Uganda Launches e-Visa Application for Tourist Visa Applications
Uganda has modernized its entry process by officially launching an electronic visa (e-Visa) system, making it easier and faster for travelers to apply for tourist visas. This digital shift reflects Uganda’s commitment to improving its tourism sector, ensuring that visitors can access the country’s renowned attractions — from the gorillas of Bwindi and Mgahinga to the wildlife safaris of Queen Elizabeth National Park and the cultural riches of Kampala — with greater convenience.
Why the e-Visa System Matters
Previously, tourists often had to secure their visas through Ugandan embassies abroad or rely on visa-on-arrival processes at entry points. While these options remain known to many, they could sometimes be time-consuming, requiring long waits and paperwork. The e-Visa system simplifies this by allowing travelers to apply entirely online before departure, ensuring they arrive in Uganda with a confirmed entry permit.
This development not only eases travel planning but also brings Uganda in line with global digital immigration trends. By streamlining entry, Uganda strengthens its reputation as a tourist-friendly destination and supports the growth of its tourism industry.
Tourist Visa Entry Options
The Uganda e-Visa covers different categories of travelers, but the most common is the single-entry tourist visa. This visa allows visitors to stay in the country for up to 90 days and is perfect for travelers planning gorilla trekking, wildlife safaris, or cultural tours.
Applicants will need:
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A valid passport with at least six months of validity.
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A recent passport-sized photograph.
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Travel itinerary details, such as hotel bookings or tour confirmations.
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Proof of yellow fever vaccination (mandatory for entry).
Once approved, travelers receive an electronic approval letter that they present upon arrival, where immigration officers issue the visa sticker in the passport.
How to Apply for Uganda’s e-Visa
The application process has been designed to be straightforward:
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Visit the Official Immigration Portal – All applications are submitted online through the Uganda Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control.
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Complete the Application Form – Provide passport details, personal information, and travel plans.
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Upload Required Documents – This includes a scanned copy of the passport, photo, and proof of bookings.
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Make Payment Online – Visa fees are paid securely by card. A single-entry tourist visa typically costs USD 50.
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Receive Approval – Once processed, an email notification with the visa approval letter is sent. Travelers must print and present it on arrival.
Processing usually takes a few days, although applicants are advised to apply well ahead of their travel dates.
East Africa Tourist Visa Integration
The e-Visa system also makes it possible to apply for the East Africa Tourist Visa online. This special permit, shared by Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya, allows visitors to explore all three countries on a single visa valid for 90 days. At a cost of USD 100, it offers excellent value for travelers seeking a multi-country safari or cultural experience.
A Step Toward a Seamless Travel Experience
By launching the e-Visa application system, Uganda demonstrates its readiness to embrace technology in tourism and border management. Visitors can now enjoy a smoother travel experience, reducing time spent in queues and paperwork. For Uganda, this innovation signals its determination to make the country more accessible, inviting, and competitive within the East African tourism landscape.