Delta/KLM from US to Uganda - problem boarding w/out visa in hand?
 

Anyone flown from the US on Delta through Netherlands to UG?

I've read the Ugandan embassy website and the info on Delta's website. It says "Visa required ; except for Holders of normal passports issued to nationals of USA can obtain a visa on arrival. Fee: USD 50"

So based on that plus what I've read on tripadvisor I felt good but I just got an email from Delta saying a visa is required for our flight and we won't be able to board without it. I called and talked to a Delta agent; she looked up what I already saw on their website and said we "SHOULD" be fine. I just don't like the word should. Is there any reason a gate agent would not interpret it correctly and we'd get screwed & not allowed to fly?

Is it worth peace of mind to go ahead and get a visa in advance?

Although the Ugandan Embassy is the best source of information, I would be very concerned by that email from Delta. If it were me I would go ahead and get the visa. You are getting different info from different sources and the only sure way to cover yourself is to have the visa in hand.

<<Is it worth peace of mind to go ahead and get a visa in advance? >>

Yes!

Its best you get the visa in advance. May be its the rules of the Delta Airlines.

I got the same email for my upcoming trip next week. Inasmuch as both Tanzania & Kenya have facilities to provide Visas on arrival, I ignored the advise from Delta (believe it's a boiler plate email to cover their butts... actually a reminder for travelers who might be aware of any Visa requirement or actual alternate options - purchase on arrival).

I've been flying this route for years, and the requirements of both Tanzania & Kenya have not changed, besides my flight is on KLM/KLM metal.

So agree, check with the Uganda site to ascertain whether you do indeed require prior or can purchase on landing.

Thanks, guys.

I do see the same info on the Ugandan embassy website which says visa on arrival is okay for US passport holders. I think if I print that out and also the Delta website info I should be able to convince a Delta gate agent that we can board. But I'm such a worrier that I might still go ahead and get the visas ahead of time.

Sandi - I think you're right about it being just a boilerplate CYA email but what if you get the world's meanest gate agent who won't listen to reason?

Ask for their supervisor and work your way up the line until you get someone who WILL listen to reason. I agree with taking copies of the website verbiage, although the Uganda Embassy's says something to the effect of "depending on the airline's rules..." Still, Delta's website seems to say that it's okay and my experiences of traveling to Kenya and Tanzania have been the same as Sandi's... no problems on any of the airlines I've flown.

I have to make a correction to what I said -- I don't see it on the Ugandan embassy website -- that site only talks about sending in an application for your visa ahead of time, it doesn't even mention visa on arrival. What I saw was on the US State Dept. site and it cautions to check with airlines to make sure visa on arrival will be acceptable to them.

So, I might as well get them in advance just for peace of mind even though it SHOULD be possible to get the people at the Delta counter to agree.

I know the odds are that there will not be a problem but if there was I'd go ape$*%* at the airport and probably end up arrested and not visiting apes!

I've never had a problem checking in with Delta to Kenya or Tanzania which also have visa on arrival. If you're concerned, you can print out the info from the Delta site (which is information from the Timatic database which all airlines use) http://www.delta.com/planning_reserv...tion/index.jsp This is the same database that the counter agent will have access to.

You won't even get as far as a gate agent. :) You have to be cleared for by the check-in agent.

Hey, if you have the time to do so ahead of time... sure, but that means you have to (some have to be done online vs fill in a form and mail), have photos, pay for special handling thru the Post Office, along with return postage paid envelope, i.e., FedEx. Besides, having to be without passport as it's 'in the mail' somewhere. Or using a 'service' which can be costly.

Of course though, if you happen to live/work in/near Wash DC where the Embassies are or the Consular Offices in NYC, you can do these 'in person.' But know there are special hours when Visas are processed... no cash, money orders as payment.

Your decision only.

For me, too late now as no way would I be running off to the Consular offices in NYC.

Good luck sandi! I'm sure you'll be fine having done that trip many times with no issues at the airport.

Probably the print-out from Delta's site is enough. I'll see how lucky I feel as we get a bit closer to our departure date.

If not, it'll be me going ape$*%* at the airport and you'll all hear me no matter where you live. :)

lol...i'm sure your powers of persuasion will prevail

Leslie,

I am in exactly the same position as you. Delta is saying I must have visa to board the flight to Amsterdam and on to Entebbe. Did you get a visa? DId you need to get one ahead? Have others flown on Delta to Uganda? What was your experience?

I got the visa ahead of time just to be on the safe side.

As far as I know, rules haven't changed - that you can purchased Visa for Uganda on arrival. Not needed to board flight to AMS and ongoing to EBB.

Check the UG website and/or reverify with the Embassy, but know it seems all embassies (regardless country) indicate you do require so they can collect the money, not that it's actually the rule/law. Then it's your decision.