Uganda E-Visa Application and Photo
Thinking about exploring Uganda to see its mountain gorillas, national parks, and the Nile River? To enter this fascinating country, you'll need a tourist visa to Uganda. Thankfully, Uganda has introduced a Uganda e-visa system, making it easy to apply for and receive your visa online.
This guide will help you navigate the process of getting a Uganda e-visa, offering useful tips for a hassle-free experience.
Table of contents
- Uganda visa policy
- Joint East African Tourist Visa scheme
- Uganda e-visa categories
- How to apply for Uganda visa online?
- Documents required for Uganda e-visa application
- Uganda visa photo requirements
- Get your Uganda visa photo online
- Visa Photo Maker App
- Uganda e-visa validity and fees
- Uganda e-visa processing time
- Uganda visa extension
Uganda visa policy
Most international visitors need a visa to enter Uganda unless they're from one of about 40 countries that are exempt, such as Kenya, Rwanda, and Jamaica. Citizens from countries like Angola, Burundi, and Zimbabwe can visit Uganda visa-free for up to 90 days.
Can I get a Uganda visa online? - Yes, and as of July 2016, this is the main way to obtain a Ugandan visa. Travellers must apply online before arriving in Uganda.
Is there a Uganda visa on arrival? - Previously an option, visas on arrival are no longer available. All travelers must arrange their visas in advance.
Joint East African Tourist Visa scheme
The Joint East African Tourist Visa (ETV) lets travelers visit Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda with just one visa. This special pass is valid for 90 days from the date it's issued and allows you to move between these three countries multiple times. It's designed specifically for tourism, so you cannot use it for work or business. The visa can't be extended beyond 90 days.
Anyone from abroad can apply for the EATV if they:
- Have a passport valid for at least six more months.
- Intend to travel to Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda for tourism.
- Hold a return or onward travel ticket.
- Show proof they have enough money for their trip.
You must start your journey in the country that issued you the visa.
Uganda e-visa categories
Uganda offers a variety of e-visas to suit different travel needs:
- Tourist e-Visa: For those traveling for leisure and sightseeing.
- Business e-Visa: For individuals engaging in professional or business activities.
- East Africa e-Visa: Allows entry into Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda, using the same set of travel papers.
- Transit e-Visa: For travelers passing through Uganda. This visa can't be extended and only permits a stay of up to 7 days.
How to apply for Uganda visa online?
To get your Uganda visa online, follow these simple steps:
- Head to the Uganda Electronic Visa/Permit Application System. Make sure you're on the official site to avoid scams.
- Choose the visa that suits your travel needs.
- Fill in the online form with your accurate personal details.
- Attach the required documents to your application.
- After completing the form and uploading documents, submit your application. You will receive a confirmation with an application number to check your status.
- Pay online with a valid credit or debit card (Visa or MasterCard).
- If your application is approved, you'll get an email with an approval letter. Print this letter and bring it with your passport to Uganda's entry point.
Documents required for Uganda e-visa application
You'll need the following documents for your Uganda visa online application:
- A recent photo of yourself.
- A copy of your passport's bio page (valid for at least six more months).
- For Indian nationals only: a copy of your passport's last page.
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate.
- Return flight ticket for tourism or family visits (if relevant).
- Invitation letter for business or family visits (if relevant).
- Immigration status of your host for family visits (if relevant).
- Documentation for medical visits (if relevant).
- A cover letter explaining the purpose of your visit (if relevant).
- A valid credit or debit card for Uganda visa online payment.
Uganda visa photo requirements
When applying, your passport photo for Uganda visa must meet these criteria:
- The digital Uganda visa photo size must be 500×500 pixels.
- It must be in color.
- The background should be plain with no shadows.
- Only the head and shoulders should be visible in the picture.
- You should face the camera directly with a neutral expression.
- Tinted glasses are not allowed unless needed for medical reasons, in which case a medical certificate might be necessary.
- Head coverings are only allowed for religious purposes; facial features from chin to forehead should remain visible.
Here's an example to guide you:
Get your Uganda visa photo online
Skip the stress of ensuring your Uganda visa photo meets the requirements by using Visafoto.com - a top-notch photo editing service with an impressive 99.7% success rate.
Just snap a photo against a plain white background using your phone or digital camera and upload it to Visafoto.com. Our service will automatically adjust the image size, format, background, and face alignment to meet Uganda e-visa requirements. If you're unhappy with the photo, we offer a free replacement. If your photo is rejected, you're entitled to a full refund.
You'll receive both a digital version for online submissions and a version ready for printing.
It should look like this:
You will get two types of photos: a digital one for electronic submission and a template for printing.
Visa Photo Maker App
For a more convenient option, try the 7ID app from Visafoto.com. The 7ID app uses sophisticated technology to fine-tune your photo and works on both iPhone and Android devices.
With 7ID, simply upload your picture and select the document type and country. The app will automatically modify the photo to match official standards, adjusting size, format, and background, and ensuring that the face and eye line are perfectly centered. You'll get a digital copy and a print-ready template compatible with common paper sizes like 4×6, A4, A5, or B5.
If you need assistance, our tech support is available any time you need it, 24/7.
Uganda e-visa validity and fees
The Uganda tourist visa cost depends on the validity of the visa. Here is the breakdown of Uganda e-visa costs:
- Single entry, valid for up to 90 days: USD 52
- Multiple entry, valid for up to 180 days: USD 103
- Multiple entry, valid for up to 1 year: USD 103
- Multiple entry, valid for up to 2 years: USD 155
Uganda e-visa processing time
For most applications, the Uganda e-Visa is processed within 2 to 3 business days.
Uganda visa extension
If your visa is still valid, you may apply for an extension. Generally, visa extensions allow for an additional three-month stay.
You can request an extension online via the Uganda Electronic Visa/Permit Application System by choosing “Extend your application” under the “Applications” section.
Alternatively, you can visit any immigration office within Uganda to apply in person.