Uganda Transit e-Visa help & FAQ

Aid-Air experts answers visa services questions

Uganda Transit e-Visa help and FAQ by Aid-Air immigration experts
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What is an Uganda Transit e-Visa?

This e-Visa is for travelers transiting through Uganda for a period not exceeding 2 days in Total. Applicants are required to have a confirmed onward booking from Uganda to a third country or other acceptable plans to depart Uganda within 2 days after arrival.

What do I need to apply for a Transit e-Visa?

We require the following to submit your application:

  • Last Page of Passport (if applicable)
  • Applicant Photo
  • Passport Personal Details Scan
  • Yellow Fever Vaccination

What is the cost to obtain a Transit e-Visa?

The Uganda Transit e-Visa costs USD 51.50. Additionally, there is a service fee of USD 35.00 which includes the standard processing. For rush processing and super rush processing the service fee is USD 65.00 and USD 100.00, respectively.
* The price can change, the correct fee present at applying

How long does it take to process a Transit e-Visa?

It depends on the processing time you choose. We offer three options:

  • Standard Processing: 7 Business Days
  • Rush Processing: 5 Business Days
  • Super Rush Processing: 3 Business Days

* The processing time can change, the correct time at applying

How long is the Transit e-Visa valid for?

The Uganda transit e-Visa is valid for 2 days after arrival. It is a Single Entry visa and allows for a maximum stay of 2 days in Total.

How long is the Transit e-Visa valid for?

The Uganda transit e-Visa is valid for 2 days after arrival. It is a Single Entry visa and allows for a maximum stay of 2 days in Total.

What conditions must the applicant’s passport meet for the transit e-Visa?

Applicant’s passport should have at least 6-months validity from the time of entry into Uganda and at least one blank page.

How many entries do I get with a Transit e-Visa?

The Uganda Transit e-Visa allows you only Single Entry.

Do I need to bring a printout of my visa approval letter to the point of entry?

It is not mandatory but it is recommended. The barcode present in the approval letter will be used for accessing your application at the point of entry, so bringing it printed will speed up the final approval process.

What is the maximum stay allowed with a Transit e-Visa?

The maximum number of days allowed with a Transit e-Visa is Single Entry. This means that your layover/transit time in Uganda cannot exceed this period.

If approved, does this guarantee my admission to Uganda?

The final approval is done at the selected point of entry or the Immigration Office. Be aware that if you are out of Uganda is mandatory to present a valid visa approval letter for entering Uganda. Any other permit does not allow you to enter the country.

Vaccination requirements for travel to Uganda

Yellow Fever vaccine is required if traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Check WHO – Countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and countries requiring yellow fever vaccination.

Learn more about Uganda Tourism

The world is a melting pot of different cultures, traditions, customs, and practices. You need to learn about them if you are seeking to do business with a foreign country. Doing some research is a sign of respect for the other party involved, but it can also make your trip successful from the start.

You may find some habits a bit odd, and some of them are hard to understand, but you need to read about the business mentality of a particular country before you decide to go there and close a deal. Uganda is no different. It has its business etiquette just like any other country.

To succeed in your endeavors, you need to learn how to behave, the dos and don’ts, and some knowledge about their culture cannot hurt either. Below you will find what you need to know before engaging in business with a Ugandan company. You should not have trouble communicating with the Ugandan delegation since English is a well-spoken language in the business world.

Swahili and Lugandan are also spoken, you do not have to worry about learning them. It is recommended, however, that you learn some greeting formulas in the official language. It is a sign of respect, and the Ugandan delegation will appreciate your effort. Ugandan companies will value getting to know you first before engaging in business.

They need to develop a strong relationship with you before trusting you, so expect many questions about your background and your family. This may not be how things work in your country of origin, but people in Uganda are warm, and they need to know who they are getting into bed with.

Answer the questions with patience and a smile on your face, and you will win their hearts in no time. Do not expect things to be over in a short amount of time. Ugandan people like to take their time before concluding. They will discuss your offer extensively, and sometimes multiple meetings are required.

Again, you need to express patience and understanding. Do not try to hard-sell your pitch or to rush anyone since you may come off as aggressive. The opportunity will go away shortly after that. As for the dress code, the meeting will always take place between well-dressed people.

A suit and a tie are necessary, although more informal meetings can be performed in a buttoned-down shirt. However, make sure that you always look neat since it is a sign of discipline. For some reason, Ugandan people like discipline and good organizational skills. The way you dress can say a lot about you.

Women should never wear dresses or skirts that are too tight, and if you go on a business trip to rural Uganda as a woman, your skirt or dress should fall below the knees. During the negotiations, you will get the same treatment you offer. If you prove that you are dedicated to your partnership, and you make all the efforts for a good outcome, the Ugandan delegation will do the same.

The premium consensus is preferred in Uganda, and the discussions may take a while before a decision is made. However, as long as you do your part well, you can expect a positive outcome way before you get an answer.

As for greetings, a firm handshake should be more than enough, but there are some rules for shaking the hand of a woman. If the Ugandan delegation includes a woman, you should never initiate the handshake. You need to wait for the woman to extend her arm.

If she does not, you need to nod or bow your head for acknowledgment. You need to show that you have seen the woman and greet her. You should never ignore her, even if she does not want to shake your hand.

Punctuality is an important aspect of Uganda’s business world. Everyone needs to be on time, especially you. However, senior members of the delegation may arrive a little late, but that should not be construed as a sign of disrespect. Quite the contrary. It is a display of seniority.

During a business with a Ugandan delegation, you may sometimes be confused about what the Ugandans are talking about. They sometimes communicate indirectly, and they use proverbs or sayings to make a point. Do not let that throw you off and base your understanding of body language and facial expressions as well.

It may take a little while to learn how to read between the lines, but you will get the hang of it. You can make jokes from time to time, should the opportunity arise, but sarcasm is never received well in Uganda, so you should avoid it entirely.

People in Uganda do not exchange business cards when they are introduced. You can, however, do so if you like. Just make sure that one side of your credit card says the same thing as on the front in the official Ugandan language.

It is a sign of respect, and the Ugandan delegation will appreciate your effort. The meetings usually do not have an agenda, and you will find yourself talking about unplanned topics. The discussion can sometimes be unpredictable, which is why you should be fully prepared for all your meetings.

When you are talking to someone on the delegation, you should never refer to him or her using the first name. You need to use titles like Mr. and Mrs. and keep in mind that some names include a traditional tribal name and a Christian name.

The names in Uganda may be a bit difficult to pronounce and remember, but you should put all your effort into it. It is okay to ask someone how to pronounce a name, but once you are told, you should not ask again. Uganda is an opening market, and many opportunities may arise.

You should take advantage of that and visit them. As long as you follow the simple rules above, you should have a very successful trip.