How Long Does It Take to Get a Uganda Visa?

How Long Does It Take to Get a Uganda Visa? Everything You Need to Know Before You Travel

Planning a trip to Uganda for a safari, holiday, business meeting, family visit, or medical treatment? One of the first things you’ll need to sort out is your Uganda visa. The good news is that the process is fairly straightforward—and fast.

In most cases, Uganda visas are approved within 2 to 3 working days after you submit your application online. However, some applications may take longer if additional documents or verification are required.

How Long Is a Uganda Visa Valid?

Once approved, the Uganda visa authorization is valid for 90 days (3 months) from the date of approval. If you don’t travel within that time frame, your approval will automatically expire, and you’ll need to apply again. To avoid this, plan to travel within three months of receiving your visa approval.

Where to Apply for a Uganda Visa

All Uganda visa applications are processed online through the official Uganda Immigration Portal. It’s the easiest and most efficient way to apply, whether you’re coming for tourism, business, studies, or a family visit.

Uganda Visa Requirements: What You Need to Apply

The documents you need will depend on the purpose of your visit. Below is a breakdown of the general requirements by visa category:

1. Tourist Visa

• A copy of your passport (must be valid for at least 6 months)

• A detailed tour plan or travel itinerary

• Hotel booking or address of accommodation

• Recent passport-size photo

• Yellow Fever vaccination certificate

2. Business Visa

• Passport copy (6-month validity minimum)

• Letter of invitation from the host company or organization

• Clear address of the host

• Recent passport-size photo (taken within the last 6 months)

• Yellow Fever vaccination certificate

• Immigration status of the host (if an individual)

3. Student Visa

• Passport copy (6-month validity minimum)

• Admission letter from the school or institution

• Invitation letter from the school

• Recent passport-size photo

• Yellow Fever vaccination certificate

• Immigration status of the host in Uganda

4. Family Visit Visa

• Passport copy (6-month validity minimum)

• Invitation letter from the host

• Immigration status of the host

• Hotel booking or address where you’ll stay

• Recent passport-size photo

• Yellow Fever vaccination certificate

Note: All supporting documents must be in English. Additional documents may be requested during the review process.

How Much Does a Uganda Visa Cost?

• Visa Fee: $50 USD

• Important: Visa fees are non-refundable and subject to bank charges.

How to Apply for a Uganda Visa Online: Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a quick step-by-step guide to applying for your Uganda visa online:

Step 1: Visit the Uganda Immigration Portal and start a new application
Step 2: Accept the terms and conditions in the disclaimer
Step 3: Select your visa type, category, and sub-category
Step 4: Fill in the application form with your details
Step 5: Upload all required documents. You’ll receive a 6-digit Application ID (e.g., 234790123) to track your application
Step 6: Make payment if required at this stage
Step 7: If no additional payment is needed, you’ll receive an approval letter via email once your application is approved
Step 8: If a top-up payment is required, complete the payment. Once processed, the approval letter will be emailed to you
Step 9: On arrival in Uganda (at the border or airport), present your approval letter, uploaded documents, passport, and payment receipt for biometric capture

Can You Extend a Uganda Visa?

Yes. If you’re already in Uganda, the initial visa period granted on entry can be extended twice for up to 60 days each time. Extensions can be applied for online or manually at the main immigration office in Kampala or regional offices around the country.

Top Safari Activities to Experience in Uganda

Uganda is a land of breathtaking natural beauty and incredible biodiversity, making it one of Africa’s best destinations for primate trekking, wildlife safaris, and cultural encounters. Whether you’re planning a once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trek or looking to explore off-the-beaten-path adventures, here are the best things to do in Uganda.

Primate Tracking in Uganda

Primate tracking is one of the top highlights of any Uganda safari. The country is home to over 20 primate species, including the world-famous mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, and golden monkeys. These adventures take you deep into Uganda’s rich forests, where you can observe these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat.

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Gorilla trekking is Uganda’s most iconic safari experience and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to encounter mountain gorillas in the wild. This unforgettable adventure takes place in two protected areas:

• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

• Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Trekking involves hiking through dense rainforest with experienced guides until you find one of the habituated gorilla families. Once located, you’ll spend up to one hour observing them up close as they interact, feed, and care for their young.

• Gorilla trekking permits:

  • USD 800 for foreign non-residents

  • USD 700 for foreign residents

  • UGX 300,000 for East African citizens
    (Prices subject to change)

Permits are limited and must be booked well in advance, especially during the high season (June–September, December–February).

Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda

Uganda is one of the best places in Africa to see chimpanzees in the wild. Kibale Forest National Park is the top destination, offering both standard trekking and the chimpanzee habituation experience. You can also go chimp tracking in Kyambura Gorge (Queen Elizabeth National Park), Kalinzu Forest, and Budongo Forest near Murchison Falls.

• Chimpanzee tracking permits:

  • USD 250 for foreign non-residents

  • USD 200 for residents

  • UGX 150,000 for East African citizens
    (Includes a 1-hour encounter)

• Chimpanzee habituation permits:
  Only available in Kibale Forest, this experience lets you spend up to 4 hours with a chimp community as they get used to human presence.

Golden Monkey Tracking

Golden monkeys can only be tracked in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, located in southwestern Uganda. These energetic primates are a joy to watch as they leap through the bamboo forest.

• Tracking permits: USD 100 (1-hour experience)

• Habituation permits: USD 140 (up to 4 hours with the monkeys)

Gorilla Habituation Experience

If one hour with gorillas isn’t enough, consider the Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This exclusive adventure allows you to spend four hours with a semi-habituated gorilla group while participating in the habituation process.

This activity is limited to just four visitors per day, offering an intimate and immersive experience unlike any other.

Wildlife Viewing Game Drives

Uganda’s savannah parks are ideal for traditional African game drives. You’ll have a chance to see elephants, buffalo, giraffes, lions, leopards, zebras, antelopes, and more in the wild.

Top wildlife viewing parks include:

• Queen Elizabeth National Park (known for tree-climbing lions)

• Murchison Falls National Park

• Kidepo Valley National Park

• Lake Mburo National Park

Experiential Wildlife Activities

Want a deeper, behind-the-scenes look at wildlife? Uganda offers unique experiential tourism activities, particularly in Queen Elizabeth National Park, including:

• Lion tracking with researchers

• Mongoose tracking

• Hippo census counts

• Bird population surveys

These guided activities allow you to participate in conservation efforts while getting up close with wildlife.

Cultural Encounters in Uganda

Uganda is one of the most culturally diverse countries in Africa, with over 50 ethnic groups and languages. A cultural tour is a must for those who want to connect with local communities and traditions.

You’ll have the opportunity to:

• Visit villages near national parks

• Learn how communities live alongside wildlife

• Enjoy traditional dances and music

• Explore local crafts and storytelling traditions

Mountain Hiking and Cycling

Uganda’s mountainous terrain is perfect for hiking and biking adventures. Whether you’re scaling the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains or cycling through Elgon’s scenic trails, there’s something for all levels of fitness.

Popular peaks and trails include:

• Mount Elgon

• Rwenzori Mountains (also called the “Mountains of the Moon”)

• Mount Moroto

• Volcanic peaks like Sabinyo, Gahinga, and Muhavura in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Bird Watching in Uganda

With over 1,000 bird species, Uganda is a paradise for birders. The country boasts a mix of Albertine Rift endemics, migratory birds, and the famous Shoebill stork.

Top birding destinations include:

• Mabamba Swamp (Shoebill sightings)

• Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

• Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary

• Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park

• Mubwindi Swamp

Commonly sighted birds include the Grey Crowned Crane (Uganda’s national bird), Giant Kingfisher, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, and more.

Boat Safaris and Water Excursions

Uganda’s many lakes and rivers provide excellent opportunities for boat safaris. These excursions offer a unique perspective of wildlife, especially elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and water birds.

Top boat experiences:

• Kazinga Channel cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park

• Nile River excursions to the base of Murchison Falls and the Nile Delta

• Lake Victoria boat trips

• Lake Bunyonyi and Lake Mutanda for scenic relaxation

Bonus Adventures and Day Trips

Looking for more to add to your Uganda itinerary? Here are some additional experiences to consider:

• Lake Bunyonyi – Enjoy scenic views and water activities at this picturesque lake, often called the “Switzerland of Africa”

• Lake Mutanda – Perfect for canoeing and peaceful retreats

• Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – Go rhino tracking on foot and complete your Big Five experience

• Cultural tours – Discover traditional Ugandan life through local food, crafts, and dance performances

Best Time to Visit Uganda

The best time to visit Uganda is during the dry seasons from December to February and June to October. These months offer ideal conditions for gorilla trekking, wildlife viewing, and outdoor adventures.

Rainy seasons (March–May and November) can make travel more difficult due to slippery roads and muddy trails, but offer lush landscapes and fewer tourists.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Uganda Visa?

Uganda visas are generally approved within 2 to 3 working days when applied for online. Once approved, your visa is valid for 90 days from the date of approval. Make sure to travel within this window, or your visa will expire, and you’ll need to reapply.

Apply through the official Uganda Immigration Portal.
Tourist visa cost: $50 USD

Why Book with Trek Africa Expeditions?

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we organize and create tailor-made safaris that are ethical, immersive, and unforgettable. We focus on sustainability, community engagement, and exceptional guest care. Whether you’re coming for gorillas, wildlife, or culture, we’ll help you plan every detail—including permits, lodging, and local guides.

Ready to explore Uganda?
Contact us today to start planning your safari adventure!