Key points
- Uganda ended visa on arrival in July 2016, so travelers need an e-Visa before they fly.
- Core requirements include a passport valid at least six months, a Yellow Fever certificate, and a compliant photo.
- Many Ugandan missions no longer take in-person applications, making the online route more practical.
- You can review and correct your details before submitting, so check everything carefully.
- iVisa offers several processing speeds, each with its own service fee on top of the government charge.
Getting a visa for Uganda can raise a few questions, and a handful of issues tend to trip travelers up more than others. Knowing about them ahead of time makes the trip easier to plan. Applying online is one way to sidestep some of the friction that comes with a consular application. Here are the questions we hear most often.
What is a Uganda e-Visa?
An e-Visa is an official travel authorization that lets foreign citizens enter Uganda. You apply for it online rather than in person at an embassy or consulate.
What do I need to apply for the online visa?
You’ll generally need the following:
- A passport valid for at least six months from your date of arrival
- A completed application form
- A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate
- A recent passport-style photo with a white background, no glasses, a neutral expression, and your full face visible
These are guidance based on the current process; requirements can change, so it’s worth confirming the details before you apply.
Does the airport issue a Uganda visa on arrival?
No. Uganda discontinued visa on arrival in July 2016 and moved to the electronic visa system, largely because of processing delays under the old approach. You need to obtain your e-Visa before you travel.
What if I made a mistake on my application form?
The application includes a review step before you submit. You can correct information before processing begins, or later if immigration requests additional details. Because opportunities to fix errors are limited once processing starts, check your information carefully before submitting.
What if the diplomatic mission near me doesn’t accept applications?
Several Ugandan diplomatic missions, including those in the UK, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, no longer accept in-person applications. Applying online is a practical alternative. The form takes roughly 15 minutes to complete, and applications typically process within about one business day.
What are the prices for the Uganda e-Visa?
Uganda charges a government fee for the e-Visa, and iVisa charges a separate service fee for handling the application. iVisa offers three processing options for US passport holders, with the total shown below:
| Processing option | Price | Processing time |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | $131.99 | 5 days |
| Rush | $151.99 | 3 days |
| Super Rush | $171.99 | 2 days |
The faster options cost more because of the higher service fee for expedited handling.
How can I apply?
The process takes about ten minutes and has two main steps:
- Enter your personal information and choose a processing time.
- Complete payment, then verify that everything is accurate before you submit.
Where can I find more information?
You can find more details about traveling to Uganda on iVisa, or reach the customer service team, which is available 24/7.
