As part of efforts to streamline travel procedures, the Ugandan government has announced a temporary allowance for passengers to board flights to Uganda without an Electronic Visa (e-Visa).
This decision comes as the country undertakes a critical upgrade of its visa processing system to enhance efficiency and improve the overall travel experience.
According to chimpReports, the Director of the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control (DCIC), Maj Gen Apollo Kasiita-Gowa, informed airlines of this measure, which permits passengers to receive their visas upon arrival in Uganda.
“As a temporary measure to minimize travel disruptions, airlines have been informed to allow travelers heading to Uganda to board without prior e- Visa approval. Upon arrival, the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control will facilitate the issuance of visas,” DCIC announced on Friday.
The DCIC said that the exemption is temporary, effective until the e-Visa system is restored. While online visa services are unavailable, travelers are still required to meet all standard visa requirements and provide necessary documentation upon arrival. In 2016, the Government of Uganda eased visa processing for all visa-prone travelers by automating an application portal accessed at www.visas.immigration.go.ug. Any person intending to travel to Uganda must apply online and have a Travel Authorization/Visa Approval Letter before embarking on their travel to Uganda, as there are no visas issued on arrival. Once the application is submitted and paid for, it is studied by an immigration officer, upon which a decision is made within 2-3 days. If approved, an email with the travel authorization/approval letter is sent to the applicant, who then proceeds to download it, print it, and embark on their travel.
