If you plan to apply for a visa to travel to Uganda, it is best to know the Uganda visa processing time. Visitors who wish to visit Uganda require a visa to enter the country, which may be obtained in one of two ways. The mode of application will determine how long you’ll have to wait to obtain the visa.
Uganda Visa Processing Time
If you apply for an online electronic visa or an e visa, as it is popularly called, it will take 2-3 working days to be approved. Under special circumstances, the approval may take a few more days if more documents are required by the immigration authorities to process your application. Another reason approval may take longer is if there is a backlog of unprocessed applications, but this rarely happens.
To avoid unnecessary delays, applicants are advised to submit their online applications at least 5 working days before the planned travel date. The two extra days will compensate for any delays but don’t submit your application if your planned date for the trip is several weeks away. This is because, by the time you decide to use the document, you may lose precious weeks as the visa is only valid for 90 days.
If you apply for an online electronic visa or an e visa, as it is popularly called, it will take 2-3 working days to be approved. Under special circumstances, the approval may take a few more days if more documents are required by the immigration authorities to process your application. Another reason approval may take longer is if there is a backlog of unprocessed applications, but this rarely happens.
Conventional Visa Application vs. Online Visa Application
A conventional visa application is a normal application whereby the applicant takes the trip to the Ugandan embassy in their home country to submit their visa application form in person. This is the route to take if they plan to stay in Uganda for an extended period. Work visas require an in-person application.
A normal or conventional visa takes a longer processing time of 15-20 working days. In special cases, this timeline may be extended by a few more days. However, travelers who don’t plan to stay in Uganda for too long don’t need to visit the embassy to acquire a visa.
Online Application
An online application is the other application route. This method is suited for those who wish to visit and stay in Uganda for only a short time. The online application method was introduced to replace the visa in arrival method, and it’s called an e-visa.
The Ugandan e-visa program was launched in 2016 at a time when electronic visas became the new trend for world governments looking to liberalize their visa application procedures. Rather than visit the embassy in their respective countries, interested visitors can simply go online and fill out the e-visa application form, attach relevant documents, pay the required application fee and submit the form for approval.
Ugandan e visas are valid for 90 days and allow holders to stay in the country for 45 days. In addition, this visa has a fast processing time of 2-3 working days. E visas are the visas of choice for tourists and visitors coming to stay for only a short time.
Types Of Uganda E Visa
There are basically three types of e-visas available today for interested visitors looking to visit Uganda. They are
Tourist e Visa
A tourist e-visa is for tourists or those who wish to spend their vacation in Uganda. This visa has two subtypes: single entry and multiple entry visas. Holders can visit and stay in Uganda for up to 45 days, and it lasts for 90 days before it expires
Transit e Visa
A transit e visa is for travelers flying to a different country but would like to rest awhile in Uganda before continuing their journey. Transit e visas allow travelers to stay in Uganda for up to three days. This valid visa is short-term but is not required for travelers who remain in the airport.
East African E Visa
The East African e visa is for those who want to enjoy the best of East Africa by visiting three different countries. This special East Africa tourist visa is an initiative of the government of Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya. It grants the holder access to all three countries during their visit.
E Visa Requirements
To apply for an e visa, you need the following
A passport with 6 months validity and at least one blank page
Yellow Fever vaccination certificate
Proof of fund
Letter of invitation (if required)
Itinerary plans
Proof of accommodation
Uganda visa processing time depends on the type of multiple entry visa you apply for. To avoid unnecessary delays, opt for an e visa if you plan to stay in Uganda for less than 45 days. You can apply for one by logging onto VisaHQ to complete and submit the online application form.