Understanding Uganda eVisa Types
Planning your trip to Uganda starts with selecting the correct visa type. The Uganda eVisa system offers several visa categories designed to accommodate different travel purposes and durations. Whether you're visiting for tourism, passing through in transit, or exploring multiple East African countries, there's a specific visa type tailored to your needs.
Choosing the right visa type is crucial for a smooth entry into Uganda. Each visa category has specific requirements, validity periods, and permitted activities. Understanding these differences will help you avoid application delays, additional costs, and potential entry complications at immigration checkpoints.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through all available Uganda eVisa types, helping you make an informed decision based on your travel plans, duration of stay, and intended activities in Uganda.
Single Entry Tourist eVisa
Perfect for Leisure Travelers
The Single Entry Tourist eVisa is the most popular visa type for travelers visiting Uganda for tourism, sightseeing, and leisure activities. This visa allows you to enter Uganda once and stay for up to 90 days from the date of entry.
Key Features:
- Validity: 90 days from date of issue
- Stay Duration: Up to 90 days in Uganda
- Entry Type: Single entry only
- Cost: $50 USD
- Processing Time: 2-5 business days
This visa is ideal for tourists planning to visit Uganda's national parks, go gorilla trekking, explore cultural sites, or enjoy the country's natural beauty. Once you exit Uganda, the visa becomes invalid, and you'll need to apply for a new visa to re-enter.
Transit eVisa
For Short Stopovers
The Transit eVisa is designed for travelers who are passing through Uganda on their way to another destination. This visa type is perfect for short layovers or stopovers at Entebbe International Airport or when crossing Uganda by land to reach neighboring countries.
Transit Visa Specifications:
- Validity Period: 7 days from date of issue
- Maximum Stay: Up to 72 hours (3 days)
- Entry Type: Single entry
- Visa Fee: $50 USD
- Purpose: Transit only, no tourism activities
Important Requirements: You must provide proof of onward travel, such as a confirmed flight ticket or bus reservation to your final destination. The transit visa does not permit tourism activities or extended stays in Uganda.
East African Tourist Visa (EATV)
Explore Three Countries with One Visa
The East African Tourist Visa is a revolutionary visa option that allows travelers to visit Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda with a single visa application. This multi-country visa is perfect for travelers who want to experience the best of East Africa without the hassle of applying for multiple visas.
EATV Benefits:
- Multi-Country Access: Visit Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda
- Validity: 90 days from first entry
- Entry Type: Multiple entries within the three countries
- Cost: $100 USD (more economical than three separate visas)
- Flexibility: Unlimited movement between the three countries
The EATV must be applied for through the country of your first entry. For example, if you're entering through Uganda first, you must apply via the Uganda eVisa portal. Learn more about this visa on our dedicated East African Tourist Visa page.
Multiple Entry Tourist Visa
For travelers who need to enter and exit Uganda multiple times, the Multiple Entry Tourist Visa offers greater flexibility. This visa type is particularly useful for business travelers, researchers, or tourists planning to visit neighboring countries and return to Uganda.
Multiple Entry Visa Details:
- Validity Options: 6 months, 12 months, or 24 months
- Stay Duration: Up to 90 days per entry
- Entry Type: Multiple entries allowed
- Cost: $100 (6 months), $150 (12 months), $200 (24 months)
- Processing Time: 15-20 business days (longer than single entry)
This visa requires additional documentation and has a longer processing time compared to single-entry visas. It's ideal for frequent visitors to Uganda who need the flexibility to enter and exit the country multiple times within the validity period.
Uganda eVisa Types Comparison
| Visa Type | Purpose | Validity | Stay Duration | Entry Type | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Entry Tourist | Tourism, leisure | 90 days | Up to 90 days | Single | $50 |
| Transit Visa | Transit/stopover | 7 days | Up to 72 hours | Single | $50 |
| East Africa Tourist | Multi-country tourism | 90 days | Up to 90 days | Multiple (UG, KE, RW) | $100 |
| Multiple Entry (6 months) | Frequent visits | 6 months | 90 days per entry | Multiple | $100 |
| Multiple Entry (12 months) | Frequent visits | 12 months | 90 days per entry | Multiple | $150 |
| Multiple Entry (24 months) | Frequent visits | 24 months | 90 days per entry | Multiple | $200 |
For detailed fee information and payment methods, visit our eVisa Fees & Payment page.
How to Choose the Right Visa Type
For Single Country Tourism
If you're planning to visit only Uganda for tourism, sightseeing, or visiting friends and family, the Single Entry Tourist eVisa is your best choice. It's the most affordable option at $50 and processes quickly.
Apply NowFor Multi-Country Travel
Planning to explore Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda? The East African Tourist Visa saves you money ($100 vs. $150 for three separate visas) and simplifies border crossings between these countries.
Learn MoreFor Transit Only
If you're just passing through Uganda to reach another destination and staying less than 72 hours, the Transit eVisa is designed specifically for your needs.
Transit InfoRequired Documents by Visa Type
All Visa Types
- Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- Passport bio-data page scan
- Recent passport photo
- Yellow Fever vaccination certificate
Tourist Visa Additional
- Travel itinerary or tour booking
- Hotel reservation or accommodation proof
- Return flight ticket
Transit Visa Additional
- Confirmed onward ticket
- Visa for final destination (if required)
- Transit itinerary
East Africa Visa Additional
- Three-country travel itinerary
- Accommodation proof for all countries
- Regional travel insurance (recommended)
Application Process for Uganda eVisa Types
Step-by-Step Application Guide
Regardless of which visa type you choose, the application process follows the same basic steps:
- Select Visa Type: Choose the appropriate visa category based on your travel plans
- Complete Online Form: Fill out the application with accurate personal and travel information
- Upload Documents: Submit all required documents in the correct format
- Pay Visa Fee: Make secure online payment using credit/debit card
- Submit Application: Review and submit your complete application
- Track Status: Monitor your application progress online
- Receive eVisa: Download and print your approved eVisa
For detailed guidance on each step, visit our comprehensive application guide. You can also check your application status online at any time.
Processing Times for Different Visa Types
Understanding processing times is crucial for planning your trip. Different visa types have varying processing durations:
- Single Entry Tourist eVisa: 2-5 business days (standard processing)
- Transit eVisa: 2-5 business days
- East African Tourist Visa: 3-7 business days (requires multi-country verification)
- Multiple Entry Visa: 15-20 business days (requires additional review)
Important Note: These are estimated processing times. We recommend applying at least 7-10 days before your planned travel date to account for any potential delays or requests for additional documentation. During peak travel seasons, processing may take longer.
For more information about processing times and how to track your application, visit our processing time guide.
Can You Extend Your Uganda eVisa?
Extension Options
Yes, most Uganda eVisa types can be extended while you're in the country. If you need more time to explore Uganda, you can apply for an extension at the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control in Kampala.
Extension Details:
- Single Entry Tourist Visa: Can be extended for up to 60 additional days (in two 30-day intervals)
- East African Tourist Visa: Cannot be extended; you must apply for a new visa
- Transit Visa: Generally not extendable due to its specific purpose
- Application Timing: Apply before your current visa expires
- Extension Fee: Varies based on duration requested
For complete information on the extension process, requirements, and fees, visit our dedicated visa extension guide.
Common Mistakes When Choosing Visa Types
Selecting the wrong visa type is one of the most common mistakes in the application process. Here are key errors to avoid:
- Choosing Single Entry Instead of EATV: If you plan to visit Kenya or Rwanda during your trip, apply for the East African Tourist Visa from the start. You cannot upgrade a single-entry visa later.
- Applying for Transit Visa for Tourism: Transit visas are strictly for passing through Uganda. If you want to explore the country, even briefly, you need a tourist visa.
- Not Considering Multiple Entry Needs: If you're planning to exit and re-enter Uganda (e.g., for a safari in Kenya), you'll need either a multiple-entry visa or the East African Tourist Visa.
- Ignoring Validity Periods: Each visa type has different validity periods. Ensure your chosen visa covers your entire intended stay.
- Overlooking Processing Times: Multiple-entry visas take significantly longer to process. Plan accordingly.
Avoid these and other common errors by reading our comprehensive guide to application mistakes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Uganda eVisa Types
A single-entry tourist visa allows you to enter Uganda once. Once you leave the country, the visa becomes invalid. A multiple-entry visa allows you to enter and exit Uganda multiple times within the visa's validity period (6, 12, or 24 months), with each stay limited to 90 days.
No, you cannot change your visa type after submitting your application. If you realize you've selected the wrong visa type, you'll need to submit a new application with the correct visa category. This is why it's crucial to carefully consider your travel plans before applying.
Yes, if you're visiting multiple countries. The East African Tourist Visa costs $100 and covers Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda. Three separate single-entry visas would cost approximately $150 total. Beyond cost savings, the EATV simplifies border crossings and allows unlimited movement between the three countries for 90 days.
If you're staying airside (not passing through immigration) and your layover is less than 24 hours, you typically don't need a visa. However, if you want to leave the airport, enter Uganda, or your layover exceeds 24 hours, you'll need a transit visa. Check with your airline for specific requirements.
For gorilla trekking in Uganda only, a single-entry tourist visa is sufficient. However, if you're planning to trek gorillas in both Uganda and Rwanda, the East African Tourist Visa is the better choice as it allows you to visit both countries without applying for separate visas.
No, the tourist visa (single or multiple entry) is strictly for tourism, leisure, and visiting purposes. Working in Uganda requires a work permit, which is a separate application process. Engaging in employment activities on a tourist visa is illegal and can result in deportation and future entry bans.
Have more questions? Visit our comprehensive FAQ page or troubleshooting guide.
Ready to Apply for Your Uganda eVisa?
Now that you know which visa type suits your travel needs, start your application today. Our secure online platform makes the process quick and straightforward.
Apply for eVisa NowNeed assistance? Check our step-by-step application guide or review the list of eligible countries.