Uganda Visa
 

Am I correct in that you can no longer get a Uganda visa upon arrival in Entebbe? That you now have to get it prior to travel?

Jules I am interested in this too. I just read that you can buy them on line now, the website says you apply on line for the East Africa permit.https://visas.immigration.go.ug

Because they are on line they don't issue upon arrival any more it says.
I would love to hear from anyone who has used this

Hi Jules, contrary to opposing reports, the Ugandan Immigration Authorities, have, with immediate effect, instituted an online visa application system.
No visas will be granted at ports of entry upon arrival; failure to obtain an e-visa in advance may result in travellers being denied boarding of flights at points of departure en route to Uganda.
ALL travellers requiring a visa for Uganda are required to obtain their visa in advance by applying online - https://visas.immigration.go.ug/#fees.
The application process takes up to three days (longer in some cases); to avoid any possible delays with your e-visa, you are advised to apply promptly.
Travellers also visiting Kenya and Rwanda, may wish to consider purchasing an East Africa Tourist Visa (common cross-border joint visa), which allows entry into all three countries on a single visa (but which does exclude Tanzania).
If you do wish to apply for the East Africa Tourist Visa, and should Uganda be your first port of call, this too may be applied for here -
https://visas.immigration.go.ug/#fees

Hope this is helpful,
Debbi - Travel Guru, Southern Destinations

Thank you for the update, Debbi!

I didn't know about the three-country visa--maybe it didnt exist in 2012 when i was last in all three of those countries (instead of just one). It would have saved big $. I recall having to pay for entry twice to Uganda: once on entering from USA, then again on reentering from Rwanda.

You're welcome CaliNurse. The visa was introduced in early 2014; under the scheme tourists are entitled to a three-month, multiple-entry visa, that covers travel to the three mentioned countries (although not yet Tanzania or Burundi). Definitely a cost-saver!

Thank you!!

Do you know Debbi, how far in advance can you get the visa? I know it is 90 days, but can you apply 120 days ahead and the visa starts validity when you arrive, or when you apply? Thanks. Cant seem to find that info on line.

Hi live42day, past experience tells me the (90 days) visa only kicks in upon arrival at your port of entry. I have however written to the Ugandan embassy to clarify.

Debbie let us know what you find out from the embassy. I am thinking if we are travelling early Jan I will apply for our visas at the end of Oct/early Nov. Appreciate everyones input.

Hi live42day, Hi jules39,
I called our Ugandan High Commission in Pretoria to clarify your query.
The lovely lady on the phone told me you may only apply for your visa two weeks in advance of travel, no sooner.
Upon your entry at port of entry, the 90 days then kicks in.
If travelling in January jules39, you may only apply around mid-December.

I hope this is somewhat helpful!

2 week!! Yikes. that means i have to apply when I am in Ethiopia. That really throughs a monkey wrench into things. Thanks so much for checking.

I emailed the Uganda consulate in Ottawa Canada and they said I could apple for the east Africa visa 90 days prior. FYI.

Apply not apple. 90 days prior to my departure from Africa is what I meant to say. So I arrive feb 17 and leave Kenya March 1 so can apply dec 1 according to the email I got

I am still waiting on a response to my email sent to the Ugandan consulate in Pretoria, as well as sent directly to the Ugandan Ministry of Internal Affairs in Entebbe; I really would like to get something back from them in black and white.
Without sounding disparaging or being disrespectful, we are somewhat accustomed to dealing with contradictory information here, I am not entirely surprised; it must have something to do with the African dust and heat ;)
I will see if I can reach someone 'in the know' in Entebbe for further clarification.

I will post back in December when I apply for mine and update

I have just received an email from [email protected] @ Ugandan Ministry of Internal Affairs in Entebbe, who have advised 'Yes they can apply for their visas'(120 days in advance).
I would say that is pretty much from the 'horse's mouth', I think the High Commission in Pretoria requires a little updating.

This is the response I got when I sent a message to ask this question about visa's.....

"Visa approvals are valid for three months after the date of issuance.
That is, you must travel within 3 months of receiving your approval."

Jules, I read that as three months until you leave, not arrive, so I will make sure that mine is still valid until March 1 when I leave Kenya. Wording is so unclear sometimes.

I agree live42day I read it both ways as well!! I am going to work on the same principle just to me sure.

What link is everyone using to get their visas??? Just want to make sure I have the correct one.

Thanks

Just to follow up.......applied for our e visa on Sat night. Very easy process. Uploading documents easy. Got a reply this morning (36hrs) saying we are approved and with an approval letter to present in Entebbe. Last time we went to Uganda (4yrs ago) the gate agent at our flight when we were boarding in the US wanted to know why we did not already have a visa for Uganda. It took a lot of talking to convince them that we could get it on arrival. I don't like that kind of conversation when you are trying to board your flight, since they were saying they would not board us without a visa. I have never heard anyone else mention this but it did happen to us. So I thought applying online and getting a letter of approval would make sure this did not happen again.