If you’re looking to plan a trip to one of my favorite countries, Uganda, then you’re going to need a VISA. I’m going to walk you through the process step by step for how to get a tourist visa to Uganda as it is in July 2024. This can change at any time, so this post is meant to be a guide so you know what to expect with form.
This post is for a single-entry tourist visa to Uganda only. If you’re planning on visiting Rwanda, Kenya, or Tanzania alongside your trip to Uganda, then you would probably get the East Africa Tourist Visa.
If you are traveling with a safari company, they can often help you fill out the paperwork if you have any questions. You will need their contact information for the form. The information required may change at any time. Please check for yourself. This post is meant as general guidance. Everyone’s travel is different so answer the questions for your trip.
So whether you’re going gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or looking for the tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park, your trip will be unforgettable!
Get Paperwork & Photos Ready
There are documents that you’ll need in order to submit the application so be sure to have them ahead of time.
Passport: The biodata page will need to be scanned and uploaded. You’ll also need to write in the number, country of issue, and date of expiration. Your passport needs to expire six months or more after your trip.
Passport size photo: A recent photo of you that is passport size and style. Clear background, and not smiling are important. To ensure that your photo is appropriate, I suggest going to a CVS or photo place to get them done. Those places know all of the current regulations for passport photos.
Yellow fever vaccine card: A yellow fever vaccine is required to enter Uganda. If you’re coming from the USA, you’ll receive a yellow booklet that has the vaccine information. Scan the card so that you can upload it to the application.
Copy of Return Ticket: In order to get into Uganda, you have to prove that you’re going to leave. A flight confirmation with flight information is enough.
Form of Payment: There is a $50 application fee for the visa that is non-refundable.
If you are traveling with a safari company or tour company, check in with them for any important information for your visa. If you’re in a group visa, and contact information for the company.
Once you have all your documents and photos, it’s time for you to fill out the application.
Head to the Online Portal
Uganda’s visa application is easily found and filled out online. Uganda’s immigration visa website is very user-friendly. We’ll go through it step by step to make this as easy as possible so you’re prepared.
Start Filling it Out
As you can see, it’s a pretty easy process once you have all the documents ready to go.
Step 1 is about the type of application.
Visa is the type, category is Uganda ordinary, and single entry.
If you are traveling to other East African countries from Uganda (i.e. landing in Uganda then going to Kenya), East Africa Tourist Visa is better. If you’re landing in Kenya and then going to Uganda, you have to do the East Africa Tourist Visa through Kenya’s application, not Uganda’s.
If your tour leaves and comes back to Uganda, then you have to select Multiple-Entry for Category instead of Uganda Ordinary/Tourist Visa. Then your subcategory is the amount of time the visa lasts (6 months, 12 months, etc).
Unless otherwise stated by the tour company, you are probably not on a group visa, so simply leave the first question blank.
Personal Data: First & Last Name, Date of Birth, Gender, Marital Status (and if married, spouse’s name), dual nationality (if so, where), city of residence, current address, phone number, and email.
Passport Data: Passport type (usually an ordinary passport), Passport number, issuing country, place of issue, date of issue, date of expiration (remember, has to be at least 6 months after your trip), and a previous passport number (if applicable).
Other Data: Address in Uganda is where you are staying (usually the first hotel if you’re moving around), or if you’re with a tour company, you put in their name and phone number. Travel history is the last five countries you visited. Purpose of visit is tourism. Date of arrival is the day you arrive in Uganda. Point of entry where you want to have your visa personalized: this depends on how you’re getting into the country. Most people arrive by plane, which would be Entebbe. If you’re crossing a land border, check where you’re crossing and put that there. Specify period in days, months, or years: How long are you planning on staying in Uganda.
The last five questions are important yes/no questions. If you select yes, a box opens so you can explain more.
Have you been denied a visa before?
Have you been deported before?
Have you been convicted in any country?
Are there any criminal proceedings against you?
Are you suffering from any mental illness?
Step 3: Upload files
The next step is to upload all of your files. Ensure that your files are clear to read. I also keep a copy of these documents on me when I travel and a copy in Google Drive in case I need it again while I travel.
Step Four: Payment & Submit
The final step is to make your payment and submit the application. I do recommend paying with a credit card so there is a paper trail if it doesn’t go through.
Final Thoughts
That’s all there is to it. You’ll hear back relatively quickly via email. Be sure to have a copy on yourself when you enter Uganda.
Read More about Uganda
Best National Parks in Uganda for Wildlife Enthusiasts
Ultimate Guide to Tipping in Uganda
FAQ for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
Explore Queen Elizabeth National Park
Save “How to Get a Visa for Uganda” for Later
