By Spy Uganda
The Ministry of Internal Affairs has issued a detailed travel advisory outlining updated visa procedures, exemptions and entry requirements for individuals intending to travel to Uganda.
The advisory, released by the National Citizenship and Immigration Control, seeks to guide travellers on the appropriate application processes based on the type of passport held, including ordinary, diplomatic and official/service passports.
Immigration authorities reiterated that travellers from visa-prone countries must apply for visas online prior to departure. Applicants are required to obtain travel authorisation through the official immigration portal before boarding aircraft destined for Uganda.
According to the advisory, the electronic visa system is intended to streamline processing, minimise travel disruptions and ease clearance procedures at entry points such as Entebbe International Airport.
Applicants are required to submit:
- A cover letter or invitation explaining the purpose of travel
- A passport valid for at least six months
- A recent passport-size photograph
- A return air ticket
- A confirmed hotel booking
Authorities indicated that visa applications will be processed within 48 hours. Travellers are advised to apply at least five days before their intended date of travel.
The fee structure remains as follows:
- Single-entry visa (three months): $50
- Multiple-entry visa (six to 12 months): $100
- Multiple-entry visa (24 months): $150
- East African Tourist Visa (three months, multiple entry within Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda): $100
- Transit visa (seven days): $50
The advisory also lists 40 countries whose nationals are exempt from visa requirements under bilateral agreements with Uganda. These travellers may board aircraft without prior visa approval and will receive entry passes upon arrival at designated ports of entry.
Among the exempt countries are Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Ghana, Singapore, Malaysia, Ireland and the United Arab Emirates.
However, visa-exempt travellers must present a valid passport with at least six months’ validity, a return air ticket, a confirmed hotel booking and documentation explaining the purpose of travel.
The immigration department further clarified that nationals from exempt countries holding Conventional Travel Documents issued by any country remain visa-exempt.
Holders of diplomatic and official/service passports from selected countries, including Algeria, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Iran, South Africa and Vietnam, are also exempt from visa requirements under existing agreements.
Turkey’s exemption applies strictly to diplomatic passport holders.
Such travellers must carry a diplomatic note (note verbale), a valid passport, a return ticket and proof of accommodation where applicable.
The advisory extends visa exemption to holders of laissez-passers issued by recognised international organisations of which Uganda is a member. These include the United Nations, African Union, African Development Bank, COMESA, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, IGAD and the European Union, among others.
Serving members of the British military are likewise exempt from visa formalities.
Despite the waiver, eligible travellers must present official documentation confirming the purpose of travel, alongside valid passports, return tickets and accommodation details where necessary.
Immigration authorities said the updated guidance is intended to promote orderly migration, enhance compliance with national laws and provide clarity to intending visitors.
Travellers seeking clarification have been advised to contact the Ministry of Internal Affairs through its official communication channels.
