Uganda does not offer transit visas on arrival. You need to apply for a transit visa in advance, either online or at a Ugandan embassy or consulate. A transit visa is a type of visa that allows you to stay in Uganda for up to seven days while you are on your way to another destination.
Uganda’s eVisa system for transit offers a convenient, secure, and cost-effective way for travelers to pass through the country. By taking advantage of the eVisa system, you can save time, money, and hassle, making your transit experience in Uganda much smoother.
Applying for a Uganda Transit Visa online through Visas for Future is the most convenient and fastest way to obtain your transit visa. This will save you time and hassle at the airport.
What We’re Offering
If you are a traveler transiting through Uganda to a third country, you need an Uganda Transit Visa. Our processing service will give you your Uganda Transit Visa in your mailbox within three business days.
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Alternatives for Uganda transit visa on arrival
Uganda has never offered and doesn’t offer a Transit Visa on arrival. The only alternative is to obtain a Transit Visa in advance. There are two main ways to obtain a Uganda Transit Visa:
1. Online Application: This is the recommended and generally faster option.
- Visit Visas for Future.
- Click on “Get Ugandan transit visa now”
- Complete the online application form: Provide your personal details such as name, email, phone number, and nationality.
- Pay the visa fee: you can pay securely online using a debit or credit card.
- Answer intake questions correctly.
- Submit your application and await approval: Applications are typically processed within 48 hours. You will receive an email notification and can download your visa approval letter if your application is successful.
2. In-person application at an embassy/consulate: This option might be necessary if you cannot apply online or have specific circumstances. Here’s what to do:
- Locate the nearest Ugandan embassy or consulate.
- Contact the embassy/consulate to confirm their visa application procedures: Requirements and processing times might vary from location to location.
- Schedule an appointment if necessary: Some embassies require appointments for visa applications.
- Gather the required documents: These will likely be similar to the online application requirements (passport, flight itinerary, proof of onward travel, etc.).
- Submit your application and pay the visa fee: Fees are the same as online applications.
- Wait for your visa to be processed: Processing times can vary but are typically longer than online applications. You will be notified when your visa is ready for collection or passport return.
Requirements for Uganda Transit Visa Application
Obtaining a Uganda Transit Visa requires meeting specific requirements and submitting proper documents:
General Requirements
- Valid Passport: Your passport must have at least six months of validity remaining from your date of entry into Uganda. It is important to check the expiry date of your passport well in advance to avoid any last-minute hassles.
- Proof of Onward Travel: You must provide evidence of your confirmed flight reservation or other means of transportation for your departure from Uganda to your final destination. This could be a printed copy of your flight itinerary, e-ticket, or bus ticket.
- Yellow Fever Vaccination: You must have a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. Yellow fever is a mosquito-borne viral illness that can be fatal if left untreated. Ensure you get vaccinated at least 10 days before your travel date, as some countries require proof of vaccination upon arrival.
- Passport-sized photo: You will need to submit one recent passport-sized photograph. The photo must be in color, with a white background, and your full face must be visible.
- A letter stating the reason for transit and country of destination: This letter should briefly explain why you are transiting through Uganda and your final destination. Including your contact information in the letter is also a good idea.
Uganda Transit Visa Exemption
While Uganda generally requires a visa for all travelers passing through, there are indeed a few specific categories of individuals exempt from needing a Transit Visa:
1. Based on Nationality and Layover Duration
- Citizens of certain countries: Travelers holding passports from certain countries, mainly East African Community members like Kenya and Rwanda, are exempt from a Transit Visa if their layover in Uganda is less than 24 hours.
2. Based on Travel Purpose and Documentation
- Diplomatic and official passport holders: Individuals holding diplomatic or official passports issued by specific countries might be exempt from visa requirements, regardless of layover duration.
- Crew members: Airline or ship crew members on duty typically don’t require a Transit Visa.
- Children under six: Children under six years old traveling with a parent or guardian holding a valid Ugandan visa are exempt from a Transit Visa.
- Students on educational trips: Students participating in officially authorized educational trips within Uganda might be exempt, usually requiring documentation from their school or program.
- Researchers attending conferences: Researchers with official invitations to attend conferences in Uganda may be exempt, again requiring official documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to transit in Uganda?
Yes, you do need a visa to transit through Uganda, regardless of your nationality or the length of your layover.
Is there a visa on arrival in Uganda?
No, Uganda does not offer a visa on arrival for any category of travelers, including transit passengers.
Do I need a transit visa for connecting flights?
Yes, you do need a transit visa for Uganda if you have connecting flights with a layover, regardless of its duration. This applies to all passengers except for a few specific categories of exempt travelers.
- Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control of Uganda. (2020). Immigration.go.ug. <https://immigration.go.ug/services/transit-visas> [↩]
- Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control of Uganda. (2020). Immigration.go.ug. <https://immigration.go.ug/services/transit-visas> [↩]
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Written by
Rosalie Santos 
Rosalie is a content writer who loves to learn and share knowledge. She has a background in education and teaching, which helps her write clear, accurate, and engaging content. She writes about travel, culture, and education topics. She also handles Turkey and India visa applications, which she learned from Lei Achumbre, the COO of Visas for Future and a visa expert. She fulfills visa orders and answers customer service questions once a quarter.
Managed by Glen Vidania
Glen Vidania is the Content Manager at Visas for Future, a company that offers online visa services for eco-friendly travelers. He is a certified Content Marketer and an experienced academic writer. He writes and promotes content that is informative, engaging, and relevant to the readers. He had work experience and gained skills in writing articles, data entry, SEO email marketing, and guest posting. He is also an expert in applying for visas for Turkey and India.
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MLA Style
Santos, Rosalie. "Uganda Transit Visa on arrival." Visas For Future, https://www.visasforfuture.com/uganda-transit-visa-on-arrival/. Accessed on 29 August 2023.
Chicago Style
Santos, Rosalie. "Uganda Transit Visa on arrival." Visas For Future. August 29, 2023. https://www.visasforfuture.com/uganda-transit-visa-on-arrival/.