Congratulations! Your Uganda eVisa Has Been Approved
Receiving your Uganda eVisa approval is an exciting milestone in your travel journey. However, approval is just the first step. To ensure a smooth entry into Uganda, you need to understand what documents to prepare, how to present them at immigration, and what to expect upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport or other entry points.
This comprehensive guide walks you through every step after your eVisa approval, from printing your approval letter to clearing immigration and starting your Ugandan adventure. Whether you're traveling for tourism, business, or visiting family, following these steps will help you avoid delays and complications at the border.
Understanding Your eVisa Approval Letter
What is the eVisa Approval Letter?
Once your Uganda eVisa application is approved, you will receive an approval letter via email. This letter is not the actual visa itself, but rather a confirmation that your visa has been pre-approved by the Ugandan immigration authorities.
Important: The physical visa stamp or sticker will be placed in your passport upon arrival at the immigration counter in Uganda. The approval letter serves as your authorization to board your flight and present yourself at Ugandan immigration.
Key Information on Your Approval Letter
- Application Reference Number - Your unique tracking ID
- Personal Details - Name, passport number, nationality
- Visa Type - Tourist, Business, Transit, or East Africa Tourist Visa
- Validity Period - Typically 90 days from date of issue
- Permitted Stay Duration - Usually up to 90 days
- Entry Type - Single or multiple entry
- Barcode or QR Code - For quick verification at immigration
Essential Steps After eVisa Approval
Step 1: Print Your eVisa Approval Letter
While the eVisa is electronically linked to your passport, it is highly recommended to print a physical copy of your approval letter. Many airlines require you to present this document before boarding, and having a printed copy can expedite the immigration process at Entebbe International Airport.
Printing Tips:
- Print on standard A4 or letter-size paper
- Ensure the barcode or QR code is clearly visible
- Print at least 2 copies - one for the airline and one for immigration
- Keep a digital copy on your phone or tablet as backup
- Avoid folding the document to keep the barcode readable
Step 2: Verify All Information is Correct
Carefully review every detail on your approval letter. Check that your name matches exactly as it appears in your passport, including middle names and spelling. Verify your passport number, date of birth, and nationality are correct.
If you find any errors: Contact the Uganda Immigration Department immediately through their official portal or email. Minor spelling errors can cause significant delays at immigration, so it's crucial to address any discrepancies before you travel.
Step 3: Prepare Required Travel Documents
In addition to your eVisa approval letter, you must have the following documents ready for your trip to Uganda:
- Valid Passport - Must have at least 6 months validity from your date of entry and at least one blank page for the visa stamp. Learn more about passport requirements.
- Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate - This is mandatory for all travelers entering Uganda. Your certificate must show vaccination at least 10 days before travel. Read our guide on Yellow Fever vaccination requirements.
- Return or Onward Ticket - Proof that you will leave Uganda within your visa validity period
- Proof of Accommodation - Hotel bookings, invitation letter from host, or tour itinerary
- Proof of Sufficient Funds - Bank statements or cash to support your stay
Step 4: Check Your Visa Validity Dates
Your Uganda eVisa is typically valid for 90 days from the date of issue, not from your travel date. This means you must enter Uganda within 90 days of receiving your approval. Once you enter, you can stay for the duration specified on your visa, usually up to 90 days for tourist visas.
Important Note: If you don't travel within the 90-day validity period, your eVisa will expire, and you'll need to apply for a new one. Plan your travel dates accordingly to avoid wasting your approved visa.
Step 5: Understand Your Visa Type and Restrictions
Different Uganda eVisa types have different conditions:
- Single Entry Tourist Visa - Allows one entry into Uganda for tourism purposes. If you leave Uganda, you cannot re-enter with the same visa.
- Multiple Entry Visa - Permits multiple entries during the validity period, ideal for business travelers or those visiting neighboring countries.
- East Africa Tourist Visa - Allows travel between Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda with multiple entries. Learn more about the East African Tourist Visa.
- Transit Visa - Valid for up to 72 hours for travelers passing through Uganda. See our Transit eVisa guide.
What to Expect Upon Arrival in Uganda
Immigration Process at Entebbe International Airport
Most international travelers arrive at Entebbe International Airport, Uganda's main gateway. Here's what happens when you arrive:
1. Disembark and Follow Immigration Signs
After landing, follow the signs to "Immigration" or "Passport Control." You'll join a queue with other arriving passengers.
2. Present Your Documents
When you reach the immigration counter, present the following documents to the officer:
- Your valid passport
- Printed eVisa approval letter
- Yellow Fever vaccination certificate
- Return or onward ticket (if requested)
3. Biometric Data Collection
The immigration officer will scan your passport and eVisa approval letter barcode. You may be asked to provide fingerprints and have your photo taken for biometric verification.
4. Visa Stamp in Passport
Once verified, the officer will stamp or affix your visa into your passport. This is the actual visa that authorizes your stay in Uganda. Check that the dates and visa type are correct before leaving the counter.
5. Proceed to Baggage Claim
After clearing immigration, collect your luggage and proceed through customs. You may need to declare certain items or answer questions about the purpose of your visit.
Land Border Entry Points
If you're entering Uganda by land from Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, or other neighboring countries, the process is similar but may take longer due to fewer immigration officers. Common land borders include:
- Busia - Uganda/Kenya border
- Malaba - Uganda/Kenya border
- Katuna/Gatuna - Uganda/Rwanda border
- Mutukula - Uganda/Tanzania border
Always have your printed eVisa approval letter and all supporting documents ready at land borders.
Common Issues After eVisa Approval and How to Resolve Them
Lost or Deleted Approval Email
If you've lost your approval email, log into the Uganda eVisa portal using your application reference number to download a new copy. You can also check your application status and retrieve your approval letter.
Errors on Approval Letter
If you notice errors in your name, passport number, or other critical details, contact Uganda Immigration immediately. Do not attempt to travel with incorrect information as you will be denied entry. Visit our troubleshooting guide for help.
Visa Expires Before Travel
If your eVisa validity period expires before you can travel, you must submit a new application and pay the fees again. There is no extension or transfer of expired eVisas. Apply early to avoid this situation.
Important Reminders for Your Uganda Trip
Health and Safety Requirements
Beyond the Yellow Fever vaccination, consider getting vaccinated for Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, and Malaria prophylaxis. Consult your doctor or travel clinic at least 4-6 weeks before departure.
Currency and Money Matters
The official currency is the Ugandan Shilling (UGX). US Dollars are widely accepted, especially for tourist activities. ATMs are available in major cities, but it's wise to carry some cash for rural areas.
Extending Your Stay in Uganda
If you wish to stay longer than your visa allows, you can apply for an extension at the Uganda Immigration Office in Kampala before your visa expires. Extensions are granted at the discretion of immigration authorities. Learn more about extending your Uganda eVisa.
Overstaying Penalties
Overstaying your visa in Uganda results in penalties of approximately $30 USD per day from the first day of overstay. Serious overstays can lead to detention, deportation, and future entry bans. Always monitor your visa expiry date and apply for extensions if needed.
Traveling to Kenya and Rwanda
If you have the East Africa Tourist Visa, you can travel freely between Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda for up to 90 days. However, if you have a single-entry Uganda tourist visa, leaving Uganda means you cannot re-enter without a new visa.
Frequently Asked Questions About eVisa Approval
While not strictly mandatory, it is highly recommended to print your eVisa approval letter. Airlines often require it before boarding, and having a physical copy speeds up the immigration process. Keep digital copies as backup on your phone or email.
If you notice any errors in your name, passport number, or other details, contact the Uganda Immigration Department immediately through their official portal. Do not travel with incorrect information as you will be denied entry at immigration.
Your Uganda eVisa is typically valid for 90 days from the date of issue. You must enter Uganda within this period. Once you enter, you can stay for the duration specified on your visa, usually up to 90 days for tourist visas. Check our processing time guide for more details.
No, the Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for all travelers entering Uganda. You will be denied entry without it, regardless of your eVisa approval. The vaccination must be administered at least 10 days before travel. Learn more about Yellow Fever requirements.
While your eVisa is electronically linked to your passport, not having the approval letter can cause delays. Immigration officers may need to manually verify your visa, which takes longer. In some cases, you may be asked to show proof via email on your phone. Always print your approval letter to avoid complications.
If you already have an approved eVisa, you should use it. However, if your eVisa has expired or you encounter issues, you may be able to apply for a visa on arrival at Entebbe International Airport, though this is subject to availability and longer processing times. Compare your options in our eVisa vs Visa on Arrival guide.
Helpful Resources for Your Uganda Trip
Application Guides
Visa Information
Travel Planning
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