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
Who needs a visa to Uganda
A visa for Uganda must be obtained upon arrival in Uganda or at one of Uganda's diplomatic offices, unless the visitor is from one of the visa-exempt countries. All visitors are required to have a passport that is valid for at least six months. All countries outside of Africa, The Caribbean and a handful of other countries require an e-Visa or visa on arrival.
Entry into Uganda
To enter Uganda, travellers who are fully immunised against COVID-19 must present a valid certificate of vaccination. To enter and exit Uganda, unvaccinated travellers must have a negative PCR test done no more than 72 hours before departure.
Please be advised that COVID-19-related entrance requirements are subject to change without notice. On its website, the Ugandan Ministry of Health provides additional details and updates.
Irish people can obtain a visa upon arrival in Uganda for free. Currently, Irish people are not required to apply for a visa online; however, this is subject to change, and individuals are advised to monitor the guidance provided on this page and on the website of Uganda's Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration.
Requirements to apply for a Uganda Visa
You will need the following:
- Passport copy (biodata page) valid for at least six months.
- A letter of invitation with a precise address and business in Uganda clearly stated.
- Recent passport-sized photo taken within the past six months.
- Certificate of Vaccination (Yellow Fever) Immigration status of the host, if an individual.
Appointment Waiting Times
Waiting times for an appointment can vary depending on your country of residence and the time of year you apply.
Who Can Visit Uganda Without a Visa?
There are 36 countries who are exempt from the visa requirement to enter Uganda. These include most countries in Africa.
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)
Ugandan visas — people also ask
All visas, permits, and passes are approved within two (2) to three (3) business days, unless additional documentation and/or verification is required due to exceptional circumstances. However, applicants are urged to submit their applications at least five (5) business days prior to their anticipated travel date.
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.