thank you to Kealy and Doug who wrote today to say:
“Just to let everyone know you can get Visa on Arrival as of April 21,2019.
This was the easiest Immigration experience we have had for a long time, however you needed USD on hand, but 20$ bills were fine.
Happy Travels”
Hello Muzungu,
Sorry for making you repeat this process.
Are we 100% sure that visa can be obtained on arrival in Kampala? We are flying on Thursday and do not have enough time to do the e-visa application (also would prefer not to if we can get it on arrival – the uncertainty about whether we’ll get the confirmation on time or not isn’t worth it). Could you confirm if we can actually get it on arrival?
Thank you so much!!
Hello Massimo, you will be able to get visa on arrival this week 🙂
Note: I can never guarantee this kind of thing 100% as I don’t work for immigration
I have applied visa on arrival for single entry , tourist visa on ugandan immigration portal.
After 2 days I received an email informing that application has been deferred and is instructing to upload invitation letter from host.
Can you please help me what to write in the invitation letter by the host.
And another question : can i travel to uganda without any further procedure like not providing invitation letter and can i get visa on arrival.
Hello Mohit, let me answer your last question by saying you can probably just get visa on arrival.
However, if you prefer to continue with the online application, your invitation letter from the host needs to say their name and physical address, phone numbers, email et cetera. It also needs to include the name and the dates of your stay with them. Importantly, it should say whether your host is a Ugandan citizen, resident etc. I would include a copy of their passport or work permit with the invitation letter.
Good luck
I will highly appreciate it if you can keep us posted on this regard.
I would also appreciate being kept abreast of the “upon arrival visa” status….we are traveling to uganda soon and decided to avoid the e-visa process (which proved a little glitchy last year) and just get a visa upon arrival. Thanks and thanks for blog and the service you provide.
Hi Michael, thanks and please keep checking this page for any changes 🙂
Hello,
I cannot figure out what has happened.
I had applied for a VISA for 60 days, for a conference my company is hosting in Uganda starting 3rd May. The Visa I received is only valid for 21 days, however. I just wanted to know what should I do? Should I increase this on arrival at the airport, if that it possible?
Please reply
Hi there, if I understand your situation correctly, you are not in Uganda yet meaning that you don’t have a visa but only a visa approval letter. This being the case, it shouldn’t be a problem to ask for the 60 days when they physically issue the visa at the airport. You don’t need to explain any difference in the days. Simply say that you want 60 days. Happy landings
Hi there-
I applied for a visa last week but haven’t heard back. I’m due to arrive in 7 days. Are they still selling visas at the airport in Entebbe if approval doesn’t come though?
Thank you in advance! I appreciate your help
Hi, if you haven’t got your approval now, it’s often because there is something missing from your application. Immigration do reply via their Facebook page. Yes you can still get visa on arrival at Entebbe.
Hi, I actually got a single entry visa on arrival. though i had to pay for it. i am deu to go back in a months time, can i get an east africa visa on arrival and how much does it cost.
Hi Michael, yes you can get an East Africa Tourist Visa on arrival next time. The process is easier than it once was.
EATV lasts 90 days and costs $100. For more information read my blog The definitive guide to East Africa Tourist Visa.
Hello Muzungu, thanks for answering our questions. Its my 4th time travelling to Uganda and always I check here to learn more about Uganda Immigration system.
I applied visa two days ago, and submitted all their requirements. They emailed me back today telling me ” Your application for Visa was deferred for the following reasons:
attach Lc 1 letter and host immigration status. login here to provide the required”.
What they mean Lc 1 letter?
Thanks again,
DQ
Hi Deeq, always nice to have a repeat visitor 🙂
LC = local councillor and 1 denotes heir grade e.g. junior local councillor. The LC1 is the first point of contact when asked to prove who you are and where you live. It’s very common to get an LC1 to provide a short letter of recommendation or support, not only for immigration but for various other administrative purposes in Uganda.
Basically, the person who is inviting you to stay with them needs to get their LC1 to write a letter confirming that s/he resides at the address s/he has given and also confirm whether your host is a Ugandan, for example or someone on a work permit etc. Get the LC1 to put as much information as possible in this letter. I would include the person’s full name, full address, telephone number, date of birth, passport number or ID number, as well as immigration status. Include a copy of your host’s passport or ID (even though they haven’t asked for it, it will help). The LC1 will normally sign and stamp the letter. It’s usually quick and easy to organise these letters. Sometimes there’s a really tiny fee for them.
Hi there,
I’m a bit confused right now, I hope you could help.
So I will come to Uganda in July to do an unpaid internship for 2 months.
I have applied for the visa and yesterday I received my approval letter. But I think I’m not getting the right visa.
I was requesting for a 3 month visa, however, I was only granted a 1 month visa.
I also stated on my application that I’ll be doing an unpaid internship, but on my letter it’s written “work prohibited”
It is not clear whether doing an unpaid internship is count as working? or by working it only refers to paid work?
Thanks.
Regards,
Arnaz
Hi Arnaz
Unpaid work or volunteering is still classed as work for immigration purposes.
It sounds like you should get a volunteer work permit through the organisation you’re going to be working with. However, if you have been approved, you could proceed with the Tourist Visa that you have applied for.
Note that you have a visa approval letter only, you don’t get the actual visa until you arrive in country. At that point, say that you want 90 days. It shouldn’t be an issue.
Enjoy your time in Uganda!
I applied for my tourist visa online and it was approved without trouble as a 30 day tourist visa which covers my 25 day trip to Uganda in July 2019 which is the time period I listed in my application. The letter itself (the one with the bar code) says the “Date of Expiry” is 28 Jan 2026 so 5.5 years after my trip. However, the page to which the email link I received in my email notifying me that my “application had been approved” took me to a page where I could download the barcoded-letter but the content of that page says that the “maximum duration of the attached approval letter is 3 months.” I’m wondering if that “maximum duration” refers to the maximum duration of an initial tourist visa which is 90 days. Given that the barcoded-letter says it’s “date of expiry” is 20 Jan 2026 I’m inclined to skip the process of using the “Renew/Extend” process to get a new letter whose “maximum duration” on the access page will be within 3 months between my “Renew/Extend” modification and my arrival in Uganda. I don’t know how flexible Uganda Immigration is in 2019 at the Entebbe Airport and don’t want to have a big hassle as I”m traveling with a group of friends. I also don’t want to unnecessarily do through the “Renew/Extend” if the 2026 date of expiry printed on my approval letter is all the validity I need. I’ve tried to reach then via phone and Facebook (post and Messenger) and haven’t gotten a response in 6 business days. If anyone has insight about this I’d appreciate the help.
Hi Cathryn sorry you had no response from immigration. They usually reply within 24 hours on Facebook
I would just come to Entebbe. No need to explain everything to them. Just say the number of days you want for your visa eg 30 is standard. Note that you have approval only; you get the visa itself on entry.
Ref the 5.5 years (!) clearly computer malfunction!
First–it turns out that the “Date of Expiry” on my barcoded letter of 28 Jan 2026 is the expiration date of my passport which I hadn’t caught. I don’t want to get to Entebbe and be denied entry. I understand that the barcoded letter we get when we apply for a visa is *not* the visa but an “approval letter.” Is it normal for the length of time the letter is good for to only be a few months? I don’t find any information on the Uganda Immigration website advising that the earliest one should apply is 3 months before planned arrival. I’m just trying to figure out whether I should suck it up and pay the $50 to go through the “Extend/Renew” process through the website to get a new letter that will be issued within the “3 months duration” mentioned on website where I downloaded my barcoded letter. I’m willing to think of paying the $50 as paying for insurance. The barcoded letter itself contains no information about the length of validity of the letter or period of time of the trip to Uganda for which the approval letter was issued. I can’t figure out whether I have a problem or not. Deeply appreciate your perspective and your advice!
Hi Cathryn, I think I have already answered your question (perhaps on email?) I certainly write it… let me know
Hello mzungu
Thank you for answering our questions. Am travelling to Uganda in July and i have a 30 days visa am now thinking of staying upto 41 days can i extend my visa on arrival at the airport or should I apply for another visa. Thank you
Happy to help – yes just make your request at the airport when the actual visa is issued.
Hi I applied for a touristic visa (less than 1 month – I was already in Uganda) but after 2 days my visa is still in progress. Is there any reason for you? Last times they were approved in few hours…
Hi Claudio, approval can be a few hours or a few days. We’re approaching peak season so I imagine there are lots of applicants. You can still get visa on arrival by the way.
Hello,
the problem is that I have already paid the application…
From your point of view can be useful enter within the application in order to modify and submit again? In case of errors do they contact you for explanations and after how many days?
Concerning “to buy the visa at the airport”, my doubt is: My travel will be 15th AUGUST to 30th AUGUST, is there any possibility that at the gate they refuse to sell the visa for any possible reason (I am Mzungu too but online I found news about complaints against refugees and indians/pakistans that like to came to Uganda because the visa is cheap so somebody within the Authority would remove the possibility to buy the visa at the airport..)
I am asking this because I would buy the fligth before pricing increasing but I am a little bit scared to afford the expense without to have before the “piece of paper” with the visa.
Hi Claudio
You can modify your application online but you will have to manually check on the system for updates. If your application is ‘pending’, that can be for a number of reasons e.g. missing documents. At that stage you would then contact immigration via their Facebook page. They are not proactive and don’t answer emails, from what people tell me. All rather tedious.
The clampdown on illegal entry is aimed at stopping people (from certain countries who are known to commonly work while on tourist visas) or who are suspected of being here to take part in criminal activities.
I understand your concerns but can assure you that it’s very common to get visa on arrival. You are clearly a tourist. Even if you have paid for your application already, you can just come with proof of that, then you won’t have to pay again. You get your Visa sticker in your passport and you say how many days you would like. I’m sure it will all be very straightforward at the airport 🙂
just for updating it seems now that the application is still in progress BUT the option about to change the application is disappeared, there is only CANCEL, maybe they are working on the application?
Hi Muzungu, I plan to spend three months in Uganda for my Master’s project (around Kibale NP)-I arrive in country on the 27th. I am glad to hear that I can still obtain a Ugandan or East African visa on arrival in Entebbe Airport. However, I purchased a one-way ticket since I plan to depart Uganda after three months but want to further explore East Africa (Kenya/Tanzania). How should I explain my lack of a return ticket to the immigration authorities when filling out the visa form? Also, are there any forms I need to have filled out prior to arrival at the Immigration desk in Entebbe Airport, and so, where can I find these?
Hi Alex, recent experiences at Entebbe are that you can get an EATV without having to prove onward travel within East Africa. However, some officers ask more questions than others. If possible I would show an itinerary, a booking at a hotel in Rwanda or Kenya, etc, just as a backup. Proving that you have money to buy a flight home if needed (as you mention in an email) may be useful too.
The system at the airport is computerised now so you simply hand over your passport, say which kind of visa you want and a form is printed out.
Interesting that you’re heading to Kibale. Which part? That’s where I live 🙂
Hi, thank you for this blog its really helpful. Im going to Uganda on June the 16 and staying in east Africa until July the 30, going to Rwanda as well as Uganda. I applied for an East African visa online, but I couldn’t write in the exact days im staying. The system only allowed me to write in three months. I got an email that iv paid, but still waiting for the approval letter (its only been a couple of days). Can I still get a visa on arrival if I don’t get the approval email on time? Im leaving for Uganda in two weeks.
thank you so much
Sylvia from Norway
Hello Sylvia, yes don’t worry you can still get visa on arrival if you don’t get a reply to your online application. Bring proof of payment 🙂
Hello Muzungu,
I am planning to be in Uganda for a mission trip from June 20th to July 2nd. The rest of the members in my trip have gotten their visa’s online. I have the application filled out and waiting for approval but still haven’t paid. Every time I make it to the pay button on the website, it gives me a invalid state error message and yet know one else on my team got this message. Been trying to pay for the visa for a few days now with that same message popping up every time. I’ve read through all the recent comments but I would like to make 100% certain that I will be able to pay for my visa upon arrival. Will the process be easier if the application was already sent in online? I can bring all documentation from the application, the application ID and the $50 upon arrival. I just need to make sure I can get in with that!
Thank you for helping myself and everyone else!
Hello Eric, if you have not been able to pay online yet my guess is either you are using a different browser from your friends or that the online application system is ‘having a bit of a moment!’
Yes you can definitely get your visa on arrival in Entebbe. That might simpler…
To get your visa in person, all you need is your passport and $50. The form is computer-generated. You don’t need to bring passport photos. Yellow fever certificate is required to enter the country (but separate to the visa application process).
Safe journey and welcome to the Pearl of Africa 🙂
Hello mzungu
Good day, when we opt for Visa on Arrival, do we still need to bring along the passport sized photos? I knew passport is a must, alongside with the yellowfever vaccine cert.
Kindly need your advice. Thanks,
Jasber
Hi Jasber, no you won’t need to bring passport photos. When you get to Entebbe, you hand over your passport and they will generate and print a form with information taken from your passport.
You will need $50 cash. Equivalent in euros or sterling also accepted. There is an ATM and forex bureau at the airport.
Hi. I would like to ask how early should one apply for the evisa, for travel on August 30? If I apply today, what would be the expected processing time?
In the online application, it asks for Contact in Uganda (person, organization, hotel, travel agency…). I am a tourist and I have no host there, I don’t know anyone from Uganda, please advice what I should indicate in this field. I have read some feedback on TripAdvisor that for some tourist visa applicants, they received emails asking for additional documents like LC1, etc.
Lastly, I just want to confirm if at this time, visa on arrival is still available at Entebbe. Thank you.
Hi Chelsea, last question first: visa on arrival is still available at Entebbe.
Re how early to apply for the evisa: max 3 months in advance. Processing time can be a few hours or a few days normally.
Re online application, where it asks for Contact in Uganda (person, organization, hotel, travel agency…) can you say where you will be staying?
The additional documents like LC1 letter only apply if staying with a Ugandan host or friend.
Hello!
I’m travelling in Tanzania and I would like to go to Uganda in 3 weeks crossing the border by land. I applied for the online visa but for some reason is not working, I know I could get a visa on arrival in Entebbe, but what about a visa on arrival at the border in mutukula (or other borders)? Is it possible? I can’t find information about it.
Thanks!
Eugenia
Hi Eugenia, I would just get visa on arrival at the land border – it should be easy 🙂 I know many people who have done it. Enjoy Uganda, the Pearl of Africa!
Hello,
I’m looking for some advice please?
I submitted an application for an e-visa but missed the application ID number – i have tried using the link to retrieve the details and also the ‘Contact us’ section however i haven’t had anything back yet.
I can’t resubmit the application because it is still live on the system so i’ve also sent a message to the Uganda Immigration facebook page for assistance. Do you have any other idea’s on what i can do to retrieve the number?
PS – I really enjoy reading the info through your blog, i’ve been to Uganda many times and find your posts both informational and great for bringing back some memories during my travels there.
Thanks in advance,
Laura
Hi Laura
Thanks for dropping by 🙂
Uganda Immigration do usually reply within 24 hours via FB but we are peak season now so replies may take longer. Other than that, do you have a bank payment ref for ex?
You can always get visa on arrival …
Hello,
Hoping you can help me here! Can an ordinary tourist visa be obtained upon arrival at Entebbe Airport? My online application has been paid for (i.e. the fee has been collected a week ago) but I have not had any email about it and I fly tomorrow! I didn’t write my application ID down, as I thought it would be sent to me in an email! I have emailed them twice with no reply.
Assuming I start from scratch at Entebbe with getting a visa as if I had not applied online at all, what do I need to get a tourist visa when I land (Thursday evening)? I don’t mind having to pay again as long as I can get a visa!
Many thanks,
Dave
Hi Dave, it’s very easy to get visa on arrival at Entebbe. Just show passport and system should have record you have paid. If not, pay 50 USD cash.
Immigration don’t seem to reply to emails but do reply to messages on their FB page. Link in blog.
Don’t forget your yellow fever certificate. You may be asked for that as you enter airport building.
Safe journey
Hi, I need an urgent answer to this. I travel soon and I have applied for my Visa online, but yet to get. Reply from them. I am traveling on Thursday, can I still travel and show them my evidence of online payment without having to pay twice.
Yes you can show proof of payment and you should not have to pay again.
Hi,
I am travelling to Uganda in 4 days. I am Irish and therefore I can’t seem to apply for an East African Visa online as it is one of the countries exempt from paying for a visa I think? However, I would like to get an East African Visa as I will be travelling between countries for 3 weeks and don’t want to pay for entering and leaving on single entry visas? We eventually fly home from Dar Es Salaam back to UK. As the visa has to be obtained in the country of arrival – will I still be able to purchase one? Thanks
Dear Ciara
It’s possible to get an East Africa Tourist Visa on arrival at Entebbe. How easy that will be for you as an Irish citizen, I’m afraid I cannot tell you.
Even though you do not have to pay for a visa for Uganda, you still have to apply for one. You will need to pay for one for Rwanda and Kenya so I’m interested to know how you get on. My guess is that Uganda immigration will be happy to accept your $100 for an EATV should you want to part with it!
As you’re probably aware, Tanzania is not part of the East Africa Tourist Visa agreement thus it will work out well that you do all your travelling in Uganda / Rwanda / Kenya first and end up in Tanzania before you go home. (Once you leave the three country EATV zone, you would have to pay for a new visa to re-enter it).
Sorry I cannot give you the assurance you are looking for. Very interested to hear how you get on. Best of luck
Does anyone know what restrictions there are on the activities of Dependant Pass holders? I can find nothing published on the Net nor Govt websites that describe which activities are, and are, not permissible. Interesting.
Hi Vin
If you’re in Uganda on a dependent’s pass, you cannot work legally, nor can you volunteer since you’re supposed to have a volunteer work permit for that too. Whether you earn any money from your work or volunteering is immaterial. You’re still supposed to have a work permit.
Beyond that, the best way to find out more is to connect with expats living in Kampala / Uganda. You may find them via various Facebook groups, or send me a DM and I can connect you with an immigration lawyer who many expat friends have worked with.
Thanks very much. Can Dependant Pass holder exit and re-enter Uganda freely? That is, without any further visa fees?
I would expect the answer to be yes you can exit / enter without paying extra fees but I’m going to post your question on one of the expat forums to be sure. Send me a reminder if you don’t hear from me 🙂
Just checked with a few people – and you can indeed exit / enter without paying extra visa fees. You just need a re entry stamp on your passport
Hi the Muzungu I have applied an E-visa it’s been submitted successfully I have got message asked to make payment but my credit card wouldn’t work straight away
I tried to pay afterwards but now the system is telling me “Payment is in an invalid state, please contact DCIC”. I sent them a mail straight away but they are not answering and I’m getting really worried. Thanks
Hi Elmi, it’s really annoying that the system tells you to send a message when immigration never seem to apply to anyone’s emails. However, they do reply via their Facebook page. Or, just come to Uganda and get visa on arrival. Far simpler!
Hello.
Am traveling from the US, but having trouble paying for the application online. It’s not taking my payment and asking me to contact a DCIC person. I cannot contact anyone at the moment as it is the weekend. I thought it was my financial institutions but they made all the necessary adjustments to accommodate the website, and it’s still not going through. Do I carry the application and the error to the airport? Have you ever heard of this issue?. Any help will be much appreciated
Hi Lady B. Not sure what your issue is exactly but you can bring your application with you to Entebbe – and simply buy visa on arrival. Many people are doing that
Hi – I received my multi-entry visa reasonably quickly, but my wife’s is still pending, and has been for more than 20 working days now. We fly on Wednesday, due to arrive after a long trip on Friday morning. Is it still possible to get the visa (even just single entry, we can work out leaving and coming back in once we’re there) at Entebbe on arrival (I’ve seen a travel agent website saying it isn’t)? Would you recommend we get on the plane, even if we haven’t heard back yet? (Not holding you liable for your advice, to be clear!)
Hi David
No problem to get single entry visa at Entebbe Airport. That’s quickest route I would say.
I’m amazed you got multiple entry visa – they’re like gold dust!
Hi there
a quick question: I don’t know exactly when I will enter Uganda, it could be august 24 or 31
Am I fine if I indicate August 24 in the application ?, will the authorization still valid on 31st ?
Thanks
Giuseppe
Hi Giuseppe. I would put the first date on your application.
Hi muzungu I have applied and paid evisa for Uganda nearly a month ago till now it says your application approval is in progress so what advice you should give me hence it will not allow me visa on arrival because of my nationality and the page on Facebook doesn’t reply to me.
Thanks
Hello Elmi, here’s what I would try:
1. Contact Immigration via Facebook again (check you are using the page I link to in my post as there is more than one page and you need the active one. Note it is peak season so that might explain slow response). Don’t bother emailing. I don’t think they ever reply to emails.
2. Cancel your application and try again?
3. Contact the embassy of your country and ask for their advice…
Which country are you from, out of interest?
Hi Muzungu,
I’ve been staying in Fort Portal for the last three months and my tourist visa expires on the 26th of this month. If I wanted to extend it, could I do so at an immigration office in Fort or Kampala, or would I need to exit the country at e.g. Kenya and cross back in?
Hi Alex, you can in theory spend upto 90 days in UG on one tourist visa but immigration don’t usually give more than a two month extension. I think you should be able to extend at Fort, certainly Kampala. It is only after that you need to exit and reenter the country. You should not be charged to extend your visa.
Thanks for this info! I’ll let you know what the immigration office in Fort says tomorrow.
By the way, would you be interested in meeting up in town sometime? I’ve been staying in Kasiisi for my masters project this summer.
You’re welcome 🙂
Have you been staying at Kasisi Guesthouse? Heard good things about it.
Send me an email and we can meet in Bigodi or Fort Portal. (I’m usually there once a week).
Hello! I am from Portugal and I’m going to Uganda on the next week. Can I get my visa on arrival or should I get it online?
Hi Alexandra, it’s quicker to get your visa in person at the airport 🙂 Boa viagem
Obrigada Muzungu 🙂
I decided to aplly online because I read in Portugal Comunities some advices that visa is needed in advance. I aplly yesterday morning but no answer/confirmation yeat..
At one point (when I first published this post) the government wanted everyone to apply online BEFORE flying to Uganda. They quickly realised that this was not always going to be possible for people. Therefore we now have the online system plus the buy on arrival system. The Portuguese online communities may not be aware of that.
Yes, you are right! Anyway I have already my visa, they send me 2 days after 🙂
Great! Have a fantastic time here in Uganda 🙂
Hi,
Can you confirm that you do not need anything other than your passport and your yellowfever documentation to apply for a visa at the airport? I fly tomorrow and I have not yet applied for anything.
Hi Tim
To get your tourist visa on arrival, all you need is your passport and cash.
You show your yellow fever vaccination certificate at the entrance to the airport (it’s a separate process from the visa application). You may also be tested for Ebola, depending where your flight is coming from. Basically you get zapped by some kind of ‘gun’ that detects fever – you won’t even notice it. Safe travels
Hello! Question on how to handle applying for a Uganda Tourist Visa as a same sex married couple. Given the application asks for marital status and spouse name – but considering Ugandan laws against homosexuality – is there any advice / history / experience with what to expect here? Do we mark single since Ugandan law doesn’t recognize our marriage anyway? Is that lying in the form? Do we run a risk openly saying married and putting the spouse name? Our safari company says we will have no trouble traveling but I didn’t ask them about the visa.
Hi Sasha, consensus seems to be that you should simply present yourselves as two singletons. Keep things simple 🙂
I’m sure you’ll have a superb time in UG! Happy landings
Hi,
Happy to find this blog. I just applied on http://www.visas.immigration.go.ug for a visa and submitted all necessary documents. an ID number was generated for me but I have been unable to pay online. Status is “payment pending” and link to pay keeps giving error message. what can I do please? will my application still be considered and then I pay at the airport?
Or can I just book my ticket and get a visa on arrival? (I’m Nigerian)
Hello Ara
Sorry about the difficulties you’ve been experiencing with payment. Many people have reported this recently. I think the system is having some kind of upgrade. I checked with my immigration adviser and he suggests you try to pay again. Visa applications aren’t processed until payment has been made. It’s recommended that Nigerians get visa approval in advance.
You might also want to try and contact immigration directly. They do respond on their Facebook page but not by email.
Hope it all works out ok 🙂
Hi! Thank you for your response. All sorted now. paid successfully and got my visa. Looking forward to Uganda!
That’s great news! Have a superb time in the Pearl of Africa 🙂
Hi Ara, how did you finally pay? I’m experiencing the same problems with my application: link to payment keeps on giving errors…
Hello Mister,
I have a problem. I have applied for a evisa on the site http://www.uganda-evisas.com on last monday 21 October. On thursday 24 october, I have received a mail which noticed me that my order is defferred. They asked me to transmitted to them some documents about the purpose of my travel. I soon transmitted the documents but at this time I have not received the mail which transmit me the approbal documents. My order is still processing. But my travel is on monday 28 october. Is it possible for me to take the visa at Entebbe airport on arrrival ? I am from Benin. Thank you
Hello Bossa
I don’t know about the particular requirements for people from Benin. However a lot of people are getting visa on arrival at Entebbe. I imagine you can do that
Safe journey
Hello,
I have applied my tourist visa 3days ago. I got a deferred massage about LC recommendation and invitation from the host. Uploaded that. I have 2 questions please.
1. How fast can it get approved considering I’m already booked my flight?
2. If they don’t reply fast , I’m somali citizen and went even medical school in Uganda lived there a while. Can i get my visa in arrival?
Dear Nuradin
Ssometimes you get approval in a matter of hours or one or two days. You should do if you have sent in all the right documents. Also, it’s off-peak season so immigration should not be handling too many visa applications.
If they don’t reply quickly, you can try and contact them via their Facebook page.
Visa on arrival is definitely available but I’m not familiar with how this works with all nationalities. It sounds like you should not have a problem though.
“Well be back”
Kale boss. This selfless advices is what I miss in Uganda. Stay blessed.
Thanks and safe journey 🙂
It has been 48 hrs since I uploaded LC plus hosts recommendation. Tomorrow is Friday I can still get it hopefully. I’m chasing deadline and overall it has been a week. Dear sir, what do you recommend. I have texted their fb account and no response.
Hi Noradin, immigration do normally reply to Facebook messages. If you don’t hear from them, come with your application ref number and relevant
docs. You will probably be able to get visa on arrival. Safe travels.
After several fruitless attempts, I give up arranging a visa online and trust that it will work out at the airport. Muzungu, you write something about different rules for different nationalities. What do you think, will we (Dutch) succeed at the airport? Thank you for your answer (and fantastic website!).
Hi Marc. Sorry to hear you’ve had problems with the online system. I think they have been making some changes to it recently. It generally works well enough.
I’m sure you will get visa on arrival without any problem. No specific advice for Dutchies 🙂 Safe travels.
Thank you, Muzungu. We’re really looking forward to Uganda. One more question though. I just read Lonely Planet and it (still?) mentions that ‘visa on arrival are no longer available without online approval first’. Are the authors ignorant, too careful or are they right?
Interesting… which book / web page did you read?
That information is incorrect and three (?) years out of date. When the online system was launched, the message was that you couldn’t get visa in person anymore… they soon had to change it to having both systems running concurrently.
The Bradt Guide is a far better resource for Uganda tourism. Bradt Uganda is a huge, thoroughly researched volume, dedicated to the country. Author Philip Briggs has been visiting Uganda for twenty years. Co author Andrew Roberts has lived here for a similar period of time. The new edition hits the shelves in December 2019.
Lonely Planet only has a joint East Africa book which limits its coverage… they don’t have people here on the ground.
Hi dear. It has been two weeks and I’m really chasing a deadline. Should I just fly tomorrow with my documents and present it to the to the airport? I have tried evrything including many massages to their Facebook
I’m from Somalia
Kind regards
Hi Noradan, sorry you haven’t been able to get your visa online. Other people are reporting delays as well.
It sounds like you have no other option but to hope it will all work out at Entebbe 🙂
We have many Somalis living here don’t we? So I don’t see why you should have any problem – best of luck and safe journey.
Hopefully. I’m a dr trained in Uganda and I have all my previous Visas but expired like 6 of them. I hope it works out and don’t deport me back.
Hello, we are traveling to Uganda in January. Could you please let me know if it will still be possible to get a visa on arrival as from January?
Hi Donald. I’m pretty sure it will still be possible to get visa on arrival in January. It seems to be a very popular option. Safe travels
Hi,
I’ve applied for evisa on the official website but it still says it is in progress. I am keen to travel to Uganda for the Christmas and New Years holidays, but not sure how easy or difficult it is for Pakistani passport holders to get the visa either online or on arrival?
Are there any specific documents that Pakistanis need to provide? Though the requirements for evisa was only a yellow fever vaccination card.
Thanks,
Zahir
Hi Zahir, you can contact Uganda Immigration on Facebook (they don’t seem to reply on email).
There are no special requirements for Pakistanis. You should still be able to get visa on arrival if you don’t hear about the evisa. Bring proof of payment. Safe travels
Hi,
I am a Nigerian living in The Netherlands. I am travelling to Kampala tomorrow morning. I applied for evisa 4 days ago but my status still says “Application approval in progress” so I plan to board the plane without the approval anyway. Do you think visa on arrival is available for Nigerians also? In other words, is visa on arrival available for all Natioanlities? (To be clear, I do not hold you liable for the outcome). You are doing a great job here. Cheers
Hi Mart
As far as I’m aware visa on arrival is open to all nationalities. However, if you have landed on this blog then the chances are you have looked for information and not found very much about immigration to Uganda online. You could try contacting Uganda Immigration via their Facebook page, where they do reply, normally within 24-hours. Forget emailing them.
You could also try contacting the Nigerian Embassy in Uganda.
I’ve just sent a query to a Nigerian lady who I met in Kampala this week. I’ll leave another message here if I hear anything that might be of use to you.
Best of luck and I hope it works out!
Hello again, I just received a response from my friend from Lagos. She wrote:
“Yes they should be able to get the visa on arrival in person. My colleague Tunbosun got his that way.
I personally prefer getting the East African Tourist Visa (EATV) from Kigali (very reliable) whenever I come to these region. In august I applied online Kigali selecting the pay on arrival option and got it in two days. This time, I applied got no response, told them at the airport I wanted the EATV, I got it there.
However I specifically asked Tunbosun to request for the EATV at the Entebbe Airport because he is equally going to Nairobi and Mombasa. He said they told him at the airport that the EATV can only be applied for online, he got the single entry visa on arrival however for $50. I personally think they were being difficult and I know he would not press for it, I would have.
Point to note for the Nigerian. Carry the exact amount for visa in $ and do NOT absolutely forget or misplace their Yellow Fever Card.”
Mary travelled to Uganda last week. Her feelings about immigration’ advice is correct: her colleague should have been able to get EATV on arrival. There is nothing to say you have to apply for it in advance.
Hello Muzungu, you are certainly right: there is little information online.
Thanks a lot for the prompt response and the extra efforts to help. Your input is indeed helpful. I have also reached out to the Uganda embassy in Brussels (responsible for the region). They advised me to print the evidence of application (like the status page) and proceed to the airport, to finish up the process on arrival. They do not forsee any troubles with the trip, just like you posit. Thanks once again.
So how did it go? Are you in?
Enjoy Uganda – I really hoped it all worked out 🙂
nationalities**
Feedback from other people who have applied online is to use Google Chrome.
Hi ! Hope you can help me.
I applied for 6 visas last Sunday on the website you recommended. Paid for all and got payment confirmation. Problem is that the departure is on this Friday and I am worried that I won’t get the visas on time. Tried to contact them via Facebook messenger but there is no answer. Please advise what to do…. I am frustrating.. thanks
Hi Tal, I wouldn’t worry too much, you can still get visa on arrival at Entebbe. Take proof of payment with you.
It’s peak season so that’s why Immigration may be taking longer than normal.
By the way, to clarify: the visas themselves are issued at the airport (so it’s the visa approval you’re waiting for not the visas).
Bon viaggi!
Hi! Firstly, great webpage with lots of good information.
I applied for a One-entry Visa last week and paid the application at the same time. However, in the Application Status it says ” Pending Payment”. What does this mean? I can see the withdrawal on my bankaccount from DCIC – Ministry. I as many others have tried to contact Immigrations through Facebook and Email. I am concerned that the payment has not gone through fully (and never will).
Hi Jan, “thanks for the appreciation” – webale kusiima – as we say in Uganda.
My suggestion is that you come with your application reference number plus proof of payment from your bank account and get visa on arrival when you get to Uganda. It shouldn’t be a problem, many people are doing just this. Safe travels!
Many thanks for your reply! I appreciate it.
I will definitely take your advice on this. I just wonder, do you know how it works with the payment? Do you receive a confirmation recipt right away or is the reciept of the money confirmed when the application is approved? Also, if they would have received the money, shouldnt the status of the application changed from “Pending payment” to something else? I am just concerned that the whole payment will be cancelled and then I wont have any payment to refer to when arriving in Uganda.
Regards,
Jan
Hi Jan, I wouldn’t worry. If the payment has been cancelled (your worst case scenario) you can pay at the airport in USD cash, Euros or GBP (only).
By the way, we’re a developing country so systems (and logic) don’t always apply the way you are used to back home. TIA. This Is Africa!
Hi again! Update on the situation, and might be to some help for people.
I decided to try to pay for the visum again, worst case I would lose USD50.
However, in the portal , when I pressed “Pay” again, I got the instant message from the homepage stating that the application was already paid. The interesting part was that immediately after I had done this, I received a confirmation mail from Immigrations where it said that they had received my payment , and also the application status changed to “In progress”.
So it seems to be a bug in the system where at least me and my girlfriend both needed to try to “pay” again in order for the payment to jump in to the system.
Nice tip! Thanks for sharing 🙂
December 2019 update:
Lots of people have been experiencing problems with the online visa payment process but don’t worry you should be able to get visa on arrival. Many people do that. In effect the two systems run side by side.
Tip: some people suggest using Google Chrome works when paying…
If you have paid and have a ref number (but no answer re whether you have approval), just take the ref with you to the airport.
Enjoy Uganda! The Pearl of Africa!
Ernest
I want to apply for an EATV .The demand for a tour itinerary is given me concern.Can I design my own or must it come from a tour company.
Hi Ernest, the request to see ‘proof of onward travel’ appears to have been relaxed (but it’s extremely difficult to get confirmation, even verbal, on these things). ‘Proof of onward travel’ could mean that you show a flight ticket or hotel reservation or invitation letter for another of the EATV countries. A tour company itinerary is an alternative.
Verbatim reports from travelers over last two years seems to show that you simply state you want an East Africa Tourist Visa and you will get it. Safari njema – and interested to hear how you get on 🙂
Hello!
I got the evisa for Uganda but the nationality is wrong and cannot apply again as it won t allow me.
What should I do in this case? they won t answer my emails.
Thanks in advance
Hi Andra, don’t worry, you can fix this in person at Entebbe Airport.
For ref, you do not have the evisa – only the approval letter. The visa itself is only issued when you arrive.
Safe journey and sorry for slow reply (I thought I replied yestrday!)
Hello!
I got the evisa for Uganda but the nationality is wrong and cannot apply again as it won t allow me.
What should I do in this case? they won t answer my emails.
Thanks in advance
Hello Admin,
I applied for the Uganda tourist visa online and paid. However, the payment was unsuccessful and the amount taken out of my card. Trying to pay again, it was stated on the “manage application” page that they received my payment but no response from them till date.
I am due to travel next week using Kenya Airways. I want to be sure if I can get visa on arrival at the airport in Entebbe. Please help confirm this as I’ve called the immigration office but they are not responding.
I am holding a Nigerian Passport but living and studying in South Africa (meaning I’m visiting Uganda from South Africa).
Your prompt and confirmed response will be highly appreciated.
Hi Benjamin
1. In theory, you can get visa on arrival at EBB. (However, immigration reserve the right to deny anyone entry, even if you have the visa approval letter).
2. It doesn’t matter which country you’re travelling from. The passport you use is what is relevant i.e. Nigerian.
3. Bring proof – e.g. ref no. – saying you have paid.
4. Safe travels
5. Enjoy Uganda!
Thank you so much.
You have really been helpful reading through your response and comments on the blog.
I just wanna ask if the visa fees is 50usd or there are other payments.
Also, can I get a place at the airport to exchange rands to dollars.
God bless you
Hi Benjamin “thanks for the appreciation” as we say in UG 🙂
$50 is the single entry tourist visa fee – no hidden extras. There’s a forex bureau you can use next to immigration to exchange cash. (There’s also an ATM but it probably only dispenses Uganda shillings).
FYI, we just crossed into Uganda from Tanzania at Mutukula and were still able to get visitor visas really easily there. I couldn’t apply online because at the time I didn’t have a Yellow Fever card. I got it in Tanzania a couple days before going to Uganda.
Hi James, interesting feedback thank you!
Visa on arrival is a lot less hassle isn’t it?
Carry on enjoying
I printed out an old visa approval by mistake. I applied for a new one in the meantime as my passport number changed. Can I show the visa on my phone or must it absolutely be printed?
Hi Laurie, I think showing it on your phone will be fine. I wouldn’t print it. All they need is the reference number. Safe travels!
I have been in UG since November 15th. After my 90 days expired I was given another 60 days which expires on April 11th. I am flying with Brussels airline which has suspended flights until April 20th due to corona virus. Will I be able to extend my visa for a 2nd time or is there a limit as to how long you can stay in UG each year or for each stay? Also, will I be penalized for overstaying even though I was unable to leave on time due to the virus outbreak and airlines suspending travel?
Hi Pavel
You clearly love Uganda as much as I do 🙂
Let me answer your questions in the order in which you have asked them.
Question. Will I be able to extend my visa for a second time?
No.
Question. Is there a limit to how long you can stay in Uganda each year or for each stay?
Yes there are limits.
Year limits: you are only supposed to stay 180 days per year before you have to apply for a work permit, dependents’ pass, as applicable.
Stay limits: when you buy a single entry tourist visa, you’re entitled to a maximum six month stay. You can get (maximum) 90 days when you first get your visa and then extend that. However, it is unusual to get that extended up to the full six months. In my experience, you can stay a maximum five months on the one tourist visa (including extensions).
Question. Will I be penalised for overstaying even though I was unable to leave on time due to the Corona Virus outbreak and airlines suspending travel?
You may be charged $30 per day for overstaying. This can sometimes be negotiated. However we are in unusual times and perhaps immigration will be lenient with you?
I would like to call my immigration adviser for you. However he has gone to pick his children from school as the President has closed all schools from tomorrow lunchtime for 32 days.
If I find out more, I will let you know.
That was a very helpful response. I was just wondering what a dependants pass is because my son was born in UG in December 2019 while I was here and I have been here providing for him and his mother ever since. Thank you for taking the time to respond in advance.
Happy to help but for dependent’s pass info please visit Uganda Immigration website. I’m familiar with tourists visas (only) and would not want to give you incorrect info.
Thanks Admin for your help as always.
I have been in Uganda since March and was to spend 2 weeks. I was in the first weeks when the President lockdown the country and airport abruptly.
Will I be penalized or charged for overstaying when it’s time for me to leave the country after the airport and airlines reopen? Kindly help on this information
Hi Benjamin
This is the info shared by the UK government:
Immigration offices in Uganda are closed until further notice. The Ministry of Internal Affairs have advised that fines accrued for overstaying visa or permits from 18 March to 9 June 2020 are waived. They have also advised that foreign nationals who are in Uganda with expired visas/permits will not be arrested.
I applied for Tourist visa on the 14th June and planned to travel on the 4th September 2020 and make payment online hopefully the airport will open by then but my concern is, my visa application status keep saying pending payments after 4working days though i have sent mail but no response . in this case what can i do please.
Hi. I suggest contacting immigration via Facebook as they don’t reply to emails.
Or you could cancel 1st application and start again…
Visa also available on arrival.
Hello.. I had applied for a tourist visa mid March as i was intending to travel last week of March 2020. But was unable to do so due to airport closure.
I would like to know if that visa is still valid and if i can travel with that visa now that airport has been resumed.
Hi Najla, sorry for slow reply but I wanted to check with my immigration advisor first. He says visa approval letters are valid for six months.
If you reapply you should not have to pay again since you have not used the visa. Hope that works 🙂
Hello! Love your blog, I was wondering if paying for the visa through the online application means that once it’s issued’ it’s 90 days from that day. Or is it that visas are issued in Entebbe itself so it would mean 90 days from the date of arrival in Entebbe. Kindly clarify this as I have a flight booked with a return exactly 90 days after I arrive. Thank you!!
Hi Sharleen, thanks for your positive feedback 🙂
The 90 days (for example) start from the day visa is issued in your passport.
If you need 90 days, request it at Entebbe Airport (or they may only give you 30 days). FYI you can extend tourist visa at Immigration offices for no extra cost. Max stay per visa is 6 months.
Safe journey
Have you read Entebbe Airport reopens. October 2020
Hello! I had applied for a tourist visa at the end of February as I was intended to travel in July. But, due to airport closure, I was unable to do so. Is that visa still valid? Can I travel in December with that visa now that airport has been reopened? My nationality is romanian. Do I have the possibility to buy the visa at the airport, in case your answers to my previous questions are not favorable :)? Thank you!
Hi Alina, thanks for your message and apologies for slow reply.
Firstly, strictly speaking you do not have a visa yet, you only have a visa approval letter.
You will need to reapply for the visa approval since you have gone beyond the six-month validity of the letter. You should not have to pay again.
Regarding requirements for different nationalities, please check with the Uganda Immigration website (but as far as I know, there are no special requirements / restrictions for Romanians).
You – and all other travellers – are strongly encouraged to get the visa approval letter before you board the plane. This is because some airlines have refused to allow people to board the plane without it. You could also contact your airline to check what their procedure is. In theory, visa on arrival is still available at Entebbe Airport but you are advised to get your visa approval letter and/or talk to your airlines first. The advice here is based on conversations I have had with my immigration adviser in Kampala in the past two weeks. Safe travels 🙂
Many thanks for the comprehensive response!
According to the visas.immigration.go.ug rules, “payment must be done before processing the application.This payment MUST be done online. The application will not be processed until the payment is done.” You said I should not have to pay again. How can I apply without payment, given those rules? I wrote to Uganda Immigration on facebook two weeks ago, but they haven’t read my message (and haven’t answer). Thank you in advance!
I will ask my immigration adviser how you should proceed since he is the one who said you shouldn’t have to pay again.
I would also try and contact Immigration via Facebook again. Pre-pandemic, they had a good record at replying within 24-hours. I do know that they were shut for two days last week and probably have a backlog now that airport has reopened etc.
It’s very kind of you to try to get answers for me. I appreciate a lot your goodwill!
do a returning resident required to provide a host contact, I don’t know if it normal or a technical issue but each time I uploaded an optional document and I go back to check or modify the application, I don’t find those attachments, they would be missing
Sorry for the issues you are having with the system. I haven’t heard of returning residents being asked for host contact – that is for people staying with friends / family and getting tourist visas. I suggest you contact Uganda Immigration via Facebook. Good luck 🙂
Hi I applied for the single entry tourist e visa on the 15 November 2020. Status has since been saying application approval in progress. I’ve tried contacting them via email and Facebook but no response. It’s past my intended departure date, I’m waiting for the approval before rescheduling my flight accordingly. Pls advise on how to proceed. Thanks
Hi Solomon, sorry for slow reply, I wanted to ask my immigration advisor about this one.
He asks Which airline are you planning to use? Most will allow you to board the plane without showing your visa approval letter.
I would try using Facebook again. They do generally respond (although with COVID-19 we expect things to take longer).
Get back to me if I can help further (and I will reply same day). Good luck 🙂
I was billed to travel on Rwandair, and they insisted I must have immigration approval before I’m allowed to board. I’ve employed every avenue to contact the Ugandan immigration without responding. My application status says in process. Their website doesn’t mention anything about average processing time. It’s really frustrating. Thanks for your concern anyway
Hello muzungu,
thanks for all your help and efforts!
Do you know whether it is still possible to get a visa on arrival at Entebbe airport? We applied online for the eVisa but we always get an payment error (The payment has failed. An unknown error was returned. Please try to pay later) and unforuntately we are running out of time.
Best,
Stefan
Hi Stefan thanks for the appreciation as we say in Uganda.
Yes it is still possible to get a visa on arrival at Entebbe. If you are getting a payment error, there must be a temporary problem with the system. Approval times can be quite quick.
My immigration adviser says that you should try and get your visa approval before you travel, if you can.
Have a wonderful trip!
Hello,
thanks for your answer!
After ~1 day payments were possible again. Our eVisa was approved only one day after payment.
Best,
Stefan
Thanks for taking the time to share your experience with other visitors. Glad to hear everything progressed without a hitch.
Enjoy the Pearl!
Hello, am impressed with the way you respond to every questions in detail thank u so much. I have a Nigerian passport I applied for the uganda Visa online, it was deferred after 2 weeks asking me to provide tour plans and confirmed ticket. I went ahead to provide them and got a deferred email again after 2 days saying due to covid-19 regulations. My question is can I still travel to uganda and get the visa on arrival as my ticket has already been paid for. Many thanks
Hello Ehi, happy to help – if I can 🙂
Can you get visa on arrival in Uganda? Yes you can, many people are.
It sounds like you have done everything asked of you so I don’t understand the reason they gave for the deferment. If I were in your shoes, I would take the risk and board the flight to Uganda. However, if you want more clarification, I can recommend a good immigration lawyer.
Ok that will be nice. The reply was your application was deferred reasons: due to covid 19 regulations your visa cannot be granted now try again later. They said pls go to your application to submit additional whatever . I was shocked like really ?? After asking me to keep submitting documents. I even had to pay for ticket cos they requested for it. If I can still get a visa on arrival in I would love dt. Many thanks for your help.
Sorry how annoying for you…
I suggest contacting Eliab Naturinda of Africa Immigration Advisory Services. Please mention Charlotte sent you 🙂
HI muzungu, my friend is coming to visit Ugandan from us and his visa application online is not being replied to via email. So I decided to check out your website since you always have very good advice. His case I see exactly like Ehi’s is it okay for him to contact Eliab Naturinda when he gets to the airport. At this point we’re just desperate and they’re not replying on Facebook either. Thank you In advance for your response.
Hello Maysie, I have sent you an email introduction to Eliab Naturinda. Interesting to note that immigration are not replying on Facebook, as they were before the pandemic. Thanks for the feedback and I hope your friend gets visa approval in time to travel. Best wishes
Oh thanks so much. Eliab Naturinda came very handy at the.point of entry. The immigration officer said my application was deferred why did I still come ? I explained that since there is an option for visa on arrival I took the chance. We were put in a holding room for hours. I was later told to upload my ticket and tour plans again (although I did that before) it took another hour before my visa was issued. Many thanks to Eliab for his help. Nd u too for the referral. Blessings
Hi Ehi, I’m pleased to read that you managed to get into Uganda okay (eventually) and that Eliab Naturinda was able to assist you. Thanks for sharing your feedback. Did immigration explain why your application had been deferred?
Not at all no reason was given. In the end I was happy to have been granted entry.
I understand how relieved you must be – now enjoy the Pearl of Africa!
Hi, I have a US friend who went to Uganda for work and wants to visit us this weekend in Kenya but didn’t get an EAC visa. Kenya’s e-visa platform is not allowing her to apply for a visa at such a late date.
Do you know if she can convert her visa to an EAC at the EBB airport? Or if Kenya allows for visas upon arrival like Uganda (though all over the web it says not) ? Otherwise, she could apply for the e-visa with a wrong date (2 days later) and try to get in that way.
Any thoughts or ideas you have on the matter would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you!
Hi Elizabeth, apologies for slow reply, I am on the road this week.
Once you are in the East Africa Tourist Visa zone of Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda, you cannot apply for an EATV. You must apply for it when you are outside those three countries.
I am just checking the visa on arrival situation with a tourism colleague in Kenya and shall get back to you.
Your suggestion about applying with an incorrect date might work 😉
Feedback from friends in Kenya is to apply on Kenya’s Ecitizen and you should get approval in 24 hours or less.
TOP TIP: Do check the Ecitizen site to see whether you have been approved. The website is more reliable than waiting for email.
Let me know how you get on 🙂
Any tips on how to reduce the size of the documents to be uploaded ? 250Kb is just way too small, it’s unbelievable!
Hi Ray
Try these, shared with me by Kevin from Karibu Guesthouse in Entebbe:
For .pdf files: https://smallpdf.com/compress-pdf
For .jpg files: https://tinyjpg.com/
Good luck!
Hello, my husband and I are due to travel to Uganda as part of our honeymoon on the 10th September. We applied for our visas online as we were a bit concerned as he has a previous criminal record (minor!) and we had hell trying to get into Australia. However both of our approval letters/ visas (?) came within a few days via email. I am very concerned though as it says everywhere about validity for only 3 months, and on receipt of the email from them it will take us to the 8th September. However the letter expires way into the future… Am I correct in thinking what we have via email is simply an approval letter, and the visa will be issued upon arrival in Uganda, and this is in fact what is the 90 days is in relation too rather than the letter? We cannot apply again until gone 8th September – and I don’t think we will receive them in time!
Hi Laura, yes you are right. When you apply online, you will be sent a visa approval letter. You only get the visa itself when you land at Entebbe Airport and the visa will start from the day it is stamped in your passport. It’s also at this point that you agree the number of days for the visa. Immigration sometimes only give two weeks or a month, particularly if they think you are on holiday. (In theory you can get a maximum three months at a go and get this renewed in order to spend maximum six months for the price of one single entry tourist visa).
Congratulations by the way! Wishing you and your husband a fantastic wedding and a fabulous honeymoon in Uganda!
Update 8/28/22 – my wife and son were denied boarding a United flight from the US without an approved evisa.
Oh no! I’m so sorry to hear this Mark. What a pain in the ….
I hope they manage to get visa approval soon. Does it mean you have to purchase new tickets?
I have heard many cases of people not being allowed to board without visa approval. Apparently an airline can be fined up to $3,000 if a passenger lands in Entebbe and is refused entry by immigration. Airlines won’t take that financial risk.
The past 3 times we visited Uganda (2018-2021), we simply got a tourist visa at Entebbe airport….simple, fast, no problems. It sounds like this has changed? We are supposed to travel there again in early November and are hoping we can do the same. BUT it sounds like things have changed? Help/Advice and thanks!
Hi Michael
Yes!
You must apply for your tourist visa online in advance. You will need your visa approval letter for you to board at your point of departure.
However, there have been lots of complaints about the online system this week with requests for us to revert back to the visa on arrival policy. The tourism industry had a big meeting with immigration only this morning. Please check back in with me in a few weeks time 🙂
Are you coming here on holiday? Do check out my Travel Directory if you are looking for a tour operator.
HI…we are having a hard time uploading the necessary documents for the evisa. You mentioned that the tourism/immigration folks were reconsidering the visa on arrival practice. Have you heard anything? thanks!
Hi Michael you need to reduce all your files to 250 KB – eek!
That’s all I can advise for now.
thanks…yes, my wife who is more tech savvy than me figured it out, and we were able to finish application.
Excellent! Enjoy Uganda! And if you need any travel ideas, send me a message or check out my Travel Directory.
Hi
I’ve just bought a ticket to fly for next Monday and I need to get an express evisa – how quick can I get one or is it possible again to get on arrival
Hi Joy you are strongly recommended to apply online ASAP as you’ll probably need to show your visa approval letter in order to board the plane. You should be able to get approval within this time. I do have an immigration advisor who can fast track your application, if needed, but apply first and we can follow up as needed. Good luck.
What are you coming to do in Uganda?
My Travel Directory lists tour operators, lodges and things to do.
Hi, at the document upload stage there seems no way to proceed. All my docs are below 250kb and in jpeg format, but whichever I upload, the system always says please wait this might take a few minutes but it never finishes the upload. After around 10min it instead returns back to the first page where we have to enter the details. Anybody faced the same problem recently? Or did you manage to successfully upload and submit?
Good evening I’ve checked with my immigration advisor and he suggests you apply again tomorrow. Sorry it sounds like there is a glitch in the system.
I have received an enquiry similar to yours from someone else having issues.
Hi our helper 🙂 Second time our visa has been deferred. Now with note: attach clear documents. All docs are nice and readable. Can you guess what should I do more? I will do that 🙂 Thank you.
Hi
I think (hope) I answered your question on whatsapp but basically you might need to contact an immigration advisor…
Do let me know if you still need help
(On the road so apologies if delayed response).
Hi! We are a family of 9 travelling to Uganda so are in the process of doing the individual visas. However I just received a visa approval for one and tbe letter states validity for 30 days. I’m a bit confused for two reasons 1) as today is 13th December and we arrive in Uganda on 19th Jan, will this be valid? Should I be waiting till 19th December to submit the others?
2) As I understand, ordinary visa is valid for 90 days but the approval letter reads 30 days? Please could you help? Thanks!
Hi Sonia
Sorry for the slow reply. I have been travelling and I wanted to run your questions by my immigration adviser.
His response is:
Let the person come on the scheduled date.
The visa takes effect when you enter at the airport.
[The 30 day validity does not start until you enter the country. Also, although this is the standard time period, if you need longer than 30 days, say so at immigration before they stamp your visa sticker].
I would continue your visa applications now. You don’t need to wait.
Have a great trip.
Hi Sonia,
This is a super-informative blog. Thanks for all of your hard work!
I am visiting Uganda next month with plans to enter South Sudan for 2-3 days before returning to Uganda. My flights arrive and depart from Entebbe.
I applied (and have received my approval letter) for the East African Tourist Visa on the off-chance that I might have the chance to go to Rwanda or Kenya.
Of course, I later learned that this was a mistake as I will need multiple entries to Uganda (arrival flight from US and subsequent arrival from Juba).
I’m trying to figure out how to fix the issue. Can I count on a visa on arrival when I return to Entebbe from Juba? Will the airline (Uganda Air) let me on the plane? Based on your December 2022 update to this article, it sounds like this might be a bad idea?
Can I apply for a second, single entry visa online before my departure for Uganda? Will the online system reject my application?
Or do I just need to cancel my journey to South Sudan?
Grateful for any thoughts you might have!
Thanks!
Hi Kevin, Charlotte here
Glad you’re finding the blog useful.
I’ve been thinking through your enquiry and shared it with an immigration advisor. I’m waiting for a reply.
Notes: we don’t recommend trying to get visa on arrival in Uganda.
EATV zone is Rwanda Uganda Kenya only. Once you leave that, the EATV is no longer valid.
If your second visa application covers different dates from your first application then I guess there should be no problem. However am checking.
Hi !
Thanks a lot for all this information 🙂
Do you know if Visa on arrival (without pre-approval) at land borders are still available? I checked the online application and we don’t have a “return ticket” to upload since we’re intering by land from Rwanda. I did it in 2018 but looking on your article, seems things might have changed
Thanks a lot !
Simon
Hi Simon glad the blog info is of use 🙂
Can you apply for a East Africa tourist visa? This covers Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya. If you are entering Rwanda first, then you apply to Rwanda for your EATV. This would address your situation.
Yes things have changed quite a lot since 2018.
I spoke today to a friend who crossed from Uganda to Kenya last week and he said they were not issuing visa on arrival at Busia border.
I have also spoken to an immigration adviser who says “No visa is issued on arrival save for countries [nationalities] that are visa exempt from Uganda.”
Safe travels! Are you coming on holiday? If so you might find my Travel Directory useful.
Thanks a lot for your answer !
We don’t need a visa for Rwanda, but guess it’d be easier to apply to the East African Visa 🙂
And I’m having a look at your Travel Directory !
Cheers, Simon
Hi I’m planning to spend a long vacation in Uganda in June 2023. I was told that I need a Visa to visit I’m coming from Trinidad and Tobago however I don’t see my country on the list to apply for visa. I was told I would be given one on arrival by a friend. Can you confirm this for me please and what documents I may need to walk with. Also what is the max duration you can stay in the country because I plan to spend 60 days.
Hi Sheena
Sorry for the slower reply than standard…
Last question first:
The important thing is to request 60 (or maximum 90) days when immigration put the visa sticker in your passport at Entebbe Airport. They usually hand-write the no. of days before stamping the visa. (You can get the visa extended at Immigration offices after that period and, in theory, can be in UG for six months on one visa). If you don’t specify the no. of days, they may give you 30 days or 2 weeks.
I applied for East African visa early and received almost immediate approval on April 10. But the covering letter says “The maximum duration of the attached approval letter is 3 months”. I won’t enter Uganda until July 6 and leave Kenya on July 17. Will the visa validity be for 3 months from now or 3 months from the date of entry?
Hi Bruce
Your three months start on the date of entry into Uganda (or the East Africa Tourist Visa zone in your case).
Safari njema!
Thanks for the information
You’re welcome!
P.S. If you’re a regular visitor to Uganda, or wider East Africa, you might like to sign up to my monthly newsletter. Podcast launching this month too!
I have a family of 12 travelling to uganda on June 3, they applied for the visa and got the approved application letter in January. It has since cancelled as it apparently only valid for 90 days. Do they need to re-apply or can they still use their expired application approval letter?
Hi Lisa
Thanks for the inquiry. Just checked with my immigration advisor and unfortunately you must apply for new visas.
We are having one heck of a time completing the online renewal for extension of our visa. We even made a trip to the immigration office & the lady told us to compress docs & file online. WE did that & it keeps saying we need to load the approriate docs? We did! Its a tourist visa renewal for 3 months. Can you help on what we should attach. She told us the cover letter & return ticket which we did but it still says we need additional docs but not what those docs are? Any help is greatly appreciated! Holly
Hi Holly
The online system is truly annoying. Did you get an error message on the screen? Or an email? Please confirm exactly what text says.
I’m checking with my immigration adviser this morning…
Great blog btw 😉
Hi
I applied for the UGANDA visa and submitted the docs required. ie tkt, passport, photo, yellow fever and my id showing proof of address (Dutch passport residing in the UK).
I have received a reply back stating they want the following:
“Attach an invitation, LC1 recommendation and immigration status of your host”
I am/ will be staying in a Hotel. So what do I do in this case? No host/ relatives in Uganda.
Would appreciate if you can advise.
Thanks
Hi sorry about the very confusing message from immigration. This particular one catches out a lot of people and is really aimed at people who are visiting friends and family.
However, your situation seems quite straightforward. Upload proof of where you are staying. One workaround is to make a reservation on Booking.com 🙂
Hi
Many thanks for that.
Also another quick question, do I need to submit a letter stating why I am visiting Uganda?
You’re welcome – and no, you should not need to write stating why you are visiting the country. If you can provide proof of where you’re staying, that should be enough.
Hello,
A couple of months ago I applied for a Ugandan visa , paid and also received it. We are visiting Uganda next week. Today however I received an email that my application has been cancelled :(.
I think I applied for it too soon, but does this mean I lost my money and should apply for a new one?
Thanks in advance!
Hi, if you can email me your application number, I can ask my immigration adviser why it was cancelled.
However, it does sound like you will need to apply for another one and pay again.
Hello, I hope you are doing great.
I applied for a East Africa Tourist Visa via the Kenyan immigration website and it has already been approved. Nevertheless I just realised that the first point of entry should be Kenya and on my travel itinerary my first destination is Uganda.
I was wondering if there is anything that I can do to solve this or if it will represent a major problem for traveling? Or if you recommend applying separately for an Ugandan E tourist visa? I am just not sure if it will be approved before my flight as the date is really close.
Thank you in advance for the attention and support. Please let me know any questions or thoughts on this.
Kind regards,
Orlando
[We answered this query via WhatsApp but for other travelers, I add a summary of how we addressed the issue].
My first thought was that Orlando would need to get a Uganda tourist visa. Approval can be quite quick. It can even be same day. The approval can be accelerated by an immigration expert, for a small fee. (Since traveller only had two days before departure, he did decide to apply for Ugandan tourist visa as well, “to feel more secure.”
I forwarded the question to an immigration expert. He says you can be issued your EATV “from any place” (so in this case, not only Kenya). Good to know!
Hi,
I applied for a tourist visa earlier this month and my application was deferred with the “Attach Invitation Letter: LC1 Recommendation Letter and Host Status”.
I will be initially staying at a hotel, which I submitted my confirmation details for but still got the deferral notification again, so then got a friend who is Ugandan to write a letter, but again received a deferral notification.
I would really appreciate any advice
Thanks
Hi Hassana, have you managed to resolve the issue? Apologies for slow reply…
My wife applied for a visa. We indicated that we would arrive via Cyanika and put in the date of arrival. Now we want to arrive a day or two earlier. The evisa document only says it’s valid for 90 days from issuance but has no dates on it.
Will we have any trouble arriving a day or two earlier than we indicated on the application form?
I’m so sorry your message got stuck in my spam folder. Have you travelled already? You shouldn’t have a probem traveling a couple of days earlier… But let me know if you have any questions?
Hello, i applied for my tourist visa via the online application on 14/04 but never received an acknowledgement email with my application ID. The application fee has been clearly debited from my account. I didn’t write down the application ID thinking I would receive it via email but when I now try to retrieve it I don’t receive any emails. I travel on 28/04. Would you have any advice on how I can check on status of my application?
If you would like to email your full name and passport number, we can follow up with an immigration adviser.
I have also sent you an email to the address supplied.
Hello madame muzungu! I am having some trouble with a tourist visa for my son.
The visa for my son was deferred and they have said I should send the passport of the persons traveling with him (a minor).
however, the website is giving me error messages every time I try to resubmit the application with the requested documents. ( I’ve tried 50 different times, different browsers etc,)
I have tried contacting immigration on all platforms but radio silence…
is this something you are able to look into?
Thank you in advance and for all the great info on your blog.
sincerely,
Johannes
Dear Johannes
Have you had any success yet?
If not, I will ask my immigration adviser.
Do you remember what the error message said?
Hello, good morning. I am wondering if you are able to assist me with an issue concerning tourist visa?
The visa for my son was deferred and they have said I should send the passport of the persons traveling with him (a minor).
however, the website is giving me error messages every time I try to resubmit the application with the requested documents.
I have tried reaching out to immigration on different platforms but no response.
is this something you are able to look into?
much appreciated.
sincerely,
Johannes
Dear Johannes
Have you had any success yet?
If not, I will ask my immigration adviser.
Do you remember what the error message said?