Uganda’s Immigration office says that all foreigners intending to travel to Uganda will now have to apply for a visa online prior to traveling. Previously, travelers from Europe and elsewhere were able to access visas on arrival.

Local media says that the country’s Immigration Spokesperson, Jacob Siminyu, has since confirmed that the new regulations were approved by the Immigration ministry, adding that they were now in effect.

“Yes, as long as you do not have a Ugandan passport, you will now be required to purchase a visa online prior travel…” Siminyu told local media.

Siminyu further said that the decision to move from issuing visas on arrival was owed to delays and security reasons.

 “People have been delaying at the airport and because of the COVID-19 times that we are in, management decided that let them get the visas prior to travel…” Siminyu added.

A general statement on the immigration’s office website also confirms the move and reads in part that: “All persons intending to come to Uganda for holiday, tourism, business, study, visit, medical are required to apply and obtain a visa online.”

For all applicants intending to travel, the decision taken on their application will be sent electronically through the email they provide. If approved, a letter will be sent as an attachment to the given email, and the applicant required to click on a provided link to download it.

According to the country’s immigration, the visa does not guarantee entry into Uganda, as one will still be subjected to secondary verification where necessary.

The new travel restrictions will apply to all foreigners except those with diplomatic passports. Additionally, the restrictions also exclude members of the East African community countries, South Sudan, among others listed on the immigration website.

A single entry online visa to Uganda costs USD 50, while a multiple entry visa according to Uganda’s immigration office, goes for USD 100 for up to 12 months, and USD 200 for up to 24 months.