Uganda visas
Whether you need a visa or permit to enter Uganda depends on your nationality and the purpose of your trip: nationals of some countries are visa-exempt, while most other travellers must obtain a visa online before arrival. Uganda operates a single electronic portal for all visas, entry permits and residence applications. The authority responsible is the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control (DCIC) within the Ministry of Internal Affairs, which processes every application through its e-Immigration System at visas.immigration.go.ug.
Ugandan visa categories
Explore visa categories by the purpose of your trip.
- Visitor & short-stay visasShort stays in Uganda — tourism, visiting family or friends, business visits and transit, plus any visa-free or e-visa options.4 visas
- Work visasComing to Uganda to work — the employment and skilled-worker routes and the permits they require.2 visas
- Study visasStudying in Uganda — student visas and permits for accepted students.1 visa
- Family visasJoining or sponsoring a partner, child or other relative in Uganda.1 visa
- Business & investor visasInvesting, doing business or coming to Uganda as a highly skilled individual.2 visas
- Residence & citizenshipLiving in Uganda long term — residence routes and, where available, the path to citizenship.2 visas
Ugandan visa application at a glance
From start to finish in five simple steps.
- 01Choose the right visa
- 02Check eligibility & documents
- 03Apply online
- 04Provide biometrics
- 05Wait for a decision
Uganda — key facts
- Visa authority
- Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control (DCIC), Ministry of Internal Affairs
- Application
- Online (in most cases)
- Biometrics
- Usually required
- Currency
- Ugandan Shilling (UGX)
- Time zone
- East Africa Time (EAT, UTC+3)
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.