Uganda Temporarily Suspends the Online Visa System

According to Uganda Immigration, the e-Visa system is currently experiencing downtime.

While travelers no longer can apply for a visa to Uganda online, they are temporarily allowed to get a visa on arrival.

Why Is the Ugandan eVisa Portal Unavailable?

On the 3rd of October, Ugandan Immigration reported via their X account that the electronic visa (e-Visa) is presently inaccessible.

Since the online portal has an ongoing upgrade, it is not possible to apply, check the application status, or perform other visa-related tasks.

While it has not yet been announced when the e-Visa system will be functional again, it is emphasized that the issues are only temporal. Upon finishing the upgrade, all the services will be restored.

Despite the inconvenience, visitors to Uganda are still required to meet the entry requirements, including holding a valid visa. 

To facilitate the issuance of visas, the Ugandan government temporarily enabled citizens of countries eligible for an e-Visa to obtain a visa on arrival. 

What Is Necessary to Get a Visa on Arrival?

During the online system’s downtime, airlines will let travelers flying to Uganda board the aircraft without prior e-Visa approval. Upon reaching the country, visa-required nationals must receive a visa on arrival. 

Even though the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control in Uganda is to deploy additional staff to help manage the increased workload, the process may take some time and cause a longer delay at checkpoints. 

Visitors must be ready for waiting in lines to get a visa and, therefore, allow additional time if they have urgent matters in Uganda.

To obtain a Ugandan visa on arrival, travelers must present the following documents:

• A passport valid for a minimum of 6 months of the entry date with at least 2 blank pages facing each other;
• A passport-style photo;
• Proof of onward travel;
• Hotel reservations or an invitation letter from a host in Uganda;
• Up-to-date international vaccination record that includes yellow fever vaccination;
• US$50 to cover the visa fees, payable in cash or by credit card.

The required documentation is the same for both tourism and business travelers.  

The visa-on-arrival arrangement is aimed at maintaining the flow of travelers, as well as ensuring security and control over those willing to enter the country. 

Implementation of visas on arrival is a temporary measure until the technical issues on the online visa portal are resolved.