South African travelers intending to visit Uganda must get a tourist e-visa. The Ugandan Tourist Visa allows travelers to enter the country for tourism, medical treatment, and family visits. This visa type is for a single entry and remains valid for a maximum duration of three months.((Ministry of Internal Affairs. (2021). East African Tourist Visa. Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control of Uganda. DCIC Immigration.go.ug. Retrieved March 8, 2024. <https://www.immigration.go.ug/services/tourist-visa>))
Eligible Criteria:
- You must have a valid South African passport that will still be valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in Uganda.
- You must also provide a recent passport-sized photograph taken against a white background.
- You must have a flight ticket to show that you will stay within your permitted stay in Uganda.
- You must provide proof of accommodation in Uganda, such as hotel reservations or host invitation letters.
- It is important to note that Yellow Fever certification is mandatory to gain entry into Uganda.
To obtain a Uganda Tourist Visa, the required documents vary based on the purpose of your visit:
Tourism:
- Passport copy (bio-data page) with at least six months validity
- Tour Plan
- Travel itinerary/booking
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Yellow Fever vaccination certificate
- Hotel booking or reservation (if using different accommodation, provide an address)
Business (meetings, conferences):
- Passport copy (bio-data page) with at least six months validity
- Letter of invitation with a clear address and business purpose in Uganda
- Recent passport-size photograph (taken in the last six months)
- Yellow Fever vaccination certificate
- The immigration status of the host and individual
Studies:
- Passport copy (bio-data page) with at least six months validity
- Letter of invitation from the school
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Admission letter from the school
- Yellow Fever vaccination certificate
- Status of the host in Uganda
Family Visit:
- Passport copy (bio-data page) with at least six months validity
- Letter of invitation
- Immigration host
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Yellow Fever vaccination certificate
- Hotel booking or reservation (if using different accommodation, provide an address)
- Status of the host in Uganda
If you’re looking for online services to get your Uganda tourist e-visa, check out Visas for Future’s processing service. We make the entire process easy and stress-free with expert assistance. From filling out the form to submission, we guarantee accuracy and compliance with Ugandan immigration rules.
What We’re Offering
If you’re a South African intending to travel to Vietnam, you need an e-visa.((Uganda E-Immigration System. (2024). Visa Exempt Countries. DCIC Immigration.go.ug. Retrieved March 8, 2024. < https://www.immigration.go.ug/services/visa-exempt-countries>)). Our Vietnam e-visa processing service ensures you will receive your e-visa within three days.
- Multiple-entry fee: $90.14
- Single-entry fee: $84.14
- Duration: 90 days((Uganda E-Immigration System. (2024). Uganda E-Visa. Immigration.go.ug. Retrieved March 8, 2024. <https://visas.immigration.go.ug/#/help/visa>))
Why choose us
Our order forms are easy and simple.
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Other Types of Uganda visas available for South Africans and their corresponding requirements
There are different types of e-visas available in Uganda:
Transit e-visa
- A Uganda Transit Visa allows travelers to pass through Uganda on their way to another country, but it is only valid for a maximum of 7 days and cannot be extended.((Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control of Uganda. (2020). Transit Visa. Immigration.go.ug. Retrieved March 8, 2024.<https://immigration.go.ug/services/transit-visas>))
The documents required for an Uganda Transit Visa are as follows:
- Passport: Make certain that your passport is valid for a minimum of six months beyond your intended arrival date by submitting the bio-data page of the passport.
- Letter Detailing Transit Purpose and Destination Country: You may be required to submit a letter detailing the reasons for transit and specifying the country of destination. This letter should provide a brief and clear overview of your travel intentions.
- Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate: In many instances, having a valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is obligatory. Confirm that you possess this certificate and that it’s current.
- Recent Passport-Sized Photo: Attach a recent passport-sized photo to your visa application, ensuring it meets the specified criteria of dimensions 2 inches x 2 inches and features a plain white or off-white background.
- NOTE: Accepted file formats include JPEG, PNG, BMP, and PDF.
East Africa e-visa
- The Joint Tourist Visa allows 90 days of travel to Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda. Visitors cannot work or do business and must follow each country’s laws. This visa is only for tourism and can’t be renewed.((Ministry of Internal Affairs. (2021). East African Tourist Visa. Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control of Uganda. DCIC Immigration.go.ug. Retrieved March 8, 2024. <https://www.immigration.go.ug/services/east-african-tourist-visa>))
The documents required for an East African Tourist Visa are as follows:
- Travel Itinerary (Detailed tour plan): A comprehensive schedule outlining your travel plans, specifying the places to visit and the duration of your stay at each location.
- Return Ticket: A confirmed round-trip ticket demonstrating your planned journey and intention to depart the East African countries after your visit.
- Vaccination Certificate (Yellow fever): A valid and current certificate proving vaccination against yellow fever is a common requirement to prevent the spreading of the disease.
- Copy of Recent Passport Size Photograph: A clear and recent passport-size photograph meeting specified size and background color requirements.
- Copy of the Passport (Bio-data page): A copy of the bio-data page of your passport, which includes personal information, a photo, and passport details, is crucial for identification purposes.
Importance of knowing the visa requirements
Knowing and following visa requirements is vital for several reasons:
- Smooth Travel Planning: Understanding visa requirements helps travelers plan their journeys effectively, ensuring all necessary documents are ready before departure.
- Legal Compliance: Adhering to visa regulations ensures compliance with the destination country’s laws. Failure to meet requirements may lead to denied entry, fines, or other legal consequences.
- Avoiding Delays and Rejections: Knowledge of visa requirements assists in preparing accurate applications, reducing the chance of delays or rejections due to missing or incorrect documentation.
- Preventing Travel Disruptions: Meeting visa requirements lowers the risk of travel disruptions, such as denial of boarding or challenges at immigration checkpoints.
- Enhanced Safety and Security: Complying with visa regulations contributes to safety and security, as travelers know and adhere to the destination country’s rules.
- Facilitating a Positive Travel Experience: Understanding visa requirements contributes to a positive travel experience, allowing travelers to focus on enjoying their journey without unnecessary stress or complications.
- Saves Time and Money: Knowing visa requirements in advance helps avoid last-minute applications or additional fees associated with rushed processing.
Restrictions and limitations for South African citizens when applying for a Uganda visa
South African citizens seeking a Uganda visa may face specific restrictions. Key considerations include:
- Visa Types: South African citizens have limited options for available visas, including:
- Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
- Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry – East African Tourist Visa)
- Business Visa
- Validity and Duration: Understand the visa’s validity and stay duration; some, like the East African Tourist Visa, offer a one-year validity.
- Entry Points: South African citizens entering Uganda have various entry points available.
- Airports:
- Entebbe International Airport (EBB): Situated near Entebbe on Lake Victoria’s shores, this is Uganda’s largest and busiest airport. It serves as the primary entry point for most international travelers from South Africa.
- Other Airports: Besides Entebbe, there are smaller airports in Uganda that may handle international flights depending on the airline and route. These include Gulu Airport (ULU), Mbarara Airport (MBQ), and Arua Airport (ARU).
- Land Borders:
- Kenya-Uganda Border: Numerous border crossings exist between Kenya and Uganda, with popular ones including the Malaba Border Post (eastern Uganda) and the Busia Border Post (eastern Uganda).
- Rwanda-Uganda Border: The Gatuna Border Post is the main land border between Rwanda and Uganda.
- South Sudan-Uganda Border: Travelers from South Sudan typically enter Uganda through the Nimule Border Post.
- Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)-Uganda Border: The Bunagana Border Post is the primary entry point from the DRC.
- Airports:
- Purpose Restrictions: Adhere to the specific purpose (tourism, business) and avoid unauthorized activities.
- Work Prohibitions: Some visas may restrict work or business activities; understand these limitations.
- Proof of Purpose: Demonstrate a valid reason for your visit, such as confirmed bookings or a business invitation letter.
- Financial Standing: Submit evidence of sufficient funds for your stay; this is crucial for a successful application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Uganda visa on arrival?
No, you cannot get a visa on arrival as a South African citizen entering Uganda.
How much is a South African visa for Ugandans?
1. Uganda Tourist EVisa = $116.63 fee
2. Uganda Transit Visa = $116.63 fee
3. East Africa Tourist Visa = $164.82 fee
How long does it take for a Uganda visa to be approved?
The typical processing time for a Ugandan e-visa is around three business days.
How do I know if my visa is ready for Uganda?
Once you’ve applied for a Uganda visa, you may receive notifications or updates on the status of your application.
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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 visa requirements for South African citizens." Visas For Future, https://www.visasforfuture.com/uganda-visa-requirements-for-south-african-citizens/. Accessed on 8 March 2024.
Chicago Style
Santos, Rosalie. "Uganda visa requirements for South African citizens." Visas For Future. March 8, 2024. https://www.visasforfuture.com/uganda-visa-requirements-for-south-african-citizens/.