Uganda Visa Application: Fees ,Requirements And Duration

By Scout Africa Last updated Nov 19, 2023

Comprehending the details of the Uganda visa application process is essential for a seamless and successful entry into this dynamic country. Planning a trip to Uganda involves more than just possessing a ticket and a passport. What exactly is a Ugandan visa?

A Ugandan visa is an official document that allows foreign nationals to enter, stay in, and travel within Uganda for a specified period of time. It serves as a permit to visit the country and engage in authorized activities. Visas are typically issued by the Ugandan Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control (DCIC) and must be obtained before traveling to Uganda.

Types of Visas in Uganda

Uganda offers various types of visas, each serving a specific purpose. Whether you’re planning a leisurely visit, a business venture, or employment opportunities, knowing the right type of visa is the first step.

There are several types of Uganda visas, including:

Tourist Visa

This visa is issued to individuals who intend to visit Uganda for leisure or tourism purposes. It can be either a single-entry or multiple-entry visa, with validity ranging from 30 days to 6 months.

Business Visa

This visa is issued to individuals who intend to conduct business or attend business meetings in Uganda. It can be either a single-entry or multiple-entry visa, with validity ranging from 30 days to 12 months.

Student Visa

This visa is issued to individuals who intend to study in Uganda. It can be either a single-entry or multiple-entry visa, with validity ranging from 3 months to 1 year.

Transit Visa

This visa is issued to individuals who need to pass through Uganda to reach another destination. It is typically valid for 24 or 48 hours.

East Africa Tourist Visa

This visa allows visitors to travel between Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda for a single fee. It is valid for 90 days and can be obtained online or at the border of each country.

Diplomatic and Official Visa

This visa is issued to individuals traveling on official business or diplomatic missions.

Dependent Pass

This visa is issued to spouses and children of individuals holding a valid Ugandan visa.

East African Community (EAC) Resident Permit

This permit is issued to citizens of East African Community member countries (Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, and South Sudan) who intend to reside in Uganda for an extended period.

Special Pass

This pass is issued to individuals for specific purposes, such as journalists, researchers, or artists.

Citizens of certain countries, such as South Africa, Seychelles, and Mauritius, are exempt from visa requirements for short-term stays (up to 90 days).

To check if you are exempt from visa requirements, you can consult the Ugandan Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control (DCIC) website or contact the nearest Ugandan embassy or consulate.

Uganda Visa Application Process

The Uganda visa application process is relatively straightforward and can be completed online or at a Ugandan embassy or consulate. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a Ugandan visa:

Step 1: Choose the Application Type

Navigate to the Ugandan Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control (DCIC) visa application website: https://visas.immigration.go.ug/

Select the “Start New Application” button and choose the appropriate application type based on your purpose of travel. For instance, if you’re visiting for tourism purposes, select the “Tourist Visa” option.

Step 2: Fill Out the Online Form

Carefully fill out the online visa application form, providing accurate and complete information about your personal details, passport information, intended travel dates, and contact details.

Step 3: Attach Required Documents

Scan and upload the necessary supporting documents, typically including:

A valid passport with at least six months of validity beyond your intended departure date from Uganda.
A recent passport-size photograph.
Proof of yellow fever vaccination.
Proof of return or onward travel ticket.
Sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in Uganda.

Step 4: Pay the Visa Fee

Proceed to pay the applicable visa fee using an online payment method. The fee varies depending on the visa category and nationality of the applicant.

Step 5: Submit the Application

Once you’ve completed the form, uploaded the documents, and paid the fee, submit the application. You’ll receive a confirmation email with an application number.

Step 6: Track the Application Status

You can track the status of your visa application using the provided application number. The processing time typically takes 3-5 working days.

Step 7: Receive Visa Approval

Upon approval, you’ll receive an email notification with an electronic visa approval letter. Print this letter and present it along with your passport at the port of entry into Uganda.

Uganda Visa Processing Fees

The Uganda visa processing fees vary depending on the visa category and nationality of the applicant. Here’s a summary of the fees for common visa categories:

Visa Category	Fee (USD)
Tourist Visa (Single-Entry)	50
Tourist Visa (Multiple-Entry)	100
East Africa Tourist Visa	100
Business Visa (Single-Entry)	60
Business Visa (Multiple-Entry)	120
Student Visa	100
Transit Visa	30

Additional Fees

Late application fee: $50
Change of visa type fee: $50
Urgent processing fee: $100
Rush processing fee: $200

Payment Methods

Visa processing fees can be paid using various methods, including:

Online payment through the visa application website
Credit or debit card payment at Ugandan embassies or consulates
Cash payment at Ugandan embassies or consulates
Bank transfer to the specified account details provided by the DCIC

Exemptions

Certain nationalities are exempt from visa processing fees, such as citizens of East African Community (EAC) member countries (Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, and South Sudan). To check if you are exempt from visa fees, you can consult the Ugandan Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control (DCIC) website or contact the nearest Ugandan embassy or consulate.

What to do to save money on Uganda visa processing fees

Apply for your visa well in advance to avoid rush processing fees.
Consider applying for a multiple-entry visa if you plan to visit Uganda multiple times within a year.
If you are eligible, check if your nationality is exempt from visa fees.

Duration of Uganda Visa Application

The duration of the Uganda visa application process varies depending on the visa category, the nationality of the applicant, and the method of application.

Online Applications

For online applications, the standard processing time is 2-3 working days. However, this may be extended in special cases where more documents and/or verification are required. To avoid any unnecessary delays, it is advised to submit online applications at least 5 working days before the planned travel date.

Rush Processing

For rush processing, the processing time is reduced to 4-6 working days. The applicant will need to pay an additional fee for this service.

Embassy Applications

For applications submitted at Ugandan embassies or consulates, the processing time may take longer due to factors such as the workload of the embassy or consulate and the availability of consular officers. It is recommended to contact the embassy or consulate directly to inquire about the specific processing time.

East Africa Tourist Visa

The processing time for the East Africa Tourist Visa is generally faster than for other visa categories, typically taking 2-4 working days. This is because the visa is processed by a centralized system shared by Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda.

How do I know if my Ugandan visa is approved?

There are two main ways to check if your Ugandan visa is approved:

1. Online Application Tracking

If you applied for your visa online, you can track the status of your application using the provided application number. Follow these steps:

Go to the Ugandan Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control (DCIC) visa application website: https://visas.immigration.go.ug/: https://visas.immigration.go.ug/
Click on the “Check Application Status” tab.
Enter your application number and date of birth.
Click on the “Search” button.

The application status will be displayed. If your visa is approved, you will receive a notification and an electronic visa approval letter.

2. Contact the Ugandan Embassy or Consulate

If you applied for your visa at a Ugandan embassy or consulate, you can contact the embassy or consulate to inquire about the status of your application. You can provide them with your passport number and date of birth to check the status.

Once your visa is approved, you will receive an email notification or be notified at the embassy or consulate. You will also receive an electronic visa approval letter, which you should print and present along with your passport at the port of entry into Uganda.

Uganda Visa Application Help Center

Address

Plot 65/67,

Old Port bell Road,

Kampala – Uganda

Phone

General Line: +256 417 346 100

Call Center: +256 417 346 100

mail@immigration.go.ug

You can also read about Cost Of Traveling To Uganda: A Budget-Friendly Tour Guide

Source: scoutafrica.net

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