DISCLAIMER: I update this page regularly based on my personal travel experiences, feedback from expats, tourism industry colleagues, visitors to Uganda and advice from an immigration lawyer. Scroll down for more information and do read all the comments for the latest feedback on the Uganda visa application process.

Since 2020, every traveller has to consider COVID-19 protocols. For what to expect when passing through Uganda’s international airport, read Latest travel news from Entebbe International Airport (updated regularly).

The Ugandan government has set an online electronic visa application system. This is (in theory) mandatory for applying for all Ugandan visas, including: entry permit (work permit), Uganda tourist visa, multiple entry visa, transit visa, East Africa tourist visa, student pass, diplomatic visa, official visa, special pass, Certificate of Residence, dependent’s pass.

Which nationals need to pay for a visa to enter Uganda?

Click here to see the “List of visa exempt nationalities. If your nationality is on the list, you don’t need to apply for a visa to enter in Uganda.

Requests for tourist visas, passes and work permits (E-Visa and E-permits) should now be completed via this link on the official Uganda immigration website.

Under the new application process, applicants for all immigration services such as visas, work permits and passes will be required to apply and pay online, and an electronic notification / authorisation will be sent to the applicant before proceeding to the preferred Entry Point e.g. Entebbe International Airport or the nearest Uganda Mission abroad for the visa to be issued.

If you are travelling to Uganda and applying for a Ugandan visa online, you are advised to:

Apply at least ONE MONTH prior to travel. (However, some applications are approved in hours, others days, some not at all… if you apply too early, your visa approval may even get cancelled and there’s no guarantee you will get your money back).

Be prepared. You need to complete the online application in one sitting. The online application does not allow you to save your information and return to the screen later. Have these ready: a copy of your bio page of your passport, a recent passport photo, Yellow Fever vaccination certificate and COVID-19 vaccination certificate (or negative PCR test results if you’re not vaccinated). You will need to upload these. For more info on the exact documents needed, according to type of visa you require, go to the Uganda immigration web site general information page.

By the way, the photo is US passport photo size (not Canadian, one Diary of a Muzungu reader tells me, which is a larger size).

If you’re applying for a single entry tourits visa, you’ll need to upload:

• Passport bio-data page (with validity of at least 6 months)
• Recent Passport-size Photo
• Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate
• Return Ticket

Only PDF, JPEG, PNG and BMP files are accepted. The files you upload should not be bigger than 250kb (that’s pretty small!) so resize all your docs before you start the application process.

The decision taken on the online application (“yes” or “no” on whether you’re coming to Uganda) will be sent via email. Assuming you get the go-ahead, your visa approval letter will be sent as an email attachment. You’re advised to print this travel authorisation (showing a barcode) and keep this with your travel documents (although it is not mandatory apparently). However, Ugandans do love printed papers so print everything you can, just to avoid unforeseen delays.

The Uganda immigration web site details the fees for applying for Ugandan visas online.

You can pay online for your Uganda tourist visa. Only Mastercard and Visa are accepted online and there is a 3% surcharge for online payment. Currently, the single entry Uganda tourist visa fee is $55: $50 for the visa and $5 admin fee. For the tourist visa, work permit and pass fees, see Uganda Immigration’s fees for applying for Ugandan visas online or the website of Africa Immigration Advisory Services, Kampala a company I recommend.

When you complete the visa application process, it is very important that you make a note of your application number! You may need this in case you have to follow up. Otherwise, click here to retrieve your Uganda visa application ID but some people say this hasn’t always worked

Present the printed barcode at point of entry [read “Entebbe Airport”] together with a valid passport / travel document of “not less than 6 months validity” and you will get your tourist visa.

NOTE: “the travel authorization [approval] letter does not guarantee entry into Uganda. Travelers will be subjected to secondary verification where necessary before personalization,” meaning it is not 100% guarantee you will be issued a visa at the airport / border / Uganda mission (but you probably will, unless you’ve been very naughty indeed).

For answers to Frequently Asked Questions, go to the Uganda immigration Help page.

As you’ll see from the comments below, lots of visa applications get stuck at the “pending” stage. This is normally because the applicant has forgotten to send in one of the documents, or immigration are requesting more information (but frequently aren’t clear what that is!) There have been lots of complaints about emails not being answered but Uganda immigration do reply fairly quickly via their Facebook page.

The Directorate for Citizenship and Immigration’s call centre is open from 7am to 7pm Uganda time (with plans for it to be operated 24 hours at some stage). Call +256 417 102600 or toll-free 0800 199004 / 0800 199003 in Uganda.

Uganda has 22 official ‘points of entry’ border posts. They include Entebbe International Airport, Katuna (or Gatuna), Malaba, Busia, Cyanika, Mirama Hills and Elegu. Entebbe International Airport has the majority of tourist arrivals, followed by Katuna (Rwanda) and Busia (Kenya border).

Any feedback or questions on applying for Ugandan visas online? Do please contact the muzungu or share in the comments below. I review this page on a regular basis. Thanks to everyone who has shared their visa application experiences!

I also have a post about the East Africa Tourist Visa and a post on Rwanda’s announcement that all travelers can get visa on arrival.

The post Uganda tourist visas – apply online before you fly [UPDATED] appeared first on Diary of a Muzungu.

The idea of a single regional East Africa Tourist Visa is to make it easier – and more financially attractive – for tourists to visit the whole region.

You should be able to visit the three countries of Uganda + Rwanda + Kenya on a single visa – or so the theory goes. If you enjoy cross-border travel tips and stories, you might enjoy No hurry in Africa – the bus from Kigali to Kampala and The real ‘boda boda’ – Nagawa travels sidesaddle into Kenya.

In this blog post you will find details about the different East Africa Tourist Visa application processes for Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda. Although the three countries share a tourist visa, the application differs, according to the country where you start your East African travels.

Without an East Africa Tourist Visa, you may spend a minimum of $130 to visit the three countries: Kenya ($50) + Rwanda ($30) + Uganda ($50). These fees are ‘single entry’ only, meaning that a return visit to any of these countries means paying the visa fee again. The East Africa Tourism Visa is commonly available, although a few challenges remain.

“The holder of the East Africa Tourist Visa shall enter from the country that issued the visa and move within the two other countries without applying for another visa or paying for another visa fee.”

Doesn’t that sound good?

1. Which countries does the East Africa Tourist Visa cover?
2. How much is the East Africa Tourist Visa?
3. How long is the East Africa Tourist Visa valid for?
4. Is there a limit to the number of times you can visit each country?
5. Can I extend my East Africa Tourist Visa?
6. Can I work on an East Africa Tourist Visa?
7. How do I apply for the East Africa Tourist Visa? Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda
8. What is an Interstate Pass and how do I apply for it?
9. Which other countries will join the East Africa Tourist Visa?
10. Do you have any questions about the East Africa Tourist Visa?

I start by sharing the official information. Scroll further down the page for some practical travel tips. If you have any more visa or travel information to share, please add comments below this article or message me directly I will then update this page.

• Which countries does the East Africa Tourist Visa cover?

Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda – with more countries joining in the future.

• How much is the East Africa Tourist Visa?

100 USD for internationals.

The EATV is free of charge to foreign residents / expats (with valid work permits) in the three countries: Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda. For these kinds of travellers the EATV is issued in the form of an “interstate pass.”

Foreign residents and citizens of the three countries need to travel with a valid passport or National ID or Student ID and request an Interstate Pass at the border. (NOTE to East Africans: if you don’t have a passport, you may be asked to buy a Temporary Travel Document. In Uganda, this costs 10k UGX and can be bought at the border or at Uganda Immigration in Port Bell, Kampala).

• How long is the East Africa Tourist Visa valid for?

90 days

• Is there a limit to the number of times you can visit each country?

No. The East Africa Tourist Visa is a multiple entry visa.

According to Carmen Nibigira, Regional Coordinator, East Africa Tourism Platform, the East Africa Tourist Visa entitles the traveller to 90 days uninterrupted travel in and out of the three participating countries.  NOTE: the East Africa Tourist Visa is only multiple entry only within the EATV zone. Once you leave the zone (e.g. go to Tanzania, which is not part of the EATV, even though it is an EAC country), you will need to apply for a new East Africa Tourist Visa.

• Can I extend my East Africa Tourist Visa?

No. You cannot extend the East Africa Tourist Visa. To get a new EATV, you need to exit the EATV zone and apply for a new one, as detailed below. (June 2018: feedback from several tourists is that you are now able to purchase an East Africa Tourist Visa when already in the zone e.g. on the road border between Uganda and Rwanda. This has not been publicised but seems fairly common practice).

• Can I work on an East Africa Tourist Visa?

Official line: “Work is prohibited.”

• How to apply for the East Africa Tourist Visa

It’s important to note that the process for purchasing the East Africa Tourist Visa differs according to the country you travel to first. October 2022: it is easy to get an East Africa Tourist Visa in all three countries. However: for Uganda and Kenya, you must apply online in advance for all visasa; for Rwanda, apply online in advnace or get visa on arrival.

The system has been computerised (hooray! no more forms to fill in). When you arrive at the airport / border, you will be asked how long you want to stay. You hand over your passport, they print a form with your details and you pay $100. You should get an East Africa Tourist Visa sticker in your passport. This is signed and stamped.

“For any questions, contact the diplomatic missions of the Republic of Kenya, Republic of Rwanda and Republic of Uganda before you travel.”

• How do I apply for the East Africa Tourist Visa if I’m entering Kenya first?

If Kenya is your first point of entry, contact your local Kenyan embassy for details on how to purchase your East Africa Tourist Visa before you start your trip. Alternatively, buy your East Africa Tourist Visa upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) or Mombasa.

eCitizen is Kenya’s Department of Immigration Services online portal for visa applications. Currently this is for single entry visas and transit visas only (NOT the EATV). (Checked again October 2022).

For further clarification before you travel to Kenya, contact eVISA Customer Care.
General queries: +254 202 222 022, +254 110 922 063, +254 110 922 064.
Payment queries: +254 110 922 062. Email: evisa@immigration.go.ke

The Muzungu’s recommendation: apply for an East Africa Tourist Visa at your nearest Kenyan Embassy, before you travel. (Note: this is an external site so I can’t confirm all the info is up to date).

• How do I apply for the East Africa Tourist Visa if I’m entering Rwanda first?

Since January 2018, Rwanda issues visas on arrival to all nationals. This includes East Africa Tourist Visas. However, you can also apply online in advance if you prefer.

If Rwanda is your first point of entry to the EATV zone, use the Rwanda Online Visa Application System to apply for the Class T12 East Africa Tourist Visa. Under “Type of Visa” select “East Africa Tourist Visa.” Here you will find an online application form and all the guidance necessary to apply for an East Africa Tourist Visa.

The Muzungu’s recommendation: if you have any flexibility in your itinerary, enter the East Africa Tourist Visa zone via Rwanda. They have the simplest application process with the best guidelines.

• How do I apply for the East Africa Tourist Visa if I’m entering Uganda first?

If Uganda is your first point of entry, you can request your East Africa Tourist Visa at your local Ugandan embassy. (Note: this is an external site so I can’t confirm all the info is uptodate). 

October 2022 In theory, you can purchase your East Africa Tourist Visa in cash (US dollars/GBP/Euros) on arrival at Entebbe International Airport, but you may not be allowed to board the plane without your visa approval letter). Therefore, use the Uganda Electronic Visa/Permit Application System to purchase your East Africa Tourist Visa. Please read my blog NOW LIVE: apply for Ugandan tourist visas online, which I review frequently. (This includes info on Ugandan single entry tourist visas, East Africa Tourist Visas, business visas, transit visas, work permits, dependent’s pass and more).

The Muzungu’s recommendation: At Entebbe International Airport, immigration may insist you provide a copy of ‘an itinerary proving onward travel in East Africa.’ Strictly speaking, this is not a requirement of the East Africa Tourist Visa. However, don’t argue with immigration (like I have before, to my cost); they aways have the last word. You are advised to bring an itinerary with you, if you have one, or they may deny you an EATV (and simply issue you with a single entry Uganda tourist visa).

• What is an Interstate Pass and how do I apply for it?

Citizens of Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda can now travel between the three countries with ID cards instead of passports. No visas are needed and there is no charge for the Interstate Pass (a small slip of paper that is issued at the border / airport).

Expatriates with valid work permits can also travel with the ‘Interstate Pass,’ without needing to get a visa. Woop, woop! Make sure you keep the Interstate Pass safe with your passport as you may be asked to return it when you leave the country.

In both cases, nationals and expats are simply given an Interstate Pass document when they show their ID/passport and exit one of the three countries. This is free of charge and issued at the border.

March 2018: I travelled by road to Kenya with a Ugandan friend. She was travelling on her Ugandan ID card. Immigration insisted she purchase a Temporary Travel Document at Busia (cost 10k UGX) even though the East Africa Tourist Visa / Interstate Pass allows nationals to travel on their ID. At Busia, Interpol wanted to interview my friend. They were suspicious of a young Ugandan travelling on her ID card and explained that people traffickers are known to hold the young people’s passports for them at the other end of their journey. On our return bus journey, one vulnerable-looking young woman was intercepted by Interpol. It was clear she was being trafficked. The experience was sobering.

• Which other countries will join the East Africa Tourist Visa?

Tanzania

It was announced in 2014 that Tanzania would join the East Africa Tourist Visa but there is no information available online. [Checked again October 2022].

Burundi

Sadly, few people are travelling to Burundi currently because of the political situation. We hope life in Burundi improves quickly and that we can welcome them to the EATV party before too long.

South Sudan

One day, we hope…

DR Congo

In 2022, the Democratic Republic of Congo became the seventh member of the EAC but there is no news about it joining the East Africa Tourist Visa.

• The East Africa Tourist Visa. What is the situation on the ground?

(What the tour operators may not tell you)

Officially, you could only get the EATV when you first entered the EATV zone, either in advance online or at an embassy / diplomatic mission / on arrival at the airport (Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda). 

These are the four (official) points of entry for the East Africa Tourist Visa but cross-country borders seem to issue the EATV now as well:

1. Uganda – Entebbe International Airport
2. Rwanda – Kigali International Airport
3. Kenya – Nairobi, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA)
4. Kenya – Mombasa, Moi International Airport and the Port of Mombasa.

The fact that you could only get an East Africa Tourist Visa when you first entered the EATV countries was a bit of a drawback for some people who may arrive in one country, without having made firm travel plans. It’s quite common for travellers to arrive without an itinerary. Someone may come to Uganda to track the gorillas, for example, and decide they want to travel to the Kenyan coast next.

Visas issued for specific countries can only be used for that particular country.

Notes from friends and family regarding the East Africa Tourist Visa

In its initial form, the EATV was not as flexible as it could be, particularly for backpackers and budget travelers who make up their travel plans as they go. I know people who arrived in Uganda on a single country tourist visa but who then decided to travel within East Africa. My friends’ experience was that when you are travelling by road, the situation was even less clear:

• Cyanika border (Rwanda / Uganda). Can you get an EATV when you cross into Rwanda by road here? You can certainly get one at Gatuna now (April 2018).
• Busia border (Uganda / Kenya). Can you get an EATV when you cross into Kenya by road? Yes, now you can.

Remember: At Entebbe International Airport, immigration may ask you to provide a copy of ‘an itinerary proving onward travel in East Africa.’ Strictly speaking, this is not a requirement of the East Africa Tourist Visa. However, you are advised to bring one with you, if you have one. Hotel bookings serve the same purpose.

Do you have any questions on the East Africa Tourist Visa? I update this page frequently.

Do you have any advice to share? If so, please add your comments below or feel free to contact the Muzungu. If you’re looking for more East Africa visa advice, read NOW LIVE: apply for Ugandan tourist visas online and Rwanda announces: all travelers can get #VisaOnArrival.

The post What is the East Africa Tourist Visa? A definitive guide [UPDATED] appeared first on Diary of a Muzungu.

You have to hand it to the Rwandese, these guys are serious about tourism! #Rwanda has opened its borders to all travelers from all countries. Everyone can apply for #VisaOnArrival.

UPDATE: January 2021. Visa on arrival is still available for visitors to Rwanda.

(Previously, only African passport holders and a few other countries could get Rwanda visas on arrival).

Here’s a copy of the official announcement letter from Rwanda’s immigration department:

Listed below are costs of Rwanda visas. These are still in effect (June 2018).

How do I apply for Rwanda tourist visas in 2021?

You can just rock up!

This move sends a clear and positive message to tourists and it reaffirms ease of movement for East Africans within the region. It’s easier for Rwanda-based expats to travel in and out of the country too. This announcement makes it easier for the Rwandan diaspora (travelling on passports from other countries) to visit their home country as well. It’s an inclusive approach, I like it.

You can also apply online in advance for your Rwanda tourist visa

Go to the Rwandan government’s Irembo website. Scroll down to Immigration and click on Visa application. Visa processing time is 7 days. This is a useful ‘contact free’ option during the pandemic.

Note that the only two websites that issue authentic visas are Irembo and Rwanda Government Immigration site.  There have been cases of fraudsters tricking people into parting with money and not issuing visas. There are also companies that pretend to be official sites and organise visas for you (but take a large commission in a rather underhand way). Use either of the two above links to guarantee you avoid the scammers and extra charges.

Which nationalities need visas to enter Rwanda?

Click here for a list of countries who are exempt from needing tourist visas for Rwanda; rules for Rwandans with dual nationailty; foreign residents in Rwanda; children below 16 years.

Are you looking for more East Africa visa advice? Got a question about visas? Read my blog about Ugandan tourist visas and my Definitive Guide to the East Africa Tourist Visa.
I update these tourist visa blogs frequently and regularly answer travelers’ questions. Feel free to ask in the comments or contact me directly.

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