UGANDA – the Pearl Of Africa as named in 1908 by former British prime minister Winston Churchill is one of those most beautiful Countries in Africa with a moderate weather climate and beautiful natural endowment that so many visitors from outside countries would always want to visit for tourism, leisure, work , among many more over and over.
However, obtaining a Ugandan Visa is not so complicated as the process is seemingly simple as it is increasingly becoming a popular destination for tourists due to abundant wildlife species and several attractions though some people may contemplate traveling for other purposes such Business engagements, visiting friends or family, music performances, Medical attention Et Cetra.
At Guide2Uganda, we bring you top 10 steps towards successfully securing a Visa to the Pearl of Africa.
01. Ensure you have a Valid Passport
Before applying for a Ugandan Visa, make sure you already hold a Passport that is valid for atleast more six months from your date of arrival in the country. Remember, a passport document bares all your profile including; Date of Birth, Occupation, Passport sized photo, Nationality Et Cetra.
02. Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate
Having a yellow fever vaccination card when travelling to a different country is key, in Uganda – the card plus vaccination goes for Shs100, 000 and if you don’t have it, you will be required to be immunized in Uganda. Children below ages of five must be immunized against Polio.
The requirements above apply if you travel for tourism in Uganda. A transit visa also requires a letter that states the transit reasons and the destination country, and the East Africa Visa an itinerary and a return flight ticket.
03. Application process for the Ugandan Visa
Filling in Online using Application forms on Uganda E-Immigration System. Through internet access either on your smartphone, laptop or desktop computer, check in through e-immigration website via https://visas.immigration.go.ug/#/apply and start on the application process in four command steps until your application is valid i.e Application type, fill the form, add documents and submit. This takes upto 15 minutes when applying. Also don’t forget adding details regarding your Trip.
This process has never been hectic as you will be guaranteed a Visa within one single business and working day.
04. Choice of Visa Cost
Most times, your quickness need depends on your budget as you are given options and for processing time, you are given upto three options.
Standard processing time – your application form is processed within 4 business days, and the price is $86.30 (about UGX325000.)
Express processing time –your visa will be ready within 2 business days, but you need to spend $116.30 (About UGX438000)
Super express processing time – this is the fastest option you are given. It costs you $151.30 about (569800), and your visa application is processed within just 1 business day.
For East Africa Visa, You will be charged between $148, $178, and $213 respectively.
05. Payment Method or Procedure
The most obvious payment method when making e-payments are the usual Credit/Debit cards such as; Paypal, WeChat, and Alipay. No embassy will give you so many options. You must also make a quick revision of the first step. Make sure that all the information you provided is 100% accurate.
Lastly, you need to upload some documents, which can differ on a case-by-case basis.
The document you receive allows you a stay of maximum 90 days in Uganda. At the same time, all visa types provide a single entry, except for the East Africa Visa which allows multiple entries.
06. Purchase a Visa at Entebbe International Airport or Border Entry Points
For those contemplating a visit to the beautiful land of Uganda, you can get yourself a visa at only USD50 valid for 90 days from Entebbe International Airport. This is also convenient for tourists as all you need to do fill up the visa application form with valid passport dates and other information.
Visitors from countries like; United States, South Africa, United Kingdom, Japan, Russia, Germany, India, Denmark, France, China, Italy, Belgium and Canada are entitled to download application forms from their origin respective embassy website, fill in the forms and attach 2 passport size photographs.
07. Requirements for a Tourist Visa
Tourists looking forward to enjoy Uganda’s nature must put into consideration requirements such as; a valid passport of nationality or origin as issued by their Government, have an international Inoculation certificate against yellow fever, display return ticket thought its not asked most times.
Nationals from African Countries such as Zambia, Tanzania, Seychelles, Swaziland, Rwanda, Madagascar, Malawi, Lesotho, Gambia, Mauritius, Kenya, Eritrea, Burundi, Angola and Comoros don’t need a visa to come to Uganda.
Nationals from Caribbean and European Countries such as; St. Vincent and the Grenadines Islands, Bahamas , Malta, Jamaica, Singapore, Solomon Islands and Cyprus also a visa free to travel to Uganda.
08. Entry Permits;
Class A2 (Government Contractors): For six months is USD150, 12 months USD300, 24 months USD600 and USD900 for 36 months.
Class B (Investment in Agriculture): For six months USD800, twelve months USD2500, 24 months USD4,000 and USD5,000 for 36 months.
Class E (Manufacturing): For six months is USD800, twelve months is USD2,500, twenty four months is USD 4,000, and USD5,000 for thirty six months.
Class A (Diplomatic service): This class doesn’t need to pay for an entry permit.
Class D (Business and Trade): This class pays USD800 for six months, USD2500 for twelve months, USD5000 for twenty four months and USD7, 500 for thirty six months.
Class G1 (Missionaries and Volunteer NGO workers): These one pay USD125 for six months, USD250 for twelve months, USD 500 for twenty four months and USD750 for thirty six months.
Class C (Mining): This class pays USD800 for six months, USD2500 for twelve months, USD4,000 for twenty four months and USD5000 for thirty six months.
Class G2 (Expatriate Employees): This category pays USD800 for six months, USD2,500 for twelve months, USD4,000 for twenty four months and USD5000 for thirty six months.
Class A (Official Service): This class doesn’t require pay anything for an entry permit.
Class F (Professionals): This category pays USD800 for six months, USD2, 500 for twelve months, USD4, 000 for twenty four months, and USD5, 000 for thirty six months.
09. Doctors Consultation before Applying and Traveling
Malaria is a high risk in Entebbe as well as in some of its neighboring areas, therefore, please consult your doctor in advance of travel for proper advice on the appropriate anti-malarial drugs to use before your trip.
10. Take note of Rules and Regulations
Any person intending to enter into Uganda should do so only for lawful purposes and in accordance with national immigration laws, guidelines and formalities.
Foreign nationals intending to enter Uganda for purposes of employment should comply with requirements for expatriate employment in Uganda.
About Guide2Uganda
Guide2Uganda (www.guide2uganda.ug) is the most comprehensive source of information about Uganda that exists on the web, with more content on Uganda and surrounding towns, attractions, museums and galleries than any other online guide that currently exists for Uganda as well as being a dynamic news and comprehensive events driven site with content being added daily.
According to WeFollow & Peer Index (whom both measure online influence) we are among the most influential online media organizations in Uganda. We were also awarded for ‘’Best Destination Website in Uganda’’ by Jumia Travel Uganda in the 2017-2018 Africa Travel Awards. If you are planning a visit to Uganda you can always reach us on; info@guide2uganda.ug
