Uganda Visa For South African Citizens - Requirements & Fees

Yes, South African citizens need a visa to enter Uganda. At the Uganda Immigration Services, we offer an e-visa service that allows South African nationals to obtain their visa electronically before traveling to Uganda. The e-visa simplifies the application process and saves time at the port of entry.

South Africans can now submit applications for an Uganda visa online, saving time and money compared to going to an embassy. Uganda eVisas are available in three types: transit, tourist, and East Africa eVisa. The short visa application procedure takes only a few minutes for applicants.

South African passport holders are allowed to obtain a visa on arrival in Uganda. However, visa regulations can change over time, so it's essential to verify this information with the official Ugandan authorities or their consulates/embassies before traveling. It's recommended to check the most up-to-date visa requirements to ensure a smooth entry into Uganda. You can visit the Ugandan government's official website or contact their diplomatic missions for the latest information on visa policies.

For an e-visa to Uganda, visit the Uganda Immigration Services website or contact us for more information and further assistance.

Generally, the Uganda e-visa is valid for 90 days, however, depending on the purposes of your trip, you may need to consider the appropriate type of an e-visa and its requirements. At present, the Ugandan government provides 03 types of e-visas for Uganda for South Africans: 

• Tourist e-visa: Valid for 90 days from the date of issue. This is a single-entry e-visa that allows visitors to enter Uganda for tourism, and leisure purposes. 
• East Africa e-visa: This e-visa type allows multiple entries to Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda, and is valid for 90 days. This e-visa cannot be extended. Visitors can travel around the 3 countries for tourism and vacation purposes. 
• Transit e-visa: Designed for travelers passing through Uganda to another destination and is valid for 07 days. However, visitors are permitted to engage in tourist activities during 07 periods.

Do note that the e-visa generally permits tourism and leisure purposes. Therefore, any form of employment activity is forbidden. For more details about tourist e-visa, please navigate to Uganda Immigration Services. 

Before beginning the e-visa application to Uganda, it is strongly recommended that applicants should review the prerequisites carefully. 

In this section, we will provide the basic requirements for an Uganda e-visa. Ensure to have the following documents obtained to minimize the troubles that may arise during the process: 

• A valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity from the date of entry. It is necessary to have at least a blank page on the passport for visa stamping as well. 
• Recent passport-sized photograph. The photo must also be on a white background.
• Return flight schedule or proof of travel arrangements. This information may be required to ensure that you will not overstay in the country.
• Proof of accommodation in Uganda, such as hotel reservations or invitation letters from hosts.
• A credit or debit card is required as a payment method for the e-visa fee. Check more info on Uganda e-visa fees.
• Proof of Yellow Fever certification: this document is REQUIRED in order to access Uganda.

Once you have completed the requirements, proceed to "Apply Visa" here!

Yes, South African citizens can apply for a Uganda e-visa online through the Uganda Immigration Services website. In this section, we will demonstrate 4 simple steps to complete an Uganda e-visa application. The process is convenient and straightforward:

• Step 1: Access our website, within the homepage, navigate to “Apply Visa“.
• Step 2: Fill out the e-visa application form with accurate details. Upload the required documents and photographs.
• Step 3: Ensure to double-check and make sure that the information you provide is correct and up-to-date. 
• Step 4: Complete the application by submitting the form and the e-visa fees, and wait for the approval notification via email.

Once the application is through, allow it 03 business days to process. If approved, a confirmation email will be sent along with a reference number. Applicants can use this information to track their visa application through “Check Status”.

Generally, the e-visa processing time for Uganda takes approximately 03 working days. The processing time service, or Rush Visa service offers the following services for South African citizens:

• Standard Processing: The standard processing takes 03 business days and costs $69. This is the most affordable option for travelers. 
• Rush Processing: For urgent processing, consider choosing Rush Processing which takes 02 business days and costs $79. 
• Super Rush Processing: If you need your visa urgently within 24 hours, this service is the fastest service we provide, and guarantees your e-visa approval within 24 working hours. However, this service costs $99.

Applicants should consider and choose carefully the processing time that suits their travel plans and budget. Moreover, keep in mind that applicants must pay the Government fee and Service fee when applying for an e-visa. The service fee includes the Rush Visa service fee as well. 

For e-visa payments, applicants can select one of the following methods

• Online payments: We accept Visa, Master, American Express, and PayPal.
• For wire transfers: Our system accepts the Bank of Cyprus.